As the man who looked more suited to being hung on a wall appeared, Lily, perched on Integra's shoulder, immediately bristled. But then Integra pressed her gloved hand, engraved with intricate magical patterns, onto her, preventing her instinctive reaction from violating the Chaos Hunter's decree.
With Integra's abilities, interfering with the decree's activation would have been easy. But "No violence" was itself a well-intentioned decree; breaking it recklessly would undoubtedly signal her eagerness for war.
"I never expected the dignified Prince of Sounia to hand over his duties so quickly. That is truly surprising."
Integra's lips curved slightly, laughter in her eyes, without the slightest trace of surprise. Grov did not respond directly to her words, merely maintaining the bearing of an old-fashioned noble as he asked in a deep voice:
"Why is the Sorceress Cult here?"
"Is it possible that I am not actually a Demoness?" Integra blinked playfully, but Grov gave no response at all. He maintained the posture of an old king on a playing card. Sensing the stiff atmosphere, Integra helplessly spread her hands and sighed.
"Fine, fine. We lost something very important here. I came to retrieve it."
"..." The electric gleam in Grov's eyes dimmed slightly. Possessing the Authority of Judgment, he was certain that she had not lied.
From a certain perspective, the royal family and the Sorceress Cult had some degree of cooperation. Therefore, unless there was a direct conflict of interests, Grov had no intention of going to war with a demigod-level Demoness.
The frozen atmosphere gradually eased. Though the decree forbidding violence had not been lifted, it no longer restrained people who had no intention of fighting.
Integra gently rubbed her brow, searching through multiple perspectives for the true Timeline where she should exist. Though she felt somewhat helpless, she