Chapter 366: Griseo, You Were Fooled by Elysia

When Griseo heard Takumi's question, she put down her brush and explained,

"Everyone else hasn't changed, so it felt weird that I suddenly grew up. Elysia-nee said I wasn't cute anymore, so I changed back. Besides, I'm more comfortable in this form."

Takumi was speechless.

Elysia, huh? As expected, it was her fault.

She must have said something to Griseo that convinced her to turn back into a loli. Thinking about it, Takumi found it amusing.

"Don't let Elysia fool you like that."

She probably just thought grown-up Griseo wasn't fun anymore and tricked her into changing.

"Elysia-nee isn't that kind of person!"

Griseo didn't mind and even defended Elysia.

Takumi sighed internally. Fine, say whatever you like.

"Not that kind of person"… yeah, right.

But he didn't dwell on it.

"Who's this?"

Griseo's gaze shifted to Gabriel.

It was her first time meeting her. Takumi had brought her over, but who was she?

"This is Gabriel. An angel."

Takumi introduced her. Gabriel also gave a polite self-introduction.

"I'm Gabriel. Pleased to meet you, Miss Griseo."

Griseo blinked.

"An angel? That's amazing! Can I use you as a model sometime? I've heard there are angels in Takumi's world, but I haven't really met one before."

She rarely went out. Though she had heard of angels, she had never seen one. Now that she had, she wanted to make the most of the opportunity.

"Sure! That's no problem. Let's exchange contact info."

Gabriel was happy to agree. She found Griseo very likable—so pure and innocent.

Griseo nodded, and the two began chatting.

Takumi and Gabriel stayed for a while but eventually left since Griseo started ushering them out.

She was in the middle of painting and didn't have time to keep chatting.

So Takumi didn't insist. After a short visit, they left.

For lunch, Takumi and Gabriel went to Master Qianjie's place.

When Qianjie saw Takumi, he looked annoyed, as if thinking Takumi had come to laugh at him.

But Takumi didn't mock him.

After finishing their meal, Takumi and Gabriel continued strolling around.

They visited others too—like Apollonia's orphanage and the local school.

Everyone seemed to be doing well in Takumi's world.

After making a full round, Takumi returned home.

Once back, he messaged Elysia:

"It's almost New Year's. Aren't you gathering the Thirteen Flame-Chasers to celebrate together?"

Upon reading the message, Elysia's eyes lit up.

"Of course! That sounds amazing!"

Eden, who was nearby, looked confused.

"What's up?"

Elysia grinned and explained,

"Takumi suggested I gather the Thirteen Flame-Chasers for New Year's. I think it's a great idea. Everyone's busy with their own stuff, but spending New Year's together shouldn't be a problem. Only... I don't know if Kosma will come back."

As she said this, she began messaging Kosma.

Kosma was still in space, exploring planets.

If he wanted to come back, Takumi would probably have to help.

But it wasn't a big deal. Elysia would leave that to Takumi.

She happily began organizing the reunion.

New Year's wouldn't be the same without the Thirteen Flame-Chasers.

Kosma received the message and paused.

Looking out at the vastness of space, he pondered:

"New Year's, huh? Sounds good."

He replied to Elysia and then returned to his current mission.

He was loving this—fighting aliens was just too fun.

...

Takumi's world was bustling with New Year's preparations.

Other connected worlds knew about it too, so many people rushed in to earn money, bringing all kinds of goods to Takumi's world.

Chefs from everywhere also arrived for the Gourmet Festival.

Making money wasn't shameful.

Thanks to that, the Food City was getting livelier by the day.

Booths and decorations were set up, ready for the big event.

Even foodies from other worlds started arriving early.

Various races could be seen wandering around.

Though the festival hadn't officially started, many restaurants had already opened their tables.

It was a great business opportunity.

Plus, school was on holiday, so many students were free to join in.

As time passed, the Gourmet Festival finally began.

At that moment, Food City was packed with people.

Countless visitors came to indulge in delicacies.

For food lovers, this place was heaven.

Youmu Konpaku was overjoyed—so much delicious food!

Many group chat members came too.

Saten Ruiko and others returned, even bringing Mikoto Misaka.

The only one who didn't come was Miko, since she didn't have enough points.

Everyone else used other means to travel, so Miko stayed behind to help send others.

They planned to buy food and send it to her later.

Takumi also personally picked up Bronya and others.

Zhongli arrived as well, bringing several other gods with him.

Basically, everyone who could come, came.

Takumi's house was packed.

Rias and her group were thrilled to return to Takumi's world.

It was livelier than ever.

Many characters from Honkai: Star Rail also came.

Besides March 7, Guinaifen and Qingque also arrived.

Qingque cried out when she saw Takumi.

She still remembered how he won money from her last time.

Seeing all these guests arriving one by one, Takumi began hosting them with full enthusiasm.

There were so many that his house couldn't hold them all.

He simply opened a spatial portal and transported them to Food City.

He would expand his house later.

Group chat members and their friends had all come.

It was a massive crowd.