Chapter 51 : If you’re in pain, please raise your hand~

“Hello?”

I cautiously opened the door and stepped inside.

The peculiar smell of disinfectant that is characteristic of hospitals tickled my nose.

Ugh, this feels weird.

In the center of the room, a doctor was looking at me with a gentle smile.

He had even more gray hair than our commander uncle, giving off an impression of experience… or should I say wisdom? Anyway, he looked like the typical grandpa you’d think of when you imagine a doctor.

Beside him was a nurse who had a cute, cat-like demeanor. She had a bigger chest than Nunu. Oh my.

By the way, I always think this, but those doctor’s gowns look really cool.

I’d love to try one on. The problem is, with my current body, I’d probably just look like a child trying to be an adult.

‘Huh…?’

But it’s strange.

Both of them are just staring at me without saying a word. …What’s going on? Should I speak first?

“Excuse me?”

“…Oh, hello. Maru-ya. I didn’t realize you had come in.”

As I greeted them, tilting my head, the doctor, startled, stood up and looked at me.

No way. Did they not even realize I had entered? Was I too small for them to notice?

Eh, probably not. The desk in front of me is too high for them to see me, right?

‘Well, I want to believe that.’

“Please have a seat here. We’ll start with a small exam.”

It felt odd to be spoken to so politely by an elderly man.

I scratched my cheek and sat down on the chair in front of me.

Even though the nurse adjusted the chair for me, the height was so high that my feet dangled off the ground.

…This is definitely not because I’m short. The chair is just too big.

I pouted, feeling a little frustrated.

“Now, take a slow breath. It won’t hurt, and it’ll be over quickly.”

‘…Okay.’

For a moment, I wanted to say not to treat me like a kid, but… I just silently puffed out my cheeks.

Why? …Because, well, I look like a baby right now. No one would take me seriously if I said something.

In fact, if I tried to act more grown-up, they’d probably just pat me on the head and call me cute. I can already guess how it will go.

It’s a lesson I’ve learned from living in this body.

Is this really what you’d call wisdom? Feels kind of sad.

“Once it’s all done, I’ll give you a sweet candy, so don’t be too nervous.”

Candy? The only thing I’ve ever gotten at a hospital was a Pororo vitamin, but I guess they even give out candy these days.

I’m curious. I like grape flavor. I wonder if there’s a pudding flavor?

‘Now, let’s try this. Slowly inhale, like this…’

Hoo-haa

“Great job. Now exhale slowly…”

Puh-ha

“Good. Now, we’ll begin.”

Anyway, the heavy sensation of the stethoscope pressing against my chest signaled the start of the exam.

As expected from an experienced doctor, he kept my attention focused with various toys while conducting the exam.

I saw glowing dinosaur stickers and even a Gundam figure in the corner. It seemed like they had prepared them for kids who generally dislike hospitals.

Those things would definitely distract anyone from the exam. Even I got a little sidetracked by the glowing dinosaur.

If I were really little, I’d probably be all over those things.

But I’m an adult. I can sit still even without such distractions.

“Maru-ya, I’m going to measure your blood pressure now. How about we play a little game and stay still for a bit?”

Huh?

What’s going on?

I tilted my head and looked to the side. The nurse was smiling awkwardly while looking at my legs.

…What’s this?

Following her gaze, I looked down, and there were my legs, shaking so much it looked like they might fly away.

Ah.

“Uh, why is this happening? Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. If you stay still for just a little longer, I’ll get it for you. Can you manage?”

“Of course!”

Even though I’d seen the fox plushie, and it was a cute, fluffy Arctic fox…

I almost jumped up from the chair. If my feet had touched the floor, it could have been a disaster.

I almost failed as an adult…!

“Alright, good job. We’re almost done with all the seated tests.”

“Oh, really?”

That was quicker than I thought. It feels like it’s been less than 10 minutes.

At this rate, I might be able to go home soon. Ah, and of course, with the special pudding.

What does special pudding taste like? It must be different from the usual ones since it’s called “special.”

Wait, could it be a glowing pudding? I’m excited.

‘You did well. Here you go.’

“Ah… Thank you!”

As I imagined myself grinning with the pudding, the doctor brought over a fluffy, plump fox plushie as promised.

It was even softer and puffier than it looked from afar.

Especially the tail, it was so puffy I thought it might be static.

It was soft and cozy like a fluffy cotton blanket when I gently touched it.

And it was huge.

It was almost as big as my body, and the large tail kept brushing against my cheek.

“Wow, this is nice.”

Without the tail, it would fit perfectly into my arms, and I could probably sleep with it too.

The more I touched it, the more I liked it.

If I could, I’d take it home. But of course, it’s the hospital’s property, so I can’t do that.

Maybe I’ll ask Commander Uncle if he can buy one for me later.

“Wow, you really like it, don’t you?”

“Yes!”

I nodded enthusiastically in response to the nurse’s question.

I’m so happy!

But it’s time to put the fox plushie down. The exam isn’t over yet.

“Wait, what else is left?”

“A dental check-up.”

Huh?

I was feeling so happy just a moment ago.

But now, that sounds absolutely awful.

The unique sharp scent of the dentist tickles my whole body.

It’s a smell I just can’t get used to.

What exactly is this, and why does every dentist’s office have the same smell?

Along with the always strangely uncomfortable dental chair, I see sharp tools spinning with a whirring sound.

Just looking at them makes my mouth ache, enough to drag my mood straight to rock bottom.

…Besides that.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes…”

Where did the reliable old doctor go? Instead, a clueless-looking young man is standing in front of me, making me feel uneasy.

But he’s still a doctor, so his skills should be fine, right? Let’s trust him for now.

“Relax, Ruta. This is just a simple check-up.”

“…My name isn’t Ruta, it’s Maru.”

“I know. I’m Ruta.”

No, correction. I don’t think I can trust him.

That statement alone just destroyed all my trust.

If I close my eyes and leave myself in his hands, all my teeth might fall out.

Save me! Get me out of here!

“Haha, just kidding. Believe it or not, I’ve been working for 20 years without a single accident. You can trust me.”

“…Really?”

“Of course. Besides, we’re not even doing treatment today, just a check-up. So don’t worry too much.”

Maybe he noticed my anxious expression because he gave me a hearty laugh.

…It was a joke. My heart almost jumped out of my chest.

“Then, um… what are those scary, whirring tools for?”

“Oh, these? The next patient after you needs a cavity treatment, so I prepared them in advance. Sorry for the misunderstanding.”

“…Oh?”

I sighed in relief at the doctor’s explanation.

Thank goodness. Those weren’t for me. What a relief.

“Alright, let’s begin.”

“Yes… okay…”

The doctor, who had been joking around just moments ago, suddenly turned serious as soon as he said “begin.”

Well, he is a 20-year veteran. I guess he knows when to focus. That’s kind of cool.

“Now, open your mouth wide.”

“Ahhh—”

I followed his instructions and opened my mouth wide.

…Or so I thought.

“Huh?”

The doctor seemed a little taken aback.

To check my teeth properly, there needs to be enough space for the light to get in—but apparently, my mouth was too small for that.

This never happens when I eat pudding, so why now…?

Wait, pudding?

“Aaaah—”

As soon as I imagined a delicious pudding in front of me, my mouth naturally opened even wider.

Pudding is amazing. It works every time.

“Oh, good. If you feel any pain—which I doubt—just raise your hand, okay? I’ll stop immediately.”

I nodded in response.

…Wait a minute. What is that?

Something in my peripheral vision caught my attention, and I instinctively raised my hand.

“I haven’t even started yet~”

“Uhh… Doctow… wwhat ithh thaat?”

Because my mouth was open, my pronunciation sounded ridiculous. But that wasn’t the important part right now.

What is that?

You said you only need a light for the check-up.

Then what’s that weird-looking tool in your other hand?

“Oh, this? It’s just a device to keep your mouth open. Nothing special, so don’t worry.”

Ahh.

I see. You should have just said so earlier.

Anyway, since it’s just a simple check-up, it should be over quickly, right?

I’ll just think about pudding until then.

Soft, jiggly, special pudding.

The pudding in my mind is now dancing right before my eyes.

Left, right, forward, backward.

After dancing for a while, the pudding slowly moves toward my mouth.

Ha! Silly pudding. Walking right into your doom.

Well then, bon appétit!

Chomp!

“Kyaaaaaa!!”

Huh?