"You performed very well, Kars." After a fight that wasn't intensely violent but still satisfied Yuuka Kazami, she spoke to Kars, who was now wearing oversized and slightly tattered clothes.
Kars fought purely by relying on his physical strength and the bursts of energy from his body. His fighting style was simple, but the effect was evident, a method that Yuuka undoubtedly appreciated. Crucially, the attacks condensed from his energy were very powerful. Although she didn't know if they were at their strongest potential, her hand had been scorched when she blocked one of his attacks, which further elevated her estimation of Kars's future potential.
"Wuwu~ I just turned back into an adult a little while ago…" Kars, who hadn't had a chance to fully enjoy his adult appearance, looked at his current child-sized body with a sad expression. Most importantly, Little Auntie Yuuka was so scary just now…
Her smile was familiar, but why did it look so terrifying?! She didn't seem like the Yuuka I know at all! Especially when she launched those massive magic blasts at him, one after another, until he had completely used up all his energy, leaving none to spare.
Before Kars could dwell on his sadness, Yuuka scooped him up from the ground. Seeing his slightly dusty appearance, she reached out and gently wiped the dirt from his face. A cool breeze swept through the flower field, scattering Yuuka's hair in the wind.
Kars watched Yuuka carefully clean his face. At this moment, she seemed once again like the gentle person he had grown to love. After wiping Kars's face clean, Yuuka sat down on a chair, holding him, and let Kars rest in her lap, just like last time.
"I look forward to your performance the next time you grow up, Kars."
"Will… will it be like that again next time?" Kars's expression immediately became conflicted when this was brought up. If possible, he truly didn't want to go through that again.
"Didn't we agree? Are you trying to go back on your word now?" Yuuka quietly looked at Kars, her expression unreadable.
"No! Never! I won't go back on my word! I will never go back on what I promised Little Auntie Yuuka!" Kars quickly shook his head, assuring her that he would never break his promise.
"Is that so? It seems I scared you. Do you think I'm completely different from what you imagined?" Yuuka knew her actions had likely brought a considerable shock to Kars.
"A little, yes, but I'm just not used to it yet! I know I haven't known Little Auntie Yuuka for long, and I don't fully know what kind of person you are. But knowing more about you makes me feel closer to you. It won't make me afraid because fear only comes from not understanding. Now that I understand Little Auntie Yuuka a little better, I still think you are a very gentle person!" The way she wiped his face, both in her careful demeanor and her eyes, conveyed her concern for him.
"Is that what you think?"
"Yes! That's exactly what I think!" Kars earnestly looked at Yuuka, trying to make her believe that this was his genuine opinion.
"Then I will greatly anticipate your future performances. For now, just rest well." She could see the slight fatigue Kars was showing after depleting his energy. After letting Kars rest on her chest, she didn't close her eyes to rest but quietly watched Kars in her arms.
Watching him sleep with his eyes closed on her chest, she was excited to see what kind of joy Kars would bring to her life in the future. Her finger gently traced Kars's face, finally stopping at the faint smile on his lips. Yuuka couldn't help but show a slightly delighted smile herself.
When Kars was well-rested, he instinctively rubbed against the soft chest before opening his eyes. He then saw Yuuka looking at him.
"Little Auntie Yuuka, I need to go back." Kars looked at the sky and decided it was time to return. He jumped down from Yuuka's lap.
"You're going back? I don't mind if you stay here overnight." This was something Yuuka had considered since their last encounter, but it didn't seem easy to achieve.
"I shouldn't. Little Auntie Remilia and the others would worry if I stayed out overnight." Kars shook his head. Especially after the incident with Koakuma was discovered, staying out overnight was definitely out of the question.
"That's truly a shame."
"Then I'll be leaving." Kars turned and took a step, completely failing to notice that his now overly long pant leg was being stepped on by his other foot. He immediately stumbled and fell face-first in front of Yuuka. Yuuka looked at Kars lying on the ground, clutching his nose, and found him somewhat endearing.
Feeling embarrassed, Kars quickly flew into the air and sped away.
"I'm back!" Seeing Kars return to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Sakuya's expression froze. He was an adult just a moment ago! Why is he back to his little boy form after going out? Did my wish come true?
At the same time, seeing Kars flying in the air in ill-fitting clothes that revealed a large part of his body, Sakuya felt her nose start to bleed again.
"Sakuya, quickly get me some clothes!" Kars immediately landed in Sakuya's arms, asking her to take him to change clothes again.
"Yes, Young Master." Sakuya composed herself and carried Kars to the bedroom. After taking out his child-sized clothes, she was met with the sight of Kars completely naked in front of her. After taking in every part of Kars's body, Sakuya finally collapsed with a smile into a pool of her own nosebleed.
"Sakuya! Sakuya! Don't scare me!!" Kars, who had just managed to put on his bat-print underwear, saw the scene and panicked. He quickly held up Sakuya's head to check on her condition. He couldn't understand why Sakuya's nose was bleeding so severely again, and why she was still smiling in this situation!