In the beautifully clean and tidy room, Maris sat uneasily on a chair while Lucan searched through his belongings.
"Where did I put it?" Lucan muttered to himself, rummaging through his things until he found the cookies he had baked the day before.
He then made some tea and offered both the tea and cookies to the nervous girl sitting before him.
"Is it really okay for me to eat this...?" Maris asked hesitantly.
"Yes, of course," Lucan replied with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you...!" Maris exclaimed, before devouring the cookies with great eagerness.
For her, having been abused and denied proper meals by her foster parents, those cookies felt like a feast. She even shed tears as she stuffed her mouth full.
"Hey, calm down. Chew your food properly. There's more, so you can take your time."
"Yes...!" Maris said, trying to follow his advice.
Lucan watched her, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He knew that today would be a memorable day for Maris.
Since I've decided to keep her, I need a reason for her to stay with me and also save her from her abusive stepmother and sisters. So, what should I do?
After thinking for a while, Lucan came to a decision.
"Ah, I realized I haven't asked your name. May I have it?"
"I'm Maris."
"Ms. Maris, I'm Lucan Ironfist, and I've just started working as a priest at this temple this month. I apologize for the suddenness, but... would you consider working at this temple?"
"Eh...?"
"I saw you offering prayers earlier. It seems you have a talent for the 'Holy Arts.' How about working at this temple and learning the Holy Arts here?"
Lucan believed that by taking Maris into the temple, he could protect her from her abusive foster parents. Under his guidance, she could learn the Holy Arts and develop her abilities as a saint.
Lucan was fairly skilled in the Holy Arts, and with his knowledge of the game world, he was confident he could handle teaching her.
In this game world, Lucan's specialty was using game knowledge to train Maris to become a splendid saint without the harsh training typically required at the Great Temple. Once she was fully trained and capable of protecting herself, he could report to the Great Temple and ensure she could attend the academy as a saint.
During her training, he could also form a strong bond with her that would benefit him in the future.
"Um... is it really okay for someone like me to be here...?" Maris asked, looking confused. A piece of half-eaten cookie fell from her mouth.
"You are needed here. Could I ask you to stay?"
"Ugh..."
Tears welled up in Maris's eyes as she nodded quickly and repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes... I will," she said loudly, on the verge of crying.
I can't imagine what it must be like to feel abandoned or told you're useless, only to have someone suddenly come along and tell you that you're valuable and needed. So I am really curious about how Maris must be feeling right now.