"If it's a matter of identity, then things will indeed become a little complicated."
At the mention of this topic, Emerald's expression grew more serious. "Without a doubt, before we can truly place you in the position of Scepter, we'll first need Her Majesty's approval..."
"But there was conflict between her and me."
Larkspur emphasized her situation. "I don't think that if I were to suddenly reappear before her now, she would simply let bygones be bygones."
"Then we'll probably have to first see what kind of conflict you're talking about."
Emerald looked somewhat curious. "So, would you mind sharing it with us? Why exactly did you fall out with Her Majesty back then?"
This question did not receive an immediate reply, because Larkspur had already fallen silent.
However, everyone present knew that Larkspur was weighing the pros and cons, so none of them urged her. They simply waited quietly.
After a moment, Larkspur sighed.
"After I stepped down from the battlefield back then, I developed many doubts."
She began, "Among those doubts were questions like, 'What exactly does the Magic Kingdom choose magical girls for?' 'What are magical girls in the Kingdom's eyes?' and 'Is the Interrealm truly beyond redemption?' There were many questions that I could barely remember now. But I began to question the meaning of my participation in that war, in that slaughter. I even started to waver over whether the Magic Kingdom truly represented justice."
"We all know that, young one."
Emerald explained lightly, "Not to mention a nation—even a small team or organization. As long as there are enough people, all kinds of people will inevitably appear, including bad ones. No organization can guarantee its own purity, not even the Magic Kingdom."
"...What I doubted was not whether there were bad people within the