-2081- Bid farewell to this world

After that, Natsume, Suzuka, and Kurahashi Kyouko reluctantly left the Onmyo Academy, each returning to their respective roles.

However, compared to before, the reluctance of the three girls had lessened considerably.

That's because Rozen had formed an Absolute Contract with all three of them, making them his familiars just like Edelweiss, allowing them to stay in this world.

With this, Rozen could contact them at any time and place, and they would no longer be in danger in this world. Even if something were to happen, they wouldn't die and could be de-materialized from this world at any time, returning to Rozen's soul, to be summoned again in other worlds.

Thanks to this Absolute Contract, the sense of separation disappeared, and the girls were able to accept Rozen's departure.

Thus, Rozen gained three new familiars in this world, their existence engraved into his soul, and he prepared to leave.

Of course, before leaving, Rozen still had to retrieve Mash, Artoria [Alter], Jeanne [Alter], and Serenity, who had gone on a trip.

"They've been gone for several days now, haven't they?"

For a trip, a few days isn't long — it's actually quite short.

Though many things happened after Rozen returned to this world, the time that had passed wasn't much — just a few days at most.

In other words, from the moment Rozen returned to this world until now, it had only been a few days.

Therefore, the time Mash and the others had been gone wasn't long either. The group had only kept in touch via telepathy in the evenings to check in on each other.

"I remember Mash said they hadn't left the country but were just wandering around the islands."

Even so, the girls had joined a tour group. Despite the short time, they had visited many places, eating and having fun along the way, enjoying themselves thoroughly.

"Wonder if they've had enough fun already."

Rozen then reconnected telepathically with the girls, asking if they wanted to stay a bit longer.

Surprisingly, their answers were all consistent.

"No need, Senpai. Though it's only been a few days, I'm already quite satisfied."

Mash's tone was filled with contentment, with no sign of regret — it was clear she'd truly enjoyed the trip.

"The food in this country is so delicious it's almost hard to leave behind, but since I'm with you, there will be plenty of chances to enjoy good food again, right?"

Artoria [Alter] also showed no particular attachment, her tone as cold as ever.

"Hurry up and bring me back already! I've had enough of being pestered by the kids in the tour group!"

Jeanne [Alter] loudly complained, apparently having faced some… interesting situations.

"I'm satisfied too. Nobody dies when they touch me. I even shared soup with other girls using the same spoon. No one was afraid of me… it was really nice."

Serenity's voice was filled with happiness. Among them, she seemed to be the most fulfilled.

"Well, as long as you're all happy."

Rozen was relieved.

These four had never experienced such peaceful and ordinary happiness before. This trip must've been truly delightful for them.

"Looks like when we go to a new world next time, I should let them explore a bit more, if possible."

While thinking this, Rozen called out to them through his mind.

"Alright, I'll summon you back now. Be ready."

Rozen didn't need to wait for them to return — he could summon his familiars back to his side at any time.

"Okay."

"Hmph."

"Do it already!"

"I'm ready, Rozen-sama."

Mash, Artoria [Alter], Jeanne [Alter], and Serenity all responded.

"Summon Heroic Spirit."

Rozen activated the summoning circle and summoned his four Servants back.

In the next moment, with the magic circle spinning and shining, four girls appeared before Rozen.

Mash, Artoria [Alter], Jeanne [Alter], and Serenity had officially returned.

Except…

"Oh?"

Looking at the four girls before him, Rozen's eyes lit up.

Their outfits were completely different from when they had left.

Mash was wearing a pure white dress like something from a ballroom, adorned with ruffles and pleats, with floral patterns. It exposed her shoulders and stopped above the knees. She wore sandals on her feet — utterly beautiful and heart-stirring.

Artoria [Alter] was dressed in a black jacket and short denim shorts. Her hair was let down and tied into a ponytail, and she wore short boots — bold and gallant, drawing attention.

Jeanne [Alter] was also in black, though less knightly than Artoria [Alter]. A fluffy jacket, black shirt, and jeans with one thigh cut out, paired with combat-style sneakers — she looked like a gangster queen.

As for Serenity, she was the most innocent-looking of the group. A simple white dress, sandals, a gentle, next-door-girl vibe. Her skin had turned fair and radiant — clearly the result of a transformation skill. Her usual exotic, dusky skin was now porcelain-like, and she wore a floral hair ornament.

The four girls looked so charming that Rozen couldn't help but praise them.

"Nice!"

One word, along with a big thumbs-up from Rozen, made all four girls react.

"U-Um… thank you for the compliment…"

Mash looked a little shy.

"As long as Rozen-sama likes it."

Serenity also seemed bashful.

"Hoh? You've got good taste, huh?"

Jeanne [Alter] raised her brow, acting like it was only natural, but her flustered eyes betrayed her.

"In this regard, praise is indeed appropriate."

Artoria [Alter] remained as calm and composed as ever — it seemed she was the most confident of the four.

"Why don't we just make these your casual outfits from now on?" Rozen said. "We probably won't encounter any battles before we return to Chaldea anyway."

This was a decision Rozen made after seeing the girls' current states.

That is — to let the girls relax and enjoy themselves before returning to Chaldea.

However, these girls weren't the type to indulge in luxury. The few days of travel seemed to be enough for them. They didn't particularly agree with Rozen's suggestion.

They were, after all, Heroic Spirits — battle was their destiny. They understood that deeply.

So, occasional relaxation was fine, but a life of leisure? Even they wouldn't agree — unless Rozen joined them.

"That's a shame."

Rozen said, a bit regretfully.

Still, the idea of keeping their current outfits as casual wear was met with unanimous approval from the girls.

They all seemed to like their new looks.

So, after chatting together for a while, the group got ready to leave.

"Zing!"

A swirling portal of light appeared before them, and one by one, they stepped into it and left.

After that, the world of jujutsu began to flourish once more.

And surely, when Rozen returns again, he'll be greeted with many surprises.