Off Work, Then I Become a Magical Girl
Chapter 90: Death Anniversary

It was another Saturday, and Lin Yun was up early as usual.

Although he no longer had to deal with social obligations or overtime, his nights were still occupied—staying up late to tutor two struggling elementary school students, then preparing lesson plans afterward. It was well past midnight before he could finally rest.

Fortunately, at his age, he no longer needed as much sleep as he had in his younger years. Six hours were enough.

After tidying himself up, he put on his usual black suit and retrieved a necklace from Aya’s jewelry box—the one he had prepared last week. Then, he pushed open the bedroom door and stepped out.

After handling some ingredients from the fridge, he called Lin Xiaolu to wake up. The father and daughter ate breakfast together before setting off for Aya’s grave.

Since last week’s wedding anniversary—when Lin Xiaolu’s attempt to follow Lin Yun had failed, only for her to learn the truth about her mother’s death—the tension between them had mostly eased.

Although their relationship was still awkward and somewhat distant after years of silent conflict, the barriers between them were gradually mending. At the very least, Lin Xiaolu no longer deliberately put on a cold face when speaking to him. Occasionally, she even hesitated before making an effort to start a conversation, as if trying to rebuild their bond.

For Lin Yun, this was already more than satisfactory.

As a father, he had refrained from commenting on her identity as a Magical Girl. After all, as Veronica, he had observed her progress firsthand. He knew she was beginning to find her path.

The only unexpected development was what had happened in battle a few days ago.

According to the three girls' accounts, in a moment of crisis, Lin Xiaolu had unleashed a mysterious white magic and defeated an enemy whose strength clearly surpassed Caterpillar-tier.

The nature of the enemy was also unusual—a magus capable of transforming into a Ravager.

Lin Yun had never heard of such an ability before. But as for Lin Xiaolu’s magic, his suspicions aligned with those of the black-robed man from Black Cinders Dawn—

It was highly possible that Lin Xiaolu was a Deviant.

Although neither he nor Aya had ever shown any traits of being Deviants, magic’s unique properties didn’t necessarily manifest in every generation. Bai Jingxuan’s parents were ordinary people, after all.

Still, this was all just speculation. To confirm it, he would need to conduct further research with Lin Xiaolu in the future.

After passing an identity check at the cemetery entrance, Lin Yun parked the car and led Lin Xiaolu inside.

They soon arrived at Aya’s tombstone. Lin Yun silently placed the prepared flowers before the grave, then carefully hung the necklace beside them.

In the old days, cities across Donghua Province had a tradition of burning spirit money to honor the deceased. However, as urban development progressed and burial practices became more centralized, this custom faded.

Now, people simply left gifts—anything the deceased had loved in life. Be it alcohol, clothing, or personal mementos, they would place these offerings at the grave and retrieve them on the next visit.

Because public cemeteries were strictly managed and patrolled, there was no concern about theft.

Over the years, Lin Yun had come to visit regularly—not just on death anniversaries, but also on important occasions. For him, this was the only way to keep Aya’s memory alive.

In contrast, Lin Xiaolu had visited far less often. As a middle school student, she lacked the time or ability to come on her own. And with their two-year-long silent war, she had no opportunity to visit with Lin Yun either.

Counting today, this was only the third time she had been here since her mother’s funeral.

Back then, she had come with simple grief and longing. But now, standing before Aya’s tombstone, her heart was filled with far more complex emotions.

Not only was there the nostalgia that had surged in her heart upon learning that her mother had been a Magical Girl, but also everything she had experienced in recent days—her conversations with Veronica, her battles against formidable enemies, her hard-fought victories.

Standing before the small tombstone, she thought:

If Mom were still alive today, we would have so much to talk about.

“…Mom, I’m here.”

With that, she softly began to speak.

She told her mother everything—how she had met Moko, how she had become a Magical Girl, how she had encountered Veronica, how she had grown, and how she had found companions.

She spared no detail, as if truly reporting her life to her mother.

If this had been a visit in the past, she might have spoken about her conflicts with her father, about the pain of their cold war, about all the unpleasant memories.

But now, she no longer felt the need to bring those things up.

Compared to her journey as a Magical Girl, those troubles felt insignificant.

Standing quietly beside her, Lin Yun listened without interrupting.

He had things he wanted to say to Aya, too.

But with Lin Xiaolu here, it wasn’t the right time.

So, he told her silently in his heart—

I chose to come back.

To face the truth he had long avoided.

To face the people he had no desire to see again.

And to face the dreams he once held.

There was no need for words.

His resignation had been his answer.

The father and daughter remained at the grave for a long while.

Only when Lin Xiaolu had finished speaking did she slowly rise to her feet and look at Lin Yun.

He noticed the slight redness at the corners of her eyes.

“…Dad.”

She inhaled deeply before speaking.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“Oh?” Lin Yun feigned ignorance. “What decision?”

“I’m going to keep walking this path as a Magical Girl—all the way.”

Lin Xiaolu’s tone was unwavering.

“And one day, I’ll become strong enough to uncover the truth and protect everything I hold dear.”

“A bold ambition,” Lin Yun murmured, his voice soft. “But I believe in you.”

“I want to find the one who killed Mom—and defeat her. I want to protect the people of this city, my companions… even Veronica…”

Her voice grew quieter. She lowered her head.

Then, in a barely audible whisper, she added:

“…and you.”

For a moment, Lin Yun was taken aback.

Then, unable to hold back a chuckle, he reached out and ruffled her hair.

“Your dad’s not that old yet,” he said, amused. “I’ve still got legs. If anything happens, I know how to run. Worry about yourself first.”

“Don’t mess up my hair,” Lin Xiaolu muttered, swatting his hand away. “And I’ve told you—rubbing my head stunts my growth.”

“Have some faith in your genes.” Lin Yun retracted his hand, glancing at the tombstone. “You take after me and your mom. You’ll be fine.”

“…Really?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“At least, that’s what I think.”

Turning, Lin Yun motioned for her to follow.

“Alright, time to go. Have you decided what to eat for lunch?”

“…Huh? Why does that sound just like something Veronica would say?”

She grumbled to herself, but quickly stepped forward to follow her father.

“Whatever, I think we still have leftovers from last night.”

“Weren’t you just talking about growing taller? How are you going to do that eating leftovers?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because leftovers aren’t nutritious.”

“Then what should we eat? Are we eating out?”

Their conversation drifted away as they left the cemetery, walking side by side.

Behind them, Aya’s tombstone remained still.

The flowers lay in quiet tribute, and the necklace gleamed softly in the midday sunlight, bathed in a warm, golden glow.