Symboli Sirius didn't visit the restaurant on its opening day.
She had other things to prepare for.
Like the upcoming Tenno Sho (Autumn).
She knew her current condition wasn't exactly great—truth be told, it was terrible.
After all, she'd already spent six years on the track. A decline was only natural. But beyond that, another matter kept troubling her.
Tokai Natural was still on her mind.
She vividly recalled Tokai Natural's terrified expression when she had confronted her previously.
So she understood clearly: right now, she shouldn't appear before her.
Moreover, before seeing Tokai Natural again, Symboli Sirius hoped she could do something to ease the other woman's fears, at least a little.
After all, constantly giving off such a bad impression wasn't ideal.
But the real key to the whole thing was—
"Symboli Rudolf…"
Thinking back to the entire incident, Symboli Sirius could easily pinpoint the real reason Tokai Natural feared her so much.
She punched the dormitory wall.
"That bastard Rudolf definitely did something else to her!"
The "something" Sirius was referring to wasn't what Rudolf had originally done to Tokai Natural.
Rather, something else—something even more crucial.
Something she hadn't learned from the report.
Thinking about this, Symboli Sirius wanted to go confront Rudolf immediately and get answers.
But because of the upcoming Tenno Sho (Autumn), Symboli Sirius had no choice but to temporarily suppress that urge.
...
Night fell…
Looking around the now-empty restaurant, seemingly awaiting someone, Tokai Natural glanced at the clock hanging on the wall and sighed deeply.
It was time to close up.
She locked the doors, gathered the chairs neatly together, and switched off the lights.
Then she headed upstairs to the second floor.
The lighting between the two floors differed sharply.
The first floor used warm tones, while the second floor was starkly lit in cold, white hues.
In that environment, Tokai Natural's gaze drifted to the cradle.
Mochizuki hadn't woken yet—she didn't look at all like a child less than a year old.
Watching Mochizuki sleeping quietly in her cradle, Tokai Natural felt slightly relieved that Symboli Sirius hadn't appeared today after all.
"If only I could provide you with more nutrition…" she murmured softly, gently tracing Mochizuki's cheek with her finger.
The only nourishment Tokai Natural could provide was breast milk.
But breast milk's nutritional quality was directly influenced by the mother's health, diet, and emotional state.
Knowing all this, Tokai Natural watched Mochizuki silently for a long time, then spoke again quietly:
"If only you had Teio's luck…"
Unlike Mochizuki, who might soon have to face nutritional deficiencies, Tokai Teio would certainly face no such problems before her first talent evaluation.
After all, Tokai Teio was Rudolf's bloodline. For the chance of nurturing a genius, the Tokai Family would absolutely never neglect her.
This was the "luck" Tokai Natural was referring to.
If Mochizuki had also been an Uma Musume, perhaps she wouldn't have had to run around constantly with Natural, nor risk malnutrition.
But Natural knew that was impossible.
Because of certain rumors.
For example, the superstition that twins split nutrients in the womb, resulting in poor performance for both.
Had Mochizuki also tested as an Uma Musume, perhaps Natural would've been kicked out of the family even before she gave birth.
But if she'd been expelled early in pregnancy, maybe Tokai Natural wouldn't have needed to worry about freezing to death on the streets.
At that thought, Tokai Natural softly kissed Mochizuki's forehead.
Then, she lay down on the makeshift bed constructed from stacked boxes.
Staring at the ceiling, Tokai Natural couldn't easily fall asleep.
The ceiling above was plain, wooden planks fitted tightly together, with nothing but their natural grain visible.
As she stared at those patterns, she contemplated her future.
With income from both the Mejiro Family and the restaurant, Tokai Natural didn't have too many immediate worries.
At the very least, basic survival was somewhat guaranteed.
As long as neither the Tokai Family nor the Symboli Family moved against her, she could continue living here in peace.
Even so…
Recalling Symboli Sirius's absence from today's opening, Tokai Natural's expression shifted slightly.
Symboli Sirius might indeed be a good person—but the Symboli Family was still a family.
With that uneasy thought, Tokai Natural shifted her body slightly.
She couldn't keep dwelling on these thoughts.
She knew she'd only imagine the worst. If she continued down this road, even she couldn't predict where her thoughts might lead.
So, she had to stop now.
The next day, business continued as usual, though the shopping street outside was quiet. That was only natural.
Since Tracen Academy required extensive grounds, it had been built in Tokyo's outskirts. Although the shopping street benefited from proximity to Tracen Academy, few visitors appeared except during peak hours.
Looking around her empty restaurant, Tokai Natural simply stared down at the broth simmering in the pot.
Classes at Tracen Academy were held in the morning, with afternoons reserved entirely for training.
Given Uma Musume's typically enormous appetites, preparations needed to begin early.
"Today's menu should be…"
Thinking to herself, she gazed into the stockpot.
Preparing broth wasn't complicated, just time-consuming.
As for the other ingredients…
She didn't plan to fully prepare everything immediately; otherwise, it'd become overwhelming.
Still, the basic prep work was done.
As for the rest...
Who will show up today, I wonder?
Tokai Natural glanced toward the door.
Through its glass panels, she could see the world outside.
Watching that quiet scene, her expression shifted subtly again.
"I hope this peaceful life can continue a little longer."
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T/N: NOOO THE FLAG