Magiclad Girls and a Mob who will save them, or else the world is doomed!

Chapter 124: In her thirties

For now, I was invited to a room in Karen's apartment. It was a simple room with no unnecessary items.

I was told to sit down, so I took a seat. This world without me... I couldn't imagine it, but it was the reality. I was here to find out how they were doing, whether they were grieving. I had no choice but to ask Karen.

"Let's have dinner, and then we can talk."

"Okay."

Karen had short hair now, and she looked more mature than before. She skillfully and efficiently prepared the meal. It was different from the Karen I had known, and she seemed genuinely skilled in cooking.

In just a short while, a delicious aroma filled the room, and soon, the table was set with dishes like ginger pork, miso soup, and white rice. It was incredibly delicious, especially the ginger pork.

"Let's eat first, and then we can talk"

"Understood. Thank you for the meal"

Karen's cooking was incredibly delicious. The consistent flavors showed that she had put a lot of effort into perfecting her cooking. While I enjoyed my meal, Karen watched me eat, smiling with tears in her eyes. I had seconds and savored the meal for a while. Afterward, we cleaned up all the dishes, and then we both sat on the sofa. Karen had been silent for a while, and finally, she took a deep breath and began to speak with a heavy tone.

"Then I'll tell you... 14 years ago, Izayoi was protecting an ordinary person and died when your heart was pierced by the Demon King... The Demon King's last struggle... killed Izayoi... No, no one could protect you...we lost everything in an instant."

"And what about the others?"

"They all went their separate ways. We blamed each other, and Kohaku and Kuroko stopped going to school and became hikikomori. Aoi and Moegi attended school, but they stopped talking to each other."

"I see."

Knowing that everyone had gone their separate ways, I felt a profound sense of loss. I couldn't help but blame myself, and anger welled up inside me.

"It's not your fault, you know? Don't think too much about it."

"Y-yes"

"But I know you'll probably keep thinking about it"

"That might be true...."

She quickly noticed the change in my emotions and expressions. Seeing her concerned expression made me realize that I shouldn't burden her with such worries. I tried to change my mood back to normal, away from the heavy feelings.

"So, um, about your age... You've crossed the age of thirty, right?"

"What's with that? Do I look like an old lady?"

"No, not at all! You look about twenty years younger, and you're so beautiful!"

"Oh, really? Well, I guess so. My parents have always told me that!"

As always, I conveyed my sincere feelings. She seemed a bit surprised but quickly responded with confidence.

"You really are beautiful!"

"Fufu, thank you for the compliments. It's a relentless praise from Izayoi, as usual... But I have changed, you know? My hairstyle and hobbies, among other things."

"Even the way you are now is wonderful!"

"Ara well... for you to say that to an old lady like me... Huh?!"

Tears welled up in her eyes, uncontrollably streaming down her cheeks.

"This is strange... to cry like this at my age..."