After the meal, Suzuka was sent off, and Peach Waves returned to her room to revise her training plan. She scribbled notes, muttering to herself about stamina intervals and burst timing, before finally collapsing into bed.
Early the next morning.
Knock knock knock.
"Ugh… Who's knocking at five in the morning…"
Peach Waves groaned, dragging herself out of bed with bleary eyes. She shuffled to the door, cracked it open—and was greeted by Tazuna, impeccably dressed and holding a box.
"Good morning, Miss Peach Waves."
"Miss Tazuna… What's going on?"
"This is your school uniform. The chairman asked me to deliver it."
Peach Waves blinked.
"Wait—why? I'm not going to class."
"Your kitchen duties have been reassigned to the assistant team. You're now free to attend classes."
"What?! I've been… replaced?!"
Her eyes widened in disbelief. While Tazuna smiled kindly.
"Think of it as becoming a hands-off manager. Your salary remains unchanged."
"But I still want to work!"
"You may, but now that you're a student, your grades must be maintained. Otherwise…"
Tazuna didn't finish the sentence, but her smile turned ominous. Peach Waves gulped.
"Got it! Got it! Where's my class?"
"Class B, junior high. Be there before eight. I have other errands—good luck."
Peach Waves stared at the box in her hands, sighing.
"Well… at least they recognize my strength. As long as my Princess identity stays hidden, I'll survive."
She flopped back into bed.
"Two more hours of sleep…"
7:00 AM.
Peach Waves got up, threw on her uniform, gave her hair a quick fluff, and slipped into her shoes.
At the cafeteria, she spotted Kameda at the window and rolled her eyes.
"Yo, big sis! You're up early."
"You betrayed me."
"Hey, I didn't say anything! The president was going to cut you off completely. We fought to keep your job!"
Peach Waves clenched her fist.
"Rudolf… born evil! I'll—ugh, give me two meat buns and soy milk."
"Coming right up."
She took her tray and sat down. As she ate, she noticed the curious glances from nearby Uma Musume.
"Is that Peach Waves? She's so cute in a uniform!"
"I hope she's in our class. Look at that fluffy hair—it's adorable!"
"Sister Peach Waves…"
Despite the whispers, no one dared approach—until Urara bounced over and plopped down across from her.
"Peach Waves! You're wearing a uniform?!"
"Morning, Urara."
"I was wondering why you weren't at the kitchen window. You're a student now! This outfit suits you so well."
Peach Waves smiled, her gloom lifting.
"Thanks, Urara. You're always so cheerful—it's refreshing."
"By the way, what class are you in?"
"Class B."
"No way! I'm in Class B too! Let's go together after breakfast!"
"Sure. You're only eating wontons?"
"I don't eat much in the morning."
They chatted and finished their meal, then walked to the teaching building.
At the door of Class B, Urara flung it open dramatically.
"Everyone! Look who's here!"
The classroom buzzed with excitement. Peach Waves peeked in, waved shyly, and greeted them.
"Hello, everyone…"
"It's Peach Waves!"
Uma Musume swarmed her with questions. She was overwhelmed, but Urara helped manage the crowd.
In the back row, Vodka leaned toward Scarlet.
"Peach Waves is really popular."
"I heard she'd be joining junior high, but I didn't expect her in our class."
"She's always saying funny stuff at dinner."
"Hey! Why did you throw paper balls into my trash again?!"
Scarlet caught Vodka red-handed.
"I'm full over here!"
"Take it back! Half my bag is your trash!"
The two bickered as usual.
Meanwhile, Peach Waves was bombarded:
"Can I get your contact info?"
"Me too!"
"Sure…"
When did I become this popular? And why are they getting so close?
"Did you quit the cafeteria? I miss your cooking!"
"I'll still cook when I can. But I'll be in class for now."
"There's a seat next to me! Want to sit there?"
"Let's wait for the teacher to assign seats…"
The bell rang, and the crowd dispersed. Peach Waves exhaled in relief.
The teacher entered, spotted her, and smiled.
"Welcome, Peach Waves. Please introduce yourself."
Peach Waves picked up the chalk and wrote "Peach Waves" in slightly crooked characters.
"Hello, I'm Peach Waves. I used to work in the cafeteria. Please take care of me."
"Scarlet! Pack it for me! I'll throw your trash if I have to!"
Vodka stood up, shouting mid-introduction.
Everyone turned to stare. Even Peach Waves stifled a laugh.
The teacher's face darkened.
"Student Vodka… do you know what time it is?"
She smiled sweetly.
"Ahaha… class time. Sorry, teacher. I was wrong."
Vodka then sat down quickly.