October 14th, Chukyo Cup.
[Oguri Cap crosses the finish line with a huge two‑horse‑length lead over second place!! An overwhelming victory—!]
Looking at the gray Uma Musume on the distant track, a slight expression appeared on her face, which was usually tense most of the time.
"Not bad."
Hearing this, Representative Chiaki and Maruzensky both looked at Rudolph Symboli. Both of them knew that she was about to start recruiting local Uma Musume into Central.
Or it could also be described as forcibly snatching civilian girls.
Maruzensky and Representative Chiaki both understood this situation.
After all, no new person capable of representing an era had emerged among the Central Uma Musume in recent years, so in such a situation, Rudolph Symboli's actions were understandable.
It's just… "This time, did she use the pretext of it being good for the Uma Musume herself?"
"It's just a pretext. Later, if Oguri Cap fails in Central, she won't do anything."
Representative Chiaki's words indicated that the negotiations between Rudolph Symboli and Harana Jo had already concluded.
"There's no need to point out things everyone already knows."
Saying this, Maruzensky slightly shifted her gaze, then spoke again: "Will that Trainer let go?"
"Definitely, right? After all, most Trainers are very good to their Uma Musume, so…"
At this point, Representative Chiaki's voice gradually lowered: "Such a disregard for others' situations is truly disgusting."
"Indeed, but…"
Her gaze slightly shifted, and Maruzensky ultimately just sighed: "Oguri Cap truly struggles to utilize her abilities within that local Trainer's team."
Looking at Maruzensky.
Representative Chiaki's eyes showed a hint of hostility: "Do you think she's doing the right thing?"
"I never said that."
Saying this, Maruzensky slightly adjusted her posture, then looked at Rudolph Symboli, who was far away from the two of them.
"I just think this is the best way to do it."
"..."
Maruzensky's words silenced Representative Chiaki for a moment.
Just as Maruzensky said, such an approach was indeed the best. While it might seem heartless, if Oguri Cap remained with a local Trainer's team, it would truly only hold her back.
"But, the subsequent handling…"
The unspoken words from Maruzensky referred to Kitahara.
Rudolph Symboli's handling of Kitahara was non‑existent.
She had no intention of offering Kitahara any compensation, nor did she plan to provide him with any assistance.
The "subsequent handling" Maruzensky spoke of was precisely this issue.
Hearing this, Representative Chiaki merely fell silent for a few seconds: "Although the ideal is noble, but…"
Representative Chiaki did not continue.
Both of them thought of one person.
"She'll be returning tomorrow, right?"
The change of topic was abrupt, but Maruzensky understood what Representative Chiaki wanted to say.
"There are many things to consider for Oguri Cap's enrollment procedures; she won't be staying here for long."
Saying this, Maruzensky slightly turned her head: "I wonder how things are over there…"
"Shizen can take care of herself."
"I know."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"It's opening tomorrow, and it still feels very busy."
After stuffing the last bag of vegetables into the cold storage, Chiyo O turned to look at Tokai Shizen: "Once we're familiar with the store, they should be able to deliver directly, right?"
"Mm, that's true, but we can start deliveries now, though…"
At this point, Tokai Shizen just turned to look at Chiyo O: "First, we need to determine the customer flow to know the total amount of raw ingredients we need to buy each day."
"That's true. But isn't your work at the Mejiro Family important?"
"My work at the Mejiro Family only involves occasional invitations, so it won't cause any particular trouble."
Saying this, Tokai Shizen simply took out a few eggs and began to prepare dinner.
"Besides, the salary they offer is very generous, so I can't miss the opportunity."
"Eh~ Do you need that much money?"
"If it were just me, I wouldn't need that much money, but if Mochizuki has aspirations, then…"
Tokai Shizen's words carried a hint of a headache.
"Ah, that's right. Not to mention junior high, just kindergarten and elementary school, and then the clothes to buy every year are already a considerable expense!" Sakura Chiyo O said, falling silent for more than ten seconds, then scratched her hair with her hand: "So many expenses."
Seeing Chiyo O's pained expression, Tokai Shizen just smiled, then placed a plate of omurice in front of Chiyo O: "Curry‑flavored omurice."
"Eh? Curry?"
Looking at the dish in front of her, which was no different from traditional omurice, Chiyo O tilted her head.
"Mm, because if the spice ratio for curry is right, it can be made in large quantities. It might be added to the menu later, right?"
Saying this, Tokai Shizen placed the spoon she was holding beside the plate.
"Hmm, although I don't feel any curry elements in this dish, let's try it first."
The young girl picked up the spoon and cut open a small section of the omurice.
The aroma of curry spread out like a bomb.
"It smells delicious just by sniffing it."
"This won't be added to the menu, because curry‑flavored rice is still very troublesome to make. If I wanted to make it in large quantities…"
Tokai Shizen did not continue.
She had to consider her own physical condition and the production cost.
The blending of spices was not difficult, and once the blend was prepared, subsequent production was relatively simple.
But the main trouble lay in the flavored rice.
So, under such circumstances, Tokai Shizen would not put this flavored rice on the restaurant's menu.
But in reality, she could still try it at the Mejiro Family.
After preparing her own dinner, Tokai Shizen sat opposite Chiyo O.
Eating the dinner Tokai Shizen prepared, Sakura Chiyo O looked at Tokai Shizen sitting across from her.
"Tokai‑nee."
"Mm? What is it?"
"Will you come to watch the Asahi Hai in December?"
"Have you decided to participate in the Asahi Hai?" Tokai Shizen looked up at Sakura Chiyo O.
"Mm, I've decided to participate."
Hearing this, Tokai Shizen thought for a few seconds, then nodded: "Do your best, but don't get injured."
"Mm, I know. But Tokai‑nee, will you come to watch?"
"It depends on the day. If I'm free that day, I'll come."
"Mm!"