Kaito ate breakfast. The bread was golden and crisp, simple yet satisfying, and he licked his fingers as he looked at the small orange-haired girl sitting across from him—none other than Tracen's highest authority, Yayo Akikawa.
If Rudolph was second to none but the world's eyes, then the only person who could truly surpass her was the Director herself.
And yet, at this moment, the supreme administrator looked like a child: chin in her hands, tilting her head, gazing up at him.
According to the game's logic, she should have been his superior.
But looking at her like this, Kaito couldn't associate her with anything resembling authority.
In the other world, he had never paid much attention—she was always just there when he called, convenient and reliable. But now, Kaito noticed the mature woman hidden beneath her youthful exterior.
From earlier, Yayo Akikawa had been brushing against his leg, slipping off her shoes, and teasing him with her soft toes.
"Don't forget to drink your milk," she said, nudging the cup closer to him, her feet still wandering provocatively.
Kaito didn't know if it was a subtle suggestion to overthrow the hierarchy—or just instinctive behavior. In the game, he had loved playing with Yayo's feet: soft, delicate, and scented faintly with cherry blossom grass. Long-held, they begged to be cradled, and whenever he picked her up into his arms, she instinctively removed her shoes.
Yes—in the game, doing certain actions often triggered reflexive responses from the Uma Musume. Reach for Teio, and she would press her face into yours. Sit beside Teahouse, and she'd drape herself across your lap. Their bodies had learned to react.
The Uma Musume grew, too. In just two months, Kaito watched Teio push stones farther and run faster. Even her calls became sweeter.
If they could grow in reality as they did in the game, then forming habits—his habits—was only natural.
"I'm done," Kaito said, finishing the milk in one gulp, and rose to his feet.
"Anyway, we're already late. No need to rush."
He wished his old homeroom teacher had said that back in school.
But he could never go back.
Like Teio, the Director's affection for him ran high. Otherwise, who would show up in the staff dorm, wake him up, and even prepare breakfast? Real bosses usually just docked your pay to stop mistakes.
So all those actions he had taken to max out her affection had clearly been the right move. In the workplace, the most important thing was superior-subordinate relations. Poor relations meant all the hard work fell on you; good relations meant mistakes could be smoothed over.
At this rate, Kaito could never be punished. If anything, he could help take off the Director's shoes, perform well, and maybe in a few months earn a promotion and raise.
Promotion and raise… he nearly laughed at the thought. How long could such a life last?
Much more practical to just… toy with the Director.
"Kaito." Yayo Akikawa cupped his face in her hands. "Perk up! Put all your energy into your work! Understood?"
Her tone was sharp, resolute.
"Yes," Kaito replied. Rather than worrying about whether he could return to the old world, he decided to focus on the present. No matter the outcome, he would at least enjoy the process.
"I'll be off, then."
Kaito left the room.
Yayo watched him go, quietly clenching her fists and hugging herself.
So wonderful.
She didn't know when it started, but she was drawn to him. Every time she saw Kaito, she wanted to climb onto his lap, to feel his hands on her.
And whenever she neared him, her body ached with an almost electric restlessness, like fingers were tickling the soles of her feet, stirring her heart along with it.
She was an adult now—and there were many experiences she wanted to try.
After confirming he had left, she flopped onto the bed, burying her face in the blanket, inhaling deeply, letting the scent of him fill her senses.
So intoxicating!
Her tail, hidden beneath her skirt, twitched violently as she let herself get lost in the sensation. Even though it was her first time in Kaito's room, everything felt strangely familiar—especially the smell of the blanket, as if it had been engraved into her body, resonating with her urges.
She clutched the blanket tightly.
Rustle… rustle…
The sounds of her movements echoed through the room.
Half an hour later, Yayo Akikawa stuffed the damp blanket into the washing machine.
Hopefully Kaito won't notice…
In the office, Kaito flipped through the trainer manual. He had learned a lot in the other world, but ultimately he was still an amateur—maybe not even a halfway-trained one.
But he could see the Uma Musume's stamina bars, physical states, and predicted attribute gains after training. Following the game's flow, it worked fairly well.
Now, without the attribute cues, he had to rely on memory to plan Teio's regimen. Improvising, he learned as he went. He even started to miss having a system.
After making some adjustments, Kaito prepared to leave the room. He wanted to sign a contract with Seiun Sky; given their affection level, she would likely agree.
Just then, a green figure opened the door and strolled in lazily.
"Ah~ Trainer," she greeted with a sly smile.
I was just thinking about finding you, and here you are—perfect timing.
"Morning classes were exhausting and boring," Seiun Sky said, plopping onto the sofa. "I need a proper rest, so I borrowed your room, Trainer."
"You skip actual classes to slack off, and you can still sleep? When I was your age… actually, I was slacking off too. Is this just human nature?"
"Hehe… Trainer, you've finally realized something! Humans hate trouble, and I hate trouble, so I'm human too!"
"Indeed, the Enlightened One speaks truths I'd never discover in a lifetime."
"You still have a lot to learn, Trainer," Seiun Sky said, flicking her tail as she looked at him. "Have you been working all the time?"
"Yes."
"Want to contemplate life together with me?"
Kaito didn't bother with gamesmanship. He walked over and lay down next to Seiun Sky, cramped on the narrow sofa, pressed together.
"W-Wait… Trainer?"
Seiun Sky's eyes went wide. She had only intended to tease him—she didn't expect him to actually come over!
His broad, muscular frame pressed against her, chest firm against her cheek. She could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady.
Her blood rushed; her heart thumped uncontrollably.
"Sky."
"Yes?" she said, swallowing hard, flustered.
So close… What is he planning? Does he want me… here?
Maybe… yes.
"Will you sign a contract with me?"
Her eyelashes fluttered. She had been ready to surrender to him completely, expecting him to act—but then she heard those words and tilted her head.
Huh?