The Problem with Growth Spurts
Goblin Mage laments that none of her old clothes or shoes fit anymore after her sudden growth spurt. When Meia brings news that the ship will soon be stopping at a city and Jessica offers them shopping advice, they all agree to go into town together.
Goblin Mage: Wah!
A short yell suddenly interrupts the afternoon silence one can usually enjoy in the Grandcypher's mess hall.
Feena: Are you okay, Goblin Mage?
Goblin Mage: It hurts, Fee...
Apparently having tripped over nothing, Goblin Mage is holding her knee with tears in her eyes.
Feena: Is it bleeding? Let me see.
Feena: Thank goodness, you didn't break the skin. I guess you really can't wear your shoes like that.
Goblin Mage: Yeah...
Goblin Mage recently was recently subjected to a goblin secret art that forced her to undergo a growth spurt.
But experiencing such a sudden growth spurt had caused a dire problem in her daily life.
Goblin Mage: Fee, I can't fit into these either!
Feena: I figured! What the heck do we do, you only have one set of clothes now!
Goblin Mage: Urgh... We're still flying, so we can't go buy anything until we get to a town.
Feena: I wish I could give you my clothes, but they'd be a little too big.
Feena: Oh, I know! We should ask the girls who are about your size if they can lend you some stuff to wear!
Goblin Mage: Oh yeah! Good thinking, Fee!
Feena: Aren't I smart? Let's go!
Goblin Mage: Ah, wait! It's me who needs the clothes, so I'll go ask for them!
Feena: Huh?
Goblin Mage: But I'm a little scared, so will you come too?
Feena: O-of course! Don't worry, I'll be right there with you!
After that, Goblin Mage went around the ship with Feena, asking other members of the crew to lend her clothes.
Though everyone expressed surprise seeing her suddenly more grown up, they all gladly offered her whatever clothes they could.
Goblin Mage spent the next few days wearing what she was lent, but she and Feena soon realized there was one problem left unsolved.
Feena: We couldn't borrow shoes from anyone, but you really ought to have a second pair you can use.
Goblin Mage: I thought I could just walk on the backs of my old ones like sandals, but that didn't work...
Goblin Mage: Wah!
Both: Yeah, you fell...
Because I fell...
Feena: We need to do some shopping for you as soon as possible.
Goblin Mage: Uh-huh. This is a little inconvenient.
Meia's Voice: Sister Magie! Sister Fee!
Meia: I have good news!
Meia, a young goblin who looks up to Goblin Mage as an older sister, excitedly bursts into the mess hall.
Meia: I was just at the bridge, and they told me that we'll be stopping at a large city as soon as tomorrow!
Meia: We'll be able to find clothes, shoes, and whatever else Sister Magie needs there!
Nobody on the Grandcypher had considered the fact that Goblin Mage had only one set of clothes until after they had left the Menean Empire.
After discussing the situation, Feena and (Captain) determined that they'd rather find a suitable nearby town to swing by than to turn around.
Feena: Really? That's great! We'll finally be able to deal with this.
Goblin Mage: Thank goodness... We'll have to sort out and give back all the clothes I borrowed.
Meia: I'll help you!
As the three start chatting, Jessica appears holding a tray of snacks.
Jessica: Ah, hello. I was just given these in the kitchen. Would you like some?
Goblin Mage: Snacks! Yay, I want snacks!
As Goblin Mage excitedly peruses the platter, Feena offers Jessica a seat.
Feena: While you're here, can I ask you something?
Jessica: ...
What would you like to know?
Feena: We're docking at a big city pretty soon, so I'll finally be able to take Goblin Mage shopping.
Feena: I know we need clothes and shoes, but can you think of anything else we should get her?
Jessica: Ah, I see. Let me think...
Jessica: Has your hair grown a bit, Goblin Mage?
Goblin Mage: Hm? Yeah, a little bit! It feels heavier, too!
Jessica: That's what I thought. Longer hair gets damaged easily, so we should get some product for you.
Feena: Of course, hair care products! I keep mine short, so the idea never even occurred to me!
Jessica: We could also look for hair ties and other accessories so she can try different styles.
Feena: Good point. Thanks, you've been a great help!
Jessica: Hehe, we can't have her feeling bored with her new self, after all.
Meia: Hair products and accessories... The people outside have thought of so many interesting things!
Jessica: There are plenty of other daily necessities she'll need too, like a bigger toothbrush.
Feena: Oh yeah!
Jessica: Ah, and I shouldn't forget what Korwa taught me some time ago.
Jessica: Growing up makes the characteristics of your skin change, so we need to make sure she's using moisturizer.
Feena: Wow, really? Maybe I should buy some for myself too...
Goblin Mage: We've got so many things to get that it's gonna make me dizzy...
Goblin Mage: I wonder what I should do with the clothes that don't fit me anymore... Meia, do you want them?
Meia: Are you sure? I would be honored!
As the others talk, Jessica continues to ponder the situation.
Jessica: I think it would be best for Goblin Mage to go along with you and pick everything out for herself, including the daily necessities.
Jessica: But clothes are pretty bulky, so you might have trouble getting it all home in one go.
Feena: That's true! I'll just have to take her out a couple of times.
Jessica: No, I can help you carry everything. I'm a lot stronger than I look, after all!
Feena: Seriously?
Feena: Jessica, my savior!
Feena latches onto Jessica's arm with joy. Jessica responds with a warm, but bemused, smile.
Jessica: Come on, it's not such a big deal. I wanted to go anyway.
Goblin Mage: Jessy is coming too?
Feena: That's right! She's gonna come shopping with us!
Goblin Mage: Yay! Thank you, Jessy!
Meia: I would like to join you as well!
Feena: Of course! I guess it'll be the four of us, then.
Goblin Mage: Four... Just four?
Feena: That's right, everyone here right now.
Goblin Mage: Oh...
Goblin Mage goes quiet for a moment as she thinks of a certain person.
Goblin Mage: (Then maybe I should bring back a present... I'll have to pick out a good one.)
Feena: What's up?
Goblin Mage: Hurry up, Fee, let's go!
Feena: What? We're not even docked yet!
Goblin Mage: Oh yeah!
Jessica: Hehe, you must be really looking forward to this.
Goblin Mage: Uh-huh! I can't wait!
Goblin Mage is quite excited by the prospect of her first trip to town with Feena, Meia, and Jessica.
Anticipation takes over her every thought, pushing even the pain of her earlier fall out of her mind entirely.
Growing Up
The group arrives in the city and starts shopping. Though Goblin Mage thoroughly enjoys the trip at first, a damper is put on her mood when she finds she can't order a kids' meal anymore. Meia offers to order one in her stead, but Goblin Mage turns her down and reminds herself that she has to be a good big sister like Feena.
Goblin Mage: So many people! So many stores! And everything seems so shiny!
Goblin Mage arrives in a big city with Feena, Meia, and Jessica to do some shopping and is enjoying the grandiose sights.
But Meia, who has never left the Menean Empire before, is even more intrigued than her.
Meia: Wow, so this is what a city looks like... It's so different from an airship.
Goblin Mage: Oh yeah! Meia, you should hold my hand so you don't get lost!
Meia: Thank you, Sister!
Feena: Just make sure you don't run off from us with her in tow.
Goblin Mage: Okay!
Jessica: Look, isn't this great? I bet Goblin Mage would look really cute in it!
Meia: I think that this would suit her very nicely too!
Here, you should try it on!
Goblin Mage: Wagh...
Ever since the group entered this clothing store, Goblin Mage has had no choice but to enjoy her new life as a dress up doll.
Feena and Jessica, inspired by Meia's enthusiasm, are cheerfully suggesting all kinds of outfits.
Goblin Mage: (Do we have enough money to buy all this stuff? Either way, though...)
Goblin Mage: (Hehe, it's so fun shopping with everyone!)
Suddenly, Goblin Mage notices an unusual outfit glittering in the corner of her eye.
Goblin Mage: Shiny! Those clothes are shiny!
Goblin Mage: There are pretty rocks or gems or something sewn all over them!
Goblin Mage: (I bet Fee would love it if I became a shiny!)
Goblin Mage: Fee, I want to wear those!
Feena: Hm? What are we looking at?
Feena: ...
The, uh, shiny ones?
Goblin Mage: The shiny ones!
Feena: Yeah, of course you do!
Feena: (I don't know the first thing about fashion, but even I can tell that outfit is bad!)
Goblin Mage: One shiny, two shinies...
Feena places her hand on Goblin Mage's shoulder, interrupting the younger girl's mirthful reverie.
Feena: I'm sorry, Goblin Mage, but it's so bright I don't think I'll be able to look at it.
Feena: Not to mention how much attention it will attract in a fight...
Goblin Mage: Oh no! If it's too bright, you won't look at me?
Goblin Mage: That'd make me sad...
Goblin Mage: Okay, I don't want to wear it anymore!
Feena: (Thank goodness...)
The group takes a break from their search to enjoy some window shopping.
Goblin Mage: (Ah...)
Goblin Mage: Shinies...
Goblin Mage has found a tableware store and is enthralled by the well-polished cutlery and glasses.
Goblin Mage: (Oh?)
Goblin Mage: (Were windows this low down before? I've always had to stand on my tiptoes to see into them...)
Goblin Mage: Ah... I guess I don't have to do that anymore...
Jessica: Are you hungry for lunch yet, Goblin Mage?
Goblin Mage: Yeah, you bet!
The group arrives at a restaurant, where they each begin to ponder over the many available dishes.
Jessica: Tell us if there's anything on the menu you don't understand, Meia.
Meia: Thank you, Sister Jessica!
Feena: We walked a lot, so I'm ready for a big meal! What about you, Goblin Mage?
Goblin Mage: I want...
Goblin Mage thinks back to the last time Feena and Aletheia took her out to eat.
Goblin Mage: (I should have that again, it was really tasty.)
Goblin Mage: I want the kids' meal!
However, the problem with her selection quickly becomes apparent.
Waitress: I'm very sorry, but we only provide that for young children...
Goblin Mage: Waaah!
Feena: Oh shoot, I should have seen that coming!
I'm sorry, could you give her a minute to pick something else?
Goblin Mage: But the kid's meal... With all the sides, and the kitty-shaped jelly...
Meia: It's all right! I'll order it in your place!
Goblin Mage: Ah, wait! Don't do that. You should pick whatever you want to eat!
Meia: Sister...
Goblin Mage: (Now I have Meia worried about me, even though I'm older than her.)
Goblin Mage: (I have to be grown-up and watch out for her, like Fee has always watched out for me...)
Goblin Mage: (That's what it means to be a big sister, after all!)
Goblin Mage: Would you hand me the menu, Big Sister?
Feena: Say what? I-I mean, of course!
Shocked by the sudden change in Goblin Mage's manner, Feena orders and eats her meal without even registering what it is.
Growing Up: Scene 2
Worrying about how to be a good big sister for Meia, Goblin Mage gives the younger girl a picture book and attempts, unsuccessfully, to read a rather scholarly tome herself. She is then turned away from a playground, reminding her that she isn't seen as a kid anymore. When the group goes back to shopping, she finds that she's no longer having fun.
Goblin Mage: (Hmm, what should I do to be a good big sister to Meia?)
While everyone else looks curiously at their surroundings, Goblin Mage is thinking about her new role.
Meia: My, what kind of building might this be? It's so large...
Jessica: A bookstore, it seems. Would you like to go in?
Meia: Very much so!
Feena: Come on, Goblin Mage.
Goblin Mage: Oh! Yes!
Goblin Mage: A bookstore... This reminds me of when Grandpa gave me that picture book.
Goblin Mage: It feels like that was so long ago.
Goblin Mage unthinkingly starts walking towards the picture book section, but then rebukes herself.
Goblin Mage: (Wait, no! Picture books are for little kids! I'm a big kid now!)
Goblin Mage: I know! Meia, come over here!
Meia: Of course, Sister!
Goblin Mage: We need to teach you how to read and write, so you should start learning with these picture books.
Meia: My, you're right! All of the illustrations make it easy to follow the story!
Meia: Thank you! I promise to study very hard!
Goblin Mage: Hehe, you do that. You're such a good girl, Meia.
Leaving the picture book in Meia's hands, Goblin Mage heads to the most scholarly-seeming section of the store she can find and opens a large tome.
Goblin Mage: I'm a grown-up now, so I should read books for grown...
Goblin Mage: Aw, are there really no pictures? I can't tell what's going on!
Goblin Mage: I bet this wouldn't be fun even if Grandpa read it to me!
Feena: Yeah, I'll bet! Even I can't make heads or tails of that thing!
Goblin Mage: Fee—
Big Sister Fee!
Feena: Even if you've grown up a bit, I'm sure there are other books you'd like more than this.
Feena: Let's go look for them together!
Feena takes Goblin Mage's hand and they start looking around the bookstore.
Goblin Mage: Big Sister Fee, what about that one? The one with the shiny lady on the cover.
Feena: Hm? Let's see...
Feena turns to see that Goblin Mage is pointing to a magazine.
Feena: "Time to Tie the Knot?"
Feena: No, you're still too young for that one!
On the cover is a woman in a wedding dress with glittering pearl-white teeth and some pieces of jewelry that, to Feena's chagrin, are indeed quite shiny.
Meia: Oh? What is that?
Meia notices the sounds of children playing and turns to identify the source.
Jessica: A playground, I believe. What an impressive setup, it even has food stands nearby.
Feena: Wow, there's slides, a ball pit, and all kinds of other stuff!
Goblin Mage: (Those kids are having so much fun... I want to play with them.)
Meia: It all seems very interesting! Let's go look!
Goblin Mage: Yeah!
The two approach the playground as if drawn to it, but they quickly run into another problem.
Staff Member: Welcome to Kiddy Playland! Come on in and have some fun!
Staff Member: Ah, are you her big sister? Please keep an eye on her from outside the fence.
Goblin Mage: Huh? Oh, of course!
Goblin Mage: (Oh, of course, I can't play here.)
Goblin Mage: ...
Meia: Incredible... People seem to be so wonderful at both finding and creating ways to have fun.
Goblin Mage: ...
Meia: Sister? Let's go back, I'm satisfied now.
Goblin Mage: Huh? Don't you want to play?
Meia: No, that's all right. If I let my guard down, there's a chance I could reveal myself to be a goblin and cause a scene.
Meia: Just observing non-goblin culture is enough for me. We should get back to shopping for you!
Goblin Mage: Oh yeah, you're right. Let's get going.
Goblin Mage: ...
(I suddenly don't feel like I'm having fun anymore.)
As the two make their way back to Feena and Jessica, Goblin Mage glances at a shop window.
In the reflection, she can see herself towering over Meia and the other children, now almost as tall as the adults surrounding them.
Goblin Mage: (Oh, so this is what I look like to everyone.)
Goblin Mage: (...)
After rejoining her human friends, Goblin Mage continues to explain things about cities to Meia as they shop.
However, the smile that had been on her face is now noticeably absent.
Growing Up: Scene 3
Jessica, realizing that Goblin Mage is feeling down, arranges to talk with her alone. She assures her that she's being a good big sister and doesn't need to pretend she's already an adult. Thanks to that, Goblin Mage regains her confidence and cheerfully takes Meia's hand once again, causing Feena to smile at her young friend's growth.
Feena: Hey look, crepes! Let's get crepes!
Jessica: Ah, then I'll watch our things with Goblin Mage while you and Meia go buy them.
Feena: Ohhh, okay! Got you!
Meia, you've never had crepes before, right? Come and pick out what you want!
Meia: Of course! Thank you very much!
Feena: (Jessica's going to ask Goblin Mage what's bothering her!)
Feena: (I'm unfortunately useless at that sort of thing. It's all in your hands, my savior!)
Feena: Thanks, Jessica!
Confident that Feena understands what she's planning, Jessica takes Goblin Mage by the hand and sits down on a bench with her.
Without letting go, she then starts gently talking to the young girl.
Jessica: ...
You're not really having fun right now, are you?
Goblin Mage: Huh? N-no, I'm having...
Goblin Mage: ...
I'm not having fun.
Jessica: I see.
Jessica: Can you tell me why you're not having fun? Just whatever comes to mind is fine.
Goblin Mage: Tell you why? Are... Are you sure?
Goblin Mage hesitates, but the love and tenderness in Jessica's voice inspires courage in her.
After a moment, she quietly starts to speak.
Goblin Mage: At first, it was fun to be bigger and see things I couldn't see before.
Goblin Mage: But it felt weird being so close to Fee's face...
Goblin Mage: And then I realized I can't even play with children outside anymore, and everything started to feel boring.
Jessica: Uh-huh...
Goblin Mage: But I'm Meia's big sister, so I have to be a grown-up. I want to protect her, like Fee protects me.
Goblin Mage: But being a big sister means there's so many more things I have to do and things I can't do...
Goblin Mage: I'm so used to doing whatever I want without worrying about anything, so I need to change that about myself now.
Jessica: Well, that's...
Goblin Mage: But I'm... I...
Goblin Mage: I never asked to get bigger!
Feeling her own expression become pained at the distress in Goblin Mage's voice, Jessica caringly squeezes the young girl's hand.
Jessica: Yeah. It's hard to be ready for so many sudden changes.
Jessica: Though, I don't think there are as many things you can't do now as you think.
Goblin Mage: Wuh?
Jessica: I mean, you can't have kids' meals at restaurants anymore...
Jessica: But that doesn't mean you have to stop liking them. If you can't order them anymore, let's just make them ourselves, together.
Jessica: Maybe we can't completely recreate a playground for you, but we can think of ways for you to play how you like.
Jessica: In fact, I'm sure we can think up games that are even more fun than before if we put our heads together.
Goblin Mage: Even more fun... Together...
Jessica: We'd all love to hear all about the things you love the most.
Jessica: It's very mature of you to think more about your responsibilities...
Jessica: But you don't have to lie to yourself about what you like.
Goblin Mage: Okay!
Jessica: In the end, nothing will make us happier than seeing you with a smile on your face every day, okay?
Goblin Mage: B-but what about Meia? Can I really be a good big sister like that?
Goblin Mage: You're a big sister too right? What do I have to do to be good?
Jessica: What makes a good big sister, huh? I can't say I know myself.
Jessica: I'm also always trying to figure out if I'm being a good sister to Ayer.
Goblin Mage: Even you don't know, Jessy?
Jessica: Hehe, that's right. There's plenty that I don't know.
Jessica: But I want to be as good as I can be, so I just keep thinking on it.
Jessica: What else can we do but find our own answer, step by step?
Jessica: Hehe, though maybe that's a bit more complicated than I make it sound.
Goblin Mage: Yeah, I don't really get it...
Jessica: In any case, I'm sure that you can do a good job. After all...
Goblin Mage: We've got so many things to get that it's gonna make me dizzy...
Goblin Mage: I wonder what I should do with the clothes that don't fit me anymore... Meia, do you want them?
Meia: Are you sure? I would be honored!
Jessica: You didn't see, but I broke into a grin when you said that. "What a good big sister she's being," I thought.
Goblin Mage: You did?
Jessica: ("I never asked to get bigger," huh?)
Jessica: (She held that in the whole time because she knew Meia would feel bad if she heard it, didn't she?)
As that thought crosses her mind, Jessica reaches out and gently strokes Goblin Mage's head.
Jessica: I promise, you're being a great big sister.
Goblin Mage: If that's what you think, then guess I can feel a bit relieved.
Jessica: Yes, you can. And you can also let Feena dote on you just like she always has.
Goblin Mage: I can? Really?
Jessica: Of course! You don't have to pretend you're already all grown up.
Goblin Mage: Ah...
Goblin Mage: (Oh?)
Goblin Mage: (Were windows this low down before? I've always had to stand on my tiptoes to see into them...)
Goblin Mage: Ah... I guess I don't have to do that anymore...
Goblin Mage: (I thought I stopped standing on tiptoes already, but really I still was.)
Goblin Mage: (I see... Maybe being a good big sister shouldn't feel so daunting after all!)
Goblin Mage: Hehe!
Jessica: There we go, that's the smile we all love!
Goblin Mage: Uh-huh! Hey, Jessy?
Goblin Mage: May I ask you to keep teaching me how to be a big sister?
Jessica: Huh? Oh, why... Yes, of course!
Jessica: (I wasn't expecting that! I guess she's starting to grow up a little on the inside too.)
Feena's Voice: Hey, we're back!
The two turn to see Feena and Meia return holding four crepes.
Feena: Sorry to keep you waiting—there was a line! Here you go.
Goblin Mage: Yay, crepes!
Seeing that Goblin Mage is smiling again, Feena breathes a sigh of relief.
Feena: Right then, after we finish these... Is there anything you want to do or get, Goblin Mage?
Goblin Mage: Hm? Well...
Goblin Mage: I want the four of us to buy something matching to wear! Something shiny!
Meia: Something matching? How wonderful, I'm all for it!
Goblin Mage: Oh, oh, and I want to get a gift for Grandpa!
Jessica: That's a great idea! I'm sure that Aletheia will love it!
Feena: Right, let's look at some hair accessories, then a present for the old man.
Goblin Mage: Yay! Oh yeah, that gives me an idea!
Goblin Mage: Grandpa and Lucius both have long hair, so we should get them matching hair ties!
Meia: Excellent idea, Sister! I imagine a cute accessory would make their faces seem a little less frightening.
Goblin Mage: Okay then, let's go! In search of cute hair ties!
Goblin Mage: Oh yeah! Here, hold my hand so you don't get lost!
Meia: Of course, Sister!
Feena: Man, she's really grown up.
Jessica: Yes, quite the big sister, isn't she?
The small back always running ahead of her had grown larger in an instant, but Feena has no intention of spurning that change.
Feena: (But I sure hope I can see the rest of her growth a bit more gradually...)
With that bittersweet thought, Feena looks happily at the young goblin as she forges ahead, her new charge at her side.
White Chocolate Cake
![Mini Goblin Mage [穏鬼]](/File:RoB_Goblin_Mage_1-1.jpg)
![Summer Mini Goblin Mage [夏輝鬼]](/File:RoB_Goblin_Mage_2-1.jpg)
![Christmas Mini Goblin Mage [聖流鬼]](/File:RoB_Goblin_Mage_3-1.jpg)
![Bright Mini Goblin Mage [輝護鬼]](/File:RoB_Goblin_Mage_4-1.jpg)
