However, Gabriel ultimately didn't do so.
The reason was that Rosen gave her a reassuring look.
Sweating profusely, Gabriel sat back down, panting heavily.
Saeko Busujima next to her asked somewhat strangely, "Why are you suddenly sweating so much?"
"It's probably because the weather is too hot. I'm fine."
Gabriel made an excuse.
However, Saeko Busujima glanced at the air conditioner set to twenty degrees and wisely chose not to press the matter further.
Esdeath glanced at Gabriel, conjured an ice cube, and threw it over.
Gabriel wanted to say that it was cold sweat, and giving her ice would only make things worse, wouldn't it?
But she also didn't want others to notice anything amiss, so she could only take it and hold it in her hand.
She secretly licked it, and it even had a slightly sweet taste.
"Then, it's a pleasure to meet you all for the first time. I am Makima."
Seeing the main figure arrive, Makima also stood up and formally introduced herself to everyone.
"Although we've chatted a lot in the group before, this is my first time formally meeting all of you."
The table was already laden with dishes.
Especially in front of Frieren's seat, there were various desserts and cakes.
Frieren seemed quite at ease, already holding a piece of cake and eating it.
However, no one was angry; after all, they were all group members, and such a small matter wasn't worth dwelling on.
"Please forgive any shortcomings in the hospitality. Everyone, please start eating. If there's anything, we can chat while we eat."
Makima's voice was soft, as if carrying a special magic that made people want to get close to her.
Among them, many people noticed a faint aura emanating from Makima.
But because there were no other effects, they didn't pay special attention.
Anyway, the chat group rules stipulated that group members could not harm each other.
"Rosen, how have you been lately?"
Fubuki was still in her deep green long dress, with a mink fur scarf around her neck, and jewelry adorning her fingers, earlobes, and neck, looking incredibly noble.
She had already greeted her old friends before, and Rosen, arriving last, also raised a hand in greeting.
"I'm fine. How about you and Tatsumaki?"
Rosen nodded and found his seat, sitting down.
He was perfectly sandwiched between Esdeath and Makima.
If viewed from the main entrance, he seemed to be sitting in the main seat.
"I'm also fine. As for my sister, she's been at the Hero Association. The appearance of the Monster Association has made everyone very vigilant, so most S-Class Heroes are on standby at headquarters. And... my sister sometimes mentions when you'll come over."
"Oh?"
This remark made many group members perk up their ears.
Is there some gossip to hear?
"Last time, my sister seemed very unconvinced that you defeated her, so after she recovered, she asks me every day when you can come again for another fight. She promised me that she'll definitely win next time, and told me to tell you to just wait! That's what she said."
Fubuki even imitated her sister's way of speaking for the latter half of the sentence, quite convincingly.
"No rush. Next time, if the Evolution House or Boros are beyond your handling, I'll make another trip."
Rosen could guess with his butt that Tatsumaki had more than just that one thought.
Half of her purpose was to get back at him, and the other half was simply to see him.
Tsundere types are like that; they can't be cured.
"Okay, the Evolution House might not be a problem, but Boros truly needs your help."
Fubuki's face showed a trace of a bitter smile.
The world she lived in was truly plagued by disasters.
First, the Monster Association, and then, right after, an Alien Dark Matter Thieves Arc that would invade the world.
In the original work, Tutu Pi Fengxia would take action, but she couldn't feel at ease with that bald guy.
Moreover, the Alien Dark Matter Thieves Arc would clearly trigger a group mission in the chat group, so it naturally couldn't benefit outsiders.
Tokisaki Kurumi, seeing that she had finished speaking, stood up and bowed slightly forward.
"Then, it's also my first time meeting you all. I am Tokisaki Kurumi. Please take care of me from now on."
Tokisaki Kurumi wore a black school uniform, her long black hair tied into two pigtails that gracefully fell over her shoulders.
Her slender limbs made one feel as if they would break with just a little force.
A waterfall of bangs covered the left half of her astonishingly beautiful face, while her right eye was a wine-red pupil.
Her cherry-like lips exuded a devilish charm capable of captivating men with just a single glance.
Tokisaki Kurumi's gaze swept across the room, lingering slightly on Rosen as she passed him, even nodding slightly, displaying the demeanor of a true lady of a distinguished family.
"Damn it, this woman is serious!"
Gabriel held an ice cube, observing the scene silently, her surface calm, but her heart was surging with tumultuous waves.
Others didn't know Tokisaki Kurumi, but she knew very well that the look she just gave was clearly one of interest in Rosen!
I treat you as a group member, and you actually want to be my mistress?
Although there seemed to be Esdeath as a precedent, Gabriel hadn't known about it before.
Now that she knew Rosen's identity, her feelings were naturally different.
....
"Mr. Rosen, thank you for your previous advice."
Tokisaki Kurumi narrowed her eyes, a faint smile on her face.
"Indeed, I also need to thank Mr. Rosen for his previous advice. If I can achieve more accomplishments, my family won't pressure me anymore."
Rias, who also possessed astonishing beauty and an unforgettable head of red hair, stood up as well.
Her waist-length scarlet hair cascaded behind her, making the surrounding scenery appear more vibrant.
It contrasted beautifully with her snow-white skin, enhancing her allure.
Anyone who saw her for the first time would consider her beautiful.
Not only that, but she was even terrifyingly beautiful, making people instinctively hesitant to approach her.
Scarlet hair, snow-white skin, combined with a face that seemed to be a blend of European and Eastern features.
"Then, let me reintroduce myself. I am Rias Gremory, the successor head of the Gremory family, one of the seventy-two pillar pure-blooded demon families."
As she smiled, a faint magical power emanated from her.
Makima looked directly at Rias.
The other party also looked back.
They both sensed each other's identities.
Although they weren't in the same world, devils are devils regardless of their origin. Rias had sensed similar auras from Makima.
And those were not good things.
This made Rias somewhat wary.
Better safe than sorry.
Not everyone in this group is necessarily a good person.