Audrey had long known that persuading Alice would be difficult. Of course, it was not because Alice was stubborn. In fact, as long as one followed Alice's train of thought, it was easy to guide her into changing her mind.
The real difficulty was following her train of thought.
Alice's way of thinking was often novel and bizarrely reasonable.
Just like now.
Killing everyone was too cruel, so making everyone forget... was that normal?
After a brief silence, Audrey picked up where Alice had left off. "But the Church didn't do this just to save on compensation payments, which means..."
"It means believers are still very important to True Gods." Alice used her spoon to mix together the different layers of ice cream before scooping up a spoonful and putting it into her mouth. "The Church doesn't lack money, but it lacks believers."
Audrey froze slightly.
"I know what you're thinking." Alice stared at the ice cream she had stirred together and frowned. "Or rather, I can probably understand a little..."
Setting down the now less appetizing-looking ice cream, Alice raised her head and said softly:
"I seem to be taking human lives less and less seriously.
"I always feel that... if this continues, things will head in a very bad direction. At least, a direction I don't like.
"But there's nothing I can do. I can only wait."
Audrey paused for a moment. She seemed to realize something and asked tentatively, "Do all High-Sequence Beyonders end up like this?"
Leaning back in her chair, Alice pursed her lips. "Divinity is a form of corruption."
Audrey's eyes widened in surprise. She wanted to continue asking about it, but Alice picked up her ice cream again, scooped up a large spoonful, stuffed it into her mouth, and puffed out her cheeks.