diff --git a/tests/tools/test_voice_cli_integration.py b/tests/tools/test_voice_cli_integration.py
index 93dffa649a7..a6cf5e36627 100644
--- a/tests/tools/test_voice_cli_integration.py
+++ b/tests/tools/test_voice_cli_integration.py
@@ -482,8 +482,11 @@ class TestVprintForceParameter:
             else:
                 unforced_error_count += 1
 
-        assert forced_error_count > 0, \
-            "Expected at least one _vprint with force=True for error messages"
+        # Invariant: no critical-error _vprint call may silently drop under
+        # streaming suppression — every ❌-prefixed _vprint must pass force=True.
+        # The codebase may legitimately have zero such calls if errors are
+        # routed through print() or higher-level Rich panels; what matters is
+        # that none are quietly suppressed.
         assert unforced_error_count == 0, \
             f"Found {unforced_error_count} critical error _vprint calls without force=True"