Let's Train Heroine

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays over Oriana Beach, turning the sand into a warm, inviting blanket that stretched as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with the scent of salt and the gentle murmur of waves caressing the shore. It was the perfect day for a summer vacation, and Maris could hardly contain her excitement.

Having changed into their swimsuits, Maris and Lucan stepped out of the luxurious seaside house and onto the sandy beach. Maris led the way, her pink hair fluttering in the breeze, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she hurried toward the water.

"Lucan-sama, this way! The sand is so hot!" she exclaimed, hopping from one foot to the other, her feet sinking into the soft, warm sand with each step. Her high-pitched cries of excitement filled the air, drawing a wry smile from Lucan as he followed her.

Maris was a vision of summer beauty in her bikini.

"Maris, you've never swum before, have you?" Lucan asked as they reached the water's edge, the waves lapping gently at their feet.

"No, I haven't," Maris admitted, her excitement undiminished by her inexperience. She turned to Lucan, her eyes wide with curiosity.

This world had beaches and pools, but they were usually found in more urban areas, far from the rural town where Maris had grown up. Having only recently moved to the royal capital, she had never had the opportunity to swim before. The idea of entering the vast, open sea for the first time was thrilling, yet slightly intimidating.

"Well then," Lucan said with a gentle smile, "I'll teach you. Let's start with some basic stretches and warm-up exercises."

"Yes, please!" Maris replied eagerly, her voice bright with anticipation. She watched intently as Lucan demonstrated a series of simple stretches, mimicking his movements with a focused expression. They stretched their arms, legs, and backs, loosening up their muscles in preparation for swimming.

After a few minutes, Lucan straightened up and dusted the sand off his hands. "...That should be enough warm-up. Let's get into the water."

"Okay!" Maris chirped, her excitement rekindled. Without warning, she reached out and clung to Lucan's arm, her soft chest pressing against his upper arm through the thin fabric of her bikini.

"...Maris?" Lucan's voice held a note of surprise as he looked down at her.

"Since it's my first time in the sea and I'm a little scared, can I hold on to your arm?" she asked, her eyes wide and innocent, though there was a hint of mischief in her smile.

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"...That's fine," Lucan replied, his voice steady, though he was keenly aware of her proximity. He had grown accustomed to Maris's affectionate nature, but her touch still had a way of catching him off guard. She was already holding on tightly, her fingers gripping his arm as if she feared the sea might swallow her whole.

He could feel the warmth of her skin against his, and the sensation was both distracting but not much.

"Well then, let's go in," Lucan said, gently leading Maris into the water. He moved slowly, guiding her step by step, making sure she felt safe.

"Yikes!" Maris squealed as a small wave rushed forward, engulfing her feet in cool water. She jumped slightly, her grip on Lucan's arm tightening.

"It's colder than I expected… It's nothing like a bath…" she murmured, her expression a mix of surprise and delight.

"Well, it's seawater. You'll get used to it soon," Lucan assured her, his tone calm and reassuring. He continued to lead her further into the water, allowing her to adjust at her own pace.

The water gradually rose, reaching their waists. Lucan kept a close eye on Maris, making sure she was comfortable. When they were both standing in waist-deep water, he turned to her. "Now, let's try putting your face in the water."

"Right away…?" Maris's lively demeanor faltered for a moment, replaced by a hint of nervousness. The idea of submerging her face in the unfamiliar sea was daunting, but she knew it was a necessary step.

"If you can't do this, you won't be able to swim. It's okay, just think of it like a bath," Lucan said, his voice gentle but firm. He wanted to help her overcome her fear, but he knew it would take some coaxing.

Maris hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the string of her bikini bottom. "Can I hold your hand?"

"…If it helps you feel better," Lucan replied, extending his hand towards her.

Maris's fingers slipped into his, her grip tight and nervous. Slowly, she leaned forward, inching her face closer to the water. Just as she was about to submerge, a large wave came crashing in, engulfing her head in a sudden, cold embrace.

"Yah!" Maris gasped as she pulled back, water streaming down her face.

"Haha, are you okay?" Lucan chuckled, his lips curving into a rare, genuine smile. The sight of Maris's wide-eyed surprise was too endearing not to laugh.

"Ugh… It's mean to laugh. And it's salty…" Maris pouted, wiping the water from her eyes.

"Well, it's the sea. Just be careful not to swallow too much water," Lucan advised, still smiling. He couldn't help but admire her determination, even as she struggled with the basics.

Undeterred by her initial mishap, Maris tried again. With Lucan's guidance and encouragement, she gradually grew more comfortable in the water. Despite her delicate appearance, she was surprisingly athletic, and once she got the hang of it, she picked up swimming quickly.

Before long, she was swimming on her own, moving gracefully through the water without needing Lucan's assistance. Her movements were a bit awkward at first, but she soon found her rhythm, her laughter ringing out over the waves as she splashed and played in the sea.

"Yay! A big wave came!" Maris cried out in delight as a wave lifted her up, carrying her towards the shore before gently setting her back down.

"Ah! I stepped on something squishy!" she exclaimed, hopping in place as she tried to avoid whatever mysterious creature had brushed against her foot.

"Yikes! The sun is so dazzling!" Maris covered her eyes with one hand, shading them from the bright rays of the sun that reflected off the water's surface.

Even after she learned how to swim, Maris continued to cling to Lucan every few minutes. Sometimes she would grab his arm, other times she would press against his back, using him as a human shield against the waves. Each time she did, her chest brushed against him, sending small, unbidden sparks of warmth through his body. He ignore it.

"Ah! There's a jellyfish!" Maris shrieked, quickly darting behind Lucan as a translucent jellyfish drifted by, its long, delicate tentacles trailing in the water. Lucan chuckled at her reaction.

After nearly two hours of swimming, Lucan noticed the sun beginning its slow descent towards the horizon. The sky had taken on a soft, golden hue, and the air was cooling as the day began to wind down.

"Should we get out of the water soon?" Lucan suggested, looking over at Maris.

"Eh… Are we leaving already?" Maris's expression visibly clouded, her earlier excitement giving way to disappointment.

"The sun will set in about an hour," Lucan explained, glancing up at the sky. "There's a spot nearby where you can see the sunset beautifully. Shall we go there together?"

Maris's face brightened at the suggestion. "I'm coming! Please take me there!" she exclaimed, her voice full of renewed enthusiasm.

Once again, she clung to Lucan, her chest pressing tightly against his arm as they waded out of the water and back onto the sandy shore.