The Curtain Falls

(Sun Yao)

"Although I won the crown..."

But they didn't win.

"Sigh, they actually said they don't need ratings, just broadcast the show."

After Miss Halley finished her performance, she voluntarily "withdrew," which is tantamount to handing the championship title to me.

What is she thinking?

However, his statement before going on stage that he wanted to show us what a professional idol is not an exaggeration.

Her performance would be perfectly fitting even on Broadway stage.

What is meant by "professional"?

That's what professionalism is all about.

Mr. Han Shuo, despite his advanced age, was moved to tears; Sirius also looked emotional and resentful; only Ms. SpiCa seemed unmoved... As a judge, she remained completely oblivious.

Although there were still various follow-up tasks, Sirius waved his hand and dismissed us on the spot...

There was no proof of being a champion, and not even a prize.

"Is this really okay? Aren't we going to comfort Miss Halley?"

"Comfort?"

Miluno smiled and shook her head.

"She had already let go of the past when she voluntarily withdrew, and she's probably in the most relaxed state of mind she's had in years right now. It's best not to disturb her."

Halley followed Miss SpiCa back to the branch, walking very calmly.

I feel like I won't be able to see her for a while... The same goes for Ms. Ryu and Achernar; as Monster and a witch, they've fallen into Ms. SpiCa's hands, and I wonder how they'll be treated.

In addition, Miss Sirius also took the Golden away.

They said they wanted to put it on a weight loss program.

When it's home alone, it eats its own dog food and also eats food from the refrigerator, so it's a bit unrestrained in its diet... It's visibly gotten fatter recently.

In short, for various reasons, only Miluno and I left the studio together.

"Doesn't Miluno need to go back to the treatment center?"

"I don't like hospitals, and it's about time anyway, so how about we have dinner together?"

Miluno a rare initiative to invite him out.

"Yes, I do."

I had planned to visit my mother and Yezi at the stadium, but it seems okay to have a meal first and then Past. If Yezi wakes up, he will definitely contact me.

Those who awaken must undergo an examination by the Association; if no Dark Energy is found in their bodies, they can leave directly.

However, if so, one must undergo purification treatment by the Association.

Although the branch's research department was damaged, the research has already yielded preliminary results. The Association members not only have testing equipment but can also handle trace amounts of darkness, so I don't need to put 50,000 bubbles on it.

Although hope remains slim, with deeper investigation into the Dark Energy and the Other Side, we are not without a chance to resolve this war...

But not in the way Dad wants.

"Ceruno, how about trying this place?"

Miluno held up her phone and showed it to me.

But I looked down at her legs... not out of any lewd intent.

Although he still uses crutches, his right foot, which has had its cast removed, can now walk on the ground. The unsightly burn scar can be seen through the boot opening, but it will fall off and heal in the next couple of days.

Despite the effects of the magic potion, Miluno only needed two days to recover from a severe injury that would be considered normal for a person to be disabled. Even compared to other magical girls, this was an incredibly exaggerated recovery ability... Heat Haze, who was injured by Aldebaran, is still not discharged from the hospital today.

No matter how powerful one's self-healing ability is, the pain of pressing one's right foot against the reactor to use magic is probably unbearable for most people.

Miluno is truly powerful in every way as a magical girl.

But she's always enduring this pain... and I can't protect her...

"Ceruno?"

Seeing that I didn't react, Miluno tapped my forehead with her phone.

"Oh? Hmm, then let's eat at this restaurant!"

Actually, I didn't even see which store she was referring to.

It looks like some kind of barbecue.

"Don't worry, my physical abilities are far superior to those of the average magical girl. This little injury is nothing."

"Hmm, let's have barbecue tonight."

Did she think I was just worried about her right leg?

"Longmei Pavilion, a barbecue restaurant in the E4 District... average price per person... hmm, that's quite expensive?"

A high-end barbecue restaurant located in the city center.

Even I would have to think about the four-figure price tag, but it's not that hard to accept for a magical girl.

"With so much going on lately, I need to treat myself occasionally. Plus, it's more convenient to eat there and then get back to the D3 District."

Returning from E4 District is indeed closer, but I also plan to visit my mother and Yezi in E6, which would be a longer detour for me in the opposite direction.

However, if Miluno wants to go...

I'd be willing to take the intercity train to neighboring Chaiqing City to eat wild game.

The private rooms are quaint and unlike typical barbecue restaurants, with a subtle sandalwood fragrance in the air. You don't even need to lift a finger; just order through the smart menu, and the barbecue chefs in the kitchen will prepare everything...

After ordering.

I tried to find a topic to talk about.

"Grilling meat without having to do it yourself just doesn't feel like it's missing something."

When I said that, Miluno laughed and said, "There are only two of us. Are you planning to have me bake it for you?"

"No way, I can do it too!"

Although I answered like that, I couldn't help but blush.

Thinking back to the days when Yezi and I went out for barbecue, I was always the one in charge of eating, and Yezi never complained. She would always diligently grill the meat and put it on my plate for me...

I can't believe I'm this fat; it's all Yezi's fault!

However, everything he raises gets fat; even the Golden is almost turning into a pig.

"Ceruno, I said before... if we win the match, I have something to tell you... do you remember?"

The juicy, fragrant roasted meat is served.

Miluno, who was usually so cheerful, suddenly became hesitant.

"Hmm, are you going to tell me now?"

"You know that I was originally a man, right?"

Is this what you wanted to talk about?

"Yes, Miss Sirius told me... but I don't mind at all! Miss Miluno, you plan to continue living under your current identity, right? Actually, I've made up my mind too!"

"Ceruno ..."

Miluno seemed to have something to say.

But I continued, "Because the Crystal is corrupted by Dark Energy, I can't go back to my original form right now, but that might not be a bad thing... I want to take this opportunity to make a decision and officially say goodbye to my Past self."

Miluno looked somewhat... sad.

Why are you making that face?

Does she still want me to go back to how I was before?

She asked, "Was this decision made under the influence of Dark Energy?"

"No, this is my own opinion."

Miluno nodded.

"Well then, I also have something to do—"

A cell phone rings out, oblivious to the atmosphere.

Moreover, both Miluno's and my phones rang at the same time.

"Ceruno, you're with Miluno, aren't you?"

"... Yes, we're having dinner."

It's Miss SpiCa.

Didn't she go back to the branch?

"Sorry to bother you, but please assemble at the branch within half an hour, and bring Miluno with you."

Mingming, we still have a table full of meat to finish.

"What's the rush?"

"Prosecutorate Lin Xi is back."

Aunt Lin Xi?

"She brought back several unusual reports from a third-party organization connected to your father... If the contents of these reports are true, then our strategy all along has been flawed."

"That sounds serious..."

"Come over as soon as possible, within half an hour."

Miss SpiCa hung up the phone.

Judging from Miluno's expression, she must have received the same message.

"... A call from the prosecutor."

She frowned deeply and sighed with obvious regret.

"Go to the branch first, and I'll... we'll talk about my matter later."