The sous-chef's job was anything but easy—but thankfully, due to the restaurant's elite reputation, the pay was correspondingly high.
That was precisely why Yayoi Natural hadn't yet resigned.
After all, as long as money was sufficient, everything else could be worked out.
Still…
"Maybe it really is time to consider resigning," Yayoi murmured.
It was perfectly understandable she'd think about quitting—after all, the intensity of the sous-chef's work was genuinely exhausting.
And lately, the number of Uma Musume dining at the restaurant had skyrocketed.
Parts of that special set menu had already been passed off to other kitchen staff. Although her workload had slightly decreased, Yayoi's responsibilities—particularly seasoning and temperature control—had only grown more taxing.
"Well, maybe I should wait a bit longer. If I resign now…"
Listening to Yayoi's conflicted muttering, Symboli Speed—fresh from the bath, casually strolling out in a thigh-baring bathrobe—just stared at her. "If you wanna quit, then just quit. It's hardly a big deal."
"Is it really okay for an elderly person to be dressed so lightly at night?"
Ignoring Symboli Speed's suggestion entirely, Yayoi simply reminded her that she might catch a cold.
"An Uma Musume's who undergone honkaku preserves her physical condition almost unchanged right until near the end of her lifespan, so it's fine~ In fact, if we're just talking physical state, even remarrying now wouldn't be an issue, you know~?"
"…What exactly are you planning?"
Yayoi turned slightly, giving Symboli Speed a skeptical look. She absolutely couldn't imagine the scene of Symboli Speed wearing a wedding gown.
Wait—if Speed-san's the one marrying, she'd probably wear a tuxedo instead…?
Yayoi's thoughtful, curious stare naturally drew Symboli Speed's attention.
Symboli Speed didn't know exactly what Yayoi was thinking, but there was no reason to dwell on it. She simply sat beside Yayoi.
"Your restaurant's been gaining quite the reputation among Uma Musume on Twitter lately."
"Mm, I know. Those Uma are practically filling up all our reservations lately. Preparing that special menu is becoming exhausting."
"Then quit. With your health, you shouldn't push yourself so hard." As she spoke, Symboli Speed glanced upward toward the second floor.
Since deciding on the rooms, Mochizuki had been sleeping upstairs with Symboli Speed most nights. After all, Symboli Speed had no work and nothing else to occupy her, making her the natural choice to look after a child.
During Yayoi Natural's apprenticeship, she'd typically left around five or six in the morning to pick ingredients at the market.
To let Mochizuki sleep properly, she'd naturally chosen to let her share Symboli Speed's room instead.
Looking upward, Symboli Speed's gaze seemed to pierce through the ceiling to where Mochizuki lay sleeping.
After a moment, she turned her attention back to Yayoi Natural.
"Listen, no matter what happens, I wouldn't abandon my great-granddaughter."
"…"
Yayoi raised her eyes briefly to meet Symboli Speed's gaze.
The older woman's long hair spilled loosely across her bathrobe, slowly drying on its own.
Yayoi knew Symboli Speed meant well, understood she truly worried about her health.
But…
"I'm sorry. I…still can't trust you."
Symboli Speed wasn't particularly surprised by Yayoi's blunt response.
Considering what had happened previously, it was understandable.
Silence descended between the two.
Everything grew quiet.
After some time, her damp hair fully dried, Symboli Speed rose from the sofa.
"I'm going to sleep. You should also rest soon."
"Mm."
...
"Next is…"
Glancing between the documents in her hand and the pile on her desk, Symboli Rudolf adjusted her glasses, worry flickering faintly in her eyes.
"This year's Japan Cup…"
The Japan Cup would only start in late October, but preparations and registrations had already begun.
For Symboli Rudolf, the annual Japan Cup was always a source of stress.
After all, the competition between Japanese and international Uma Musume inevitably gave her headaches.
Especially now, when neither Mr. C.B. nor Maruzensky was around to help share that burden.
Thus…
Symboli Rudolf sighed quietly, setting the document down.
Though she knew the Japan Cup was important, there was another upcoming race that required her attention even sooner:
The Tenno Sho at the end of September.
Having failed to successfully secure Oguri Cap's eligibility for the Japan Derby, Symboli Rudolf's hopes now rested heavily on this race.
The Tenno Sho Autumn, the Japan Cup, and the Arima Kinen—these were the only major races Oguri Cap could still enter this year. And as the one who'd personally scouted Oguri from local circuits, Symboli Rudolf naturally paid her closer attention.
"I wonder how Oguri Cap's current condition is…"
Concern showed faintly on Rudolf's face as she murmured softly.
Back when Rudolf first discovered Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross hadn't yet risen fully. Tamamo had only just started winning after switching to dirt races. No one could have predicted how far she'd come.
And now…
"Tamamo Cross as well… Honestly, the condition of these two really worries me."
Muttering quietly, Rudolf's expression darkened.
At that moment, the Student Council room door swung open.
Without even lifting her head, Rudolf knew exactly who'd just entered.
After all, only one person ever entered without knocking.
"Did something happen?" Rudolf asked, looking up toward Symboli Sirius standing in the doorway.
Symboli Sirius met Rudolf's gaze. "About the Tokai Family—do you want to take a look?"
"The Tokai Family? Did something unexpected happen there? Surely, there's nothing the Symboli and Mejiro Families combined couldn't handle, right?"
Concern flickered subtly across Rudolf's expression.
Not concern for the Symboli or Mejiro families, however.
Only one person in the Tokai sphere could still worry Rudolf:
Tokai Roman.
Seeing Rudolf's immediate anxiety, Symboli Sirius just shook her head slightly, marveling briefly at how the once-unshakeable emperor had fallen this far before answering calmly:
"The Tokai Family is completely finished. Now it's just about how to handle the remaining Uma Musume."
"That's…"
Rudolf didn't respond immediately. She remained silent for several seconds before finally speaking again:
"There's something else—I want to know one thing. Can you confirm it for me?"
"What is it?"
"I want to know…where Yayoi Natural gave birth."
Her words carried a quiet desperation.
"…," Sirius watched Rudolf carefully, noting the subtle plea in her eyes. She finally nodded. "I'll let you know once I find out."
"Mm… Thank you."
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T/N: 4 chapters since i was gonna update yesterday but didnt, bonus chaps are tomorrow and uhhh no character note for thisweek
heres my patreon (patreon.com/wisetl) theres also a 25% off discount for firsttime members until christmas ends and heres the powerstone rewardsss Every 100 Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter. 100ps = 1 chp 200ps = 2 chp 300ps = 3 chp etc. uhhh for legal matters, my patreon is only there if you wanna support me yep yep with the added bonus of reading ahead OH OH also heres the discord link discord.gg/wisetl