On the opposite mountain path, which seemed to lead from Count Dorclife's territory, the Hero’s Party appeared at the summit—and immediately locked eyes with us.

While Gepmazoshegigat, Cerista, and Seraphina looked unsurprised as if they had anticipated this meeting, Agnes and Natalie stared at me with confusion, clearly wondering what I was doing there.

“Haah... Lilith...? What are you doing here?” Agnes panted, bewildered.

“That’s what I’d like to ask, Agnes. And seeing the Hero, the Saintess, and Princess Seraphina here... this feels like...”

“...Probably what you think it is,” Cerista replied calmly.

...Come to think of it, the full …