Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl
Chapter 43: The Privilege Called “Willfulness”

Becoming a Magical Girl was like a beam of light piercing through Xia Liang’s life, illuminating a path where she could save herself.

So much so that she didn’t hesitate at all—she didn’t even consider what she might have to sacrifice—before she agreed.

"Because, for me, that was the first time in so many years that I felt needed."

Looking at Veronica, Xia Liang’s eyes flickered. “I was really lucky to receive an invitation from Xiaolu and you, senpai, at that time. Becoming a Magical Girl was an incredible surprise for me, like living in a dream.”

“Then why do you feel troubled now?” Veronica nodded, maintaining her calm demeanor as she continued asking. However, after hearing Xia Liang’s “story,” her heart was far less composed than she appeared.

She did not immediately offer comfort, because she knew very well—Xia Liang had walked through her past to reach the present, and she had held onto her principles instead of being swallowed whole by her experiences and a bleak life. That meant she had endured hardships and honed her will.

Someone like her did not need “sympathy.”

Xia Liang had chosen to share her story, not to seek such a useless sentiment. When it came to personal suffering, sympathy was the lightest, most effortless form of kindness—one that required no responsibility.

If she had only read about Xia Liang in some tragic news story, Veronica would have expressed sympathy without hesitation. But she knew Xia Liang personally. Xia Liang was a Magical Girl she had chosen for Fangting City and her own daughter’s future. She was real—standing in front of her, waiting for guidance. She needed real help.

“Why am I still troubled?” Xia Liang followed Veronica’s question, unconsciously pressing a hand to her chest, looking lost. “There’s no doubt that I’m happy. This past month has been more meaningful than the past year of my life. But… where is this emptiness coming from?”

…Perhaps, at its core, it was still loneliness?

Veronica remained silent, but she had already made a judgment in her heart.

Putting herself in Xia Liang’s shoes—if she were living alone in this house that carried both happy and painful memories, if she came back to an empty space after every Magical Girl mission… then yes, she, too, would feel lonely.

Since that was the case, she knew exactly what she needed to say.

"Little Viola."

After organizing her thoughts, Veronica spoke: “How do you feel about your mother now?”

There was no doubt that the person who had influenced Xia Liang’s life the most was her biological mother. However, the ideology her mother had instilled—‘Be a good child’—was exactly what had led to Xia Liang’s current self-doubt.

Veronica knew she couldn’t erase years of conditioning in a few words, but she had to at least show Xia Liang what was right.

“My mother?” Xia Liang lowered her head in a daze. “Honestly, I don’t even know myself.”

She thought about Veronica’s question and hesitated. “I guess… I still have lingering feelings for her? That’s why I keep wanting an answer from her. But after all these years, no matter how many times I visit the prison, she refuses to see me.”

“Then, allow me to be blunt.”

Veronica straightened her posture and looked at Xia Liang seriously. “I believe that what your mother told you was wrong.”

“…A lot of people have told me that,” Xia Liang lifted her head and gave a dry laugh. “But no one has ever explained why. What do you think, senpai?”

“Because being ‘obedient’ and being ‘loved’ are not causally related.” Veronica’s expression was calm, but her voice was firm.

This was something she had to help Xia Liang understand—the distinction between the two.

“Haha, that’s true.” After a brief pause, Xia Liang smiled bitterly. “I’ve actually thought about that before.”

She exhaled lightly. “I know that simply obeying doesn’t change anything. If I had spoken up earlier back then, maybe I wouldn’t have ended up as a child without a home. In the end, I was just trying to comfort myself, to convince myself everything was okay.”

“The human heart is complicated. Don’t blame yourself for something like this—you’ve already done well.”

Shaking her head, Veronica interrupted her self-reproach. “Besides, what I want to say is that being obedient isn’t inherently wrong. A good child should be praised and encouraged. But at the same time… being willful is a child’s privilege.”

“…Willful?” Xia Liang blinked in surprise.

“Yes. Willful.” Veronica affirmed it.

Xia Liang frowned slightly. “But being willful annoys adults, right? Doesn’t that make them dislike you?”

“You’re oversimplifying adults.”

Veronica pressed her hand down, signaling her to listen. “Being willful all the time is annoying, yes. But being willful in moderation… is actually a form of affection. It’s a way of acting spoiled.”

“Eh?” Xia Liang gasped. “Even if you say that…”

“Children who are too obedient—who never act willful or express their desires—seem too perfect, too ideal. And that can actually make some broken adults feel incompetent.”

Veronica lowered her gaze and explained slowly, “In front of such an ‘understanding’ child, they feel inadequate—like they’re the ones who don’t understand anything. Like they’re the ones being comforted, rather than the other way around.”

“If it’s a normal parent, they might reflect on their shortcomings. But if it’s someone whose heart is already filled with darkness… they’ll reject it. They’ll resent it. They might even come to hate the child.”

“If I had to make a guess, I’d say your mother eventually felt that way. When you tried to comfort her, it probably wounded her pride instead.”

“…So it wasn’t my fault, but my mother’s failure as a parent?”

Veronica didn’t answer immediately. She could see Xia Liang trying to process everything, so she gave her a moment to think.

Xia Liang struggled to find a rebuttal.

“…Then, what should I do now?”

After a long silence, she spoke in a low voice. “Even if I realize these things now, I can’t change the past.”

“I already said it—it was never your fault. There’s nothing for you to ‘fix.’”

Sensing Xia Liang’s deep-seated obsession with this issue, Veronica sighed. “If you really can’t let it go, then at least set it aside for now. Look forward.”

Xia Liang looked at her, puzzled.

“Like I said before—learn to be willful.”

Veronica’s voice softened as she raised a finger. “Instead of forcing a smile to please others, learn to be selfish. Think for yourself.”

“…That sounds difficult.”

Xia Liang gave a small, wry smile. “And even if I wanted to be willful, how would I do it?”

“You can start with your teammates—White Rose and me.”

Veronica turned her finger toward herself. “Even right now, I’m here.”

“…What?”

“I am an adult who can accept and tolerate your willfulness. So use me as your practice. Say what’s on your mind. I won’t dislike you for it.”

Veronica spoke calmly. “Think I’m too strict? Too cold? Say it. Even if I don’t agree, it’ll help us understand each other.”

“…Whoa, that’s amazing!”

For the first time that night, Xia Liang’s eyes sparkled with admiration. Even her tone brightened. “Senpai, you really sound like an adult when you say that!”

“There’s no ‘sound like’—I am an adult.” Veronica narrowed her eyes.

“Then… how should I start?”

Ignoring Veronica’s grumbling, Xia Liang seemed to have found a new goal and began to ponder.

Then, after some thought, she beamed and clasped her hands together.

“I already said it before, senpai.”

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at Veronica.

“Tonight, let’s sleep together!”