On the fifth day after Tokai Natural's discharge, Symboli Rudolf still had not shown up at Tracen Academy.
Her public explanation was that she was on sick leave.
But Symboli Sirius knew Rudolf wasn't sick at all—yet even she didn't know where Rudolf had gone.
Still…
Taking one look at Tokai Natural's itinerary, Sirius understood: Symboli Rudolf didn't have much time left.
...
Facing Tokai Roman across the table, Symboli Rudolf only took a slow sip of coffee. "So this is how the Tokai Family arranged everything…?"
"Mm. There might still be hidden corridors or something like that, but…"
She extended her hand and tapped the most crucial spot. "It should be right here."
"Here?"
Studying the rough layout of the Tokai Family residence, Symboli Rudolf fell silent for several seconds before finally looking up at Tokai Roman. "Thank you."
"No—no need to thank me, really…"
Receiving gratitude from Symboli Rudolf left Tokai Roman a little flustered.
But…
Looking at Rudolf's expression, Roman still voiced the question pressing on her mind.
"Um… why are you doing this?"
"Well…"
"It's fine. If it's something you can't talk about, you don't have to tell me."
The way Rudolf hesitated—clearly debating whether to answer—made Roman realize she'd probably touched on something she shouldn't have.
So she immediately let Rudolf know she didn't have to answer.
Roman's easy understanding made Symboli Rudolf pause for a heartbeat. Then she finally spoke again: "Don't go back to the Tokai Family."
"…All right. I understand."
After saying that, Symboli Rudolf set down her coffee cup and stood.
Watching her prepare to leave, Tokai Roman couldn't help showing a trace of worry. "Will you be okay… going alone?"
"I'm the Emperor."
With that, Symboli Rudolf walked out of the café.
...
Night fell.
Four people stood together at the airport.
Aside from Tokai Natural, who was about to board her flight, the other three were Mr. C.B., Maruzensky, and Symboli Sirius.
Because Rudolf—the Emperor among the Uma Musume—held far too much power, both Mr. C.B. and Maruzensky, after discussing the matter with Tokai Natural, ultimately agreed to Sirius's proposal.
And the biggest reason they accepted Sirius's plan was, of course, Tokai Natural's impression of her.
Since Tokai Natural trusted Symboli Sirius, she agreed to Sirius's request.
Already standing at the security checkpoint, Tokai Natural turned back to them. "All right, that's enough. No need to see me off any farther. You all should go rest."
Listening to her, Symboli Sirius simply nodded.
Mr. C.B., however, thought for a few seconds, then stepped forward. "When you get there, remember to change into warmer clothes. The temperature's different. If you don't pay attention to that, with your body, it'll be troublesome."
Unlike her usual self.
At this moment of parting, Mr. C.B.'s words were oddly rambling.
None of her usual ease was there.
Only after Mr. C.B. finished lecturing did Maruzensky step up in front of Tokai Natural.
Different from Mr. C.B. or anyone else, Maruzen-san only stared at her in silence.
Ten seconds or so passed before Maruzensky finally murmured, "Take care of yourself."
"Mm."
Last, Tokai Natural shifted her gaze to Symboli Sirius.
Sirius had been working harder than anyone these past days to stabilize her situation; Tokai Natural simply waited for her to speak.
Her gaze was calm, almost flat—yet being looked at made Sirius feel strangely unsettled.
Nearly a full minute passed under that quiet stare.
Only then did Symboli Sirius finally speak. "Speed's grandmother is there—I've already given you her photo. Once you land, she'll look after you for a while. Whatever you want to do—work, rest, anything—she won't interfere."
"…Thank you."
...
"Ah."
A phone rang.
After working nonstop through the night, Symboli Sirius once more heard Rudolf's voice.
"Rudolf! Do you even understand what you've done?!"
"I merely did what needed to be done. Besides—you wanted me to, didn't you?"
Symboli Rudolf's voice was still as cold as ever, but Sirius couldn't refute her words.
And also…
"You're injured?"
"No."
Hearing the unfamiliar roughness in her breathing, Sirius wanted to call out the lie immediately—but in the end, she held back.
"Is Natural still living at that restaurant?"
Her outdated information made it obvious Rudolf hadn't had any contact with anyone in Tokai Natural's circle these past days.
Half a second later, Sirius answered her question. "She's already gone."
Not saying where Tokai Natural went, Sirius simply waited for Rudolf's reaction.
"…"
After a long silence, Symboli Rudolf finally replied. "I see…"
"Mm."
Then the call disconnected.
...
Symboli Rudolf was the one who hung up.
Only after ending the call did she finally let her breathing go ragged.
She could feel at least two broken ribs—and judging from the pain in her left hand, that was probably broken too.
But to Symboli Rudolf, this wasn't anything serious. Merely the consequences she should accept after doing something she shouldn't.
Only…
Looking down at the baby in her arms, tiny and soft, a streak of long starlight etched on her body, Symboli Rudolf fell into confusion.
She didn't know what she was supposed to do.
But—
She turned her gaze back to her phone's contact list, looking at Maruzensky's and Mr. C.B.'s numbers.
She knew—neither Maruzen-san nor Mr. C.B. would help her.
And her contact list was so small she could hardly find anyone else.
But soon, she noticed a number added just a few days ago.
Staring at it, Symboli Rudolf remained silent for a long time before making her decision.
She pressed "Call."
Not long after, the line connected.
A voice she'd met only yesterday came through the receiver.
And hearing the call go through, Symboli Rudolf spoke—
"Can you… help me with something small?"
Using a tone she would never normally use—a tone of asking for help.
Hearing that painfully strained breathing, Tokai Roman fell silent for a moment, then answered with certainty.
"…Mm."