Fifteen days passed in a flash.
During this time, besides his systematic physical training, Okabe had another task: being dragged out to play by the two Nakiri sisters who came over early every morning.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing physical training. Strength +0.01, Charisma +0.01]
After finishing the last set of physical training, Okabe's physical fitness officially broke the 6-point barrier, equivalent to that of an average 14-year-old boy.
"Little Okabe, today is the day for your and Erina's grabbing ceremony. Don't be late.
Ikaros, stop blocking me. Let me in, being late isn't good. Erina and the others have probably already arrived."
At the same time, Nakiri Leonora's urging voice came from the doorway.
She wanted to come in but was stopped by Ikaros, who was blocking the doorway.
This was Okabe's instruction. To appear more ordinary, he would have Ikaros block any visitors while he was training, not letting them in.
However, over the past year, aside from Nakiri Leonora, almost no one else came by, so she was the one Ikaros blocked most of the time.
And although Nakiri Leonora didn't understand, she gradually accepted this arrangement, simply assuming that these creatures from the Mystic Realm had their own set of behavioral rules.
"I'm ready, Auntie Leonora."
Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a tissue, Okabe quickly changed his shoes, adjusted his tone, and ran out with a child-like voice, stopping in front of Nakiri Leonora.
"Finally ready! Did you put on your clothes and shoes all by yourself? That's amazing! Alice still needs my help. I'll have to find a way to train her later."
Seeing the little tyke appear beside Ikaros, Nakiri Leonora's urgency vanished, and she picked Okabe up with a smile.
Looking at her outstretched hands, Okabe didn't resist and obediently let himself be held. He then wiggled his body slightly, found a comfortable spot, and leaned his head against her.
Her chest was ample, and she carried a faint, pleasant fragrance, making it very comfortable to lean on.
Behind them, Ikaros noticed the look of contentment on Okabe's face and showed a thoughtful expression.
She then reached out and made a couple of measuring gestures in front of her own chest. After confirming she could satisfy Okabe, she decided to carry him on future outings as well.
As for the reason, it was, of course, to make Okabe happy. She was an Angeloid created for the very purpose of making her Master happy.
"We're here. It's a bit crowded, so stay close to me and don't get lost. First, I'll take you to the changing room to get dressed. We had a little suit custom-made just for you."
As they neared the venue, Nakiri Leonora gently put Okabe down, then lowered her head and began giving instructions, taking his hand as she spoke.
Ikaros followed closely, silently guarding Okabe's side, ready to prevent any dangerous individuals from suddenly appearing and threatening his safety.
·
·
Time passed, bit by bit.
The afternoon sun slanted into the reception hall. A large red felt carpet covered the floor, on which all sorts of items were densely arranged.
A wooden spatula, a wooden spoon, a plastic kitchen knife, a log-like rolling pin, and spice jars were placed among them, along with an extra-small iron wok. A closer look revealed they were all cooking-related utensils.
Erina Nakiri had arrived at the venue early. Today, she wore a beautiful princess dress and was surrounded by a crowd of people, all speaking flattering words.
As the young lady of the Nakiri family and the possessor of the legendary God's Tongue, she became the center of attention wherever she went.
In contrast, Okabe's side seemed somewhat desolate.
Aside from Ikaros accompanying him, none of the passing guests stopped for him.
"The fickleness of human relationships, how realistic.
But this is fine. For someone with a sensitive identity like me, growing up smoothly without attracting attention is the best choice."
Okabe naturally noticed this, but he didn't mind.
If possible, he would rather not be in the spotlight, at least not now. If he encountered danger, his current body had no way to resist.
"Brother Okabe."
Just as Okabe was getting a little bored and wondering what to do, a child-like voice called out. He turned his head and saw Alice Nakiri's face.
She had appeared behind him at some point and was now looking at him with a bright smile.
"Alice, you're here too."
"Mhm, Mom said Brother Okabe would be here, so I came over."
Alice Nakiri said in her child-like voice.
Ever since Okabe saved her that day, she had become his little shadow. It just seemed that he didn't want to be followed, so she could only see him for a few hours a day.
But even so, she was very happy.
At the same time.
A cry of surprise came from Erina Nakiri's direction, drawing their attention.
"Wow!"
"Miss Erina chose the wok ladle! What a remarkable choice!"
"Is there some special meaning to it?"
Hearing the lavish praise, a guest asked curiously.
"You don't understand? To 'wield the ladle' is to be in charge. Grasping this wok ladle proves she has the ambition to command a kitchen.
Young Lady Erina is the possessor of the God's Tongue. She was born to stand at the pinnacle of the culinary world. Having such an ambition is a wonderful thing!"
"Devotion to cuisine, skill in cooking—it truly has a wonderful meaning."
"Young Lady Erina..."
The crowd was bustling, and words of admiration flowed endlessly, all praising Erina Nakiri's choice.
However, as the absolute star of the day, Erina Nakiri's expression was blank and her movements clumsy; she couldn't understand why the adults were so happy.
Her little mind was momentarily overloaded.
"There are only so many items, and no matter what she grabs, it's related to being a chef. These people are so insincere. They'll say anything just to make a good impression on Erina."
Watching this scene, Okabe couldn't help but complain inwardly. How could such a young child understand flattery? It would be impressive enough if she didn't find it noisy and want to leave.
Despite his many thoughts, his expression didn't change much, maintaining the ignorant look of a child.
In the end, this matter had nothing to do with him.
"Little Okabe, it's our turn."
Just then, Nakiri Leonora squeezed out of the crowd, called out in Okabe's direction, and then strode over to bring him forward.
Seeing this, Okabe didn't say anything, trying his best to act like a normal one-year-old. He was led to the grabbing ceremony area and picked up a kitchen knife from the red cloth.
But compared to Erina Nakiri before him, Okabe's turn was quiet and deserted. Only a few people glanced over without saying a word.
Everyone was busy flattering Erina Nakiri. However, although the girl stood at the center of the crowd, adored like the moon surrounded by stars, she felt inexplicably lonely.
She wanted to get out, but her body was too small and she lacked the strength to push through the tightly packed wall of adults.
"Ikaros."
After picking up the kitchen knife and completing the process, he should have left directly.
But upon seeing this scene before leaving, Okabe couldn't help but frown slightly.
He hadn't wanted to meddle in such affairs, but seeing Erina Nakiri on the verge of tears, he felt he had to do something, so he called out to Ikaros beside him.
"Get Erina out of there. Use a gentle method, and try not to cause a commotion. We'll meet in the small garden outside."
"As you command, Master."
Pointing at Erina Nakiri, who was surrounded by the crowd, Okabe gave Ikaros his order, then went over to Alice Nakiri's side.
"Let's go play outside."
"Okay! I want to play hide-and-seek!"
Alice Nakiri already found staying here boring, and upon hearing Okabe's words, a look of delight immediately appeared on her face.
"Hide-and-seek it is."
Okabe said as he took her small hand, leading her away from the few weird aunties who were trying to chat with her, and headed towards the garden outside.
However, what Okabe didn't know was...
...everything he did was being watched by one person.
"His goal is clear, and he feigns foolishness to hide his great wisdom.
It seems he has a particular fondness for the kitchen knife, understanding that the starting point of all cooking lies in the fundamentals. His character is steady and reliable. He is indeed promising material for a chef."
On a chair, an old man sat with his legs crossed in an unseemly manner, holding a half-eaten duck leg and gnawing on it in big bites. He watched Okabe with a scrutinizing gaze.
The people around him looked at his crude appearance with puzzled expressions. Someone even went to ask security, wondering if he was some vagrant who had snuck in.
However, the answer they received was...
...this gentleman is a distinguished guest personally invited by Senzaemon Nakiri, the Food Demon King!
_____
🔥 New releases are live! 🔥
🪦 Support me on P... and enjoy 25% off!
✅ Get immediate access to 40 early chapters for all stories.
✅ Enjoy exclusive material and special announcements!
Help us unlock these community rewards:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone
🚀 55 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters across ALL STORIES!
👻 P - Walnutchan