“Merlin!”
Mahina was pleasantly surprised to find that little Merlin, who had briefly vanished, had returned, suddenly erupting in a brilliant white light. The radiance dispelled the surrounding darkness and viscosity. In the center of that light, the little girl in the sailor suit, who had been smiling through her tears, disappeared. In her place stood a tall, slender figure. It was no longer the body of a child, but the restored form of a 15-year-old girl.
However, her clothes did not revert to her loose pajamas. The curse of the labyrinth remained in effect, evolving along with her growing body. The original sailor suit had now transformed into a form-fitting white dress. The white fabric clung tightly to Merlinlia’s well-developed frame, tracing her elegant curves.
Her long, straight legs were encased in sheer white stockings. As her body grew, the stockings were stretched thinner and more transparent; the hazy blend of white and flesh tones exuded a mature charm. On her feet, the original high-heeled loafers had turned into a pair of patent leather white platform heels. The thin, high heels stabbed deep into the ground, and her arches, wrapped in white silk, curved into an elegant arc against the shoes. Her ankles were so slender they looked as if they could be circled by a single hand.
Her long hair, a blue gradient, cascaded brilliantly to her waist, creating a perfect harmony with her pure white, noble, and cold attire. She slowly opened her eyes. In her aqua-blue pupils, the usual fog was gone, replaced by a calm and indifference akin to ten-thousand-year-old black ice.
“It’s over,” she whispered, her voice cold and crisp.
She lightly raised her hand, not even glancing at the disheveled Mahina behind her.
Whoosh—!
Terrifying cold air radiated from her as the center. The clawing syrup froze into fragile ice sculptures the moment it touched the chill. Even the overbearing Fruit Ice Cream Demon King was gradually sealed within a massive shard of amber crystal.
“Gugugugu… I hate scripted deaths! I’ll definitely be back!” Along with the Demon King’s roar, the labyrinth began to collapse, and the scenery faded away.
Merlin turned around calmly, her eyes devoid of both hate and love. Beautiful fairy tales cannot last forever. Much like a dream, no matter how wonderful, there comes a day when one must wake up. It was time to wake.
Her long legs, wrapped in white silk, glinted coldly under the moonlight. She looked down at Mahina with a gaze that held not a single ripple of emotion. She still wore that noble, elegant white slim-fit dress, the hem resting above the transparent white silk and those white high heels.
Mahina sat dejectedly on the ground, the pain from the labyrinth still lingering on her body. She looked up at the girl before her, who felt both familiar and like a stranger. The girl stood there silently, looking like a noble lady just returning from a banquet, radiating an aura of high status. Her high heels clicked against the wooden floor with a crisp, detached “clack-clack” sound.
Even after leaving the labyrinth, Merlinlia’s outfit did not return to its original state. Moonlight spilled through the window, illuminating the tall figure in the center of the library. Everyone had returned to the late-night library.
“It is time to part ways. There was no need for you to go that far. It’s time to face reality,” Merlinlia said flatly, as if stating an objective fact. “Beautiful fairy tales cannot last forever.”
“What?” Mahina’s hand froze mid-air. She understood that the “Little Merlin” who would smile at her for a piece of chocolate was gone. In her place was this… Ice Princess, who had personally severed all her vulnerabilities so she would never be hurt again.
“…I saved you because I wanted to. You aren’t important to me.”
“Is that so… I don’t understand.”
Though Ophelia vaguely sensed something, she stepped forward immediately.
“Merlin… you aren’t hurt, are you?” Ophelia began to check Merlin’s body for any pain or wounds.
In front of her mother, the icy, noble Merlin once again revealed a soft side. Even though she had returned to being 15, she answered in a somewhat pampered tone: “I’m fine. Since I just recovered, I feel very healthy.”
Confirming that Merlin was okay, Ophelia breathed a sigh of relief. “It seems you chose to change back.”
Merlin caught the scent of flowers on Ophelia. It seemed Ophelia really had been staying in that field of marigolds, just as Delia had said. Having learned about Ophelia’s past, Merlin didn’t quite know how to comfort her mother. Perhaps Ophelia didn’t want comfort, nor did she want Merlin to know those painful memories.
“Baby…”
“…Mama.”
Silence fell between mother and daughter.
“Ah, because you just changed back, I addressed you that way out of habit.”
“Me too…”
“It’s fine. A baby is always a baby. Who says changing back into Big Merlin means you aren’t a baby anymore?” Ophelia gently stroked Merlin’s head. Compared to Little Merlin’s warm head, Big Merlin’s body temperature was a bit cooler. Merlin leaned into her mother’s embrace as a result.
Ophelia noticed that even after changing back, Merlin seemed to have become a bit more honest? If it were the old Merlin, she wouldn’t have acted so spoiled while others were watching.
Ophelia looked at Merlin, whose face appeared slightly flushed in the moonlight. All that mocking expression from before had vanished. She didn’t deny it. Yes, this is enough.
“Let’s go. When we get home, let Mama give you a proper check-up.” Ophelia took Merlin’s small hand and led her toward the exit.
Merlin skillfully stepped in her white high heels, her pace elegant and dignified as she was led out of the library by her mother. The others followed silently. Watching the obedient Merlin, Ophelia was certain: Big Merlin had indeed retained her memories, and the efforts of the past few days had not been in vain.
Big Merlin was no longer as guarded; she had learned how to be loved. Even if she became shy, she no longer rejected her mother’s hand. Her etiquette… could be considered passing. Indeed, the love and education given to “Little Merlin” had not gone to waste. Although the “lady-like education” for the child had been exhausting, she still remembered those manners even after returning to her true form.
The group continued walking until they reached the final corridor.
If Lucia hadn’t gone after Mia, they would have parted ways again here. Now was the time to speak.
“Well then, everyone should go back and rest. Two days have passed in the outside world; it’s best to let those around you know you’re safe. We’ll talk about anything else another day.”
Mahina watched Merlin silently, biting her lip. She told herself not to lose heart.