After temporarily parting ways with FrostNova and the others, Griseo did not remain in the shop.
Instead, she returned to the Elysian Realm together with her System.
After all, customers could come to the shop at any time, and there were some secrets that the little Loli had no intention of exposing.
Once back in the Golden Courtyard, Griseo opened the System Interface.
As her little finger lightly tapped on Ruan Mei’s character profile— A faint glow flickered.
The little Loli’s figure quietly vanished, replaced by a tall woman wearing a fitted qipao with elegant cutout details, her smooth black hair gathered neatly behind her head.
Her features were exquisite, and her eyes were a distinctive shade of green.
Matching those eyes were strands of green woven through her black hair.
“Mm, the condition is quite good.” With a soft murmur, Griseo—now transformed into Ruan Mei—lowered her gaze as though digesting something.
The experience didn’t last long.
Soon, the little Loli changed back, then chose another method to “bring out” Ruan Mei once again.
“…” Looking at the Ruan Mei standing before her, curiosity appeared in Griseo’s eyes as she carefully observed the woman and felt the connection between them.
And while Griseo observed Ruan Mei, Ruan Mei was likewise gazing down at her.
It was a very strange feeling.
Although they appeared to be two separate individuals—with different thoughts, perspectives, and influences—they were connected through a remarkable form of telepathy.
The connection was so vivid that both Griseo and Ruan Mei could clearly feel: She is me…
Thus, after silently gazing at one another for a while, Ruan Mei was the first to act.
She stepped forward, shortening the distance between them, and gently stroked Griseo’s soft cheek.
“A fascinating connection.
Worth researching.” “Mm…” Faced with Ruan Mei’s touch, Griseo didn’t resist.
Because she knew that the other party—herself—would never harm her.
“Does Sister Ruan Mei have any plans for today꒪꒫꒪)?” At those words, Ruan Mei slowly withdrew her hand from Griseo’s cheek and revealed a faint smile.
“I have my own arrangements.
There’s no need to worry.
Should you encounter difficulties, you may come seek me.” After speaking, she gave the person before her a slight nod before turning around and leaving to begin exploring the space.
Although “she” had already explored it once through Griseo’s perspective, that was ultimately different.
Ruan Mei was confident that she could observe and analyze far more than her child could.
Besides, she also needed a laboratory…
“…” Knowing what Ruan Mei was thinking, Griseo made no attempt to stop her.
Only after she had completely disappeared from sight did the little Loli rise from the sofa.
Then she returned, together with her System, to the space within the Elysian Realm that belonged solely to “Griseo”— Her Painting Studio.
It was still early.
Griseo wasn’t in a hurry to complete today’s mission or go outside to accept commissions.
Instead, she planned to spend some time painting first.
After all, she had only gone out for a single day and had already ended up owing four paintings…
As someone who kept her promises, Griseo naturally intended to follow through.
Four paintings were quite a workload, so she decided it was best to start early.
With that thought, the little Loli climbed onto a tall chair and sat before a blank canvas.
Recalling Talulah’s color, she allowed herself to be dyed by it and then…
Raised her brush.
—————————— That afternoon, in a shopping mall somewhere in Trimounts— “Holidays really are happiest when you go out and buy things you like!” Standing at the entrance of the mall, a woman with long flaxen-green hair carrying numerous shopping bags happily sighed in satisfaction.
“Alright, I’ll store these things first and then stop by the candy shop nearby.” After considering the situation of her stockpile at home, the Elf lady, dressed almost entirely in shades of green, muttered to herself and decided on her next destination.
However, on her way to the candy shop after temporarily storing her purchases, her attention was drawn to a touch of blue in the distance.
“Hm?” …
“Mm꒪꒫꒪)…” Wandering aimlessly through the streets of Trimounts, Griseo curiously observed her surroundings, silently memorizing the places she passed.
To be honest, if possible, she really didn’t want to be outside right now…
In fact, if her System and the Knight hadn’t interrupted her at noon, she would probably still be immersed in her own world, painting the picture she intended to give Talulah.
Instead of being dragged outside after lunch by a certain Elf…
“…” Thinking of this, Griseo couldn’t help glancing sideways at the pink figure beside her that no one else could see.
‘What’s wrong?
Could it be that Griseo has discovered that I’ve become even cuter?’ ‘…Nothing.
I was just wondering whether we can really find any commissions this way…’ Despite her unchanged expression, Griseo answered within her heart.
‘Oh my, so that’s what Griseo’s worried about.
Relax~ Even if we don’t find a suitable commission, we can treat this trip as an opportunity to learn more about the city~’ ‘Besides, there are still many people in this world who need help.’ ‘I know…’ How could Griseo not understand what her System meant?
Although there had once been an entire dimension separating her from this world, hadn’t she still witnessed the suffering spread across this land?
The problem was that she currently lacked the ability to change those things.
At least for now.
Even if Ruan Mei intended to study the creatures and Originium of this world and eventually cure Oripathy, it would still require time.
No one could truly fulfill another person’s wish or commission with a wave of magic.
Not even a genius.
And because she understood this, Griseo’s goal while exploring outside and searching for commissions was only to find a small wish that she could actually accomplish.
Ending her conversation with the System, Griseo focused entirely on her surroundings once more, observing potential clients.
That said, the little Loli’s adorable appearance—combined with the fact that she wasn’t wearing any shoes—gave her a remarkably high rate of people looking back at her on the street.
Most people probably assumed she was a child who had secretly run away from home and forgotten to put on shoes.
Of course, although she attracted plenty of attention, nobody was following her or approaching her yet.
But nothing was absolute.
Because at that moment, Griseo suddenly sensed someone approaching from behind.
And before she could even turn around, a voice reached her ears first.
“Little miss, you…
eh?” ★ ★ ★ T/N: If you spot mistranslation, do tell me!
★ ★ ★ Shilling time!