215 Tea-Time Truths

Though Zenith's words had stopped her outburst, it was clear to everyone present that Therese wasn't convinced. She didn't have many friends, and Barbara was the only girl around her age with a similar desire for strength. Most of the other girls at the academy focused on Healing and Barrier Magic, so Barbara was one of the few people Therese could spar with and ask for advice.

"Let's do this," said Paul. "You asked me how I became strong earlier. The answer to that is fairly simple. While I've been provided with innumerable blessings, I've never stopped trying to improve myself. Part of that can be attributed to my pride, but the main driving force behind my actions is the desire to protect and improve the lives of others..."

Passing his gaze over Jean and Barbara, Paul's expression softened as he added, "There is also my desire to meet the expectations of those who love, depend on, or believe in me. Without the support of many amazing people, even overcoming the Advanced Rank would have been difficult..."

Returning his attention to Therese, Paul ended his impromptu monologue by stating, "You also have the potential to grow much stronger, Therese. Just imagine all the things you want to protect and train with the notion that someone might take them from you at any moment. As a daughter of House Latreia, you should know full well such people exist..."

Furrowing her brows, Therese lowered her gaze to her hands, clenched beneath the table. She was tempted to point out that Paul was currently taking something from her, but she knew that wasn't the case. Paul had given her the option, and Barbara was the one who decided to return to him. If she truly regarded the latter as her friend, she didn't have the right to intervene...

After a lengthy and somewhat tense period of silence, Zenith elected to insert herself back into the conversation, saying, "Since you said it was okay to ask questions, there's a matter I'd like clarification on. The Paul Greyrat spoken of in the rumors is fairly famous as a womanizer. There is even a rumor claiming that you wooed the Water God in order to gain her favor. I'm curious to know if there's any truth to these claims."

Understanding why Zenith was asking such a question, Paul closed his eyes and exhaled a faint sigh before adopting a serious expression and answering, "I would be lying if I said there wasn't at least a grain of truth to the rumors. However, while I'll admit to being a pervert, I would reject the title of womanizer. As...prolific as my exploits are, I don't view women as playthings to satisfy my desires..."

Hearing Paul's response, the usually warm smile on Zenith's face became somewhat scary. She was still smiling, but there was a penetrating gleam in her azure eyes. As for Therese, she immediately became heated, rising to her feet with a furious countenance as she stammered, "You...you...you unfaithful pig...!"

Leaping to Paul's defense, quite literally, Barbara bounced to her feet and shouted, "Don't say that about Paul! He tries harder than anyone to make the people around him happy! We're the ones imposing upon him, so don't you dare insult him...!"

Having never witnessed an angry Barbara, Therese shrunk back with a look of disbelief on her face. The Barbara she knew was kind and caring to the point of being called the 'Little Saintess' of Milis Academy. Seeing her genuinely angry made Therese feel as though she had committed a grave, unforgivable sin...

"Calm yourself, Barbara/Therese." said Jean and Zenith, their voices overlapping near-perfectly. They were the older sisters of the two girls, so they felt obligated to intervene before things got out of hand.

Exchanging glances due to the unexpected overlap of their words, Jean and Zenith appeared to reach a silent understanding, both nodding before the former asserted, "We haven't been entirely forthright with you. Once you hear our explanation, I'm certain most of the enmity you feel towards our Master will cease..."

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Though she didn't reveal anything related to the Intersection of Fate or Barbara's secret mission, Jean explained the origins of herself, Barbara, and the many women surrounding Paul in accordance with the story they had come up with. In essence, she gave them the same excuse Paul had given his parents many years prior, a story that had become increasingly known among the world's most influential figures...

With Noelle showing up to provide drinks and snacks partway through the explanation, Zenith pensively nursed a cup of tea while Therese stared off into space with illusory steam rising from her head. Both had the distinct impression they had gotten involved with something far beyond them, but the duo remained silent until Jean was finished speaking.

"And that's the gist of our situation," said Jean, adding, "I hope that, given the significance of what we've just discussed, you won't reveal the details to anyone. We will not punish you for doing so, but you'll find it difficult to regain our trust if you do."

Coming to her senses in response to Jean's words, Zenith asked, "Why are you telling us all of this? Even if we're Barbara's friends, what you've just said concerns the fate of the whole world. We're just the second and fourth daughters of an Earl. We can't fight against a monster like Laplace."

"How peculiar..." replied a cold, feminine voice. "Was it not St. Milis who said humans had unlimited potential for growth? With sufficient ambition and drive, anything is possible."

Recognizing the voice, Zenith, Therese, Barbara, and Jean rose to their feet, the former exclaiming, "Lady Fontaine! We were just-"

Gesturing for silence, Varuna, seemingly having materialized out of thin air, stated, "Calm yourselves. If it wasn't made apparent, I am one of the higher-ranking Spirits summoned by my Master. Now that you know the truth, you need not stand on ceremony when we're alone."

Though she had presumed it to be the case, Zenith was still gobsmacked to learn that Lady Fontaine, someone she respected nearly as much as St. Milis herself, was a Spirit.

Unconcerned with Zenith's mental state, Varuna went on to state, "Back to what I was saying. So long as you have the drive, you and your sister can achieve anything your heart desires. Our Master wishes for a world where people are free of the constraints of their birth and able to pursue any path. If you wish to be of help in the fight against Laplace, you need only steel your heart and apply yourself to your training."

Following her statement, Varuna cast a glance at Klee, seated atop Paul's lap, before taking the seat next to him. She wasn't fond of those with an affinity for Pyro, but she was more annoyed by the fact someone else was seated in Paul's lap. Such injustice.

With Noelle providing her with a fresh cup of tea, Varuna took a moment to savor its flavor and aroma before narrowing her eyes at the nervous-looking Zenith and Therese, asking, "Is there something you wish to say? Speak freely."

Summoning her courage, Zenith asked, "If you're a Spirit summoned by Sir Paul, why have you come to Milishion? What are you hoping to achieve by infiltrating the Milis Church?"

Narrowing her eyes even further, Varuna calmly asserted, "I have no more infiltrated the Milis Church than any other person seeking to use its power and authority. Before you condemn or question my intentions, you should direct your scrutiny to the would-be Nobles who have commandeered the Milis Religion for personal gain. My only objective is to see justice brought to those who believe themselves above the laws they impose on others."

With each of Varuna's words carrying the uncompromising resolution of a Goddess, Zenith found herself unable to move, much less speak. She knew just how corrupt the church and the families who supported it were, so there was little she could say to contend Varuna's claims.

Contrasting her elder sister, Therese was starry-eyed as she muttered, "So cool..." in an awe-filled tone. Her dream was to be a Templar who meted out justice and defended the innocent, so Varuna's words had a profound impact on her.

Shifting her gaze to Therese, a rare smile adorned Varuna's face as she stated, "You, in particular, have tremendous potential for growth, Therese. With proper guidance, you could become a pillar supporting both the Milis Religion and the world. If you're willing to accept me as your Master, I can help you to unlock your full potential."

As apprenticing under Varuna was the dream of countless would-be Templars, Therese didn't hesitate to respond, "I accept!" while rising to her feet. Varuna was regarded as one of, if not 'the' strongest, people in all of Milishion. Therese was still a little muddle-headed after hearing the explanation of Jean, but she knew she would regret it if she missed the opportunity to become Varuna's protege.

Seeing how excited her younger sister was, a faint yet exasperated sigh escaped Zenith's throat. Therese wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but Zenith didn't expect her to agree to Varuna's proposal without so much as a moment for consideration. Now, she had little choice but to work hard alongside her...

Crossing her arms in a way that inadvertently accented her breasts, Zenith said, "If possible, I would also like to study under Lady Fontaine. I may not be able to compare to Barbara, but my Healing and Detoxification Magic are among the best in the academy. If Therese is determined to be a Holy Knight or Templar, I will be the Priestess that supports her."

Nodding her head in approval, Varuna said, "Well said. With the two of you supporting one another, your growth will be even faster. Just keep in mind that while I'm your Master, the person I serve is Master Paul. If you are to apprentice under me, you will afford him even greater respect."

Feeling as though Varuna was about to make things complicated, Paul interjected, saying, "There's no need for that. They're Barbara's friends, and I've already asked them to behave casually. If they're to show me respect in the future, it will be because I've earned it."

Furrowing her brows, Varuna briefly considered protesting her Master's words but ultimately decided against it. It would be a simple matter to convince Zenith and Therese he was worthy of their respect once Paul departed for the Asura Kingdom, so Varuna decided to put off the duo's indoctrination until then.

Adopting a faint smile, Varuna said, "Then, at least for the time being, let's enjoy these snacks and speak freely..."

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With Barbara temporarily returning to the academy, Jean accompanying Klee on her exploration, and Noelle familiarizing herself with the estate's facilities, Paul and Varuna were left alone in a secret dungeon constructed by the latter.

"You did well," said Paul. "Jean can be a little too straightforward at times, so I was relieved when you appeared to help settle things..."

Contrasting the sincerity in his words, Paul had an almost apathetic look on his face as he dripped crimson candle wax on the bound, gagged, and blindfolded Varuna. Her neck, wrists, and ankles were fixed in place by a wooden pillory, but instead of being in distress, nasally moans emanated from Varuna's throat as she breathed laboriously through her nose.

As the wax built up on Varuna's breasts, Paul couldn't help wondering how things had developed to this point. It wasn't nearly as extreme as some of the things he had done with Atofe and the two Kishirikas, but when it came to Varuna, Paul always had the distinct impression he was corrupting something meant to be pure...

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(A/N: We all know Goddesses are even kinkier than Demons...)