"Kagura-sama, Ardan-sama, you've arrived."
As Kagura and Ardan stepped out of the academy gates, the old Mejiro family butler was already waiting by the car. Seeing the two approaching, he respectfully bent down in a deep bow.
"Sorry to trouble you again, Butler-ojisan, for picking me up," Kagura said politely.
"No trouble at all. Seeing Ardan-sama looking so healthy now is already our greatest happiness," the butler replied warmly. "We must thank Kagura-sama as well. Your care for Ojou-sama at school has clearly improved her condition dramatically compared to a few months ago."
Saying this, the butler bowed deeply again towards Kagura. She quickly reached out to stop him, but sadly, with her unfortunate height, she couldn't properly support this towering, 180-centimeter-tall old butler.
Indeed, Ardan's condition had improved significantly these past months. When she first returned to Tracen Academy, Ardan was noticeably thin, her complexion sickly pale. Now her cheeks were much fuller, her skin smooth and delicate. It was such a dramatic improvement that Old Mejiro had insisted repeatedly on inviting Kagura back to the estate.
After finally persuading the butler to rise, Kagura and Ardan climbed into the car.
Counting carefully, this was Kagura's second invitation to the Mejiro household. She herself had never taken the initiative to visit; it was always Old Mejiro inviting her over. Kagura occasionally wondered if this was impolite, but honestly, aside from Mejiro McQueen, she couldn't think of any reason she'd need to visit regularly.
As she chatted casually with Ardan in the car, her phone suddenly vibrated. Kagura paused, took it out, and saw a text from Symboli Speed.
[Symboli Speed]:Kagura, I hear Old Mejiro invited you over again?
Kagura had no idea how Speed-sama knew about it, as she didn't recall mentioning it. But since Speed-sama asked, Kagura decided to be honest. She explained the invitation, also adding her intention to visit McQueen.
[Symboli Speed]:I see. It's not a problem. If you're comfortable with it, I have no objections. Just stay safe.
[Inari Kagura]:Understood, I'll be careful.
What could possibly be dangerous at the Mejiro house...? It's not like there's a mafia hiding there. What could happen inside such a grand, noble mansion anyway?
Kagura guessed Speed-sama was probably just reminding her out of habit to watch out for things like electricity or water. She could understand older people's worries; her previous mother had been exactly the same. Even at her age, whenever Kagura visited friends, her mother would always remind her to stay safe.
The Mejiro estate wasn't far from Tracen Academy, and soon they arrived at the grand gates. Before Kagura could even step out of the car, she spotted a small, white-haired Uma Musume poking her head out eagerly, clearly looking for someone.
"McQueen, good morning~"
"Kagura-oneesan!!"
Mejiro McQueen finally spotted Kagura and ran over excitedly. Though she was clearly overjoyed, McQueen remained conscious of etiquette. She didn't dash full-speed like the time in the cafeteria when she'd nearly knocked Kagura flat upon spotting Curren Chan. Instead, she rushed forward and warmly grasped Kagura's hands.
"You're finally here!"
"Hehe, you seem very happy, McQueen. Have you been waiting long?"
Seeing McQueen's excited, expectant face, Kagura smiled warmly and gently rubbed McQueen's soft little hands. Perhaps due to the cold weather or McQueen's insufficiently warm clothing, her hands felt icy.
"Oh my Little McQueen only cares about Kagura now Big Sister feels so hurt~"
"Ardan-nee!"
Stepping out behind Kagura, Mejiro Ardan laughed softly, teasing McQueen. McQueen quickly let go of Kagura's hands and hugged Ardan instead, though even while nestled in Ardan's arms, she kept stealing glances back at Kagura.
Ah~ This child really is adorable. No wonder Ardan dotes on her so much.
Watching McQueen's anxious little expression as she struggled to choose between the two of them, Kagura's lips couldn't help but curve upwards slightly.
"Ardan, Kagura-san, thank you both for waiting."
Emerging from behind McQueen was Mejiro Ramonu, whose mature presence always radiated an invisible pressure. Ardan instinctively stepped back half a pace in nervousness, though Ramonu seemed unconcerned, stepping forward to gently pat Ardan's head.
"It's been a while since you came home. You're looking much better. I was worried you'd neglect your health by not eating or sleeping properly at school, but it seems I was overly concerned."
"Thank you for worrying about me, Ramonu-nee, but I'm perfectly fine… You don't have to worry so much," Ardan replied meekly.
For some reason, Kagura sensed that Ardan seemed afraid of Mejiro Ramonu, despite her often expressing admiration for her older sister during their conversations at school.
"As if I'd believe that..." Ramonu sighed lightly, a rare expression of frustration crossing her face. She withdrew her hand from Ardan's head and lightly tapped her forehead with a finger.
"If Kagura-san hadn't been by your side, you'd have sent yourself to the hospital seven or eight times over these past three months. Originally, grandmother and I agreed on fewer duties for Kagura-san, but you really leave us no choice."
"Mejiro Ramonu-san, Ardan-sama's actually been pretty well-behaved… She's not as troublesome as you might think," Kagura stepped in gently to help Ardan out. In truth, Ardan had indeed been fairly manageable during the past months, never causing any unreasonable trouble.
Ramonu looked between Kagura and the shrinking Ardan and sighed quietly once again.
"My sister has truly been under your care, Kagura-san. Thank you for taking the trouble to look after Ardan despite your busy schedule."
"No need for thanks. After all, we have an official contract, so it's only my duty," Kagura responded gracefully and politely.
"So mature..."
Looking at Kagura's composed and respectful demeanor—even though she was merely a maid yet showed no timidity—Ramonu felt a pang of dissatisfaction at seeing her own sister, visibly larger but timidly silent by comparison. Did she really appear so frightening?
Such a wonderful girl… Why did she have to join the Symboli family…?
Ramonu now truly understood Old Mejiro's sentiment. Usually, she didn't mind much, but thinking about these subtle points made her feel increasingly that Old Symboli had struck gold, and it honestly stirred envy.
"The family head is already waiting inside. Let's not stay standing around. Come in and sit down first. By the way, Kagura-san, Ardan, have you eaten breakfast yet?"
"Not yet. I'd just returned from outside when Ardan-sama pulled me out," Kagura admitted.
"Me neither… Kagura-san worked very late last night and only returned this morning. Since the cafeteria was closed, neither of us had breakfast," Ardan added quietly.
"Worked late…?" Ramonu raised an eyebrow in mild surprise but quickly regained composure. "Butler, please inform the kitchen to prepare something quickly. Kagura-san is an honored guest of the Mejiro family; we mustn't neglect her."
"Yes, Ramonu-sama," the butler immediately replied, bowing respectfully before leaving.
"Please follow me, everyone. Let's wait in the main hall."
No need for such formal hospitality… But Ramonu-san really does have that powerful, career-woman vibe, always carrying that intimidating presence…
Kagura kept these thoughts to herself. Since Ramonu had already spoken, it would be improper for Kagura to say anything further.
As Ramonu turned inside, Kagura and Ardan picked up their luggage and followed behind. McQueen quickly seized the opportunity to cling happily onto Kagura's free arm. Ardan seemed about to reach out as well, but seeing McQueen already beside Kagura, she quietly lowered her hand and obediently trailed behind Ramonu.
Compared to these overly strict, always-formal Uma Musume, Kagura glanced fondly at McQueen, who happily clung to her arm.
Compared to the Symboli household, the Mejiro family really puts a lot more emphasis on etiquette… As expected, a natural, innocent child like McQueen is still the best.
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T/N: I DONT THINK ANY OF YOU READS THE THOUGHTS SECTION SO IM GONNA JUST TRY POSTING IT HERE
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