"Chairman, the matter regarding Peach Waves has been arranged."
Yayoi Akikawa, fanning herself with a flourish, glanced at Tazuna Hayakawa with a raised brow.
"Huh? What now? Did she cause trouble already?"
Tazuna Hayakawa hesitated.
"No… she declined the student admission offer."
Akikawa froze, her fan pausing mid-air.
"She… refused?"
After a long pause, she waved dismissively.
"Fine. It's her choice. Just don't tell Rudolf."
"Understood."
"Anything else?"
"She requested access to the training grounds—outside student hours. She's willing to pay."
Akikawa's eyes softened.
"That's reasonable. It's time she prepared for her debut anyway."
Later that morning, a taxi pulled up outside Tracen Academy. Peach Waves stepped out, dragging two suitcases. Tazuna Hayakawa greeted her with a warm smile.
"Welcome to Tracen Academy, Miss Peach Waves."
"Thank you, Secretary Tazuna Hayakawa. Please take care of me."
Before she could protest, Tazuna Hayakawa had already taken her luggage.
"Let's get you settled in the staff dormitory, then I'll show you your new kitchen."
As they walked, Peach Waves admired the campus, listening to Tazuna Hayakawa's gentle explanations.
Her dorm was spacious—private bath, kitchen, and a cozy view.
"This is lovely. I didn't expect it to be so nice."
"I live just across the hall. If you need anything, don't hesitate."
After unpacking, they headed to the canteen's back kitchen. Peach Waves was surprised to find a line of assistants standing at attention.
"This is your team now, Chef Peach Waves."
"Yes, Chef!" they echoed.
Peach Waves blinked.
"So formal…"
Tazuna Hayakawa handed her a pouch.
"Here's your ingredient budget. It's reimbursed, of course. You can go shopping with it."
Then two assistants joined them at the market. And Peach Waves decided on a bold debut dish:
"Let's do fish-flavored shredded pork rice bowls."
With Tazuna Hayakawa's help, they returned quickly, arms full of fresh produce.
Back in the kitchen, Peach Waves changed into her crisp white uniform and began directing the team with quiet confidence.
Tazuna Hayakawa watched from the doorway, smiling.
"I didn't expect her to be a natural."
Meanwhile, in the junior high building…
Seiun Sky leaned against the window, enjoying the breeze.
"Sky-chan, admiring the view again?" Nishino Flower teased.
"You always finish class so late…"
"Blame the teacher's slow pace."
"Are you going to the canteen later?"
Seiun Sky wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh… the food's always bland and overpriced. So I was going to eat in the dorm."
Then suddenly Urara popped out of the bathroom.
"Didn't you hear? There is a new chef starting today. Personally selected by the chairman—and she's a beautiful horse girl as well!"
"Really?!"
"Yeah! Let's go check it out!"
"I just hope it's not the same boring menu…"
"History class is next and I might fall asleep again."
"Sky-chan! That's bad!"
Seiun Sky stuck out her tongue playfully.
"That teacher's scary so I wouldn't dare."
The bell rang. Urara and Nishino Flower headed to Class B, while Seiun Sky wandered into Class C.
By noon, the trio reunited at the canteen entrance.
"Whoa… it's packed!"
"Everyone must've heard about the new chef."
Seiun Sky squinted at the menu.
"Only one dish today: fish-flavored shredded pork rice bowl. Ever heard of it?"
"Nope."
"Sounds like it has fish. I'm curious."
As the serving window opened, Oguri Cap stepped up first. She paused, surprised to see Peach Waves behind the counter.
But the aroma hit her instantly.
"I'll take ten bowls."
Clatter.
Peach Waves dropped her spoon.
"Ten?! Are you sure?"
The bowls were massive—almost bigger than her head.
"No problem. I'll finish them."
Peach Waves sighed, swapped spoons, and began plating.
Oguri Cap took her tray and found a seat, eyes gleaming.