She is not an investigator.

Isabella took a deep breath, then gave a cold laugh.

“Nolan, Nolan, that’s fine… From now on, I will prove to you that my feelings for her will never be inferior to anyone else’s.”

"Oh…"

Nolan shook his head dismissively, not taking her words to heart at all.

She has no more concerns now, neither about her identity nor her family.

Sharti is already a mature witch, and she should have let go long ago.

Right now, she can't see any possibility that she might lose.

"I am back."

The door was pushed open, and Igris silently walked into the room, then noticed the two people staring at each other.

She hesitated for a moment, then took a half step back and said softly.

"...Or, should I go outside and wait for you guys to finish?"

"We didn't fight, we were just having a normal chat."

Nolan walked over to Igris and very skillfully pulled her to sit on a chair next to him.

"Actually, I came here mainly because of your situation. I heard about your difficulties from Isabella, so I came here immediately to help you."

"whispering sound…"

Isabella was practically spitting in disdain. It was clearly Isabella who had helped unconditionally, yet this witch came over to take credit. How shameless!

"I see... Well, to be honest, I never thought I'd see you again..."

"Shh-"

Nolan abruptly pressed his finger to Igris's lips and whispered.

The past is the past. Now... I'm still by your side. Our feelings for each other will never be worn down by time, just like...

"Cough cough—!"

"..."

Nolan was interrupted by Isabella, who walked over and patted Igris on the shoulder under her displeased gaze.

"...Would you like some cookies?"

"...?"

Although Igris had a strange feeling that the two of them were a bit odd, she would never shake her head when faced with cookies.

However, she still had many questions to ask.

"Speaking of which... Nolan, you..."

"Ahem, I am Nolan, the vice dean of the Witch Academy. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Vice Dean..."

Igris paused for a moment, then suddenly realized something.

"So, you really are Sharti's mother. I thought it was just a coincidence of names."

"Hey, Sharti...do you still know Sharti?"

Igris nodded, and said with a hint of amusement.

"A rather cute little witch, but she's clumsy and always loses her pets."

"..."

For some reason, Nolan's expression turned sour.

Isabella noticed this and poked her shoulder with a hint of schadenfreude, only to be slapped away.

After all, according to normal age, Igris and Sharti are the same age. In comparison, the age gap between Nolan and Igris is still a bit too big.

The Gods' Fool's Play - Beyond the World: Chapter Sixty-Nine, May All Be Well

"Besides, you've changed so much since then."

"...Have I... grown old...?"

"No, I mean in terms of personality. You... are much stronger than before."

Nolan opened his mouth, then silently lowered his head.

People always change, and so do witches. As the vice-principal of the witch academy, she also had to become stronger and tougher.

Although this will make her boring and shrewd, it is something she has to do.

Because she is no longer the carefree little witch she once was; now she is a leader who can stand on her own.

"…Feel sorry."

Nolan didn't know why she was apologizing; perhaps it was because she was worried that her changes would disappoint Igris.

However, Igris simply shook her head and smiled apologetically.

"I'm the one who should apologize. Thank you for remembering my name and our past."

"...Oh, right! Um, when you left before...you didn't notice, but now, please accept this...!"

Nolan's hand trembled suddenly, and a crimson rose appeared out of thin air in her hand, which she handed to Igris.

"Rose...?"

"Ah, this... I, I made a mistake... I'm sorry."

Igris shook her head and took the rose from her hand.

"It's alright, I really like your gift, thank you."

"..."

"Um... Also, an operator from the Special Investigations Department just came to see me. I need to go out for a bit. See you later."

"Ah, goodbye..."

Nolan watched as Igris left the room again, and the smile on his face finally broke out. The joy in his eyes was almost tangible, shining brightly.

Even Isabella couldn't stand the sight of it.

"Are you in heat?"

"What's it to you?"

Isabella chuckled coldly, finding it somewhat amusing.

"Do you want to listen to your own voice just now? You're not even trying to look young like this. You're old enough to be her great-grandmother."

"..."

"Furthermore, I have never heard of a vice-dean of the Witch Academy, a true great witch, who would even mistake a flower."

"Shut up!"

"I'm getting anxious."

…………

Igris didn't know why the Special Investigations Department's operators were looking for her, but it was probably about the upcoming operation.

As agreed upon at the designated location, Igris arrived at the entrance of the nearby police station.

Soon, someone spotted her and invited her inside the police station.

Then, she saw several very familiar people again.

“Igris—”

"Emilyda, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Morgans?"

Seeing Emily approaching quickly to hug her, Igris gently pushed her away and asked curiously in return.

"I brought her here."

"...It's been a long time."

In a corner, a man dressed in a classic black suit sat quietly watching Igris.

"It has indeed been a long time. If headquarters hadn't needed support this time, we probably wouldn't have seen each other again until after I retired."

He slowly stood up, took off his sunglasses, and nodded slightly to Igris as a greeting.

"Retired? You look quite young, Officer Passa."

"My physical condition can no longer support high-intensity combat, so this is probably the last time I will carry out this kind of combat mission."

Passa remained the same, like an ice cube, speaking coldly and not very talkative even when facing acquaintances.

"However, is this support only for the two of you?"

"Actually, there are three."

As soon as Pasa finished speaking, a slippery, cold sensation suddenly crept up Igris's back, sending a chill down her spine.

Before she could turn around, a very familiar tentacle silently snatched the rose from Igris's hand.

"Prepared for me? Then I'll accept it."

"That voice..."

Igris turned her head, looked at the figure behind her, subconsciously took a few steps back, and placed her hand on her weapon.

"Krysna?"

"Are you so surprised to see me, Igris?"

Cleopatra was surrounded by clusters of tentacles, one of which was still holding the rose she had just been holding, and gently brought it to her nose.

"I remember you once gave me a bouquet of flowers like this."

"..."

Looking at her, Igris suddenly didn't know what to say.

After all, compared to that florist, she now looks more like... the monster summoned by the Deep Sea Church.