Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl
Book 2: Chapter 54: The Year of the Queen

Vol 2 Chapter 54: The Year of the Queen

"A special examination commemorating twenty years after the disaster?"

While tensions ran high among the girls at the secret base, Veronica , currently driving back on the highway, asked Asou Madoka with slight confusion: "Why commemorate something like that?"

Having concluded the memorial for Anya and left Fangting City's public cemetery, Lin Yun had transformed back into Veronica's appearance in preparation for returning to the secret base. Now driving, she discussed the certification examination with Madoka.

Veronica found Madoka's earlier proposal—that the Fangting City team must defeat the Bo'an City team before taking the examination—equally perplexing.

"Well... if I had to name a reason, it would be because next year marks another twenty-year cycle," Madoka replied, leaning against the passenger window while watching the passing cityscape. "You know how the Rose Palace gates open every twenty years."

The Great Calamity and Celebration. 

This phrase was etched into every magical girl's life experience, referring to that extraordinarily special year nineteen years ago.

The "Great Calamity" referred to the unprecedented "Great Beast Disaster" that erupted in the material world—its widespread impact, intense battles, and devastating casualties unseen in a century. Having survived this catastrophe, every magical girl remembered this term without exception.

But the Great Calamity was only half the phrase. The latter half was "Great Celebration," what magical kingdom citizens called the "Queen's Year."

For the kingdom, this was the once-every-twenty-years occasion when the Queen would leave the Rose Palace to travel throughout the realm. 

As the supreme authority of the magical kingdom, the Queen rarely appeared publicly. To most citizens, she remained more mysterious than anyone, as almost no one had personally met her.

Normally, the Queen remained deep within the Rose Palace, venturing only as far as its outer gardens. Only high-ranking court officials, the Queen's confidants, and magical girls holding floral-rank cards or higher could enter for an audience.

But exceptions existed—the "Queen's Year." During this time, the Queen would personally tour the kingdom to observe conditions, inspect the work of the Five Great Courts, and even lead magical girls in battle against enemies.

Thus, the Great Beast Disaster nineteen years ago wasn't just a once-in-a-century catastrophe—more significantly, it coincided with this special "Queen's Year."

Consequently, the Queen herself had taken command of the battle. The victory became known as "the glorious battle won under the Queen's wise leadership," culminating in a once-in-a-century grand celebration.

Great Beast Disaster, Great Celebration—combined, this year became permanently recorded in kingdom history as "The Great Calamity and Celebration."

Now, nineteen years after that event, next year would mark its twentieth anniversary. This meant not only another "Queen's Year" but also the twentieth anniversary of the Great Beast Disaster victory.

"The Rose Palace..." Veronica murmured the name, pursing her lips before taking a deep breath. "I see. So whose bright idea was this, and what are they trying to accomplish? Just brown-nosing?"

"From our Investigation Court's information, Her Majesty will personally observe next year's examination," Madoka explained. "To commemorate this twenty-year occasion, the Finance, Research, and Magical Affairs Courts jointly proposed adding a new examination component alongside the traditional certification. Those who pass will receive special benefits."

"A new examination..." 

A sense of foreboding filled Veronica, but to confirm her suspicions, she pressed on: "What did they come up with?"

"A simulated Great Beast Disaster."

Madoka sighed. "They'll recreate the disaster scenario at a certain scale, having examinees experience the situation firsthand while honing survival and combat skills in crisis... at least that's their justification."

"...Insane." Veronica could only offer this assessment. 

As survivors, no one understood that year's horrors better than her and Madoka—the ruins, the wailing victims, the endless waves of beasts where each encounter left you chilled to the bone. Even now they couldn't forget that helplessness and despair, let alone the current generation of magical girls.

The annual certification examination, despite stringent safety measures, still saw occasional casualties from improper operations or overly aggressive opponents. Adding an untested new component would only amplify these risks.

"This is too reckless." 

Growing increasingly agitated, Veronica added: "Is it field simulation or consciousness simulation? Who's responsible? Can we stop this?"

"Too late. The venue and spells are already prepared. Though details are unclear, significant resources have been invested. Only the current Diamond-rank or court nobility could halt it now." Madoka shook her head. "Frankly, I can't fathom their reasoning. That's why I proposed this match—our team has two white-card holders since early this year. If your trainees can defeat them, they'll have better safety assurances. Otherwise, even taking the examination could endanger them. Would you want that?"

"...Of course not." 

Veronica exhaled deeply. "Would you want juniors in such danger either?"

"Certainly not, hence my frankness." 

Madoka said quietly: "Our Bo'an team won't attempt next year's certification. Bai Ji and Mimosa aren't ready for character cards yet, and Wood Lily... I genuinely don't trust her judgment."

The conversation lapsed into mutual silence. 

Veronica pondered. Previously, she'd encouraged the examination unaware of these circumstances. Now knowing next year's increased risks, should she still urge them to participate?

She knew "magical girl" meant a lifetime of battles—she couldn't shield them forever. But was it necessary to add unnecessary risks for an examination?

This uncertainty troubled her. 

Yet she buried these doubts as the SUV returned to base—she needed to maintain composure, not letting her concerns affect the girls.

After a brief welcome, eight magical girls and one fairy gathered for dinner. 

At the table, Veronica and Madoka jointly disclosed the situation.

"I must stress—the Great Beast Disaster's danger far exceeds your current capabilities," Veronica said gravely. "Even scaled down for your level, it remains extremely hazardous. I was unaware earlier, but this examination won't be as straightforward as expected. Please consider carefully before deciding."

"And regarding that decision—Margaret and I have agreed you'll first battle Bo'an City's team. Only if victorious should you attempt the kingdom's examination."

Reactions varied across the table. 

The Bo'an members, already opting out of next year's examination, appeared relaxed—the taciturn Mimosa sipped soup expressionlessly; blonde Wood Lily smirked smugly at the Fangting group; Bai Ji, already informed, merely nodded acknowledgment.

The Fangting side showed clearer contrasts. 

Xia Liang remained the calmest, though even she seemed stunned by the unreasonable new requirement, her smile strained. 

Bai Jingxuan appeared only half-comprehending, recognizing the increased difficulty without grasping its implications. 

Lin Xiaolu (White Rose), who'd barely touched her food, silently set down her bowl after Veronica's announcement. Murmuring "I'm full," she left the table without explanation under everyone's gaze.

This unexpected departure startled even Veronica, momentarily distracted from her concerns.

"...You needn't decide immediately. Take time to process this—we'll reconvene later," Veronica finally said. "Also... does anyone know what's wrong with White Rose?"

Silence. 

Not only the Bo'an trio remained quiet—even Xia Liang and Bai Jingxuan seemed equally perplexed. 

Only Madoka, after scanning the group, gave Bai Ji a meaningful look before saying nothing further.

Receiving no answers, Veronica reluctantly dropped the subject despite her worries, continuing dinner until its conclusion. 

As hosts to first-time guests, Veronica spent additional time with the Bo'an group until nearly 9 PM when she finally visited Lin Xiaolu's room.

In the quiet hallway, her knocks echoed. 

"White Rose?" she called.

After rustling fabric and hurried footsteps came the sound of something wooden bumping, followed by a locked doorknob twisting futilely. 

The door remained shut. 

Soon, Lin Xiaolu's muffled voice responded: 

"Sorry. Veronica, I need some time alone to think. I'll sort myself out."

"I just want to help if you're facing difficulties," Veronica said calmly. "We can solve them together."

"...Sorry." 

Only this apology came before silence resumed. 

Moonlight revealed the slightly depressed doorknob—Lin Xiaolu had considered opening it before stopping. No retreating footsteps suggested she still stood there.

Veronica hesitated, knowing she could enter but recognizing her daughter's stubbornness might make intrusion counterproductive. 

Ultimately, she left quietly. 

Descending the stairwell, she unexpectedly encountered Bai Ji—normally composed but now red-eyed, gripping her own arm hesitantly.

"What's wrong?" Veronica asked. 

"...My deepest apologies, Inspector. This is all my fault," Bai Ji blurted before covering her mouth and rushing upstairs.

Baffled, Veronica watched her disappear before returning downstairs, where Madoka offered clarity: 

"My apologies—our youngster provoked yours. I've reprimanded her severely and sent her to apologize. Did she find you?" 

So that was it. 

Veronica finally understood—Lin Xiaolu and Bai Ji had argued.