After Kasuka Mado and Kiyoko Aura finished catching up, they each went about their respective business.
Amaha Byakuya helped Kasuka Mado complete the reinstatement procedures, restoring her to her original position as Associate Special Class Investigator.
However, she wouldn't hold this position for long. Once the CCG was renamed, the title of "Investigator" and its ranking system would also change.
Of course, only the names would change—the status would remain the same.
"Is the current work still mainly routine patrols?"
Kasuka Mado asked Amaha Byakuya.
"Yes. Although all those ghouls have become human, some of them are inherently malicious by nature. We still need to prevent them from endangering society."
Amaha Byakuya nodded.
"I understand. Are there still Quinques available?"
Kasuka Mado asked.
"No. RC cells have completely vanished from this world, and all Quinques have become useless along with them."
Amaha Byakuya replied. "The weapons used now are primarily firearms."
"I see. Then I'll need some time to adjust..."
Having all Quinques suddenly become unusable would certainly require an adjustment period.
Fortunately, all investigators had basically received firearms training. In terms of using firearms alone, they had no problems.
"The patrol intensity isn't high right now either, so you can take your time adjusting."
Amaha Byakuya smiled.
"Mm. Once today's work is done, I'll go back and spend some quality time with Kureo and Akira."
Kasuka Mado said.
Then she set off to carry out her patrol duties.
...
Some time later...
Even after all these days had passed, looking at her mother before her still felt like a dream to Akira Mado.
Her mother was just too young—like someone her own age. She could easily pass as her sister without any awkwardness.
"Akira, I'd like to visit Anteiku. Do you want to come with me?"
Kureo Mado, who was sitting nearby, asked Akira.
"Anteiku... sure."
Akira Mado readily agreed. "Does Mom want to come too?"
"Yes, I'll come see it. Getting out more is always good."
Kasuka Mado nodded.
The Mado family then headed together to the newly renamed Anteiku café.
This was their first time visiting this coffee shop.
Although Kureo Mado and Akira Mado had both participated in the Owl Suppression Operation, they had never entered the Anteiku café itself.
"Little Akira? You've all come?"
Eto Yoshimura, who had been typing away in the café, looked up and saw the entire Mado family. She spoke up in surprise.
"Yes. Dad and Mom both wanted to come take a look."
Akira Mado smiled.
"It's been several days. You're still as energetic as ever, Eto-san."
Kasuka Mado also greeted Eto Yoshimura.
A few days earlier, Eto Yoshimura had dragged Amaha Byakuya along to pay a formal visit to the Mado household.
So Kasuka Mado had already met Eto Yoshimura.
By now, the Yoshimura family and the Mado family no longer had any deep grudges between them. They got along fairly well.
At that moment, Amaha Byakuya and Yoshimura also came out.
Amaha Byakuya briefly introduced Kureo Mado and Kasuka Mado to the manager.
"I see. So these two are Investigator Mado and Mrs. Mado..."
Yoshimura wore a smile, his tone somewhat wistful. "Please, all three of you, come in and have a seat. I'll prepare some coffee for you right away."