The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Ardan standing outside the study, her face etched with worry. Now, only Centaurea and the head of the Mejiro family remained in the room together.
Centaurea looked around the study without a care, completely lacking the reserve and caution a guest ought to have.
'Ah, the sofa.'
Spotting the large red velvet sofa placed to the side, Platinum's eyes seemed to sparkle.
She utterly ignored the gaze of the Mejiro family head beside her, simply yielding to gravity and letting herself collapse onto the luxurious couch.
'Ahhh, so soft and squishy. This is the life~'
Platinum stretched her body, trying her best to spread out over the entire sofa like a liquid.
"Child, perhaps you could rein it in a little? This old woman has some matters she wishes to ask you."
Unexpectedly, the Mejiro family head showed no intention of scolding Platinum. Her tone held resignation, a bit of 'I-can't-look-at-this,' but no anger or coldness. She wasn't nearly as fearsome as Ardan had made her out to be.
"Mmm~"
Platinum, who had been lying face down on the sofa, rolled over. Her gaze was puzzled as she looked at the elderly lady before her, dressed modestly, wearing a hat and a veil.
"What is it, child? Looking at me like that… do you have a question you wish to ask?"
The veiled old woman smiled kindly, no different from a grandmother in the countryside looking after her grandchildren.
Centaurea wasn't one to bottle things up for the sake of others. She spoke bluntly, immediately throwing Ardan under the bus.
"Because Ardan said that you're very strict, have a bad temper, and specifically told me to be careful. But you just seem… pretty normal, Granny?"
"Heh heh."
After hearing Platinum's words, the Mejiro head shook her head with a soft laugh. She relaxed her posture slightly, her eyes drifting towards the Mejiro family crest on the wall, her tone tinged with sorrow.
"It's only right for those children to see me that way. After all, I likely wield more authority when dealing with them. I rarely show them my grandmotherly side, mostly treating them with the demeanor of the family head."
"Their view of me is unavoidable. I have indeed seldom shown them gentleness."
The Mejiro head stood up and walked slowly to the window, watching the Uma Musume in the garden enjoying tea and snacks, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. Her hand on the windowsill tightened gradually.
"But I have no other choice."
Turning to look at Centaurea, who was lounging casually on the sofa, the Mejiro head's voice carried a trace of heaviness.
"Before they are themselves, they also bear the glory of Mejiro."
"This family name brings them blessings, but also burdens them. As the head of the Mejiro family, I am forced to consider much more. Therefore, I cannot face them with this kindly visage."
"They must display sufficient grace and talent. This represents not only themselves but also the future of the Mejiro family. So, no matter how reluctant I am, I must restrain them with high standards."
"Oh."
After hearing all this, Centaurea remained slumped weakly on the sofa. "So what does this have to do with me? Why are you telling me all this, Granny?"
"Because of Ardan."
The Mejiro head's tone was firm.
"I am exceedingly fond of that child, Ardan. She could be called the epitome of a Mejiro lady. In both character and resolve, she is worthy of the name 'Mejiro'."
"But that child's physical problems are far too severe. Lately, she's been looking so pallid. Though I am anxious, I have no solution at all."
"Until that day when her mental stress reached its peak, and she sneaked out alone in the early hours of the morning."
"To be honest, I was both worried and angry. I originally intended to punish her properly, but the sheer joy on her face made me reconsider. I am certain she encountered something… or someone."
"And the answer to what she encountered, is your sister."
"Pfft!"
Centaurea suddenly snorted with laughter. This odd outburst made the Mejiro head look at her, utterly baffled.
"Nothing, just thought of something funny," Platinum said, covering her mouth as she giggled secretly.
'No good, I just can't help laughing when I hear someone call the other me 'sister'. What even is this? I am my sister, and my sister is also my… self? So weird, hahaha…'
"Sometimes I truly wonder if I should try to learn more about new things. I always feel there's an invisible gap between me and you young Uma Musume."
Watching Platinum's continued secret snickering, the Mejiro head's tone was one of pure resignation.
"Alright, let us return to the main topic."
Once Platinum's laughter had mostly subsided, the Mejiro head clapped her hands lightly, steering the conversation back on track.
"Your sister has been a great help to Ardan. Our Mejiro family will remember this favor. Therefore, you and your sister are welcome to visit whenever you wish. We will always consider you our guests."
"If possible, please convey this goodwill to your sister."
The words were sincere and carried significant weight. Not just anyone could become a guest of the Mejiro family.
From this, it was clear the Mejiro head was genuinely concerned about the company her younger family members kept. Those they recognized as friends, the Mejiro family would recognize as well.
"Sure, sure~~ I got it. Can I go now?"
Still sprawled on the sofa, Platinum weakly raised a hand, signaling to the Mejiro head.
"You child, why are you so slovenly? What will become of you later in life!"
Finding Platinum's demeanor rather disagreeable, the old woman waved her hand, granting permission for her to leave.
"Yay."
Seeing she had permission to leave, Platinum's lethargy visibly dissipated considerably.
She pushed off slightly with her feet, her whole body flipping silently over the back of the sofa. Those pale, slender legs traced an arc in the air, rotating nearly 360 degrees before she landed lightly on the floor without making a sound.
"Off I go."
Saying this, Platinum disappeared from the old woman's sight in a few bouncing steps, her movements agile and utterly silent.
This made the Mejiro head's eyes brighten.
'What remarkably light footwork! And such excellent flexibility throughout her body, coupled with astonishing jumping power. With physical prowess like that alone, she already has the potential to compete in graded stakes! I just wonder what her distance aptitude is…'
'If she can handle long distances…'
In the Mejiro head's mind, the accessory on Centaurea's left ear flashed briefly.
'Perhaps I should have the children try to learn a bit more about her…'
She fell into deep thought. After a moment, she took out her phone and dialed a number.
"It's me. How are the track conditions later? I plan to use it immediately."
Outside the door, Platinum had only taken a few steps after leaving when she encountered Ardan, who had been waiting there all along.
"Centaurea-chan, how did it go? What did Grandmother say to you?" Ardan asked worriedly.
"What kind of nickname is 'Centaurea-chan'?" Platinum grumbled, then continued meandering about without a care. "It's fine. Granny actually seemed to like me quite a bit."
"While that's good news, just how did you manage it, Centaurea-chan?"
Ardan was thoroughly confused. Could it be that Centaurea-chan had managed to pretend exceptionally well?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.