Fractured God

“I-I can leave? (That's it? She really did just ask me about my magic?)” He asked with the same tone as an abused spouse.

“Yes, you may. Based on what happened in that dungeon, I can't say I don't believe you. Just look out for me, I might be visiting your house in due time.”

Kevin looked dumbfounded but bowed in gratitude before leaving.

(“Maybe I kinda overblowed this? I mean, now that I think about it, anyone Ezekiel could call his friend wouldn't try to exploit me. Though it doesn't hurt to be safe. Ugh, I'm stuck now, aren't I? I don't think she'll use me but I can't imagine she'd let me retire without a fight. But… maybe I can convince her if I try hard enough.”)

Kevin wearily waved at Elizabeth, looking like he’s aged ten years before walking off into the forest.

“Did you actually believe all that?” Tina asked as she exited some nearby brush.

Elizabeth didn't think he'd be so compliant and was frankly shocked he'd give that information away so easily. Was he a saint like her or was it something more?

Regardless she had Tina stationed close by, to act as an initial test.

(“I might have to give him the same training my master gave me to ensure I didn't say anything I shouldn't have to a malicious third party.”) Elizabeth thought as she turned to Tina.

As Kevin walked away, his eyes showed no danger but he felt an ever-present chill as he made his way home.

“I believe that's what he believes. Whether it's true or not is something that has to be tested.” Elizabeth answered.

“Sounds like boring magic anyway. It doesn't help you dodge or become any stronger. It's just a glorified way for him to avoid danger and I don't think that's very useful in a fight.”

Tina stretched her arms out and yawned. “I think he's over-rating it.”

“Maybe. But consider it this way. If you're the leader of a kingdom and that ability does do what he says it does, then you could have a multitude of propositions in front of you and within a glance, you'd be able to pick the best ones without so much as reading a paragraph. That's an immense amount of power.”

“Sure, but it's not like it'd make me any stronger. I would rather have raw strength than sacrifice it for such a convenience. In a one-on-one fight, the only thing he could do to me is run away. While I'll always win or at least get a draw.” She said with a smirk.

(“And that's why it's a good thing you're not the one with it.”) Elizabeth thought as she began walking.

She felt like it'd be too much of a bother trying to relate the power of this to Tina's strength-obsessed mind. But she wasn't wrong in fact, compared to her Sainthood, it wasn't as helpful in combat (At least, if she fully mastered it.)

The two began their trek home.

“What are you two doing?” Tibaut asked as he observed the scene before him. There was a hint of disgust on his face.

Before him, was a shirtless Agnes and Ruby holding said shirt.

The blue-haired girl was reduced to tears while Ruby looked on.

He felt like he walked into the early stages of a heinous crime.

“Hey, boy!” Ruby responded as she waved at him using Agnes’ shirt.

“Don't “Hey boy!” me. Why's she shirtless?” Tibaut asked with a blushed face.

“Oh, don't worry we were just playing around, right Agnes.”

“...”

Tibaut couldn't help but feel sorry for her and rushed over.

“Listen I don't know what you did but-”

“I-its fine Tibaut.” Agnes answered. “I was the one who asked for this. I should have known she'd do something like…”

“What'd she do?” He exclaimed.

“Oh, come on dear it was for you. She was asking me if she could get big-”

Agnes got up to her feet and unashamedly began covering Ruby's mouth.

“Uh, I was asking if she could make my shirt bigger since she said she knew her way around a sewing needle. I was so desperate I took my shirt off right now and asked, no begged her to do it. It's been super uncomfortable this entire trip but I gritted my teeth and beared with it until we got back here and man, I couldn't take it anymore and she offered to help.” She said at the pace of an F1 car.

Tibaut scrutinised her expression for a few more moments.

“Oh, is that so?”

He took his own shirt off and offered it.

“(I guess it's a sensibility thing? After all, maybe women covering their chests is a recent thing? Ruby didn't react to it either.) Well, uh, you can wear my shirt for now. You might want to cover up since it's been so chilly lately.”

He handed off his shirt and immediately walked off, red-faced.

“What a good little boy. He didn't even bring up your bare chest once and you can tell he was struggling to stare you in the eyes.”

“Honestly… I didn't mind.” Agnes responded as she placed his shirt on her own bare upper half.

“Haha, is that so? I can't believe I found a woman so brazen yet so meek.”

Ruby laughed as she patted her back. The pair were surprisingly friendly with each other.

“Shut up you old bitch, I never asked you to do that here.”

“But you didn't tell me to stop either.”

“...Hmph!”

Agnes showed her the middle finger and grabbed her shirt back.