Let's Train Heroine

The next morning, Maris sat at the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the floor. The events of last night haunted her, sending waves of guilt and embarrassment crashing over her. She could barely believe what she had done. Not just the kiss—that fleeting, daring kiss that had left her heart racing—but what had happened afterward.

She buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning. What was I thinking? She had let her emotions take over, her body responding in ways she hadn't anticipated. The memory of her own touch, of how she had lost control, filled her with shame. She had never felt anything like that before—never been so overwhelmed by her feelings for Lucan.

She had kissed him while he was awake this time, and that alone was mortifying. But what she did in her room afterward? She could barely think about it without wanting to curl up in a ball and disappear. Every thought of Lucan brought a fresh wave of heat to her cheeks, and the guilt twisted in her chest like a knot she couldn't untangle.

She stood up, pacing the room, her hands fidgeting nervously. "What am I going to do?" she muttered to herself. She would have to face Lucan today, as she did every day. But now, after last night, how could she even look at him? How could she stand next to him, talk to him, without remembering the kiss and... and what she had done afterward?

Her heart pounded faster, and she clasped her hands over her chest, trying to calm herself down. She didn't know how to explain it. She didn't even know why she had kissed him in the first place. It had just... happened. And then everything else had spiraled out of control.

Maris took a deep breath and walked to the mirror, looking at her reflection. Her cheeks were still flushed, her hair slightly disheveled from tossing and turning all night. She splashed some water on her face, hoping it would help cool down the burning embarrassment that had been coursing through her since last night.

"Just... stay calm," she whispered to herself. "You're a Saint. You're supposed to be composed, dignified..." But the words felt hollow, and no amount of pep talk could erase what had happened. I'm not supposed to be thinking about him like this. I'm not supposed to...

feel like this.

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the memories. The kiss. The way Lucan had looked at her, his eyes filled with surprise. The way she had run away without giving him a chance to respond. And then, the way her body had reacted when she was alone in her room, unable to stop thinking about him.

She clenched her fists, shaking her head. I have to act normal. I can't let him know what happened. I can't let him see how flustered I am.

But when she finally left her room and made her way through the halls of the estate, her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest, she was sure everyone could hear it. She paused just outside the library where she knew Lucan would be, gathering her breath before she stepped inside.

The door creaked as she pushed it open, and there he was, standing by the window, looking over some old scrolls. His black hair caught the sunlight, and he looked calm.

Maris took a step forward, and immediately, the memory of the kiss came flooding back. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face flushed. She opened her mouth to greet him, but the words got caught in her throat. All she could see was the moment their lips touched. All she could feel was the heat rising in her body again.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Lucan glanced over at her, his dark eyes meeting hers. Good morning, Maris. he said, singling with his hand. He learn how to do practical signs.

Maris stiffened. She had no idea what he was thinking. Did he feel as awkward as she did? Or had he already forgotten about it? His calm demeanor only made her more self-conscious.

"Good m-morning, Lucan-sama," she stammered, avoiding eye contact. Her heart was racing so fast she thought it might burst. She tried to keep her voice steady, tried to act normal, but all she could think about was the kiss—and then the shameful actions that had followed.

Her mind flashed to the way she had touched herself, how out of control she had felt. The sensations. The release. She could feel her face turning bright red again. No, no, no! Don't think about that now!

She clenched her fists by her sides, trying to stop herself from spiraling.

Lucan, however, didn't seem to notice her distress. Did you sleep well? he asked casually, his eyes returning to the scroll in his hand.

Maris froze. The question was innocent enough, but it sent her mind racing back to her restless night. Her breath hitched, and she couldn't bring herself to answer properly. "I-I... um... I slept fine!" she squeaked, her voice higher-pitched than usual.

Lucan glanced at her again, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, but he said nothing. Maris wanted to scream. She needed to get out of there before she embarrassed herself even more.

"I... I have to go!" she blurted out suddenly, startling both herself and Lucan. She forced a nervous smile, her hands fidgeting. "I-I need to... um... go to the temple!

For prayers!"

She couldn't bear to look him in the eyes anymore. She couldn't stand the idea that he might somehow know what she had done in her room after the kiss. She had to leave before she fell apart completely.

Lucan raised an eyebrow, surprised by her abruptness. The temple? he asked.

"Yes! For prayers! Very important!" Maris rushed to the door, barely keeping her composure. "I'll see you later, Lucan-sama!"

Before he could respond, she bolted from the room, her heart hammering in her chest. She practically ran through the halls, her mind a blur of confusion and embarrassment. The shame was too much.

She had kissed him. And then... she had done things she couldn't even admit to herself. How was she ever going to face him again?