In the park, Saya and I compared our information in more detail than when we had contacted each other earlier.
"I never thought that gentle and considerate Instructor Shun would really turn into such a mischievous child, just like sensei said…"
Saya looked worried. "She wasn't like this right after she shrank… so it really is one of the side effects of the drug."
The material foundation determines the superstructure. A person's personality is naturally influenced by their physical state.
For example, since I'm so handsome and outstanding in every aspect, it's only natural that I'm a bit more confident than others.
And for Shun, whose body has become that of a child, it's inevitable that her mentality would also become more immature.
However, the key issue is whether there are any additional risks hidden within this.
I confirmed, "So as long as she takes the antidote, everything will return to normal, right?"
Saya thought for a moment. "I can guarantee it physically. But as for the mental side, we have to consider the worst-case scenario."
In other words, we had to find Shun as soon as possible and get her to take the antidote.
In the end, it was still my fault. I had thought it might be amusing to see little Shun make a fool of herself, so I didn't remind Saya to play along with her act. I hadn't expected her reaction to be this intense.
And that, in turn, suggested that the drug's effect on her mind might be even stronger than I had anticipated.
"I can't believe you developed something like this," I sighed. "It's a little frightening."
"Indeed, truly frightening, my genius."
Saya remarked, then turned serious. "Anyway, we need to get her to take the antidote quickly. I'm very interested in this drug, but now's not the time to observe leisurely… Alright, time to begin cleanup after the experiment!"
I nodded. "Yeah, let's hurry and find Shun. Do you have any good ideas?"
I had no idea where she had run off to, and calling her phone only returned that it was powered off.
Being unfamiliar with Shanhaijing, my only option besides searching manually was to use Schale's authority to forcibly access the central network managed by the General Student Council and locate her.
However, that carried the risk of being questioned by Rin, and it would take a lot of time. Given the urgency of the situation, if Saya had a faster method, that would be best.
After a brief thought, Saya smiled confidently.
"I have a plan. It's called Operation Cheese."
"Operation Cheese?"
The mouse-eared girl crossed her arms. "That's right. Just like a mouse can't resist cheese, a childlike Shun must have something she can't resist!"
I paused, then cautiously asked, "Is it… my good looks?"
"…What strange things are you saying? It's candy, candy!"
Just as I was about to ask whether the "candy" she meant was actually my charm, sweet on the outside like sugar coating but hiding danger within, I saw her pull out a lollipop from her pocket, then open the bottle of antidote and dip the candy into it.
When she took it out again, the lollipop was coated in a strangely colored, suspiciously viscous liquid.
"Give this candy to the Shun (Kid)," Saya declared confidently. "She'll definitely eat it in one bite!"
"…Let me ask, is this plan based on yourself as the standard?"
"Sh-shut up!" The mouse-eared girl blushed. "Even I don't just put any cheese into my mouth!"
Though if it were my cheese, she'd probably be eager to take it in at first sight.
At this rate, if needed in the future, I might be able to use that to tempt her.
But that wasn't the focus right now.
"What I actually want to ask is, how do we find Shun?"
"Oh, that's easy. Just ask around," Saya said casually. "People in Shanhaijing are very friendly. And at this time of day, a child wandering around without a teacher is very noticeable."
Hearing that, I suddenly understood. I had overlooked the unique situation of Shanhaijing, as well as Shun's current state.
"Oh right, if we approach her normally, she'll definitely get suspicious."
Still not giving up on her questionable plan, Saya pulled out a strange headpiece from behind her.
"Here, put this on! No one will recognize you as sensei with this!"
I stopped her and took the headpiece to examine it.
It looked like some kind of cartoon character, with large round black ears, a shiny round black nose, and a silly, friendly smile. It was clearly an anthropomorphic mouse, except for one detail, the eye area was covered with a solid black mosaic.
After silently staring at it for a moment, I took a deep breath.
"So you're saying… I should wear this incredibly suspicious headpiece, hold that incredibly suspicious lollipop, and approach the shrunken Shun?"
"What do you mean suspicious!" Saya protested. "This headpiece is obviously cute! And the lollipop looks delicious at a glance!"
I suddenly felt that, if approached the right way, this girl might actually be surprisingly easy to win over.
Of course, in Kivotos, there aren't many who are truly difficult to win over.
Take Saya today, for example. She had changed into casual clothes and clearly put effort into dressing up before coming to see me. It was obvious she had a good impression of me.
After a moment's thought, I asked, "Which do you think looks better, me or the headpiece?"
"Of course you… huh?" Saya blinked. "Don't tell me you're jealous? At a time like this?"
She continued, "Sensei, we're discussing how to get the sulking Shun to take the antidote as soon as possible. Even if you really are… quite good-looking, the most important thing right now is not being recognized as sensei!"
"Then let me ask," I pressed, "why does it sound like if I'm recognized, it would actually make it harder to approach her?"
"What are you talking about… In her current state, there's no way she'd obediently take the antidote. The moment she sees you, she'll definitely turn around and run."
That was true. In her childlike state, even her mindset matched that of a child. Saya's concern wasn't unreasonable.
"As for that, I have my own plan. I'll just give it a try."
I left it at that. "Anyway, let's find her first."
Saya picked up the mouse headpiece again. "Well, that's true. No time to waste, let's get moving!"
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