Maris stood before Lucan, her usualposed and saintly demeanorpletely at odds with the sight before him. The warm sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting a soft, dappled glow on her skin that made her appear almost ethereal. For a moment, Lucan found himself at a loss for words.


    "Lucan-sama?"


    Her voice, gentle andced with a hint of concern, snapped him out of his thoughts. "Oh, no... it''s nothing. I''m fine."


    Despite his quick recovery, the initial shock of seeing Maris in a makeshift leaf bikini lingered in Lucan''s mind. The outfit was an impromptu creation, made fromrge, broad leaves that had been woven together with thin strands of vine.


    The bikini top, though simple, was meticulously arranged to cover just enough, the leaves shaped to contour to her body, emphasizing her curves without revealing too much. The deep green of the leaves provided a striking contrast against her smooth, fair skin, which seemed to glow in the sunlight.


    The bottom piece of her outfit was simrly crafted, the leaves sitting low on her hips and entuating the gentle curve of her waist. The minimal design left her long legs exposed, the soft muscles of her thighs and calves catching the light with each movement. There was an undeniable allure in her appearance, a blend of innocence and sensuality that left Lucan both captivated and concerned.


    "Um... Maris, don''t you think that outfit is a bit... indecent?" Lucan said. his protective instincts kicking in. The thought of someone else stumbling upon them and seeing Maris in such a revealing state made him uneasy.


    Maris tilted her head slightly, her pink hair cascading over her shoulders in a way that was both elegant and effortlessly natural. The wet strands clung to her skin, entuating the delicate lines of her corbone and the gentle slope of her shoulders.


    "Really? I didn''t bring a change of clothes and wanted to dry my underwear... is it bad?" Her tone was innocent, devoid of any self-consciousness, as if she truly didn''t see anything wrong with her current state.


    Lucan''s gaze flickered to a nearby tree, where her dress and undergarments were hanging, swaying gently in the breeze. He should have anticipated this oue when she mentioned wanting to swim earlier. With their luggage left on the boat, she had no other option but to improvise, and this was the result.


    "No, it''s not a problem... but, uh, rescuers mighte and see you, so..."


    "It''s alright," Maris reassured him with a smile. "The spirit is watching around the ind and will let us know if helpes."


    "I see..." Lucan nodded, now he doesn''t have any worries.


    Maris''s eyes softened as she looked at him. "It''s okay if you see me, Lucan-sama."


    Lucan nodded as he started gathering sticks for a bonfire. "Yes, anyway, let''s make a bonfire. If a nearby boat sees the smoke, they mighte."


    "Yes. For the fire..." Maris responded, her curiosity piqued as she watched him work.


    "Use that ring." Lucan gestured to the ornate ring on her left finger. The "Nine Fire Ring" was a powerful artifact, capable of casting fire magic. It gleamed in the sunlight, its surface etched with intricate symbols that glowed faintly with a fiery hue.


    Maris raised her hand, the ring catching the light as she focused her energy. A small, controlled me sprang to life at hermand, igniting the pile of sticks Lucan had arranged.


    "Oh, it really worked. The fire started," she murmured, a hint of awe in her voice as she watched the mes dance upward.


    "Thank you," Lucan said, as he stepped back, allowing the fire to grow. The crackling of the wood and the rising smoke brought a sense of normalcy to the situation.


    Maris turned her attention back to Lucan, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the bonfire. "The ring from the Spirit Queen has such power... you knew, Lucan-sama?"


    "Ah... I read about this ring in a book a long time ago. It''s said to be blessed by spirits," he exined, his gaze meeting hers.


    "I see, as expected," Maris replied, her admiration for Lucan evident in her tone. Her eyes flicked down to the matching ring on his finger, the "Nine Water Ring," which held simr abilities but with a focus on water magic.


    "The bonfire seems okay as it is..." Lucanmented, more to himself than to her, as he watched the fire grow steadily.


    "Then, Lucan-sama, let''s change and swim!" Maris''s enthusiasm was palpable as she handed him arge leaf, her intentions clear.


    "I''m fine swimming in my underwear..." Lucan said.


    "Alright..." Maris looked slightly disappointed, but she respected his decision and didn''t press further.


    With a lightness in her step, she moved towards the water''s edge, the leaves of her bikini rustling softly with each movement. The ocean breeze lifted the ends of her hair, sending it dancing around her face in soft waves. As she stepped into the shallow water, the cool wavespped at her ankles, sending small ripples up her legs.


    "Let''s swim! The sea must feel great!" Maris called out, her voice carrying a note of yful excitement as she beckoned Lucan to join her.


    Before Lucan could respond, Maris reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the water with a mischievous grin. "Whoa...!" Lucan eximed as she tugged him into the surf, herughter echoing around them like a joyful melody.


    The cool water rushed up to meet them, the sensation both invigorating and refreshing after the heat of the day. Maris let out a delighted gasp as the waves washed over her feet, and she waded deeper into the water, the leaves of her bikini floating slightly around her as she moved.


    Lucan followed her. The two of them sshed and yed in the clear blue waters, the setting sun casting long, golden shadows across the beach.


    As they swam further out, the water deepened, rising to Lucan''s chest. Maris swam beside him, her movements graceful and effortless. She seemedpletely at ease.


    "Isn''t this amazing, Lucan-sama?" Maris said, her voice filled with wonder as she floated on her back, gazing up at the sky. The water rippled around her, creating gentle waves that caressed her skin.


    Lucan nced over at her, "Yeah... it really is."


    For a while, they simply floated in the water, letting the waves carry them as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. The sky was painted with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, the colors reflecting on the surface of the sea like a watercolor painting.


    Eventually, they made their way back to the shore, the cool evening air brushing against their wet skin. Maris climbed out of the water first, her movements slow and deliberate as she adjusted the leaves of her bikini, which had shifted slightly during their swim.