Afterward, Chiyono O and the others came by several more times, all to test dishes.
Finally, on the last day, Tokai Natural finished deciding the menu.
That same day, someone who hadn't appeared all summer because of training finally returned.
"Yayoi, I'm back."
Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion. Clearly, Student Council work had been tough.
Hearing that voice, Tokai Natural turned around.
Their eyes met briefly, and Tokai Natural lowered her head a little.
Seeing this, Maruzensky opened her mouth—she knew this reaction came from what she'd said to Tokai Natural before.
So she simply shifted her gaze aside and spoke again. "Yayoi, I heard from Chiyono O that you're planning to watch a race?"
"…Mm."
"Whose?"
"Tamamo… Tamamo Cross."
Hearing the name, Maruzensky thought for a moment, then nodded. "Ah, her. She hasn't been doing too well lately, but…"
After a short pause, Maruzensky nervously asked her next question.
"Do… do you want me to go with you?"
She watched Tokai Natural closely, hoping for a yes.
Even though she knew Tokai Natural probably wouldn't refuse, she still wanted to hear her real feelings.
That tone made Tokai Natural lift her head again.
It was the first time she'd heard Maruzensky speak with that kind of nervousness.
When she looked up, she saw a faint fear in Maruzensky's eyes.
Tokai Natural understood that fear.
It wasn't a look she saw often from others—but it was one she often carried herself.
She feared losing Mochizuki.
And Maruzensky feared...
With that thought forming, Tokai Natural felt a small surge of courage.
After many days, she finally faced Maruzensky properly again.
They looked at each other for several seconds before Tokai Natural asked her first question:
"Rudolf… won't that be a problem?"
"It won't be a problem," Maruzensky answered immediately—so quickly it was as if she feared giving Tokai Natural any excuse to refuse.
Tokai Natural watched her quietly.
Then she made her choice. "Mm. Let's go together."
At those words, Maruzensky's tense expression eased into her familiar smile.
She knew she'd been forgiven this time.
As for next time…
Thinking about it, Maruzensky paused, then gently called, "Natural."
"Yes?"
That simple answer sounded like things had returned to normal.
"No, nothing. I just wanted to try the dishes you're putting on the menu. C.B. said they were pretty good, so could you let me taste them too?"
She looked at her expectantly.
Tokai Natural nodded. "Alright. Just a moment."
With that, she headed into the kitchen.
Watching her disappear behind the door, Maruzensky's expression softened. Something familiar was slowly returning.
Her tension eased a little.
...
The next day, the two others in the Student Council room clearly sensed Maruzensky's good mood.
Their interpretations, however, were very different.
Symboli Rudolf assumed she was happy because she'd bought a new car. Mr. C.B. immediately understood it was because she and Natural had reconciled.
But—
"Oh, right. We'll need to prepare for observing the local races this year," Symboli Rudolf said, glancing at Mr. C.B.
Her meaning was clear: Maruzensky went with her last time, so this time it was Mr. C.B.'s turn.
Facing Rudolf's gaze, Mr. C.B. turned her head away without a word.
She had absolutely no interest in that. She'd much rather stay with Tokai Natural and help prepare for the restaurant's opening.
After all, when Symboli Rudolf left Tracen Academy, it would be the ideal time for Tokai Natural to start her business.
Seeing her refusal, Rudolf fell silent for a moment, then turned to Maruzensky.
"About that…" Remembering Tokai Natural's condition, Maruzensky shook her head. "Sorry, I won't be able to go this time."
"I see… then it'll have to be you and me, C.B." Rudolf's tone allowed no refusal.
Hearing that, Mr. C.B. paused before answering coldly, "Us two? Going out together? Are you sure?"
The open look of disgust on Mr. C.B.'s face left Symboli Rudolf genuinely unsure what she'd said wrong.
But she still nodded.
Seeing Rudolf's certainty, Mr. C.B. paused again, then suddenly turned to Maruzensky.
"You're coming too."
"Why?"
"…"
She didn't answer outright, but her expression said everything.
Given the current situation between Maruzensky and Tokai Natural, Mr. C.B. felt uneasy.
Uneasy that when she returned, she might see Tokai Natural's name on a missing persons list.
So she offered another explanation:
"What do you think will happen if Rudolf and I go alone?"
She didn't state her real intention—only hinted at the usual tension between her and Rudolf.
To Symboli Rudolf, that was perfectly normal. Unless Katsuragi Ace intervened, well…
So Rudolf didn't object if Maruzensky came along.
And since even Mr. C.B. was putting it that way…
Maruzensky's gaze moved from Mr. C.B. to Rudolf.
Clearly, Rudolf wanted her to come too.
Seeing that, Maruzensky hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
"Alright, fine—I'll go."