Sakura has grown up.
First, I calmly asked Sakura to explain what happened. The story was simple.
She found a potion that suddenly rolled in, and drank the medicine labeled as a growth potion.
Looking at the bottle, it was written like that. Was it Merlin's doing? Or someone else? I warned him, but he might do it again... It must be Merlin.
First, I gave her the underwear from my room. Why do I have it? It's Kama's. I have almost all the kids' underwear. Why? Because after relationships, the kids often sleep naked in my room, so I ended up using a drawer. That's how it is in my rooms in Chaldea and Nautilus.
Since she didn't know how to wear adult underwear, I helped her put it on. How embarrassing...
Seeing her like this, she definitely looks like Kama, but perhaps due to the atmosphere, she appears different.
"... Was it not good?"
"Huh?"
"I wanted to become a woman who suits you, Dumpty. You were my savior, and every day spent with you has been joyful. And seeing you in your current form, my heart keeps pounding... In my child state, I thought you wouldn't take me seriously... So I thought if I grew up like Kama, it might work, but was it not good?"
So the decisive role is that my rejuvenation is the cause... Merlin!
A child who was like a sister suddenly appearing like this is utterly bewildering... Do I have pheromones or something? Did I use a hypnosis app?
"So... it wasn't good, after all."
"... No, that's not it. Honestly, I think you're prettier than Kama."
"Eh...?"
"People have an aura, right? Even though Kama used you from another world as a vessel and looks the same, impressions change with the aura. Personally, I think you're prettier. And... I also feel a sense of pride that you've grown up well. Even though I didn't do anything..."
"Is that so... I'm glad!"
Sakura smiles brightly and hugs me. Beyond the exciting height difference, I might be crushed by her chest...
"First, why don't you take a shower..."
"Ah, yes!"
Sakura in her underwear lets go of me and asks to shower alone.
"Aren't you coming in together..."
We used to go in together covering ourselves with towels, but...
"No."
Now, even if covered, the destructive power is too great, it's dangerous. I shouldn't look at her with such eyes... And, if she's heart-pounding towards me, I'm in danger too.
Sakura pouts and enters the shower. Sigh... how to handle this. Whether it's Merlin's fault or someone else's prank. Merlin is likely, but... it must be Merlin, right? Would the others do something that creates a rival for themselves?
Drip~
"Will you shower too, Dumpty?"
Even though it's the clothes I prepared, it's an outfit that only Sakura can pull off.
I also take a quick shower... and holding Sakura's hand, we go outside together.
As we head to the Nautilus dining room, everyone's eyes are drawn.
"Eh...?"
Mash is the first to be flustered... and then they all rush over. Just before a commotion breaks out, Kiara claps her hands strongly. With the applause of Kiara, who has somehow returned to her original form, everyone quiets down for now.
"Sakura-san... it's true that kids these days grow up fast. To have grown up so splendidly... Sniff!"
"What is this gas about?"
"She's even more out of her mind than that Raikou girl..."
Ushigozen sheds tears of emotion, while Shuten and Ibaraki look at her with disbelief and pity.
"For such a thing to happen... I wonder who did it. Such a powerful rival... Indeed, Sakura, you resemble me, so you're beautiful, right?"
"You're the one who resembles Sakura."
Kama fears the grown-up Sakura while showing strong competitiveness. Some of the kids also run over...
"Is it possible to grow up like me...?"
Bunyan, having become Super Bunyan, marvels at Sakura, while Jack or Abigail ask for the secret of growth.
"She's similar to the Sakura I knew, but a bit different. Is it the difference in environment?"
"The Sakura I knew was just an enemy... Haha."
The two Illyas exchange impressions while talking, and some are a bit wary... but most view Sakura favorably.
After all, her inner self is still a child.
"Indeed... there was such a method! I must borrow the hammer from Mr. Hogan!"
"Hey! Then I'll become small! No way!"
"Eht, then the source of the potion that Sakura-chan drank...! I also want to get along well with Reindeer-san!"
That's a statement with various implied meanings...
Is this the downside of setting the bond with the Jeanne sisters too high?
"If you want to become stronger, I'll cooperate."
"... Yes, I'll rely on you."
Kiara whispers something as she passes by, and Sakura had an expression as if she decided something. What did they talk about?
In a corner of the dining room, Romani is admiring, and next to him, the Queen of Sheba is giggling.
By the way, where did Ritsuka and Kirei go?
Tap tap tap tap!
"Haah, haah..."
"? What's the matter?"
At that moment, Kirei runs into the dining room in a hurry.
"Senpai... Senpai won't wake up..."
"..."
I have a预感 that another incident is about to occur. No wonder it was quiet.
=====================================
"Umm... where is this?"
When I open my eyes, what I see is a blue sky. Strange, I definitely slept in my room...
"Huh...?"
And when I look around, I see lush trees. This is a forest...? Why a forest? Did someone move me to the interior of the island? Strange... At least, our kids wouldn't play such a prank.
"Mash~? Alter~ Nobu?"
I call everyone's names in order... but no sound is heard. I try sending a mental message, but there's no response.
"... Was I kidnapped?"
I've been dumped a few times, but since Dumpty is too strong, did I become the target? It's dangerous... If I just wait for Dumpty's help while staying still, I might die.
First, calmly, I should do survival as everyone taught. First, if it's a Singularity, find a friendly Servant. Like Boudica before.
In my pocket... there's nothing. I originally slept in just a swimsuit, but I'm wearing the Chaldea Master uniform. Perhaps a dream to a Singularity?
Since there's Dumpty's case, it's possible. Calmly, first, let's slowly explore the forest...
Flutter~
At that moment, with a small wind sound, a petal falls onto my hand. Where is the flower from...
Soon, the wind blows and petals scatter.
"My, my~ You've ended up in a dangerous situation. To have such a young child come here. Originally, if targeting Chaldea's Master, there are two, so such confusion might occur. Our brother, Master is being protected by everyone."
Who is this person...? Chaldea's Master, brother... Master? Perhaps...
"Dumpty's Servant?"
"Ding dong~ I am Merlin. The Flower Mage and the one and only Merlin of our Master brother!"
If it's Merlin, the worst man Artoria spoke of? But she's a woman... A parallel world? With Dumpty around, it's not even surprising anymore.
"Huh? You're believing me?"
"It doesn't seem like a lie."
"... Indeed, brother's assessment is accurate. You really have good sense and potential for growth. Well~ compared to brother, it's impossible~"
Merlin is from the 5th century, but calling Dumpty brother...
"Ahem, first, I'll make an apology. I was watching in case Master got into such trouble, but I didn't expect you to be the one. But thanks for coming so quickly before anything happened? And before a detailed explanation, let me clarify something."
"Huh? Clarify?"
What clarification...?
"First, this isn't my doing? I'm really purely here to prove that I'm helpful to Master and to recover my credibility by helping you. And I came with no intention of pranking, sincerely to help? Plus, the rejuvenation potion is my doing, but Sakura-chan's potion is not mine; it's Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba's doing, so honestly, it's unfair!"
"... I don't understand what you're saying."
"Sorry, that was talk beyond the fourth wall. When involved with Master, it seems to become beyond the current time. Anyway, I'm on your side. In return, can you talk nicely to Master later? My credibility is at rock bottom... Honestly, it's self-inflicted, but being called grandma and hated, even for a dream demon like me, it hurts my heart..."
"I think I understand what that means."
What a complicated relationship...
"Then, where is this?"
"To explain briefly, this place is called Shimosa Province. A Singularity located in Japan, or should I say a parallel world? Anyway, you were kidnapped. By those with malicious intent towards Master. But don't worry. Since I'm here, I'll perfectly ensure your safety. And, honestly, I'm not the combat type~ so I plan to call a few others? There might be faces you know and faces you don't."
"You're going to call Dumpty's Servants?"
"Correct~ Smart! Then let's call the first one~? Let's all shout together! Kukurupingpong!"
"Something's wrong with that line!?"
Despite the strange summoning chant, a Servant is indeed summoned.
That is...
Nobu...?
But, the atmosphere is completely different from the Nobu I know. It feels very cold and heavy...
"What is it, Merlin. You said it was for Master, didn't you?"
"That's right, for Master. Protecting Ritsuka-chan is for Master. You'll be praised later~? Probably."
"Hmm... Is that so. Guarding this brat, huh. Fine. I'll do that much."
The atmosphere is very cold and she seems uninterested in me. Completely different from the Nobu I know. Moreover, she looks incredibly strong...
"What was your name again?"
"Ah, Fujimaru Ritsuka."
"Right, Fujimaru... I shall personally guard you. Let me introduce myself."
Whoosh~!!!
Flames surge and envelop her, and as the flames burst out, her appearance is revealed. Who...? No, it's Nobu?
"I am the Sixth Heaven Demon King, Oda Nobunaga! I am the Demon King, and I shall guard you, so consider it an honor."
"Nobu..."
"Haa?"
"Nobu became incredibly sexy... Is this how she becomes in the future!"
"... What a draining response."
"Masters are all like that in their reactions~"
Well, it seems only me and Dumpty are special... Then, from now on, I have to navigate this new Singularity. Let's do my best!