Kissing the back of someone's hand had been an ancient courtesy in both the Material Realm and the Magic Kingdom.
This etiquette, known as a "hand-kiss" in the Material Realm, was generally used in very formal settings, either to express respect toward an esteemed lady or to show loyalty from a subordinate to someone of high rank. However, as times changed and society in the Material Realm grew increasingly technological, such etiquette had gradually faded from people's lives.
Nowadays, hand-kisses mostly appeared in films and literary works, becoming an act with a distinctly romantic flavor. As a result, young people generally regarded it as a relatively intimate and romantic gesture. Regardless of what Asō Madoka herself thought, the young magical girls from Fangting City and Bai'an City all erupted at once, letting out waves of startled cries.
While the girls from Bai'an City were merely driven by gossip, those from Fangting City—especially Lin Xiaolu—looked at Asō Madoka as if she wanted to eat her alive. She practically rushed over in two strides and sternly demanded, "What are you doing?"
"This is merely an intimate form of greeting, Xiao Lu," Asō Madoka had answered.
"If you want to show intimacy, shaking hands or giving a hug is enough! Who does something like you... like you..."
Lin Xiaolu stammered for a long time without figuring out how to describe the other woman's behavior. But after she gradually processed what Asō Madoka had said, she quickly noticed another issue. "Wait, why do you know my name?"
"I used to be a magical girl in this city, so naturally, I was also your mother's friend."
Without changing her expression, Asō Madoka glanced at Larkspur beside her. Seeing no reaction from her, she continued casually, "You may not remember, but I even held you in