"Haha, actually, another reason is that I can't beat the Tsaritsa."
Venti stood with his hands on his hips, looking as though nothing was wrong, and spoke with a smile.
"What! Is that Tsaritsa really that scary?" Paimon covered her mouth in surprise.
"That's right. Otherwise, the Fatui wouldn't dare throw their weight around in every nation."
Venti nodded.
"...Um, Lord Barbatos, what exactly is a Gnosis? Will losing it affect you in any way?"
Eula rested both hands on the sides of her pelvis, beside her buttocks clad in a one-piece leather bodysuit. There were cutouts here covered in sheer black stockings, offering faint glimpses of the snowy-white skin beneath.
Venti explained:
"A Gnosis is a magical organ similar to a Vision, only a little more advanced. It's the symbol of the Seven.
"With it, you can command the corresponding elemental authority. Without it, I'm simply a little weaker. It won't cause me any harm."
"Phew-" Paimon relaxed a little at his words. "I thought losing that thing meant you wouldn't have long to live."
"Of course not. Generally speaking, as long as they aren't killed outright, Demon Gods basically don't have to worry about their lifespans.
"But there are other unavoidable problems. For instance, the longer you live, the more emotional 'erosion' you experience. And the more 'erosion' you accumulate, the more likely you are to become someone even you dislike as you go on living."
Venti spread his hands as he spoke.
"I see. But I haven't heard the word 'erosion' used much. What exactly does it mean?"
Lumine folded her arms across her chest, a hint of confusion appearing on her fair face.
"Hmm... As time passes, or as you experience distressing events, the accumulation can cause harmful changes to your temperament and understanding that even