Around one o'clock in the afternoon, the vibrantly green-clad figure of Tazuna-san walked into the cafeteria.
Just after stepping inside, she immediately noticed several Uma Musume sprawled lazily at a table near her right side. Among them was Akikawa Yayoi, leaning back contentedly in her chair with a bloated belly and an expression of utter satisfaction.
"So satisfied~! Deciding to drop by the cafeteria today was definitely the right choice!"
"Akikawa-sama… what happened here?"
"Tazuna! Where did you go all morning? You just missed the perfect chance to taste Kagura-chan's amazing cooking!"
"Due to yesterday's incident, there were some matters regarding the Mejiro family that I had to handle…"
Tazuna glanced around and saw Maruzensky and Nice Nature also slumped at the same table beside Akikawa, both appearing thoroughly stuffed. Slightly further away sat Symboli Speed—someone she naturally recognized as the head of the Symboli family. For some reason, however, Speed-sama was casually wearing a Tracen Academy student uniform, leaving Tazuna momentarily confused when she first entered, thinking perhaps this was some unfamiliar student.
Looking over at the cafeteria serving window, the young Uma Musume in a maid uniform—Kagura—leaned tiredly against the wall, head down, quietly checking something on her phone. Judging by her visibly exhausted expression, and seeing all these big-shots who normally never showed up here now full to the point of lethargy, Tazuna easily guessed what Kagura must have gone through these past two hours.
"Kagura-chan, lunchtime must've been tough today, huh?"
"Ah… Tazuna-san, actually it wasn't that bad, although there were quite a few more mouths than expected."
Kagura raised her head slightly, greeting Tazuna with a tired smile. Despite being caught off guard by the unexpected influx of diners, seeing everyone's happy and satisfied faces left Kagura feeling strangely fulfilled herself.
Of course, her current good mood was also largely due to not having to wash any of those pots afterward…
"Tazuna-san, you must have had a busy morning too. Would you like to sit down for a bit? I could help massage your shoulders."
"Oh my~ but Kagura-chan, you must be exhausted already. It wouldn't be right to trouble you further…"
"It's alright, my stamina isn't that bad."
Putting away her phone, Kagura gently pushed the hesitant Tazuna-san toward Akikawa's table, making her sit down on a chair before placing her own hands softly onto Tazuna's shoulders and giving them a few experimental squeezes.
"How is this, Tazuna-san? Does it feel comfortable?"
"Hmm… ah… Kagura-chan's technique… it's surprisingly good!"
"Thank you for the compliment. Then I'll add a bit more strength, alright?"
Seeing Tazuna already sinking into relaxation with eyes slightly closed, Kagura knew she'd found the right amount of pressure and gradually increased the strength. Tazuna leaned back in the chair, enjoying the sensations immensely. Her mind told her clearly that she shouldn't burden a younger Uma Musume like this, but her body couldn't resist the incredible comfort Kagura provided.
Kagura's gentle hands moved tenderly from Tazuna's neck down to her shoulders. Such simple movements, yet Tazuna felt a relaxation and comfort surpassing any professional massage she had ever experienced. A gentle warmth enveloped her, soothing as a soft spring breeze, and the accumulated fatigue from the busy morning quickly overtook her.
Watching Tazuna melt into blissful relaxation almost instantly, Akikawa poked her waist teasingly, a mischievous smile playing across her lips:
"Hehe Tazuna fell so quickly! Thinking about it, Speed-san really has great insight. Kagura-chan is adorable now, and when she grows up, she'll definitely become a stunning beauty—gentle personality, superb cooking skills, and excellent at housework. Whoever marries Kagura-chan will truly be blessed"
"Akikawa… Kagura is only eleven years old. Can you tone down your usual eccentricities?"
Before Tazuna could respond, Symboli Speed, who'd been quietly resting in her chair, eyes closed and arms crossed, spoke up first.
"Objection! What eccentricities? I'm just stating objective facts! If I had someone like Kagura-chan by my side caring for me, I'd be overjoyed!"
"Yes, yes, yes… Kagura, make sure you remember to stay far away from weirdos like this one, or you'll end up being devoured."
"Protest! Don't slander my innocent image!"
…
They really are close friends, huh… Must've known each other for a long time.
Still massaging Tazuna's shoulders, Kagura watched with amusement as Akikawa and Speed playfully bickered. Clearly, the two were very close, which only made Kagura more curious about the real age of the childish-looking Akikawa.
As for Tazuna-san, the reliable "green onee-san" who could always be seen at the school gates no matter rain or shine, she had already drifted off into a peaceful sleep under Kagura's gentle care. Seeing that she was truly exhausted, Kagura slowed her movements carefully to avoid disturbing Tazuna's restful sleep, eventually coming to a gentle stop.
Kagura quietly gestured toward Akikawa Yayoi, pointing at the sleeping Tazuna-san. Akikawa swiftly returned the gesture, signaling for Kagura to let her rest. So Kagura turned her attention elsewhere, approaching Nice Nature, who was currently sprawled across the table, mumbling quietly in her half-asleep state. Seeing Nature's adorable sleeping face, Kagura couldn't resist the urge to lightly poke Nature's soft, puffed-up cheek.
"Oh right, Kagura-chan, this little Uma Musume is your friend, isn't she? Do you two live in the same dorm?"
"Yes, Nature-san lives just downstairs from me."
"Then we old folks will rest here a bit longer. You've worked hard all morning, so take your friend back to her dorm. Sleeping hunched over here isn't good for a child's body. We'll wake Maruzensky-san up later."
"Mm… you're right. Then I'll take Nature-san back first. Speed-sama, if you need anything, just call me."
With that, Kagura carefully knelt down and gently hoisted Nature onto her back.
Fortunately, since Nature hadn't yet undergone maturation, she wasn't significantly taller than Kagura, making it easy for Kagura to carry her. But even in her sleep, Nature clung onto Kagura tightly, like a child afraid her mother might suddenly disappear. Though this tight embrace made Kagura slightly breathless, it also ensured Nature wouldn't fall off during the walk back.
Kagura herself was indeed feeling quite tired by now, but before resting, she had one more matter to confirm.
The sun's really intense right now… better swing by the field again just to make sure nothing dangerous appeared.
Though Kagura knew it was unlikely Mejiro Ardan would be out training again so soon, she still decided to patrol the track, just in case. With Ardan's fragile condition, any mishap in this scorching heat would be serious.
Fortunately, at around one or two in the afternoon, the track remained empty as Kagura passed by, Nature still sleeping soundly on her back. Seeing no sign of Ardan, Kagura felt relieved.
Carefully returning to Nature's dorm, Kagura gently opened the door using Nature's own keys. To avoid disturbing the sleeping girl, Kagura moved slowly and softly. However, just as she reached the bed and prepared to lay Nature down, she momentarily lost her balance. Still gripping Kagura tightly, the sleeping Nature toppled backward onto the bed, pulling Kagura down with her.
"Ah…"
Pinned down by Nature, Kagura tried to push away Nature's arm that rested across her neck. But since Nature was now completely draped over her, Kagura couldn't use much strength without waking her. In her sleep, Nature even rubbed against Kagura affectionately like a child snuggling her parent.
Though the situation had unfolded differently from how Kagura envisioned, the outcome was nonetheless achieved—Nature was now comfortably on the bed, undisturbed and still sound asleep. Kagura, meanwhile, was momentarily stuck beneath her.
"…Oh well, fine."
Seeing how tightly Nature clung to her, Kagura—already exhausted herself—gave up any further attempts to move. It wasn't uncomfortable, so she decided to simply take a nap right here. Besides, dorm rules didn't forbid taking naps in someone else's room.
"Sweet dreams, Nature-san."