October 14th, Chukyo Cup.
"Oguri Cap crosses the finish line, a commanding two lengths ahead of second place!! An overwhelming victory—!"
Looking out at the distant racecourse, Symboli Rudolf's normally tense face revealed a faint expression as she watched the gray-haired Uma Musume.
"Not bad."
Hearing that, Mr. C.B. and Maruzensky glanced at Symboli Rudolf. They both knew this meant Rudolf was starting to bring local Uma Musume into the central circuit.
Or rather, stealing a civilian girl outright.
Mr. C.B. and Maruzensky both understood Rudolf's actions clearly enough.
After all, the Central circuit hadn't seen any genuinely era-defining newcomers in years, so Rudolf's aggressive moves now were understandable.
However…
"This time, she's using the excuse that it's 'for the Uma Musume's own good,' huh?"
"It's just talk. If Oguri Cap fails in the Central races later, Rudolf won't lift a finger to help."
Mr. C.B.'s remark indicated the negotiations between Symboli Rudolf and Kitahara Jou were over.
"No need to point out something so obvious."
Maruzensky sighed lightly, shifting her gaze slightly before continuing, "Do you think that trainer will let go?"
"Probably. Most trainers genuinely care about their Uma Musume, after all, so…"
Mr. C.B.'s voice trailed off into a mutter, filled with disgust. "I hate this kind of disregard for other people's feelings."
"That's true, but…"
Maruzensky paused, then sighed. "It's undeniable that Oguri Cap won't reach her full potential staying with a local trainer."
Mr. C.B. shot her a sharp glance tinged with hostility. "You think what she's doing is right?"
"I never said that."
Maruzensky adjusted her posture slightly, casting her gaze far toward Symboli Rudolf, who stood at a distance from them.
"I just think it's the best move available."
"…"
Mr. C.B. went quiet at Maruzensky's words.
It was exactly as Maruzensky said—this really was the best way. Though cruel, Oguri Cap's talent truly would've been wasted if she'd remained with a local trainer.
"But the way things are handled afterward…"
Maruzensky didn't finish her sentence, but they both knew she meant Kitahara.
Rudolf had made no arrangements for Kitahara.
She wouldn't provide any compensation or assistance at all.
That was the real issue Maruzensky hinted at.
Mr. C.B. stayed silent for several seconds, then spoke quietly, "Her ideals are lofty, but…"
She didn't finish either.
Both of them immediately thought of someone.
"We'll head back tomorrow, right?"
The abrupt change in topic didn't surprise Maruzensky, who understood exactly what Mr. C.B. was implying.
"Oguri Cap's transfer procedures involve a lot. Rudolf won't linger here long."
As she spoke, Maruzensky slightly turned her head. "I wonder how things are going back there…"
"Natural will take care of herself."
"I know."
...
"We officially open tomorrow—it still feels pretty busy."
Sakura Chiyono O stuffed the last bag of vegetables into the refrigerator before turning to Tokai Natural. "Once you get acquainted with the vendors, they should deliver directly here, right?"
"Yes, that's true. Actually, they can start delivering right away, but…"
Tokai Natural glanced toward Chiyono O, explaining carefully, "First, we need to confirm how many customers we get daily to determine the exact amount of ingredients needed."
"That makes sense. But won't your work with the Mejiro Family get in the way?"
"The Mejiro Family only occasionally invites me over. It won't interfere much."
Saying that, Tokai Natural began pulling out some eggs for dinner preparation.
"Besides, the salary they offer is generous—I can't afford to pass it up."
"Eh~? Do you really need that much money?"
"If it was just me, then no. But if Mochizuki has any wishes…"
Tokai Natural's voice carried a faint note of exhaustion.
"Ah, right—forget middle school, even kindergarten, elementary school, and clothing each year adds up to a huge expense." Sakura Chiyono O rubbed her head, clearly overwhelmed. "That's so much money."
Seeing Chiyono O's troubled expression, Tokai Natural smiled softly and placed a dish of omurice in front of her.
"Curry-flavored omurice."
"Eh? Curry?"
Chiyono O tilted her head at the seemingly ordinary omurice before her.
"Yes. Curry seasoning can be made in bulk if the spices are properly mixed. Maybe it'll go on the menu later."
Tokai Natural placed a spoon beside Chiyono O's plate.
"Hm, it doesn't seem very curry-like, but I'll give it a try."
The girl took the spoon, cutting into the omurice.
Immediately, curry fragrance burst forth like an explosion.
"Just the smell alone seems delicious."
"It won't be on the menu after all. Making curry-seasoned rice itself is still quite troublesome. Mass-producing this would be…"
Tokai Natural didn't finish her sentence.
She had to consider her own physical limits and the cost of production.
Mixing spices wasn't too difficult, and once done, cooking the rest was simple enough.
But the troublesome part lay entirely with the seasoned rice.
Given that, Tokai Natural wouldn't place this dish onto the restaurant's official menu.
Though perhaps she could test it out at the Mejiro Estate…
After preparing her own dinner, Tokai Natural sat across from Chiyono O.
While eating, Sakura Chiyono O looked toward Tokai Natural.
"Yayoi-san?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Are you coming to watch the Asahi Cup in December?"
"You decided to enter the Asahi Cup?" Tokai Natural lifted her head, meeting Chiyono O's gaze.
"Mm, I decided."
Hearing that, Tokai Natural thought for a moment, then nodded. "Do your best—but don't get hurt."
"I know. But will you come watch?"
"It depends on how things go that day. If I'm free, I'll definitely come."
"Mm!"