Ten-odd days later, in one of Tachyon's many labs.
"Here, today's breakfast."
Manhattan Cafe once again set a lunchbox in front of Agnes Tachyon, though her face was full of reluctance.
By now, Manhattan Cafe and Nearl had become quite familiar with each other. Fetching three meals a day from Nearl had almost become a habit.
"Mm."
Tachyon took the lunchbox as a matter of course and, without even looking up from her research notes, quickly began eating.
"By the way, Cafe, don't you find it cumbersome to carry that large flask around every day?"
Her gaze drifted toward Cafe, who was happily cradling a cup nearby, as Tachyon casually started a conversation.
Still, she was genuinely a little puzzled.
Cafe used to be the type to grind coffee beans by hand and brew the coffee herself, yet lately she'd been drinking coffee from who-knows-where every day.
"It is cumbersome, but the coffee is fragrant and delicious, so it's worth it."
"Eh? It's rare to hear you praise someone else's skills. If even you feel outmatched, their technique must be truly exceptional."
After swallowing a piece of fish, Tachyon glanced at her own tea-brewing tools.
"I just wonder how skilled she is at brewing tea. If she can meet my standards, I might as well buy from her too. Brewing tea myself does waste a fair bit of my time."
"…"
Cafe didn't reply, only quietly sipped Nearl's hand-brewed coffee in small, savoring mouthfuls. But her eyes shifted slightly, as if avoiding Tachyon's gaze.
She knew—Nearl's black tea brewing skills were also exceptionally superb.
During meal times now, the counter where Nearl served was always packed. She'd even spotted several young ladies from the Mejiro family going there specifically for a drink.
But for some small, hard-to-explain private reason—one even Cafe herself didn't fully understand—she didn't want Tachyon to know about Nearl's side business.
Of course, she was completely incapable of outright deception. At most, she could only stay silent like this.
"Oh, right, Cafe—the academy seems livelier than usual today. Is something special going on?"
"…"
"Cafe?"
"I have to go. Don't ask me." Cafe had already put away her cup during her earlier silence and was now at the classroom door.
"Also, the person who's been making your meals has something going on today. You'll have to handle lunch and dinner on your own."
"!"
Before Agnes Tachyon could process this, her ears—ahead of her brain—expressed extreme displeasure, drooping forward flatly.
"No way! Cafe? Cafe! Come back! Don't just leave! At least tell me where I can find whoever sells this food!"
Her desolate wails echoed down the empty hallway behind, sending a shiver down Cafe's spine as she hurried away, quickening her pace even more.
But about Tachyon having to handle her own lunch and dinner today—Cafe hadn't actually lied. Nearl really was busy.
The Sumire Stakes was scheduled for today.
--+--
Same time, at the academy's side gate.
The academy's side gate was reserved for vehicle access, with a spacious plaza in front for parking.
Sometimes it served another purpose: loading Uma Musume into vans headed for race venues.
Right now, Nearl had arrived at this gate early—a full half-hour before the agreed departure time.
"Margaret, over here."
As soon as she stepped outside, a familiar voice called from nearby. Turning toward it, she saw a gray-haired figure jumping and waving both hands.
It was Oguri Cap. Beside her, the two members of the support team—munching on buns on their own—also waved at Nearl. Only Kitahara Jo still looked tired, yawning now and then.
"Oguri, why are you here too? It's morning—according to the schedule, you should be in class right now."
"Well, you see, it's like…"
Oguri Cap began gesturing animatedly to express herself. Her movements were full of character, but unfortunately, they conveyed far less information than plain words would have.
"Alright, Nearl, don't put her on the spot. She specifically asked for time off to watch your first race."
Kitahara stepped in to smooth things over. Oguri Cap nodded vigorously in agreement.
"I see. Thank you for the thought, Oguri. Would you like a wrap? I brought some extra."
"Yes!"
So Oguri Cap, her eyes shining, started munching on the wrap, leaving Nearl and Kitahara to share an understanding smile.
"That girl… Sometimes I really wonder if she's got some super-efficient digestive fluid in her stomach. Where does all the food even go?"
Kitahara shrugged, a note of helplessness in his tone.
"But hey, it's not my problem to worry about, haha. Let the higher-ups fret over the food budget."
"Trainer, I understand how you feel, but if word gets back to the chairman, you might face some… minor retaliation."
"Ahem, let's keep that between us."
Kitahara flinched slightly.
"Alright, let's get in the van. We'll be leaving soon anyway. This is a good chance for me to brief you on your opponents in the race."
"Then I'll go call Oguri and the others."
--+--
"Got all that? These are the Uma Musume you'll be racing against. Those running in OP races are either ones who haven't finished their Maturation, so they can't enter classic races yet, or rookies who've just debuted—top-tier among their peers, with successful debuts. But honestly, none of them should be a match for you."
Holding his notebook, Kitahara seemed thoughtful.
"But Nearl, in this race, there's one Uma Musume I want you to pay special attention to."
"Go on."
"Her name is Silence Suzuka. In her debut race, she won by a whopping seven lengths. Her form was so agile, her speed so dazzling—it surprised even us trainers."
"But that's not why I'm asking this. Even though Silence Suzuka is outstanding, I still don't think she's a threat to you."
"Then what's the reason?"
Oguri Cap, who'd been listening in, looked puzzled.
"Her trainer asked me this favor. She hopes you'll take Suzuka seriously."
Kitahara adjusted his cap, recalling the scene.
"Ms. Toujou, are you serious? Even if it's just an OP race, Silence Suzuka's next target is the Yayoi Sho, right? It could drain her stamina."
Kitahara questioned the stern-faced female trainer in a business suit before him.
"I'm aware. But given Suzuka's recent condition, I believe it's necessary for her to participate in this Sumire Stakes."
Adjusting her glasses, Toujou Hana's eyes were filled with determination.
--+--
T/N: HSR Fic out on MapleTL!
--+--
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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.