"No, please accept my apology! Rest assured, there won't be any more mistakes this time!" Miko hurriedly grabbed their arms.
"It's fine. I forgive you. But forget about the barbecue." The man was also moved by her sincerity.
"Waaah..." Miko immediately burst into tears, looking utterly wronged.
The three watching froze in shock.
This little girl... why does she cry at the drop of a hat!?
Their stunned reactions only delighted the onlookers.
"It's happening! Miko's ultimate move!!!"
"When she pulls this one out, nothing can stop her."
"Same here… She got me with this move too. Couldn't help it—she's too adorable. I felt guilty not eating."
"Bro, you're not alone. We've all been there."
"Not gonna lie, a few of my girlfriends also fell for it. Miko really charms everyone—no exceptions!"
With tears welling in her eyes, Miko scanned their expressions carefully while sobbing.
Only when she saw them looking unsure and flustered did she continue.
"Waaah… You must think my cooking is awful… waaah… I tried… I really tried my best…"
Sure enough, the effect was immediate. The family of three waved their hands frantically.
"No, no! We didn't think your food was bad. It was delicious! It's just… it feels a bit awkward to eat for free."
"Really…?"
Hearing this, Miko stopped crying, staring up at them with teary eyes.
"Really." They nodded earnestly.
"Hehe, then please sit down quickly. If you enjoy eating, I'll be happy too. Please, accept it."
Miko's expression changed instantly into an adorable smile.
"Ah…? No, no, no… We'd rather—"
But as soon as they tried to decline, Miko immediately made a face as if she were about to cry again.
At last, they gave in.
"Alright, alright. We'll have a little. Don't grill too much—we can't eat that much."
"Yay!" Miko dashed back to the grill, loading up a mountain of food to cook.
Soon, she returned carrying two huge platters of grilled dishes.
The family stared wide-eyed.
"We can't possibly eat all this," the woman protested.
"Hehe, may I join you?" Miko asked.
"Join us?" The man looked puzzled.
"Well… just chat with you, if you don't mind."
"But what about your grill…"
He had never seen a vendor abandon their own business mid-service to sit and chat with customers.
"Ah, don't worry. I've closed up. Today I'm only serving your table," Miko said casually.
"Huh!?" The three were stunned.
"Don't worry, everything at this table is on me. No charge. No hard sell."
Miko had seen this reaction countless times, so her explanation flowed naturally.
Relief washed over them—they had feared some kind of forced-sale scheme. That would've been a nightmare.
"Eat quickly before it gets cold," Miko urged.
They each picked up a skewer and took a bite.
Instantly, rich flavor and aroma burst in their mouths. Tender lean meat paired with slightly fatty cuts, enhanced by smoky barbecue scents, ignited their taste buds.
"Delicious!" Their eyes lit up as they praised it.
"Hehe, I'm glad you like it. Eat as much as you want."
Seeing their smiles, Miko looked truly happy.
"But… aren't you losing money doing this?" the man asked.
"Not at all! I'm gathering material. Of course I'm not losing anything."
"Gathering material?"
"Mm-hmm! Material for writing. I'm going to be a writer—create my own light novel. And it's going to be a massive bestseller!"
Hands on hips, Miko declared her grand dream.
"Oh! A writer! I definitely want to read your novel when it comes out!" The woman was moved by her ambition.
"Hehe, it's just an idea for now. I haven't started writing. Right now, I just want to chat more, hear stories from ordinary people from all over."
"Having that kind of heart means you're bound to succeed," the man said.
"Then I'll take your blessing~" Miko replied with a playful smile.
Amid the laughter and cheer, Elliot stood not far away, quietly watching. A smile formed on his face without him noticing.
"Who would've thought this little one has grown so much? I actually saw you transform back then."
He didn't stay long. After scanning the area and finding no other familiar faces, he left Yashiori Island and headed toward Watatsumi Island.