“Let’s not talk about that. I need something that will suit Miyu.” Shizuku quickly changed the subject since it was embarrassing to talk about. 

“Alright. Alright.” Nora grinned before looking at Miyumi. “Hmmm, what skills did you get?”

“I got a one-handed sword skills and a defensive skill. But I have not had a chance to use either.” Miyumi replied. She hated the fact that even though she was supposed to be a hero of some kind, she was unable to use any skills since she had come here. They had only done some physical training during the day. But other than that, they were locked away like little birds in a cage.

“That stupid church is really… Alright, we will do it like this. I think a mix of leather and plate male with a round shield and short sword will work for now. Catkin is nibble, so she can use this to her advantage and become what is known as an agility tank.” Nora had changed Miyumi with the idea of making her into an agility type since it would be easier on Shizuku when she went into the dungeon and had to heal. 

“An agility tank!” Miyumi’s eyes lit up. She did not know how she was going to be useful to Shizuku, but now it was like a light bulb going off. She now had a path for her future, one that would be very useful to Shizuku.

“That’s perfect.” Shizuku smiled. She could tell Miyumi was very happy.

“Okay, let me get the armo…” Nora’s body swayed as she got up, her body trembling ever so slightly.

“Are you okay!?” Shizuku quickly went forward to keep Nora from falling. When she grabbed hold of Nora’s hand, her brow furrowed. “What happened? It’s like you have no magic left in your body.”

“You can tell just by touching me?” Nora let out a sigh. She was trying to hide it. “Don’t tell my husband, but I will be like this for a few months. I used up too much magic earlier that pulls on my life force. It’s my own fault for over-exerting myself. But unlike humans, we elves will regain that life force back after meditation and communing with the spirits.”

“Nora, don’t bull shit me. You used some special magic to change Miyu, didn’t you? And the price was your life force?” Shizuku could tell right away what the problem was. She could tell a person's life force just by looking at them. This was part of her race abilities. It was also how a vampire would choose their targets. One with a higher life force would always taste better.

“I really can’t hide it from you, can I?” Nora sighed and nodded. “I used a forbidden spell. I wanted to help in any way I could. Mainly because I owe you a lot.”

“Owe me? I think I owe you more than anything, right?” Shizuku did not understand. She had not done anything for Nora to be owed anything. In fact, she had not done anything at all. She had been the one on the receiving end the entire time.

“No, you have. You have helped Margret. Without you, she would still be in a dazed slump, sitting in her inn, not caring about the world around her. But now…. She plans to go out and return to her life as an adventurer. This is something I can not repay you for. You have helped her get past the past and have allowed her to move forward something I could never do. Margret is my dear friend, and I care a lot about her.” Nora really was thankful toward Shizuku. She was like an angel who descended to pass down Goddess Yunni’s blessing on them.

“I would have done it no matter what. Margret is my mother in this world now. As her daughter, I have to help her in any way I can, right? Why go so far to the point of hurting yourself? Margret nor I would ever want this.” Shizuku gave Nora a hug and gently rubbed her back. “But even so. I thank you since you helped protect my dearest friend.”

“I am glad it was not a waste. You should hurry and level her up, or there might be issues later on. I suggest leaving the city as soon as possible. The church is bound to make a serious move at some point.” Nora was very worried about Shizuku getting caught up in the church’s schemes if she stayed in the city.

“Then we will take the armor and head to the dungeon now.” Shizuku helped Nora sit down before having her tell her which armor to grab. When they gathered everything, Shizuku paid and bid farewell to Nora. She hoped Nora would be able to heal herself soon. She did not know how elven magic worked, but a forbidden spell must have some kind of long-lasting side effect.

“I told you you would not be able to hide it. I already called for the elven chief to send an item to help you gather life force. It will take some time. So rest for now.” Old Buldarg walked over, picked his wife up, and brought her to the main house. He did not want her working anymore uantil she was better.

Shizuku had walked to the dungeon with Mei and Miyu in tow but was stopped just outside the entrance. “Are you here to question me again?” Shizuku looked at Liandra with caution in her eyes.

“No.” Liandra’s body flashed, showing off her real speed as she stopped next to Shizuku and placed her hand on SHizuku’s shoulder. “Your friends are under my care….. You were right….”

“Master!” Mei and Miyumi both yelled out as they rushed to pull Shizuku behind them, but Liandra already began walking away without a word.

“It’s fine….” Shizuku’s lips curled up into a smile. It seemed her words finally reached the holy knight.