Gwen stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Likewise."
Himeko reached out and shook his hand, her gaze filled with admiration—
Handsome, powerful, and highly placed... He was practically everything Himeko liked.
What a pity he was already married...
If only I'd met you a few years earlier, would there still have been any chance for that little Kiana?
Muttering inwardly, Himeko sighed to herself, though her face still wore the smile of old friends reuniting—
Although they had only met once or twice and were not especially familiar with each other, Himeko had still come to know Gwen somewhat through Kiana's stories.
"It seems the stigmata helped you greatly."
While shaking hands, Gwen checked Himeko's physical condition. Finding it even better than expected, he smiled as he spoke.
"Mm. It not only gave me my life back, but also extended it by several decades."
At the mention of it, Himeko smiled as well.
"Earlier, I went to headquarters to take part in Dr. Mei's experiment and had the stigmata adjusted again.
If nothing unexpected happens, it should be able to extend my lifespan another time.
Even counting the years I lost when I was younger, I should still be able to live past a hundred..."
"Huh?
Really?"
Kiana grinned and scooted over to Himeko's side.
"Then it's settled. When you celebrate your hundredth birthday, Grandma Himeko, you have to send me an invitation..."
"Grandma my ass!"
Feeling the veins on her forehead throb at Kiana's words, Himeko gave her a solid knock on the head.
"Hehe, you missed!"
Kiana blinked away with a spatial jump, then grinned as she made a face at Himeko.
"..."
Knowing full well that she could never catch Kiana, Himeko glared at her young friend before turning back to Gwen.
"Come to think of it,