After finishing his conversation with Erina, Izumi left the stall and continued strolling through the city.
Now that the Dimensional City had officially opened—
More and more people were gathering, exploring, and enjoying themselves.
Naturally, Izumi had no intention of missing out on the fun.
...
Meanwhile, Erina took a deep breath.
Everything Izumi had said—
She remembered it clearly.
And more than anything—
She felt excited.
Convincing her grandfather?
She was confident.
Especially after recalling the warmth that spread through her body when she ate that grilled eel—
She had already made up her mind.
Turning to Mystia Lorelei, she spoke firmly:
"Mystia-san, could you please prepare a few portions for takeout?"
"…I only have 50 points, though…"
Her voice softened slightly at the end, a hint of embarrassment slipping through.
But she needed proof.
If she wanted to convince her grandfather—
She had to bring something back.
Even if it meant spending everything she had.
Mystia nodded.
"Got it. I'll prepare something."
Since Erina didn't specify anything, Mystia simply cooked freely.
All the while—
The residents of Gensokyo watched with interest.
Being stared at by so many youkai—
Erina was honestly terrified.
Thankfully, Yukari Yakumo and the others didn't tease her further.
Once her food was ready—
Erina grabbed it and practically fled the scene.
Watching her leave, Yukari smiled faintly.
"My, my… this is getting more interesting."
"Don't you think so, Yuyuko?"
Beside her, Yuyuko Saigyouji nodded while continuing to eat.
"Mhm~"
"This world is wonderful… so much delicious food."
"But…"
She glanced at her card.
"…We'll need to earn points too."
Her expression stiffened.
She had just spent thousands in one sitting.
Clearly—
That wouldn't last.
Yukari's lips twitched slightly.
She silently glanced into the storage space within her gaps.
At this rate—
Even her collection would eventually run dry.
"…Looks like we need to start earning points as well."
But how?
For a brief moment—
A certain idea crossed her mind.
Scamming newcomers…
"…That might actually work."
Back in her own world—
Erina reappeared.
"…I'm back…"
She let out a long breath of relief.
Looking at the large takeaway boxes in her hands—
She knew.
None of it had been a dream.
At that moment, a familiar voice called out.
"Erina-sama! Where are you?"
"Why did you suddenly disappear?!"
It was Hisako Arato.
Erina quickly checked the time—
And froze.
Despite spending so long in that other world—
Only a few dozen minutes had passed here.
"…Even time… is different…"
The realization shook her.
But she didn't hesitate.
"I'm here, Hisako!"
Then, without pause, she added:
"Change the schedule."
"We're going to my grandfather's place."
"Cancel all tastings and events."
"I have something more important to do."
She rushed out immediately.
Hisako was stunned.
"B-But, Erina-sama—"
"The tasting session—"
"No 'buts'!"
"I'm going to see Grandfather."
"You handle the rest."
Without giving her a chance to argue—
Erina left.
Hisako stood there, completely bewildered.
What happened…?
Erina didn't slow down for a second.
Carrying the food she had bought—
She rushed straight to her grandfather's office.
Bang!
She threw the door open without knocking.
Inside—
Both her grandfather and another man were present.
They had been in the middle of a discussion.
Her sudden entrance startled them.
The elderly man frowned slightly.
It was Senzaemon Nakiri.
"Erina… what's the meaning of this?"
He knew his granddaughter well.
For her to act like this—
Something serious must have happened.
Standing beside him was Gin Dojima, equally surprised.
Erina walked straight up to them—
Then opened the lunchboxes.
Instantly—
An aroma unlike anything they had ever experienced filled the room.
And strangely—
Now that it had left the Dimensional City—
The fragrance seemed even richer.
Even Erina was surprised.
But she didn't dwell on it.
"Grandfather!"
"I just went to another world."
"This is food I brought back from there."
"Please—try it."
"After that… I have something important to tell you."
The moment she said that—
Both men's expressions changed.
Their pupils shrank.
"Erina… do you understand what you're saying?"
Senzaemon's voice turned serious.
Another world?
Was this some kind of joke?
Or had his granddaughter developed a strange imagination?
Even Gin Dojima looked skeptical.
But Erina simply shook her head.
"Just taste it first."
"You'll understand after that."
The two exchanged glances.
Then—
Silently agreed.
They picked up disposable chopsticks—
And took a bite.
Grilled eel.
The moment it entered their mouths—
Their eyes widened.
Senzaemon's clothes burst apart instantly.
Gin's muscles tensed and swelled.
"Delicious!!" Both
"…Ahh!!"
Their reactions were explosive.
Without another word—
They devoured the rest of the food at incredible speed.
Watching them—
Erina let out a sigh of relief.
At the same time—
A question lingered in her mind.
Why does it taste even better here than before…?
Once they finished—
Both men adjusted themselves.
Senzaemon looked at his granddaughter seriously.
"…Now."
"Explain."
"Who made this?"
"And that ingredient—"
"It's not something ordinary, is it?"
He had already believed her—at least halfway.
Because while eating—
He had clearly felt it.
A warm current flowing through his body.
Not just heat from food—
But something that directly affected his very being.