The time Maruzensky and Tokai agreed upon was December 30th.
This date was intentionally adjusted so as not to disturb New Year's Eve on December 31st.
And today is December 30th, 9 AM.
Tokai Teio, sitting in the corner of the restaurant, looked at Tokai, who was sitting at the bar, directly facing a makeup mirror.
Then she shifted her gaze back to Tokai, who was sitting across from her, still studying intensely: "Aunt Shizen seems to have gone out a bit too often these past two days..."
"That's a debt Mom owed from before. By Valentine's Day, you might see an even more spectacular sight."
Mochizuki, having said this, simply put aside the completed exercise book in her hand and took out a brand new one.
"Oh, I see. But..."
Turning to look at her younger sister, Tokai Teio's expression changed slightly: "Is it necessary to do so much?"
"To be precise, it is necessary. Although the junior high school exams won't be very difficult, high school exams will be…"
Thinking about the Trainer training school she wanted to apply to, Tokai's face clouded over.
Applying to that school wasn't too much trouble, and there were even subsidies if one got in.
After all, the number of Trainers who retired each year for various reasons was quite large, so JRA provided many subsidies to ensure a sufficient number of Trainers.
However, because they were responsible for the Uma Musume, the assessment was extremely strict.
Therefore, before entering junior high, Tokai first had to solidify the foundations she missed by skipping grades.
Seeing Mochizuki's diligent efforts, Teio had no intention of disturbing her.
So,
Teio shifted her gaze to Tokai.
Watching Tokai stare blankly at the makeup mirror, not knowing what to do,
Teio felt a subtle sensation.
Tokai was a chef, and because of this, she usually didn't wear makeup.
She didn't even use perfume or similar products.
So, it was understandable that she was now looking at the makeup mirror without making any moves.
And Tokai Roman, standing in the kitchen, was across from Tokai.
She looked at Tokai's expression, which clearly showed she didn't know what to do, and said, "Shizen, there's no need to think about makeup. You're already good enough as you are."
Saying this, Roman took the makeup mirror from in front of Tokai: "Also, it's almost time for your appointment, isn't it? It would be better to go a bit earlier."
This reminder made Tokai turn her head to look at the wall clock in the shop.
It was already close to half past nine.
Considering the travel time… Noticing this, Tokai immediately stood up: "I'm leaving first!"
With these words, Tokai jogged directly out of the restaurant.
Watching Tokai leave the restaurant like that,
Tokai Teio just tilted her head: "Is she going to be okay?"
"You don't need to worry so much about Mom. There's nothing to be concerned about." Saying this, Mochizuki glanced at the closed shop door, then continued: "However…"
"Aunt Chiaki once, Aunt Maruzensky once, next it won't be…"
Recalling Tokai's social circle, Mochizuki looked up.
She was wondering if it would one day be Speed Symbol's turn… Although it wasn't unacceptable, still… — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Leaving Mochizuki, who was still pondering some strange things, aside for now.
Tokai had already arrived at the agreed location with Maruzensky.
It was a place not far from Tracen Academy.
Although it was near the school, since it was almost Chinese New Year, there were hardly any students in Tracen Academy.
After all, during the Chinese New Year period, everyone had to go home at some point.
So, even if Tokai and Maruzensky met here, not many people would notice.
But… looking around, Tokai did not find Maruzensky.
Seeing this situation, Tokai simply took out her phone to check the time.
There were still a few minutes until the agreed time of half past nine.
Considering the work Maruzensky usually handled, Tokai thought it wasn't strange if she was a little late.
With this thought, Tokai simply put her phone back and began to stand still, waiting for Maruzensky.
And just as Tokai expected, Maruzensky finally arrived when there were about ten seconds left until half past nine.
Maruzensky, upon arriving at the agreed location, saw Tokai without having to search deliberately.
Looking at Tokai, who was deep in thought, Maruzensky simply walked over to her side and patted Tokai's shoulder: "What are you thinking about?"
A slight touch made Tokai look up.
Then she noticed Maruzensky, who had already arrived in front of her.
Looking at the other person, Tokai did not recall what Maruzensky had said earlier.
And Maruzensky didn't mind this; she simply lowered her head slightly to look at Tokai's face: "Have you been waiting long for me?"
"No, just a few minutes."
"Is that so? That's good then."
Saying this, Maruzensky let out a sigh of relief.
Seeing Maruzensky sighing, Tokai simply asked a question: "Don't you need to handle things at the Student Council anymore?"
"No need, those things…"
Recalling Representative Chiaki, who took over, Maruzensky responded with a slight smile: "Representative Chiaki is handling them."
Hearing this, Tokai simply nodded, then looked at Maruzensky: "Shall we go then?"
"Yes, let's go."
Saying this, Maruzensky walked to Tokai's side, walking abreast with her.
Their walking speed wasn't fast, because it was already December, and Tokyo had long since entered its snowy season.
So, the two of them didn't walk very fast; they simply walked side by side.
Unlike what Representative Chiaki had done, Tokai and Maruzensky simply walked side by side.
And because the destination was unclear, Tokai's pace was slightly half a step behind Maruzensky.
This slight lag wouldn't cause any problems.
Because for the two of them, this distance was enough, just perfect.
Looking at each other.
Not long after, after they had walked a certain distance, Tokai asked her first question.
"Where are we going?"
"Regarding that…" Turning her head to look at Tokai, Maruzensky said the next words: "Let's go to my place."
"…You don't happen to have a cat that can do backflips at your house, do you?"
"Huh? What's that?"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"