Silent Suzuka returned to the training ground and stepped into Team Rigil's activity room.
Swish swish—
Several pairs of eyes turned toward her.
The room fell silent. Suzuka's expression stiffened, her posture tense. Without saying a word, she quietly walked in with her head down.
Toujou Hana stood at the front, tablet in hand.
"Since everyone's here, I'll go over today's notes."
"You've all seen Peach Waves' performance. Her strength is comparable to Condor's, and she's proven herself a formidable rival to Grass Wonder."
"She executed three consecutive bursts of acceleration in the final stretch. That technique stalled the racers behind her. You should study it carefully."
"Suzuka, your late-stage endurance needs work. Starting tomorrow, we'll focus on strength training. You'll be preparing for the 11th Series match in two months."
"Yes," Suzuka replied softly.
"That's all. Dismissed."
Toujou Hana powered down her tablet and left the room.
Maruzensky approached Suzuka with a teasing smile.
"Suzuka-san, you were so bold—carrying Peach Waves off like a knight in shining armor."
Suzuka blushed and looked away.
"I was just worried she might've been hurt…"
Maruzensky chuckled and let it go, turning to Rudolf Symboli.
"President, heading to the student council?"
"Yes. Also, call Peach Waves. If she's feeling well, ask her to come. If not, tomorrow's fine."
"Understood."
Suzuka blinked, confused.
As she left with Air Groove, she muttered:
"The president's doing it again… sees talent and immediately wants them in the academy."
"Ahem. It's for the good of Tracen."
Meanwhile, Peach Waves returned to her dorm, peeled off her training uniform, and stepped into the shower.
"So close… I almost won. But it felt good—I actually passed Suzuka."
She dried her hair, murmuring to herself.
"Two more rookie races… If I qualify, I can aim for the Triple Crown next year."
Her ambition was clear.
Knock knock.
"Chef Peach Waves, are you in?"
It was Air Groove.
Peach Waves opened the door to find Air Groove and Suzuka waiting.
"Come in."
"No need. The president wants to see you at the student council."
Peach Waves tilted her head.
"Me? Why?"
"No idea. I'm just the messenger."
Air Groove left. Peach Waves turned to Suzuka.
"Do you know what Rudolf wants?"
"She didn't say. Are you going?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
"I'll come with you."
"Thanks, Suzuka."
They walked together to the top floor of the school building.
"I'll wait outside," Suzuka said.
"Okay…"
Peach Waves pushed open the door and peeked inside.
Rudolf Symboli sat calmly in her chair, eyes fixed on her.
"Come in, Peach Waves."
"Oh, okay. Sorry to bother…"
Peach Waves stepped in, feeling oddly nervous—like she'd walked into a principal's office.
Rudolf stood and approached.
"No need to be so tense. I won't bite."
She gently took Peach Waves' wrist and guided her to the couch.
Sitting opposite, Rudolf crossed her legs and folded her arms.
"You're wondering why I called you."
"A little…"
"I just wanted to talk."
Peach Waves glanced around—and spotted Hishi Amazon and Air Groove standing silently behind her.
Just a chat? Then why the guards?
"What are we talking about?"
"I saw your race today. And wanted to ask are your legs okay?"
"They're fine."
"You didn't finish, but your triple burst and final sprint were incredible. Even with average qualifications, you're exceptional."
Rudolf smiled.
"President… just say it."
"Alright. Since you prefer directness…"
She stood and leaned in, eyes locked on Peach Waves'.
A soft fragrance filled the air. Rudolf blinked, surprised.
She leaned closer.
Peach Waves blushed, flustered.
Why do all Symbolists have this dramatic flair?
"You smell nice. What shower gel do you use?"
"Uh… just something ordinary."
Rudolf stepped back and placed a form on the table.
"Sign this, and you're officially enrolled at Tracen."
Peach Waves picked it up, eyes wide.
"You want me to join the academy?"
"Exactly. Air Groove, pen."
"Yes."
Air Groove handed her the pen.
"Can I… not sign?"
The room fell silent. Rudolf's gaze sharpened.
"Why?"
"Well… I'm still working as Tracen's chef. I might not have time for classes."
"Sign first. I'll handle the rest."
"You're serious?"
"Very."
Peach Waves hesitated, then signed.
"Can I go now?"
"One last thing. Do you know the Princess who debuted recently?"
Peach Waves froze.
"No. Why?"
"You really don't know her?"
"I'm just a chef. Why would I?"
Rudolf studied her eyes, then sighed.
"Alright. You may go."
"Goodbye, President."
Outside, Air Groove asked:
"President, why ask about the Princess?"
"Don't you think their eyes look alike?"
"Maybe… but their hair and aura are different."
"Perhaps I'm overthinking. How are the assistants learning from Peach Waves?"
"They've mastered the basics. Just waiting on new dishes."
"Good. I've stamped the form. Send it to the chairman."
"Yes."
"Also, keep an eye on the Princess. Inform me of any updates."
"Understood."
Outside, Peach Waves walked back with Suzuka.
"What did the president want?"
"She had me fill out an enrollment form."
"Then we'll be classmates!"
"Suzuka-chan, are you hungry?"
"A little. What about you?"
"Same. I'll order ingredients from the canteen. How about staying for dinner?"
"Can I?"
"Of course! You're always welcome."