The winner of the Arc de Triomphe was Tony Bianca.
Her victory could only be described as incredibly hard-fought, a fierce contest down to the final hundred meters.
Thankfully, Tony Bianca held onto that slim lead until the end, clinching the win.
Right after her Arc victory, Tony Bianca immediately received an invitation from Japan.
She was invited to compete in this year's Japan Cup.
But more than the Japan Cup itself, before departing for Japan, Tony Bianca was eagerly anticipating something else entirely…
"Could I have one order of this set meal, please?"
"Certainly. Right away."
With that, the server departed from Tony Bianca's side.
Like Moonlight Lunacy, Tony Bianca had grown fond of this place after just one taste.
Restaurants tailored specifically to race-focused Uma Musume weren't exactly common.
Usually, meals catered to Uma Musume in general rather than specifically to professionals.
Combine that with Tokai Natural's exceptional culinary skills, and…
…
Tokai Natural approached her again.
"Do you need something?"
Noticing Tokai Natural's restless, anxious tail flicking, Tony Bianca asked directly.
At Tony Bianca's inquiry, Tokai Natural's voice turned cautious. "Miss Tony Bianca, you're competing in the Japan Cup, correct?"
"Yes, I received an invitation. This might be my last visit here before heading to Japan." Tony Bianca nodded, closely observing Tokai Natural.
Tokai Natural slightly lowered her head, and combined with her already petite stature, it became even harder for Tony Bianca to discern her expression.
After a brief silence, Tony Bianca finally spoke, her expression unreadable. "Can I help with something?"
"Yes, um… Miss Tony Bianca, you wouldn't mind, would you?"
"If it's simple enough."
"I see…" Only then did Tokai Natural reveal a letter from behind her back. "Could you deliver this to Tamamo Cross, one of the Japan Cup contestants?"
Seeing the letter in Tokai Natural's hand, Tony Bianca's expression froze momentarily.
These days, almost no one used letters.
The internet was far more convenient.
Even on the other side of the world, communication was instant as long as there was internet access.
Thus, seeing Tokai Natural's letter left Tony Bianca visibly surprised.
"Um, if it's troublesome, then never mind…"
Noticing Tony Bianca's delayed reaction, Tokai Natural began withdrawing the letter.
"No, it's not that—I'm just surprised you're sending a letter. After all, phones are easier these days."
After casually explaining, Tony Bianca extended her hand toward Tokai Natural. "So why does our sous-chef-san prefer a letter?"
"Even if you send a thousand messages, it won't shorten the distance between hearts by even a centimeter."
After handing the letter over, Tokai Natural softly added, "Thank you."
"It's nothing. Like I said, it's no trouble."
After replying, Tony Bianca casually added, "Next time I'm here, I hope to taste an improved version of your set meal."
"I'll do my best."
With that, Tokai Natural turned around and walked toward the kitchen at the back of the restaurant.
Watching her retreating figure, Tony Bianca said nothing more. She simply looked down at the letter in her hand.
The sender's name was clearly written.
"Tokai Natural, a Japanese girl, huh…"
Tony Bianca put the letter away and stood up. "Time to go."
Then, everything proceeded as usual until closing time.
…
Returning to the mansion, Tokai Natural saw the same two faces—Symboli Speed and Mochizuki.
She cooked dinner as usual, sent Mochizuki upstairs as usual.
Only after wrapping up the day's tasks did Tokai Natural finally have a moment of rest.
Observing Tokai Natural, Symboli Speed asked, "You're planning to quit soon, aren't you?"
"Yes, I'll probably start preparing in about two months."
"So, what's next? You know, I could always support you~"
Symboli Speed joked lightly.
"I'm thinking of opening a small family restaurant nearby—the kind that closes once ingredients run out."
Tokai Natural's answer left Symboli Speed mildly disappointed.
Of course.
She had hoped Tokai Natural might jokingly agree with her playful suggestion.
After all, Tokai Natural's current lifestyle was genuinely exhausting.
Yet, Tokai Natural's reply remained unchanged.
Still, Symboli Speed only felt mild disappointment, nothing deeper.
Turning her head, she quietly observed Tokai Natural.
Lost in thought, Tokai Natural didn't notice Symboli Speed's gaze.
Thanks to their full awakening, even older Uma Musume retained youthful, girlish features.
Thus, Symboli Speed still saw the slightly melancholy yet gentle profile of Tokai Natural.
After a moment, Symboli Speed withdrew her gaze. "Will you need sponsorship for your restaurant?"
"As long as I'm not buying land outright, it shouldn't be necessary. After all, my current salary is…"
Tokai Natural stopped mid-sentence.
A sous-chef's salary was high, especially since Tokai Natural's recent set meals had become incredibly popular.
So, if it was just renting a storefront, money wasn't an issue.
Seeing Tokai Natural pause, Symboli Speed simply looked away again. "Opening nearby sounds good, actually. There are plenty of Uma around this neighborhood. It'd probably be popular… right?"
Symboli Speed's tone grew uncertain as she turned back to Tokai Natural. "A restaurant that closes when ingredients run out would also be easier on your health."
"Hm, true enough. Plus, once Mochizuki starts kindergarten, I'll be able to pick her up myself."
"No way!"
"Huh?"
"I want to pick Mochizuki up!"
Symboli Speed's outburst was so outrageous Tokai Natural turned to stare.
"I'm her great-grandma! Clearly, picking her up should be my job!" Symboli Speed declared proudly.
Faced with Symboli Speed's confidence, Tokai Natural withdrew her gaze, smiling resignedly. "Alright, alright."
Hearing Tokai Natural's surrender, Symboli Speed let out a sound entirely unfitting for someone her age:
"Yay!"