Hachiman's Perspective
We've crossed into the third week of June. For the racing world, that means the hiatus is over. To the general public, I'm sure it feels like a child finally getting back a toy that had been snatched away. While I wouldn't go so far as to say everyone is walking on air, the turnout for the Takarazuka Kinen is bound to hit record highs. The sheer release of all that pent-up energy is honestly a terrifying prospect.
If that's the case, I wonder what the Unicorn Stakes or the Mermaid Stakes will look like this week. They're graded races, sure, but since they're only GIII and not trial races, the crowd might be thinner. Then again, the Summer Series has already kicked off. No, wait—the Unicorn Stakes will definitely be packed; it's the final graded race of the spring season at Tokyo. While the Takarazuka Kinen is guaranteed to explode, the Mermaid Stakes is the real wild card... Well, it's not like I'm running in them, so I shouldn't care. I just hope we don't see a repeat of the chaos from the last Tenno Sho.
"…And, done."
Now, you might wonder what I'm doing. To kill time, I've commandeered a corner of the academy's kitchen to try my hand at some sweets. No, I'm not making them for anyone in particular. Like I said: killing time. I'll probably give some to my team, but they aren't exactly gourmet creations. I can only guarantee they'll taste decent. Still, they should make for a fine post-lunch dessert.
"Now, what should I start on next—"
"A moment of your time, if I may?"
"...Huh?"
I turned to find a blue-bay Umamusume standing before me. To say she's famous would be an understatement. She is the first-ever Triple Tiara winner, the "Jewel of the Mejiro," known to the world as the "Enchanting Blue-Bay": Mejiro Ramone. I'd seen her around the academy, but that was the extent of it. I'd never had a reason to be interested in her. Why, you ask? Because she's already signed, already a legend. You expect me to scout someone like that? Not a chance. Even if I watch her run, it's purely for research—something to reference when building training menus.
But what on earth was an Umamusume of her caliber doing here?
Ramone stared at me, her gaze lingering.
"...Can I help you with something?" I asked.
"Would you mind... if I had one?"
"I made plenty, so sure, take one. Which do you want? The strawberry pudding or the ice cream? Or both?"
"Then I shall have both, if you please."
"Coming right up."
I did as she asked and plated the pudding and ice cream, setting down two spoons for good measure. I don't know why, I just felt like two spoons was the 'proper' way to do it.
"My," Ramone murmured, watching me work. "You're surprisingly deft with your hands."
"I'm just a bit handy, that's all. When you're finished, just leave the containers there."
"Are you not curious about my thoughts on the flavor?"
"I didn't make them for you," I said bluntly. "Your opinion doesn't really matter to me. If it suits your palate, it's good; if not, it's not. It's that simple. I'm not a professional chef, and I've got lunch prep to start on. I'm not so bored that I can stand around entertaining you all day."
"..."
Ramone watched him in silence. A strange man... He doesn't scan my face for approval, nor does he push me away. To him, I am simply a person who happened to be standing in front of him. So this is the "Brother" Ardan spoke of... He is quite different from what I imagined.
She took a bite.
"So, Brother?" Rudolf asked, her voice tight with a forced calm. "Would you care to explain why Ramone is standing here in front of you?"
"Don't ask me. Ask her."
"My, you're quite cold to your sister, aren't you?" Ramone interjected, her voice smooth as silk. "Especially after you gave me such a wonderfully sweet treat... wouldn't you agree, Onii-sama?"
"Who are you calling 'Onii-sama'?" I snapped. "You're the one who begged me for the food."
Rudolf narrowed her eyes. "It seems the two of you have become... rather close."
"I made some pudding and ice cream for dessert, and I gave her one of each. Now she's acting like this," I sighed.
"Is there a problem with that?" Ramone asked innocently.
"I have to admire the sheer gall it takes to start demanding lunch the second you realize the food is good," I muttered. "You're on the same level as that gluttonous Umamusume from Kasamatsu."
"Could you not show your sister a little more kindness, Onii-sama?"
"I told you, I'm not your 'Onii-sama.' Besides, saying that is basically a self-burn, you realize that?"
Seriously, I don't want to hear that from someone who looks older than I do. Seriously, she does not look like a student.
Ramone let out a soft, melodic chuckle. "Fufu... what an interesting man."
"Rudolf," I said, turning away, "aren't you supposed to be with Rice?"
"My apologies, but no. We don't spend every waking moment together."
"Fair enough. Well, she'll show up eventually."
Ramone tilted her head. "And what exactly does that mean?"
"Brother prepares lunch for us twice a week," Rudolf explained, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. "Originally, it was a privilege reserved solely for Rice Shower. But since C.B. and I have officially joined his team, we are now fortunate enough to share in that bounty."
"Oh? Is that so..." Ramone's eyes fixed on me, tracking my every move.
Hey. Stop that. Don't you dare say you want me to cook for you from now on. I don't care how much money you throw at me—the answer is no.
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