"Wah... It's been ages since I've had an Asian-style breakfast like this! Little missy, your cooking is amazing!"
Nijinsky slurped her noodles, eyes narrowing blissfully in satisfaction.
Kagura, already changed into her dried maid outfit, sat on the opposite side of the table, quietly nibbling at her noodles. Meanwhile, the usually lively and chatty Maruzensky was uncharacteristically silent, head down, eating her breakfast in subdued quietness.
Originally, Nijinsky planned to take the two girls out to eat, but at Kagura's insistence, they ended up staying home for breakfast. Naturally, Kagura cooked, though Nijinsky helped with ingredient preparation like chopping vegetables; still, most of the cooking had been handled by Kagura herself.
Yep, this child definitely isn't that princess reincarnated... Of course, there's no way something absurd like reincarnation actually exists.
Eating her noodles, Nijinsky grew more certain of her earlier guess. She was now completely sure that Inari Kagura absolutely could not be the reincarnation of that British princess. After all, if she were truly that princess, there was no way she could cook this well. She remembered clearly how the Queen herself had said their royal family was notoriously hopeless at cooking—so much so that there had even been palace rules instructing servants to immediately drag out any prince or princess who dared enter the kitchens. One could easily imagine the horror stories behind that rule.
——Weird... I feel like someone's talking badly about me.
As Kagura ate her breakfast, a line of text suddenly appeared on her phone's screen before quickly vanishing.
What? Eclipse-san, didn't you say that hardly anyone still remembers you nowadays? Who could possibly still be badmouthing you?
——I don't know, but I distinctly sensed someone gossiping about me just now.
Since it seemed to be nothing important, Kagura didn't pay much attention to Eclipse-san's complaint and returned to slurping her noodles.
Consequently, she missed the curious gaze Nijinsky cast her way. Although Nijinsky no longer saw Kagura as that princess, being close with the Queen, she found this whole situation amusing and considered if she might have a bit of fun reporting back.
Hehe, how interesting. If Queen Elizabeth saw this child, her expression would surely be priceless, wouldn't it?
...
Since Nijinsky had planned to spend today touring around with Maruzensky, taking a look at where she lived, Kagura ended up joining along as well. Only today did Kagura find out that Maruzensky's family actually owned a car.
What!? Tracen students are basically just high schoolers, right? Since when can high schoolers already afford both houses and cars?!
Reflecting on Maruzensky's current wealth compared to her own age—and recalling how she herself had slaved away as a corporate drone for years, struggling for housing and transport—Kagura inexplicably felt an overwhelming sense of defeat.
Still, envy aside, Kagura really had to complain about Nijinsky's driving skills. Her driving was genuinely outrageous; Kagura suspected if she hadn't buckled her seatbelt, she'd probably be shaken into pieces like crushed instant noodles being tossed around in the seasoning packet. Nijinsky's driving was beyond reckless—not just 'skillful,' but fond of exploring bizarre routes the GPS couldn't even find, making Kagura deeply regret having breakfast before getting into the car.
I must never ride in Nijinsky-oneesan's car ever again...
By the time the car finally jolted to a halt at the gates of Tracen, a trembling Kagura staggered out, face pale, silently labeling Nijinsky as blacklisted in her heart.
"Phew~ After all these years, Tracen sure has changed a lot. Still looks as good as new!"
Nijinsky emerged from the car, looking perfectly refreshed, followed by a similarly pale-faced Maruzensky.
"Oh...? Maruzensky-san, and Inari Kagura-san as well. This person behind you is...?"
Standing at the academy gates, Tazuna naturally noticed the approaching trio. She knew two of them well enough, but though the Uma Musume behind them looked familiar, she couldn't immediately recall her name.
"Hello. I'm Maruzensky-san's mother, Nijinsky. I've just recently arrived from abroad—may I accompany my daughter into the school for a visit?"
Dressed in sportswear with sunglasses and a sunhat, Nijinsky gracefully removed her glasses, casting a charming smile toward Tazuna-san.
"Oh...! You're... the legendary British Triple Crown winner! No wonder you looked familiar… I'm honored to meet you, Nijinsky-san! Welcome to Tracen Academy. I'll inform Director Akikawa right away—"
Naturally, Tazuna had heard about legendary champions from other countries. Even globally, Nijinsky was quite famous. She simply hadn't expected Nijinsky would visit Tracen without any prior notice. Had she known earlier, she would have informed Akikawa Yayoi to personally greet her.
Besides, this wasn't their first encounter. Several years ago, Nijinsky had visited Tracen to personally negotiate something with Akikawa Yayoi, though due to external factors, the matter had ended inconclusively.
"No need to trouble yourself. I'd rather not cause too big of a stir—I'm just here to accompany my daughter and see where she studies. Director Akikawa is so busy; it's best not to disturb her."
"Ah..."
After some hesitation, Tazuna still let the trio pass through.
"Oh~ Little miss, you're impressive! Tracen's annual best Support Uma… hmm? Little miss, you're in the support department?"
As soon as they entered the school grounds, Nijinsky's gaze immediately fell upon the prominently displayed notice board. Her eyes swiftly caught the name at the very top of the list.
"Yes! Kagura-chan was voted last year's Best Support Uma by her peers. She's quite famous around campus!"
Maruzensky finally found a chance to chime in, excitedly filling Nijinsky in about Kagura's accomplishments.
As Nijinsky listened, the look on her face grew increasingly satisfied. Kagura wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she felt Nijinsky's gaze linger a bit too long on her ears.
It must be my imagination... who'd randomly stare at my ears anyway?
"I'm really not worthy of such praise. I'm just trying to do my best in my job. If I received an award, it's all thanks to everyone's support."
Kagura felt slightly embarrassed as Maruzensky continued her enthusiastic boasting, as though showing Kagura off to Nijinsky.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps echoed, as if someone wearing heels was sprinting toward them. Kagura immediately turned toward the sound:
"I'm shocked!! Nijinsky-san, you've actually come to Tracen?! Why didn't you inform me beforehand!?"
Rushing toward them at full speed was none other than Director Akikawa Yayoi. Apparently, she'd come straight from the vegetable garden, dirt still clinging to her clothes, even a stray vegetable leaf hanging from her hat.
"I didn't want to constantly bother you, Director Akikawa... Long time no see, Madam Director."
"Huff... Huff... Indeed! It's been years since I last saw you, Nijinsky-san. But why are you with Maruzensky-san and Kagura-san?"
Akikawa Yayoi eyed the odd trio curiously. A mother-daughter pair made sense, but why Kagura too?
"About that… Ah, perfect timing! Maruzen, I actually have something I'd like to discuss with the Director. You come along too."
"Oh... Then Kagura—"
"It's fine. If you and senpai have matters to discuss, you should go with the Director first. I'll take some time to train by myself."
Kagura sensed Maruzensky had more to say but smiled gently, signaling her not to worry.
"I'm still concerned! Little miss, don't push yourself too hard. Rudolf mentioned you've been working extremely hard. Be sure to rest!"
"I know, Director. No need to worry about me, just go~"
Watching Nijinsky and the others head toward the administration building, Kagura let out a relieved sigh, wondering if she should lie down on a lawn somewhere for a break.
Hmm? Isn't that…
Out of the corner of her eye, Kagura spotted a familiar figure hurriedly slipping out from the courtyard near the school building—Trainer Narumiya Akimitsu. He looked anxious, as if something had happened.
"Trainer Narumiya Akimitsu—you seem flustered. Did something happen?"
---
T/N: did... he get uma pyoi'd?
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