Rewinding time a bit.
After most adults had left, Yayoi Natural's restaurant saw another surge of customers.
But this time, the guests were all sisters…
Not surprising, given how common sister groups were among Uma Musume.
However, the group that arrived this time was somewhat… special.
"Y'know, I really like someone like you, ma'am."
Facing this young Uma Musume with long silver hair who was now standing on a chair and holding her hands, Yayoi Natural immediately recognized who this was.
After all, Natural would never forget that infamous "12 billion yen incident"…
Now, seeing Gold Ship earnestly holding both her hands, Natural's expression became subtly complicated.
So, the rumors about Gold Ship preferring older women were actually true…
Realizing this made Natural's face even more complicated.
But soon, Gold Ship was interrupted by another young Uma Musume wearing a fluffy hat.
"Festa? What's wrong?"
"Journey said if you don't stop right now, she'll break your legs."
Hearing this, Gold Ship's tail shot straight up before quickly turning back to Natural. "Ma'am, I'll definitely come again!"
After declaring this, Gold Ship hurriedly dashed away from the counter.
Once Gold Ship had left, Nakayama Festa finally turned to Natural.
"Owner-san, four kids' meals, please."
Looking at Nakayama Festa in front of her, Natural simply nodded. "Sure thing, just a moment."
As she said this, Natural turned around. "You can sit down and wait; I'll bring it over shortly."
Acknowledging Natural's words, Nakayama Festa turned back and returned to her family's table.
While preparing the meals, Natural glanced toward where the four young girls were seated.
Four Uma Musume: one with black hair, one silver-haired, one brunette, and…
The last one wore a mask and was staring directly at Natural.
After briefly assessing their situation, Natural withdrew her gaze.
They were simply customers. Natural only needed to do her job.
But unlike Natural, Gold Ship was already plotting something else…
"See, Orfevre-san? Didn't I tell you she's a super charming lady?"
Gold Ship's whisper floated persistently into Orfevre's ears.
"Well… you're not wrong."
Orfevre quickly withdrew her gaze, her tail twitching uneasily behind her.
Ignoring Gold Ship's blunt remarks, Dream Journey kept her attention on Natural.
Her eyes were fixed on Natural's back.
At the moment, Natural was standing on a small stool, checking the large pot of broth. Thanks to this, Dream Journey could just barely see Natural's tail.
Only when Natural turned back around to focus on the pot's contents did Dream Journey finally withdraw her gaze. "Gold Ship."
A simple phrase.
It instantly halted whatever Gold Ship had planned to say.
"Quiet."
"Okay…"
She submitted immediately.
That was only natural—Dream Journey was the eldest sister, after all. She might not be as hot-tempered as Orfevre, but she always followed through on her words.
Thus, for the rest of the meal, Gold Ship didn't dare speak another word.
Soon after, Natural brought the four kids' meals to their table. "Here you go, four kids' meals~"
After delivering their food, Natural returned to the open kitchen.
Gold Ship tried to speak again, but one sharp glance from Dream Journey silenced her instantly.
What followed was a rare moment of peaceful dining.
After finishing, Dream Journey stood up and walked to the counter.
She quietly watched Natural for a few seconds before paying.
Having completed this task, Dream Journey turned back toward her sisters. "Let's go."
At Dream Journey's words, the others quickly rose, following their eldest sister out of the restaurant.
As they left, Natural added one final remark from behind: "Be careful on your way."
"Got it!"
Gold Ship's energetic reply echoed loudly.
Hearing such enthusiasm, Natural's eyelid twitched involuntarily.
Honestly, she really didn't want Gold Ship developing any weird thoughts about her…
As the Gold family exited, another guest entered the restaurant.
Long silvery-purple hair, a gray-haired Uma Musume.
Natural recognized her—Mejiro McQueen. Since the Mejiro banquet, Natural hadn't seen her around at all.
Thinking carefully, it probably had something to do with the Mejiro Family.
But Natural didn't dwell on it long; instead, she greeted McQueen warmly. "McQueen, no need to go back yet?"
"I'm waiting for Ardan-neesan."
"Oh, I see." Natural glanced aside briefly before continuing. "Would you like something to eat? It's on the house."
"Really?"
Hearing the word "free" from Natural's lips, Mejiro McQueen's eyes immediately sparkled.
"Yes, really."
Saying this, Natural placed a small menu in front of McQueen. "Have a look."
"Thank you."
McQueen eagerly picked up the menu, scanning its contents.
Observing McQueen's delighted expression, Natural smiled helplessly before shifting her gaze toward the restaurant entrance.
While McQueen was still focused on the menu, the door opened once again:
"Mom, I'm home."
"Auntie, is my mom here?"
The straightforward greetings allowed Natural to recognize the speakers without even looking up.
"Welcome home, Mochizuki. Roman-san went to inspect an asset belonging to the Tokai Family. She'll probably stay there for the weekend and won't be back until Monday."
Natural's eyes shifted from Mochizuki toward Teio.
Meeting Teio's gaze, Natural continued warmly, "Roman-san said you could stay here for two days."
"Eh? Really?"
"Sure thing. But there are only two beds upstairs. You can sleep in Mochizuki's bed, and Mochizuki will sleep with me. Is that okay?"
Natural's arrangement was simple, but Teio hesitated slightly. "Um, is that really okay?"
"Yeah, it's fine. Mochizuki's used to sleeping with—"
"I'm not."
Hearing this voice, Natural turned around, spotting Mochizuki already heading upstairs.
Meeting Natural's eyes, Mochizuki stubbornly looked away. "I'm not used to it!"
"Alright, alright, you're not used to it."
---
T/N: 4 chaps meeting this weeks quota, i was toooo lazy and slept allllllllll week sorgee
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
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