Maris and Lucan returned to the town after a week-long journey, greeted warmly by the townspeople as they approached the gates. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone streets and the thatched roofs of the quaint houses. The townspeople, who had been tending to their evening chores, stopped and turned their attention to the returning pair, their faces lighting up with smiles.
"Oh, oh! Welco back, both of you," an elderly woman called out, waving a handkerchief in the air.
"Priest, and Saint! Welco back!" A group of children, who had been playing near the fountain in the town square, ran up to them, their laughter filling the air.
Lucan smiled warmly, nodding to the townspeople. "Everyone, we're back. Was everything alright while we were away?"
"Yes, everything's fine. The acting priest took good care of things," replied a middle-aged man who had approached with a basket of freshly baked bread. The aroma wafted through the air, blending with the scent of evening flowers.
The "acting priest" referred to Taro, who had been sent to cover for Lucan during their week-long trip. Lucan had been sowhat apprehensive about leaving the temple in Taro's hands, but now, hearing the townspeople's praise, he felt good.
"Taro… I initially thought he was a mysterious and strange person, but when you actually talk to him, he's quite kind. My grandmother hurt her back while she was out, and he carried her back to our house," a young woman chid in, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"He treated her injury too," added another. "It was minor, so he said no donation was necessary. He looks and feels mysterious, but he's a good person."
"He even plays with the kids when he has ti. He's a bit mysterious, but he's known to be kind and serious," said a burly man, his voice filled with respect.
Lucan blinked in surprise at the comnts. Although he was concerned about the repeated description of "mysterious," it was clear that Taro had made a good impression. The priest had always struck Lucan as an odd character, but the townspeople seed to appreciate his quirks.
"There are even people who would prefer him to stay in town rather than just being a temporary replacent…! Oh! Of course, it's not that we're dissatisfied with you, Priest Lucan!" a housewife exclaid, her hands waving frantically as she realized how her words might be taken.
Lucan chuckled softly, his smile reassuring. "Haha… I'm glad to hear that. I'm not worried about it, so don't worry."
The woman relaxed, a relieved smile spreading across her face.
"Lucan-sama?" Maris's gentle voice cut through his thoughts, drawing his attention.
"Oh, it's fine," Lucan said, shaking his head. He then addressed the gathered crowd. "Everyone, I brought so sweets from the trip, so please help yourselves if you like."
There was a collective murmur of gratitude as Lucan handed out the sweets, the townspeople eagerly accepting the treats. With their farewells exchanged, Lucan and Maris finally made their way back to the temple.
As they approached, Lucan felt a sense of calm wash over him. The temple was a place of sanctuary, a ho blessed with divine protection. However, as they drew closer, Lucan's eyes widened in surprise.
The temple had been thoroughly cleaned and polished to a gleam. Though it wasn't particularly dirty before, thanks to the white fox that had stayed behind, it was now even more immaculate. Not a single weed marred the garden, and the exterior walls and windows were polished to perfection. The very air seed to shimr with the temple's enhanced radiance.
"Wow… He really went all out with the cleaning…" Lucan muttered under his breath, still taking in the sight.
Maris nodded beside him, her eyes sparkling. "The acting priest seems to be very diligent."
As if on cue, Taro appeared from within the temple. He was almost unrecognizable from the man they had left in charge.
"Oh, Saint and Priest Lucan! You've returned!" Taro's voice was familiar, but his appearance had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Taro, who had been a middle-aged man in his fifties with a thin, slightly frail build and glasses that gave him an almost scholarly look, now appeared much younger. His muscles bulged under his priestly robes, his skin was tanned and glowing with health, and his head was shaved clean. He looked like a bodybuilder, not the slightly eccentric priest Lucan rembered.
Lucan stared, blinking rapidly as if trying to clear a mirage from his vision. "Uh, Priest Taro… right?"
"Yes, that's right!" Taro confird, striking a pose that made his robes stretch comically against his muscles. The once-sparkling glasses were the only familiar feature left, reflecting the sunlight as he grinned broadly.
"I've been here for a week, and I'm surprised at how well I feel! This temple, where the Saint was born and raised, is indeed blessed by the gods!" Taro declared, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
Lucan's mouth opened and closed as he struggled to find words. Finally, he managed a weak smile. "…I-I see."
His mind was racing, trying to reconcile the man standing before him with the Taro he had known. Taro's transformation was not just physical; it seed he had undergone a complete personality shift as well, from slightly reclusive and mysterious to exuberant and physically imposing.
Lucan turned his gaze to Maris, hoping for so grounding in this surreal situation. But Maris, seemingly unfazed, was examining the flowers in the garden, her expression serene.
"Maris… isn't that person too different?" Lucan whispered, leaning closer to her.
"Hmm? Is that so?" Maris replied, her voice light and unconcerned.
"A week ago, he didn't have such a physique and looked… well, less healthy…" Lucan continued, his eyes still glued to Taro, who was now flexing his arms in what seed to be an impromptu display of strength.
"Well… honestly, I don't really rember much. Wasn't he always like that?" Maris responded, turning her attention back to the flowers with a soft hum.
Lucan blinked again, this ti with realization. Maris's divine power must have had an effect on Taro. It wasn't unheard of for people in close proximity to the Saint to experience changes, but this… this was beyond anything he had expected.
He rembered in the ga, in future Maris re presence could heal the sick and bring prosperity to entire regions. Perhaps Maris, without even realizing it, had accelerated Taro's transformation. It made sense, given that Maris herself was still growing into her powers. This incident might just be a small glimpse of what was to co.
With a sigh, Lucan finally accepted the situation. "I see… It seems Maris's blessings have grown stronger again."
Taro, oblivious to their conversation, approached them with a beaming smile. "It's all thanks to you two! The temple feels more alive than ever, and I've never felt better in my life!"
Lucan nodded.
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