Let's Train Heroine

Chapter 196: Heroine Date Ended

When they arrived at the square, a crowd had gathered to watch a street performance.

Lucan looked toward the performers from the edge of the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The show is about to begin!"

"Paon!"

A female street performer stood on the back of a creature resembling an elephant, spreading her arms wide. She was dressed in a fluttery stage costume and wore a butterfly mask over her eyes.

"We, the Roxk Circus, are here to bring you an amazing time! Please stop by and take a look! We would be honored if you could also offer a tip!"

"Paoh!"

As the elephant extended its trunk, the performer jumped onto it.

"We have traveled across the nine seas and seven continents. Our refined skills shine like gold. Our performance is as brilliant as silver!"

Light emanated from the performer's hands, swirling around her. It seemed like magic at first, but upon closer inspection, a small fairy-like creature was at the center of the magic.

"Lucan-sama, is that...?"

"It's a fairy. Quite rare."

Lucan nodded at Maris's observation. Fairies were different from spirit beings. They were the so-called fairies. With the elephant-like creature and the fairy, it seemed that the street performer had the ability to tame magical creatures.

"Ha-iiiii!"

The performer started juggling knives. The fairy caught and threw the knives back, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional display. It was a breathtaking and fantastical sight.

"Wow, this is amazing! I've never seen someone control a fairy so skillfully!"

"Yes, it is."

Lucan nodded, but then he thought Maris's ability to command was more impressive. No, her ability could bend reality according to her will, so it wasn't a big deal if she had excellent spirit command abilities.

"Next, we have acrobatics by a clown!"

"Hi! Everyone, I'm Pony the Clown!"

A person in clown makeup appeared next, performing acrobatics. They leaped onto the elephant's back, doing handstands, jumps, and tricks. Although the performance was impressive, the earlier fairy juggling had a stronger impact.

"Oh, Lucan-sama. There's popcorn being sold over there."

It seemed Maris's interest had shifted. With the crowd growing, they decided to throw a silver coin as thanks for the entertainment and then move on.

"Well then, let's go. Oh... let's get some popcorn too."

"Sure, what flavor would you like? There seem to be a few options."

"Let's go with caramel flavor."

Lucan and Maris exited the crowd around the street performers and walked toward the popcorn stall.

As they enjoyed their day...

---

In winter, the sun sets early.

Lucan had delivered Maris to the Grand Temple before the sun had fully set.

"Why don't you stay here, Lucan-sama? I'm sure everyone would welcome you."

As Lucan prepared to leave, Maris spoke.

Lucan was recognized as a Holy Priest. Though not as revered as a saintess, he was still respected by the priests.

If Lucan wished to stay, they would quickly provide a meal and a room for him.

"No, I'll pass."

Lucan shook his head.

"I have to prepare for classes. I'll head back to the staff dormitory for tonight."

"I see..."

Maris's shoulders slumped in disappointment, and she looked resentfully at the setting sun.

"I wanted to stay longer... It's a shame."

"The martial arts tournament is still coming up. Let's go out again during the next holiday?"

"Really!?"

"Yeah."

Maris approached Lucan, her eyes sparkling like jewels as she peered up at his face.

"You promised, remember!? No backing out later, okay!?"

"Uh... yes."

"Got it."

Lucan had to admit, Maris's reaction was more intense than he expected.

"Well then, see you next week at school."

"Yes, take care."

Lucan turned his back on Maris and headed back to the staff dormitory.

As he walked through the streets, the sun completely set, but the capital had many shops open at night, and there were street lamps powered by magic.

Due to the festival season, there were still many people on the streets at night, and the noise from the bars could be heard.

"Hmm...?"

In the midst of this, Lucan suddenly noticed something.

In the shadow of a streetlamp, there was a person huddled in a corner.

The person's face was down, so it wasn't visible, but from the barely discernible clothing, Lucan could tell it was a young woman.

"...Miss, are you alright?"

Lucan approached the crouching woman. He couldn't explain it, but he felt this woman wasn't normal. So, he approached her.

"U..."

"Are you feeling unwell? Don't worry, I'm a priest."

"Mr. Priest...?"

The woman looked up. As expected, she was a young woman, around Lucan's age.

She had blue-colored hair. Her features were relatively well-defined, but she looked unwell even in the dim light.

"Are you sick? I'll cast a healing spell right away..."

"Ugh..."

"Hold on... Whoa!"

The woman threw up, not blood, but partially digested stomach contents.

"Ugh... My coat..." Lucan looked at his clothes.

"I... I drank too much."

"So, you're drunk."

Lucan sighed. Given the nearby bars, it was an expected situation.

"Heal."

Lucan cast a healing spell, and the woman's complexion improved.

"Ah, thank you. Mr. Priest! You saved me!"

"No... It's fine."

"I understand, I won't worry about it!"

The woman responded cheerfully.

Lucan thought about what was so special about her that he had sensed something unusual.

"Just kidding. Sorry for messing up your coat."

The woman rummaged through her pockets and pulled out her wallet.

"I'll pay for the cleaning. Umm, money..."

She looked into her wallet and froze.

When she turned it upside down and shook it, a single copper coin fell out.

"...That's odd. I should have had five gold coins before I went into the bar."

"The answer is right there... I mean, did you really spend five gold coins on drinks?"

A single gold coin was worth about 1,000 dollars.

Spending 5,000 dollars in one night's drinking—how much did she drink?

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"Um... Sorry. I'll pay you back once my salary comes in."

"...It's really fine. Truly."

Lucan sighed and wiped the dirty coat with a handkerchief.

Lucan didn't expect that the woman he thought unusual would turn out to be a drunk.

He decided to head home wearing the vomit-stained coat.

"I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you next time we meet."

"Yes, that's fine... Please be careful not to drink too much."

"I understand. I swear, Mr. Priest."

The woman laughed brightly as she walked away.

"Is she swearing in my name?" Lucan looked at her retreating figure, then shook his head and decided to forget about it as he headed home.