And so, when lunchtime rolled around, the Uma Musume arriving at the cafeteria were treated to a rare sight: a girl their own age bustling behind the counter, surrounded by a group of white-hatted chefs.
"Oh, I see! That idea is truly the finishing touch! I've been struggling with how to keep the meat from becoming too cloying with the rich sauce and boring the girls."
"This technique—amazing! So quick and precise. Next to her, I look like I've got two left feet."
The chefs gathered around, watching Nearl's cooking process, each one full of praise. Someone even went so far as to ask the head chef:
"Boss, is this Uma Musume your disciple? Her skills aren't something you'd learn at just any ordinary school."
"Hah, I wish I had a talented and obedient apprentice like her. Sadly, someone else got to her first."
"Really? That person must be an amazing cook too, then, to teach a student of this caliber."
At that, the head chef let out a dismissive snort.
"Him? He's nowhere near that level. Couldn't even compete with me on the same stage—just got lucky, that's all."
The chef fell silent. He really wanted to say that anyone who could earn your recognition probably wasn't a slouch in the kitchen, but thinking back to the boss's earlier attitude, he didn't dare voice it.
"Alright, you lot! Lunch hour has started! You still crowding around here—want those cute little ones to go hungry?"
At her words, the other chefs burst into laughter.
"Boss, you're underestimating us! Even if we went hungry ourselves, those adorable little fillies would definitely 'eat until they're stuffed!'"
"Heh."
Feeling the warmth of their sincerity, a slight smile tugged at the corner of Nearl's lips.
'These people genuinely care for the Uma Musume. Tracen Academy is truly fortunate to have them.'
"Nearl, I hope you don't mind me dragging you over here on such short notice."
After the chefs had returned to their stations, the head chef walked over to Nearl, her tone far softer than before as she apologized.
"That old coot kept bragging to me about you, got me really curious. It won't happen again."
"Not at all. In fact, I'd like to request permission to continue working here from now on. I don't mind working without pay. I enjoy doing things for the Uma Musume, and working here allows me to help them, doesn't it?"
"Huh? But you're a student too, right? What about your studies and training every day?"
"I can manage my schedule. I have quite a bit of free time daily, so I have the capacity to take this on."
"I don't get you, but I'll let you try working here for a while. If you feel tired, you can quit anytime."
The head chef thought it over, recalling what the Kasamatsu head chef had told her about Nearl's situation, and finally agreed.
"Thank you so much."
"No need for thanks. Just do your job well."
With that, the head chef left. Her main battlefield wasn't here—it was a certain special counter on the top floor reserved for a certain gray-maned eater.
Without her skill, the other chefs couldn't hope to satisfy that one's bottomless appetite.
So now, Nearl was on her own to handle the impending rush of Uma Musume.
"Hello? Did you make the coffee here?"
The first to arrive was a tall, powerfully built Uma Musume, whose height and figure easily overshadowed most around her.
"Yes, that's right. I hope it meets your satisfaction? Besides handcrafted beverages, we also serve simple Japanese dishes here. Would you be interested?"
Dressed in a white apron—now slightly stained—and a pristine chef's hat, this was the Special Waiter Edition of Nearl!
"The coffee really is something else. Feels especially warm going down, somehow. But I'm not really into Japanese food, sadly."
The girl in front of her was brash and full of energy, a smile never once leaving her face.
"No problem. We offer more than just Japanese food at this counter—all kinds of simple meals. Please tell me your usual preferences, and I'll take care of it."
Nearl's hands never stopped moving, continuing to prepare various drinks while carrying herself with an elegant, dignified poise that perfectly demonstrated the duties of a server.
Clearly, it was having a powerful effect on the young Uma Musume.
"So, d'ya have any American food?"
"Of course. Would a hamburger, hot dog, and vegetable salad suffice?"
"Ok, that's plenty!"
"There are seats over there. Please wait just a moment; it'll be ready soon."
Nearl began preparing the patty and bread, but the customer didn't leave. Instead, she lingered at the counter, chatting with Nearl, her face showing clear interest.
"So, hey, you're an Uma Musume too, right? Why're you working in the cafeteria? You can't be that old?"
"Oh, and my name's Taiki Shuttle, by the way!"
Proudly thumbing her own chest as she said it, she drew a slight chuckle from Nearl.
"You may call me Nearl. I'm just working here as a personal interest. I'm grateful the head chef approved of my cooking skills."
"A hobby, huh? That makes sense. Kinda like how I love revolver shooting! Too bad there's no dedicated shooting range in the academy."
"Well, many factors have to be considered. Getting approval for a shooting range is indeed difficult. Here is your meal."
"So fast!"
Taiki Shuttle was astonished. She stared at the burger and salad Nearl had slid over to her, poking at them disbelievingly with her utensils.
"You made it so quick, but it still smells amazing! And it looks delicious!"
Completely ruled by her appetite, Taiki Shuttle didn't even say goodbye, simply picking up her tray and striding away.
"Quite an unpretentious guest."
"Nearl, may I have a cup of coffee?"
Not long after Taiki Shuttle left, a mysterious figure cloaked in darkness appeared before the counter.
Compared to the "larger-than-life" Shuttle, this Uma Musume was the very picture of a delicate, petite beauty.
Long, dark hair, an almost excessively fair complexion—though she wore the standard Tracen Academy uniform, which wasn't black, whether by illusion or not, the first impression she gave was one of darkness.
"Of course, lovely customer. Would you like some milk with that?"
Nearl's inquiry was gentle, but the other girl seemed somewhat evasive, not daring to meet Nearl's eyes directly, her body even shrinking back slightly.
"D-don't… don't come close. [I'll] get scared."
"…"
Nearl's eyes narrowed slightly. In that instant, she seemed to see something, a flicker of flame igniting deep within her golden eyes.
"Will you be having anything as well?"
Nearl's tone remained calm, but the warmth from before had vanished.
"I'll have coffee."
A moment later, a faint, almost invisible figure materialized. Under Manhattan Cafe's panicked gaze, it drifted forward to stand before Nearl.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.