Let's Train Heroine

Chapter 211: Heroine Going On Trip

In the capital's Grand Temple, the soft echoes of footsteps filled the vast, marble halls. The delicate fragrance of incense lingered in the air, adding a sense of serenity to the sacred space. Maris, dressed in her pristine white robes adorned with gold embroidery, stood tall before the assembly of priests and sisters.

Her radiant blue eyes, framed by soft strands of pink hair, glimmered with determination as she addressed them.

"I will be going on a trip during the winter break," she declared, her voice gentle but firm. "No need for a guard. Please take care of things while I'm away."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the gathered priests and sisters, their anxious glances exchanged with each other. The very idea of the Saintess, the new one found after decades, leaving the Grand Temple on a trip, unsupervised, was almost unthinkable.

"Eh… did she say… a trip?" one of the younger priests whispered to his neighbor, disbelief etched across his face.

The sister beside him nodded slowly, her brows furrowed. "But... she's the Saintess. Can she really leave like this?"

Maris's influence, beauty, and holiness were well-known throughout the country. It had only been a year since she was welcomed into the Grand Temple, but her presence had revitalized the faithful. Her every movement was watched by both the devout and the curious alike.

"Um… Saintess," a sister spoke up, hesitantly raising her hand, her tone careful as if trying to tread lightly. "I must respectfully say…"

Maris turned her gaze toward the sister, offering her an encouraging nod to continue. "What is it?"

"It would be… problematic if you were absent," the sister said softly, glancing nervously at the other priests for support. "While it's understandable for the academy, we would prefer you to be here during long vacations. There are many duties that only you can perform, and there's also the matter of visitors…"

Maris's lips curved into a small, serene smile. "I am also a student at the academy, and I have the right to take time off, don't I?"

Her point was logical, and the sister could not dispute it. As the Saintess, Maris had responsibilities that went beyond her studies, but she had already completed her duties for the season. She wasn't asking for anything unreasonable—merely time off for a trip, just like any other student might.

"Well… it's just that nobles and important individuals often come to see you," the sister continued, her voice growing more anxious. "They made a fuss during the summer break as well, as you may recall."

Maris gave a light sigh, recalling the endless line of nobles seeking her blessings, advice, and favors. Despite the temple's insistence on peace and modesty, the allure of her status as Saintess had drawn people from every corner of the kingdom.

She had managed to avoid many such encounters during her school term by focusing on her studies, but long vacations brought a surge of visitors, eager for a glimpse of the Saintess.

Many of these nobles were major benefactors of the Grand Temple, and rejecting their visits outright was often frowned upon by the higher-ups.

"There are some people we cannot manage on our own," the sister pressed, her eyes pleading. "We really want the Saintess to stay here…"

"There should be no problem," Maris interrupted, her tone still composed but with a firmness that signaled the end of discussion. "I have already received permission from Archpriest Kerum."

At the mention of the Archpriest's name, the murmurs ceased. The Archpriest, the highest authority in the Grand Temple, was respected beyond measure. His decisions were final, and questioning them would be both disrespectful and futile.

"But… but why would the Archpriest…" one of the priests muttered under his breath, his face pale with disbelief. "How could he allow her to leave the temple unsupervised?"

Maris continued, unfazed by the whispers. "I will prepare enough potions with my divine power in advance to cover any emergencies. The ritual of infusing divine power into the earth can be done from anywhere. Consultations regarding sins and personal matters can be handled by the other priests. There is no reason for me to remain at the Grand Temple during this time."

Her logic was undeniable, but the priests exchanged uneasy glances. Despite Maris's reassurances, they couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

"It's dangerous…" another priest finally voiced his concern. "Saintess, please reconsider. The outside world is full of dangers. As the Saintess, your safety is paramount. If something were to happen to you, it would be catastrophic."

Maris met the priest's gaze, her expression softening for a moment. "I understand your concern. But I assure you, I am more than capable of taking care of myself. Furthermore, I will not be traveling alone. There will be capable individuals with me."

The image of Lucan briefly flashed in her mind. Although she didn't mention him, she knew that if things took a turn for the worse, Lucan would be by her side, as long as he is by her side, she can to do anything.

"But, Saintess…" the priest began again, but his voice faltered as Maris smiled warmly at him.

"Please, trust in me," she said softly, yet her words held a quiet authority that brooked no further argument. "The Archpriest trusts me, and so should you."

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There was a pause, and then the murmurs subsided. The priests and sisters, though reluctant, bowed their heads in acquiescence. The room grew still, save for the soft flicker of candlelight.

"Well then, I'll be counting on you all while I'm away," Maris said, giving a light bow before turning to leave the chamber.

As her figure disappeared down the long hallway, two priests lingered behind, their expressions troubled.

"Hey…" one of them whispered, glancing around to make sure they were alone. "Do you think we should… do something?"

The other priest nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "Yeah… Let's go talk to the Archpriest again. We can't let the Saintess leave the capital, not like this."

"But the Archpriest has already given his permission," the first priest pointed out, his voice laced with uncertainty.

"I know, but… there must be some way we can change his mind," the second priest replied, a look of determination crossing his face. "For the sake of the Saintess, we have to try."

With one last glance down the hallway where Maris had disappeared, the two priests nodded to each other and left the room, their minds set on convincing the Archpriest to revoke his approval, however they failed.