The current situation was that the courtyard I was hiding in belonged to the girl known as the Great Demon King among the kids.

And unfortunately, I happened to have Flower King’s dress and parasol in my hands.

So, two options presented themselves before me.

The first was to charge out and fight the Great Demon King head-on.

—Thump-thump-thump!!!

Whether her strength was exaggerated or genuinely formidable, I doubted my young elementary school body could stand against a middle school girl.

No matter what, I wouldn’t win—even with all my last resorts.

Then… was only the second option left?

I silently stared at the dress. My gaze hardened. Gritting my teeth, I pulled it over my head.

—Damn it, it’s just cross-dressing!! A true man knows when to bend. Such a trivial thing—I, with an adult mind, shouldn’t act like a little kid.

Besides, this was only to hide my identity and avoid the enemy Great Demon King. I had no choice.

—This is strategy! This is strategy! This is strategy!! Important things must be said three times.

The child’s dress was simple—just slip it on. Soon, I wore Flower King’s dress.

Next, I unfolded the floral parasol, raised it overhead, and lowered it to cover my face.

After that, I calmly walked out of the Takanashi courtyard and bumped into a girl reading manga.

Of course, I wouldn’t greet her. Whether she noticed me or not, I stayed silent and walked past.

“Midori… -chan?”

As I pretended nonchalance while passing the Great Demon King, she looked up from her manga, puzzled. Why hadn’t Flower King greeted her?

At her question, my body trembled slightly. I remained silent and kept walking.

“Why aren’t you talking? Midori-chan, you… why are you wearing geta?”

Turning back, the Great Demon King noticed the geta under the dress of the person walking away.

“Midori-chan, didn’t you always like floral shoes?”

Her relentless questions came from behind, but I couldn’t reply. One word would expose me.

“…”

I still didn’t answer. My feet kept moving. Only my face under the parasol twisted.

—Damn!! She noticed the only flaw—my shoes!!!

But she was probably just puzzled, not truly suspicious. If I stayed calm and walked on, I’d be safe.

Once I put distance, I’d be free.

However, reality is full of surprises. Just as I gained a little space, several young girls rushed from a street corner behind me. Seeing their leader outside her house, they shouted.

“Leader!! Flower King was defeated by the enemy general! Even her clothes were taken!!”

“Midori-chan? Isn’t she right there?”

Hearing this, the Great Demon King looked toward me with confusion.

When she saw me sprinting for my life, her eyes narrowed. She tossed the manga aside and gave chase.

Feeling the terrifying aura behind me—a killing intent almost tangible—I shuddered. I glanced back slightly. Behind me, a girl radiating darkness chased frantically.

That overwhelming presence reminded me of boys trembling under the Great Demon King’s name.

Seeing her like a demon god, I confirmed her strength. I threw the parasol backward to block her.

To my astonishment, she dodged it easily with a sidestep.

Seeing her agility, I understood the gap between us.

I was 100% sure I couldn’t beat this girl radiating inexplicable pressure. My deep unease confirmed it.

As she closed in, I broke into a cold sweat. Gritting my teeth, I reached into my pocket.

…No choice. I had to use my last resort…

I pulled out a bag of mustard powder and slammed it onto the ground.

The fragile bag shattered instantly. Powder—mixed with mustard, pepper, onion, and dozens of seasonings—spread into the air, forming a barrier.

This trick might not work on adults, but for sensitive children, it was extremely effective.

However, when the powder spread, it didn’t block her.

The Great Demon King girl, radiating darkness, charged through the barrier at incredible speed and kept chasing.

—It had no effect at all!!!

At this absurd sight, my expression went blank for a moment, then quickly returned to calm.

It seemed I only had one last stratagem left: of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, fleeing is best!!

Yes, for my life and reputation, I ran with all my might.

But even so, the Great Demon King girl kept closing in. The age gap was too big!

Especially with a child’s body—every year brings huge growth.

Her advantage was overwhelming.

Soon, a hill appeared ahead. The lush green slopes and shady trees caught my eye.

Perhaps I couldn’t match her physically, but in the forest’s narrow spaces, my smaller size might help.

At this crucial moment, my already maxed-out speed increased slightly.

Under the scorching sun, after such exertion, my face was drenched in sweat.

“Aaaah!!!”

My face twisted. I roared as I charged into the dense forest, running fast.

However, just after entering, not far in, I realized something was wrong.

The cool shade was refreshing, but the forest was full of bushes. And I wore Flower King’s floral dress…

So, my speed actually slowed down.

But I had no time to take off the dress. Stopping meant the Great Demon King would catch me!!

I squeezed through narrow spots, ignoring branches tearing my clothes and dress.

As long as I shook off this terrifying woman, any cost was worth it. The dress wasn’t mine—why care?

Still, as my dress and clothes tore, I felt a strange sense of shame…

Running through the trees, seeing my tattered clothes, I felt odd.

Whatever. No one else was here. I just needed to lose the persistent demon girl behind me.

The intimidating aura made it clear: she was still hot on my heels, not giving up.

—Damn!! This woman!! Why won’t she let go!!!

Fleeing desperately, my young face grimaced as I screamed inwardly.

…I can’t… this body is reaching its limit…

Feeling exhaustion set in, my young face showed a complex expression.

This was it—I was doomed. If caught like this, my reputation would be ruined forever!!

Just as despair crept in, my forward step suddenly hit nothing.

“Huh?”

My body tumbled forward. Only then did I see the large pit ahead.

At the sight, my eyes went dead fish-like. I hung in the air for a moment, then whooshed down.

It was a small pit, about an adult’s height deep. Moss covered the walls. The bottom had smooth pebbles and pooled rainwater.

With a “splash,” I landed in the water, soaked instantly.

“Ow ow ow! A kid’s body is so sensitive!!”

I rubbed my head and climbed out. But then, a figure radiating darkness leaped down, landing steadily before me.

As I lay on the ground, seeing those slender, strong legs, my expression froze.