The timeline is around the usual.
The perspective is from Kariya.
It’s about infants and children.
“Uh… um, may I ask, your name, if that’s alright…?”
“I’m sorry, but isn’t it common sense for crime prevention not to tell strangers your name?”
So, President has been President since he was little, huh? It seems he received a proper education… aaaaaah…
Right now, there are little kids scurrying and worrying around my feet…
The origin of this event is very simple. Yesterday, Maito got something like syrup from Itoigawa-senpai. That must be it!
That happened yesterday evening.
“Listen— I got this from Itoigawa-senpai!”
What Maito showed us was a ceramic bottle. It had a three-dimensional rose pattern on it, seeming valuable as a craft. Yes.
“What’s that?”
“It’s honey collected from some flower. It smells like flowers and tastes sweet and delicious.”
“Really? What’s it like? Let me see.”
Hariu and Suzumoto are looking at the bottle, saying, “Hmm,” and, “Oh, really?” Yeah.
“It’s said to be delicious in tea. Even better in milk tea.”
“Is that so? That’s nice.”
Suzumoto likes milk tea. He seems happy about it.
“Ah, Maito, if that’s the case, I might suggest trying it with carbonated water! It must be delicious, right?”
“Sorry, I can’t make carbonated water…”
Ah, I thought Maito could make almost anything, but I see, she can’t make carbonated water. Blind spot.
“Hey, Hagasaki can make carbonated water, right?”
But that’s the thing. Hagasaki can make carbonated water! As expected!
…However.
“Wait, I wanted to ask that sooner, Hagasaki! Why have you kept quiet about it until now, Hagasaki!?”
Maito is stunned… Wait a moment?
“Huh? Why do I have to report everything to you?”
“Wait, did everyone know except me!?”
“…We’ve had some sometimes.”
“It’s tasteless by itself.”
“Well, it’s just carbonation after all.”
“I would have flavored it if you gave it to me! I could have added flavor any time… Ah, maybe you guys were taking fruit sauce sometimes! Is that it!? Was that it!?”
“You’re slow to notice, aren’t you?”
“Why did you keep it a secret!? Isn’t that terrible!? Isn’t it!?”
“Sorry, I thought you knew…”
Ah… so, that was it. Maito didn’t know that Hagasaki could produce carbonated water.
I did something quite pitiful… I’m sorry. I thought for sure you knew…
“So, setting that aside, can I try tasting that? Whether it’s with tea, carbonated water, or even just hot water.”
“Alright… I’ll prepare something now…”
Maito walked away sluggishly with the bottle in hand. A melancholic air lingered around her back. Poor guy.
“Sorry for the wait! Choose whatever you like and mix it yourself!”
Maito returned gruffly. On the tray she carried, there were cups for everyone, a teapot, hot water, milk, a fruit resembling a lemon… and various other items.
“By the way, I’m going with carbonated water! Hey, pour some carbonated water!”
“Quiet, don’t come near me.”
Maito seemed to be holding a grudge from earlier, pushing Hagasaki around.
Being pushed, Hagasaki, with a reluctant face, poured carbonated water into the pitcher Maito was holding.
“I’ll take some tea and milk.”
Next to them, Suzumoto had already started making milk tea. Maybe I’ll go for milk tea too. But carbonated water sounds tasty as well.
“Ah, I’ll go with carbonated water too.”
“I think I’ll have tea.”
“I’ll also go with tea.”
“I’ll take carbonated…”
“Hmm, since it’s being made, I’ll try the tea.”
“Isn’t there anything other than tea or carbonated water?”
“If you want, you can go with hot water.”
“…Then I’ll go with carbonated water.”
And so, everyone casually started drinking whatever they mixed.
“…Kariya, drinking with that helmet on, I think it’s impossible?”
That’s when I realized. Yes. I’m still in my demon army gear from when we fought in front of the temple!
Why, you ask? Because I went with Maito to Itoigawa-senpai’s place, and it doubled as a disguise…
“Ah, I’ll take it off for a bit.”
“Then, leave this here too.”
“Ah, yes.”
I took Toriumi’s helmet and headed towards the chemistry lecture hall for now.
When I returned, this had happened!
There are toddlers! There are toddlers at my feet! Toddlers!
“What… what on earth is this?”
Unfamiliar faces… or rather, not quite.
Everyone, somehow, has a face that seems vaguely familiar!
“Me… why am I here…?”
The child resembling Suzumoto seems to be about elementary school age. Not quite a toddler. Yes.
“…Where is this?”
Looking around anxiously, that must be Hagasaki. He looks quite small… He’s definitely a toddler! A real toddler!
“This place is…”
Next to him, the elementary schooler observing the surroundings intently is definitely President. His eyes are exactly the same. Scary.
“Where is this? Who are you, mister?”
“…Eh?”
I couldn’t help but respond, but the toddler who spoke to me looks a lot like Kadomi-kun… Eh? Eh? Kadomi-kun, of all people, is talking to me? The least likely Kadomi-kun to speak? Why? Was he more talkative when he was younger?
“Who are you? A kidnapper? A criminal?”
The toddler next to him is definitely Hariu. And no, I’m not a criminal.
“Ah? What is this place? Was there such a place in the school? I’m excited!”
Ah, this elementary schooler is Toriumi! Glad he’s excited, but it’s rather dangerous inside a chemistry lab, so don’t move!
“…?”
The elementary schooler beside Toriumi, probably Katori, is completely silent…
…And then.
Without saying a word, just looking troubled while observing me and the other kids, is definitely Maito…
…
What should I do about this…?
I thought I’d start by asking for names, but I was immediately shot down by President.
Yes, indeed. You shouldn’t tell your name to strangers. Yes.
…However, after hearing President’s words, the others also began to get cautious, thinking, “That makes sense!” This is a bit… troublesome. What should I do?
The cause is clear. It’s definitely that syrup from Itoigawa-senpai!
I’m the only one unaffected because I didn’t drink it, while those who chose tea are just about elementary school age, but those who had more syrup with their carbonated water have turned into toddlers! Oh! What is Itoigawa-senpai doing!
“Um, but if I don’t know your names, I can’t call you…”
“…Tsuge.”
“Er, and your first name…?”
“Isn’t the last name enough?”
Is this child really an elementary schooler? Or is it President wearing the guise of a schoolchild? No, he is President.
“Um, Tsuge-kun?”
“Yes.”
“How old are you?”
“9 years old.”
…9 years old, huh… Wow…
“I’m 5 years old!”
While I was still processing this, Kadomi-kun (presumably) cheerfully informed me. I’m surprised by President’s consistency, but also by how much Kadomi-kun has changed. I feel like I might catch a cold from this contrast.
“Ah, I’m 5 too! We’re the same!”
And somehow, Kadomi and Hariu quickly hit it off. What an unexpected pairing…
“I’m 9 years old. In third grade, but are you too?”
When Toriumi spoke to Katori beside him, Katori nodded solemnly and then smiled.
…He doesn’t speak much!
And furthermore, the surrounding Suzumoto (presumably), Hagasaki-kun (presumably), and Maito (presumably) remain vigilant!
Don’t be shy! Please tell me your names if you can!
Afterward, it was revealed that Suzumoto was 9 years old, while Hagasaki-kun and Maito were 5 years old.
It seems their memories have reverted to those of their younger selves; none of them recognize me.
It might have been different if there were others here who went to the same elementary school, but unfortunately, everyone went to different schools…
“Have we been kidnapped?”
“Are you the kidnapper?”
“No, I’m not!”
Then, at my feet, Kadomi and Hariu were scurrying about. Hearing “kidnapper,” the other toddlers began to grow wary.
“That’s a lie.”
“Then where are we?”
“If this were a kidnapping, it would be terribly executed.”
“I told you I’m not a kidnapper! Um…”
Before me, toddlers and children were all wary of me! This is bad! If things continue like this, I’ll really be treated like a “criminal”!
“…Should we leave this room?”
And now President suggested such a thing! No, that won’t do! The outside is full of monsters! I can’t just let toddlers and children out there…!
I desperately want to break this situation, but at the very least, I need to buy some time!
…Then, a brilliant idea struck me!
“We are inside a dream!”
“Have you ever heard of lucid dreaming?”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a dream that feels very realistic. It’s a vivid dream! Right now, that’s what all of you are experiencing.”
…I received some very skeptical looks. However.
“Since we’re in a dream, I can do things like this.”
I have several “dream-like” tricks up my sleeve.
“Let’s see, ‘Light Orbs.'”
When I casually created several orbs of light in the room, the faces of the toddlers and children changed.
“Wow! What’s this!”
“What is this!”
The energetic Kadomi and Hariu started hopping around trying to catch the light orbs.
“What is this…?”
President was staring intently, probably because it was something beyond his knowledge.
Amidst this, the one who reacted the most was Maito!
“Pretty…”
She began smiling as she looked up! This might work!
“Here you go.”
Taking the chance, I floated a small “Light Orb” near Maito. What do you know, she immediately began cuddling the orb and smiling brightly! I did it!
“…Thank you.”
It seems they’ve stopped being afraid of me for the moment, which is a relief. Ah, what a relief…
Well, dreams aside, all the children and infants became fascinated with the “Light Orb.” They seemed distracted and weren’t scared of me anymore. They still seemed a bit shy, though.
In the meantime, it was time to adjust their clothing.
Everyone had only shrunk in size, so their clothes were baggy and looked like they could trip over them, which was hard to watch.
For now, those who were wearing shirts, keep them on! Just roll up the sleeves, pin them, and the hem is long but that should be fine… I guess.
This is like a shirt dress, isn’t it? But I don’t care anymore. Yep. Even I have my limits. I’ll just tighten my loincloth and be as kind as possible…
President and Toriumi gave me suspicious looks, but I insisted, “It’s a lucid dream, so it’s all fine.” I’m sorry, but President’s eyes are scary!
…However, the two who weren’t in shirts… that is, Suzumoto in a kimono, and Maito-san in a maid outfit. There’s nothing I can do about these two!
“Okay, hands up.”
“Mm.”
For now, I took off Suzumoto’s dragging kimono and dressed him in my shirt. It’s also like a shirt dress, but it can’t be helped. Sorry.
…And then.
“Maito-san…”
“Yes?”
I have to somehow… fix Maito-san’s clothes… it’s dangerous…
“…Can you change by yourself?”
“I can do it!”
I don’t want to become a criminal!
“Um… I don’t understand these panties…”
Sorry, I don’t understand either!
Thus, everyone’s clothing change was completed. Somehow, it was finished. Good. At least now they won’t trip over the dragging hems of their clothes.
Even though they’ve shrunk, I don’t know if the otherworldly adjustments are working properly, so it’s best to make sure they don’t get injured. We don’t know when we can return…
Well.
In the meantime, Kadomi-kun and Hariu started kicking the “Light Orb” around, and watching them, Toriumi and Katori began playing volleyball with the “Light Orb.” Eventually, Toriumi called over Suzumoto and President to join in. It’s easy for kids to get along, isn’t it? It’s heartwarming to watch.
Playing with balls in a chemistry lab is too dangerous, so I slightly activated the “Ark” inside the classroom to prevent any damage to the chemical shelves.
…And Maito-san is just quietly watching the older boys play with the “Light Orb.”
And it seems that Hagasaki-kun has also decided to wait and poke at the “Light Orb” next to Maito-san. He’s also quiet.
Thanks to the children starting to play, I was able to start reading a book.
Why am I reading? Well, it’s to somehow resolve this situation!
The book I’m reading is one that President usually uses, but it contains not only information about poisons but also antidotes, so I’m hoping there might be a way to return everyone to normal…
…And I got too focused on the book, which was my mistake. Yes, sorry.
I looked up at a scream, and there was…
Maito-san, frozen in shock, with a ball of light rolling at her feet. And the children, also frozen.
Seeing Maito-san’s forehead turning red, maybe she… bumped into it?
Ah.
Oh no, Maito-san started crying! Sobbing a lot! Yet, she cries very quietly!
At this, the children and even the surrounding infants had no choice but to freeze!
Just as the likely culprit, Toriumi, tried to move, that moment!
“Apologize!”
Hagasaki-kun (the toddler) exclaimed, standing beside Maito-san in anger!
“She’s crying! Apologize to her!”
Even though Hagasaki-kun was tearful himself as he got caught up in his anger, his message was clear enough.
“I’m sorry.”
“Did it hurt?”
“Are you okay?”
Finally, the other children began to move. I carefully observed Maito-san, but I think she wasn’t seriously injured. After all, it was just a “Light Orb” that had been tossed by the strength of a child. It probably didn’t cause much damage.
“I’m fine…”
I thought Maito-san might be frightened, being surrounded by boys four years her senior, but she didn’t seem as troubled as I worried. Probably just shy.
“I was just startled. It didn’t hurt.”
“That’s good then. Sorry about that.”
Toriumi was gently patting the area around her forehead. Maito-san stopped crying after being comforted. That was good.
…By the way, Maito-san has an older brother, right? If that’s the case, she must be used to older boys. That’s a relief.
Then I expanded the “Microcosm” a bit more, surrounding Maito-san, Hagasaki-kun, President, and Suzumoto—who seemed a bit concerned about Maito-san. This ensured that no more accidents occurred.
Instead, for some reason, Toriumi and Katori, along with the two toddlers, Kadomi-kun and Hariu, began playing together. It seems the toddlers’ energy had motivated them to join in the fun.
“Um… sorry about earlier.”
Then, sitting back down and beginning to cuddle the “Light Orb” again, Maito-san was awkwardly approached by Suzumoto!
“It’s okay!”
Maito-san cheerfully replied, beaming at Suzumoto as he patted her head.
“Are you sure you don’t have a concussion? Are you feeling dizzy or anything?”
President joined in, but the word “concussion” was a bit too difficult for a toddler. Maito-san tilted her head in confusion.
“Um, I’m okay! …Ah.”
But then, Maito-san, as if realizing something, shifted her gaze and approached Hagasaki-kun, who had been silently watching from the side.
“Um…”
Maito-san, grabbing the hem of Hagasaki-kun’s shirt, spoke to him.
“Thank you for earlier.”
“Yeah.”
Ah… The two toddlers were smiling at each other. It’s really heartwarming. And it seems Hagasaki-kun was actually quite cute at this age…
Eventually, the two children and two toddlers inside the “Ark” began playing together. They were playing a game of word chain, with the children imposing rules like “names of countries” and “words longer than four letters” on themselves to balance the game against the toddlers. This skill in balancing the game shows the cleverness of children like Suzumoto and President.
“Um…”
Then, Maito-san, who had quickly been eliminated from the game with “French bread!” came over to me.
“Do you have more of that glowing thing from earlier?”
Ah, she was referring to the “Light Orb.” Since they had started playing word chain, Maito-san had stopped holding it, so I had turned it off.
“Here you go.”
I created a new one and floated it towards her. Maito-san caught the glowing ball and hugged it with a big smile.
“Thank you! I love this.”
“That’s great to hear.”
“Yes!”
“…I’d like one too.”
Following suit, Hagasaki-kun, who seemed to have willingly accepted his elimination from the game, came over to me as well, so I produced another “Light Orb” for him.
“Matching!”
“Yeah.”
Then, Maito-san and Hagasaki-kun sat down side by side, each cuddling their own Light Orb.
“Could I get another one, please?”
“Of course.”
Soon, President, who seemed to have grown tired of playing word games and was interested in observing the Light Orbs, and Suzumoto, who was nearby, also received their own “Light Orbs.”
Now there were four children sitting in a row.
“…Is it nap time?”
“Are we sleeping?”
Eventually, as Kadomi-kun and Hariu seemed to have tired from playing, they too received “Light Orbs.”
And since it was becoming a hassle, I handed out “Light Orbs” to Katori and Toriumi as well!
…And so, with everyone now sitting and holding a ball of light, the toddlers started to get sleepy and began to doze off. Maito-san, perhaps exhausted, leaned against Suzumoto next to her and fell asleep.
“Yes, it’s nap time.”
There were some futons that Maito-san had laid out nearby, so I mercilessly covered all the children and toddlers with them.
As expected of toddlers. They slept. They really did sleep! A successful lullaby mission!
“Let’s all take a nap, big kids too.”
“I’m not really sleepy though.”
“Well, the little ones are napping, so we need to keep it quiet for them. How about joining them in a nap? Is that okay?”
With that said to the older children, everyone started to quiet down out of consideration for the sleeping toddlers, and eventually, they too fell asleep.
…
I did it!
So, while the children and toddlers were asleep, I went through President’s book, researching… and somehow managed to synthesize an antidote! It was really tough! It’s not my specialty! It’s President’s field, and I can manage up to Hagasaki-kun, but it’s not my field!
…But somehow, I managed.
“Time for a snack,” I said, offering the fizzy medicine to everyone as they woke up.
And then.
“Huh?… What?”
“What on earth was I… what…?”
“Whoa, why am I dressed so sexily? What’s this about?”
“Shut up! You should care more! Pay attention!”
There was a bit of chaos because their clothes remained unchanged, but that’s a story for another time… It’s not my fault… I’m not to blame…
“Ah, Maito-san.”
“Hm? What is it?”
Finally, after everyone had returned to normal, I found time to talk to Maito-san, who had started preparing dinner, only in the evening.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
“Eh? Oh, about ending up just in a shirt and string panties? Well, there were others who ended up worse off than me…”
Well, a boy in just a shirt is overwhelmingly more unsightly than a girl… Yes…
“So, as a way to apologize for earlier…”
Remembering the scene from before, Maito-san looked distant, so I produced a “Light Orb” in front of her.
“Eh? Eh? Is it okay for me to have this?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
“Doesn’t it tire you, Kariya, keeping it out like this?”
“Oh, that’s okay. I’m recharging it with this stone.”
Having learned from the experience of producing a large number of “Light Orbs” for the children, I developed a version that could be kept on indefinitely using external energy.
The practical uses of such a thing might just be for lighting… Maito-san usually sleeps in this chemistry lab when she doesn’t turn Ketorami-san into a futon, and the room is pitch dark at night. In this other world, there is no electricity, so no lights can be turned on.
So I thought this might be useful for Maito-san when she stays up late…
“Wow, this feels soft and warm. Nice.”
Without any hesitation, Maito-san cuddled the Light Orb like a cushion.
“…Hehe, I love this.”
…Well, she seems happy, so that’s good enough, I guess…
“By the way, did Kadomi-kun talk a lot when he was little?”
“Eh…? Oh, yeah… He was just a normal elementary school kid…”
Oh, is that so…
“And Katori?”
“Ah, I was the elementary school kid who hardly ever spoke.”
“Why was that?”
“I just didn’t feel like talking much. My report card even had notes like ‘Does not speak at all.'”
I see…
…They say ‘the child is father to the man,’ but personalities do seem to morph quite a bit…
“I’ve been like this since I was a kid.”
“Oh, yes.”
It seems some people don’t change much. Yes.