Let's Train Heroine

It was the seventh day of their trip, and the end of their vacation was drawing near. The week had been filled with adventure, laughter, and the gentle rhythm of time spent together. Despite the ups and downs they had faced, there was a palpable sense of melancholy as the realization set in that this joyful escape from their everyday lives was coming to an end.

"It's sad that it's coming to an end, isn't it?" Maris said softly, her voice tinged with wistfulness as she clasped her hands together.

"Yes, it was very enjoyable," Lucan replied.

"Are we heading back today?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Yes," Lucan nodded, glancing at the clock. "There's still some time before the train departs, so let's buy some souvenirs and take a quick stroll before heading back."

Maris's face brightened at the suggestion. "Sure! Let's go!" she agreed with a smile, her enthusiasm masking the underlying sadness she felt.

The streets were bustling with life as the two wandered through the tourist district, which was brimming with shops, each offering a unique piece of the town's charm. They walked together, their steps in sync, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant market.

"I need to buy something for my school friends... and for the townspeople too," Maris said, scanning the various stalls filled with trinkets and treats.

"I think sweets would be fine for the townspeople," Lucan suggested, eyeing a stall selling an assortment of colorful confections.

"Yes," Maris agreed, her eyes lingering on a display of delicate shell earrings. "For my friends, I'll get these cute pink shell earrings!"

Lucan smiled, watching as she picked up the earrings and held them up to the light, admiring their soft sheen. "Oh, those are nice," he said.

"Aren't you going to buy something for Sister Rina, Aunt Wanny, and Uncle Morbis?" Maris asked, turning to Lucan with a curious look.

"For them... well, maybe some alcohol would be good," Lucan mused, spotting a nearby shop that specialized in rare liquors.

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He made his way over and selected a bottle of fruit wine imported from another country, the exotic label catching his eye. It was a thoughtful choice, one that he knew would be appreciated by those back home.

As they continued to browse the shops, something else caught Lucan's eye. It was a necklace—simple but elegant, with a single pearl set in a silver chain. There was nothing particularly special about it, no magical properties or rare craftsmanship, but something about it made Lucan pause. He picked it up, turning it over in his hand before showing it to Maris.

"Lucan-sama?" Maris's voice was curious, her blue eyes wide with surprise as she looked at the necklace.

"I think this would suit you," Lucan said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Maris blinked, clearly caught off guard by the gesture. Her expression softened, and then her face lit up with joy, her smile radiant. "I'm so happy! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

"It's really not that big of a deal..." Lucan replied modestly.

After paying the clerk, Lucan turned to Maris, holding out the necklace. "Here you go..."

"Please, put it on me," Maris said, her voice almost a whisper as she turned around, lifting her hair to reveal the back of her neck.

Lucan hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the intimacy of the request. But he quickly gathered himself, carefully placing the necklace around her neck. His fingers brushed against her soft skin, and he noticed how delicate and pale it was, like the pearl itself.

"Mmm," Maris let out a soft sound, her breath catching as Lucan's fingers grazed her neck.

"Oh," Lucan muttered, realizing he might have startled her.

"It's okay..." Maris replied, her voice barely audible, as a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

Lucan secured the clasp and stepped back, allowing Maris to turn around. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him, her happiness almost overwhelming in its sincerity. "Thank you... I'll treasure it!" she said, her voice filled with warmth.

"I'm glad you like it..." Lucan responded, his heart lifting at the sight of her joy.

They continued their stroll through the market, their purchases in hand, savoring the last moments of their trip together. But soon, the time came to head back to the station.

"It's almost time for the train," Lucan said, glancing at the clock once more. "We've bought the souvenirs, so let's head to the station."

"Yes... our trip is already over, isn't it..." Maris's voice was laced with a touch of sadness, her earlier joy tempered by the reality of their impending departure.

"Yes. A week... it went by surprisingly fast," Lucan agreed, feeling the same pang of regret that their time here was ending.

"Yes... like a flash of light. It was so much fun..." Maris sighed, her eyes distant as she reflected on the past week.

As they walked towards the station, Maris let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "...When summer vacation ends, we'll be apart again... I'll miss you."

Lucan paused, looking at her with understanding. "All students feel that way when summer ends..."

"Do you feel that way too, Lucan-sama?" Maris asked, her eyes searching his for reassurance.

"Yes," Lucan nodded. "As a student, my family was good and I loved spending time with my sister and brother, so I did feel sad when summer vacation ended. But we can go on another trip next year."

"Next year?" Maris's eyes brightened at the thought, the sadness momentarily lifting.

"Yes. Do you want to go to the sea again next year? Or perhaps try the mountains? Camping could be fun too," Lucan suggested, hoping to lift her spirits.

"...Yes, there's always next year," Maris repeated, her voice gaining strength as she latched onto the idea.

Maris, who had been downcast moments before, now smiled with renewed hope. "I'm looking forward to it. We'll make memories together every year."

"...Yes, indeed," Lucan agreed, feeling a warm sense of contentment at the thought of more shared adventures.

They arrived at the station and boarded the train, finding seats near the window. As the train began to move, they gazed out at the passing scenery, both lost in their thoughts. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks was a soothing backdrop to their silent contemplation.

Maris leaned her head against the window, watching as the landscape blurred by. The town they were leaving behind had become a special place for her.