Let's Train Heroine

The sun had climbed higher in the sky when Lucan left Sally's house. Her teasing bites still tingled faintly on his neck as he made his way to the outskirts of the capital, where his other older sister, Eloise, lived. Unlike Sally, who had always been vibrant and playful, Eloise was a quieter, more reserved presence in Lucan's life.

She was the third child of their parents, and though they were close in age, her nature had always been more subdued, a stark contrast to Sally's spirited energy.

Lucan hadn't seen Eloise in over six years. She had married a nobleman, Lord Roderick, a man with a stern reputation. The thought of visiting her had always left a bitter taste in his mouth, as their last few letters hinted at her growing isolation. But Lucan was determined to see her, to ensure that she was truly happy.

As he approached her house, the mansion loomed ahead, its grandeur doing little to alleviate the unease in his chest. A servant met him at the door, bowing low and leading him through the silent hallways to the sitting room where Eloise was waiting.

When Lucan entered, Eloise rose from her chair with a grace that matched the elegance of her surroundings. Her appearance was different from what he remembered; the once lively spark in her hazel eyes had dimmed, replaced by a veil of weariness.

Her dark brown hair, usually styled with care, was now pulled back into a simple braid, emphasizing the sharp angles of her face that had grown gaunter over the years.

"Lucan," she greeted, her voice soft and measured, a polite smile barely reaching her eyes.

"Eloise," Lucan responded warmly, stepping forward to embrace her. But instead of the typical hug, Eloise extended her hand, her fingers brushing his wrist in a lingering touch before pulling away.

Lucan frowned, sensing the tension in her posture. "It's been too long."

"It has," she agreed, her gaze flicking to the door as if expecting someone to burst in at any moment. "Come, sit with me."

They settled into the plush armchairs by the fireplace. Lucan noticed her hands trembling slightly as she poured tea, a sign of nervousness she couldn't quite hide.

"How have you been?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Eloise hesitated, her eyes lowering to the steaming cup in her hands. "Oh, you know… busy. Managing the household, taking care of the children."

He nodded, but something in her voice, the way it wavered, made him press further. "And how is Lord Roderick?."

To be honest, Lucan doesn't want Eloise to married to Roderick, since he felt Roderick is shady and not a good guy but Eloise married him and his father also wanted same so Lucan couldn't do anything.

Eloise's hand stilled on her cup, her expression faltering for the briefest moment. "He's… well. Always working, very dedicated to his duties."

The air between them grew thick with unspoken words. Lucan could see the strain in her face, the shadows under her eyes. He noticed how she flinched slightly whenever she adjusted her position, as if trying to hide a discomfort.

"Eloise," Lucan began, leaning forward, his voice gentle yet firm, "You don't have to pretend with me. If something's wrong, you can tell me."

For a moment, Eloise's composure cracked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But she quickly blinked them away, shaking her head. "I'm fine, Lucan. Really, I am."

But Lucan wasn't convinced. He reached out, placing a hand over hers, feeling the coldness of her skin. "Eloise, you're my sister. I've known you my whole life. I can see that something is wrong. Please, let me help."

She looked up at him, she sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"It's not easy, Lucan," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "He… Roderick… he's changed."

Lucan's heart sank. "Changed how?"

Eloise looked away, staring into the fire as if the flames held the answers she couldn't bring herself to say. "He's become more controlling. He… he gets angry, over the smallest things. And when he's angry… he…"

She trailed off, but Lucan didn't need her to finish. The bruises on her wrists, the way she winced when she moved, the fear in her eyes—it all painted a clear picture.

"How long has this been going on?" Lucan asked, his voice tight with restrained anger.

"Since… since not long after we married," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I thought it would get better, that I could make him happy, but… it only got worse."

Lucan's jaw clenched, fury bubbling up inside him. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I was scared," she confessed, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. "I didn't know what to do. I felt trapped. And with Father gone, I had no one to turn to."

Lucan felt a surge of guilt for not stopping her when she was marrying.

He stood up, pulling her gently into his arms. "You know, that I'm know this, I can't let you in this situation anymore."

Eloise buried her face in his chest, sobbing quietly, "But... Where can I go?"

Lucan chuckled, "Did you forget what status I have right now?"

Eloise pulled back andooked at him, "I… I don't know if I can do this."

"Hm, how about you go and live with Sally? She is been complaining that she is alone and want some company."

"But..."

"About your husband, then don't worry, he won't bother you and soon he will send paper of divorce, he won't ever trouble you again. So want to come with

Eloise hesitated, "But my daughter… what about her?"

Lucan thought for a moment. "We'll take them with her. I won't leave her behind."

She nodded slowly, "Okay… I listen to you."

Lucan held Eloise close, his mind racing with plans. He needed to get her out of this situation, and fast. The image of her bruised wrists and the fear in her eyes ignited a protective instinct in him.

"Pack what you need," Lucan said firmly, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "We'll leave tonight. I'll send word to Sally, and she'll make arrangements for you and your daughter."

Eloise's eyes widened with a mix of fear and relief. "But... what about Roderick? He's not going to just let us go."

Lucan's expression hardened. "He won't have a choice."

Eloise hesitated, biting her lip and nodded, "Alright. I'll pack a few things for myself and my daughter."

Then Eloise hurried off to gather her belongings.

When Eloise returned with a small bag and her daughter, a timid girl with wide, fearful eyes, Lucan's resolve only strengthened. He knelt down to the child's level, offering her a warm smile. "Hey there, I'm your uncle Lucan. We're going to take you and your mom somewhere safe, alright?"

The girl nodded slowly.

Lucan stood and turned to Eloise. "Let's go."

They made their way out of the mansion.

As they rode away from the mansion, The journey to Sally's home was short and uneventful. When they arrived.

Sally learn the situation and, immediately taking Eloise into her arms.

"You're safe now," Sally murmured, holding Eloise close.

Eloise broke down, her tears finally spilling over as she clung to her sister.

Sally looked over Eloise's shoulder at Lucan, her eyes full of gratitude and worry. "We'll take care of her. You… you take care of the rest."

Lucan nodded.

---

Maris stood in the serene garden of the temple, her hand lightly brushing the soft petals of a white lily. Her connection to Lucan was stronger today, a thread of magic binding them across distances. Closing her eyes, she allowed her mind to drift, searching for Lucan's presence. When she found him, her heart ached at the sight that unfolded.

Through her power, she saw Lucan holding Eloise, her older sister trembling in his arms. The signs of her suffering were painfully clear—bruises, tear-streaked cheeks.

Maris head out and to find man who had caused this, Lord Roderick, his stern face etched with cruelty even in her mind's eye.

Anger welled up within Maris, her normally gentle demeanor hardening as she focused on Roderick. Although she doesn't like Eloise being close to Lucan, she is her future sister-in-law, she can't won't tolerate someone abusing her sister-in-law.

With a deep breath, she channeled her magic, calling upon the divine energy that flowed through her veins.

She could see Roderick sitting alone in his study, oblivious to the force about to descend upon him. Maris's power surged forward, weaving itself into the fabric of his mind. She didn't seek to destroy him completely—she wasn't a killer—but she would make him harmless.

With a final pulse of her energy, she severed the connections in his mind that held his cruelty together, leaving behind only a simple, unknowing man. The transformation was immediate. Roderick's sharp, calculating gaze dulled, his posture slackened as confusion clouded his thoughts.

Maris returned to garden. She knew she had done what was necessary to protect Lucan's family. Roderick would no longer be a threat, and Eloise could find peace.

---

Lucan doesn't need to get the revenge by himself. He knew Maris was watching him, and the way he taught her, he knew Maris would take care Roderick.