Tokai Teio wasn't having the greatest time right now.
Because she was being stared at.
As for the one staring…
Turning her head, she looked at Mochizuki, who sat right beside her, completely unconcealed in her scrutiny. "Um... Is something wrong?"
"I was just wondering if all Uma Musume are pretty much the same."
"Mochizuki, have you met other Uma Musume before?"
"I met a few, there's also a family friend in France named Montjeu."
Mochizuki's words made Teio curious, but she didn't pursue further. What bothered her more was that Mochizuki kept staring at her.
"I see…"
Seeing that Teio didn't press the issue, Mochizuki also said nothing more and simply returned her gaze to the blackboard.
The material written there was mostly stuff she'd already mastered the night before.
At this rate, she'd probably finish the entire semester's curriculum in about a month.
With that thought, Mochizuki shifted her gaze slightly again, just enough to observe Teio.
Even now, she still had doubts.
Doubts about what her mother had told her—regarding whether Teio was her older or younger sister.
Because, looking at Teio right now, Mochizuki really couldn't imagine that this overly naïve Uma Musume could possibly be her sister.
...
Following the address provided by Symboli Sirius, Tokai Natural arrived at an apartment building near the outskirts of town after finishing talks with all her suppliers.
Standing before this rather rundown rental building, Tokai Natural let out a weary sigh.
The downfall of the Tokai Family was genuinely satisfying to Natural, but for Roman…
Thinking of this, Tokai Natural climbed up to the second floor.
She immediately spotted someone knocking on a door.
After glancing at the door number, Tokai Natural confirmed exactly whose door that person was knocking on.
Considering the lack of response, the visitor probably wasn't someone Roman wanted to see.
So…
Unsure of how to resolve the situation, Tokai Natural simply leaned against the stairwell, waiting patiently for the visitor to leave.
About half an hour later, the knocking finally stopped.
Then came footsteps gradually approaching from afar.
Tokai Natural knew it was safe to go up now.
She turned around and stepped back onto the second floor.
Then she saw a familiar face.
She recognized the person from the Tokai Family.
That person, head lowered, didn't notice Tokai Natural at all.
Passing each other, neither intended to acknowledge the other's presence.
Witnessing this, Tokai Natural realized clearly that the Tokai Family was finished.
Since they'd even come begging Roman, their circumstances must be truly miserable.
Still…
If she were to be caught up with them, it would be troublesome.
Thinking of this, Tokai Natural walked over to Roman's door.
She didn't rush to knock, instead looking out toward the street.
Only after confirming the crestfallen figure of the Tokai Family member had disappeared did Tokai Natural finally raise her hand and knock gently.
"Roman-nee~"
Calling out her sister's name let the person inside know exactly who was at the door.
Then—
The door opened.
Standing behind it was the same person she'd seen years ago.
Yet slightly different—her face looked weary, likely exhausted recently by harassment from the Tokai Family and by efforts to avoid causing trouble for Teio.
Seeing the sister who had always treated her so kindly reduced to this state, Tokai Natural wanted to say something but instead chose to simply hug her.
"I'm home, Onee-chan."
"..."
Roman froze briefly, then slowly embraced her younger sister in return.
Neither used much strength; they merely held each other gently.
Only after about a minute did they finally part.
"Roman-neechan, I came this time about Teio."
Right after pulling away, Tokai Natural immediately stated her reason for visiting.
Resolving Teio's situation as soon as possible was for the best. If things dragged on until Teio entered Tracen Academy, things would become much more complicated.
Her words momentarily startled Roman.
Then Roman nodded gently. "Mm… okay. Come in, let's talk."
After entering the apartment, Tokai Natural spoke again, but not about Teio. Instead, she brought up another matter.
"That person earlier… was from the Tokai Family, wasn't he?"
"Mm…"
A helpless expression briefly crossed Roman's face, and after several seconds of silence, she brushed the issue aside. "Natural, didn't you come to talk about Teio?"
"Ah… yes."
Not yet pulling out the bank card she'd prepared, Natural continued, "Roman-neechan, Mochizuki's already enrolled at Teio's school. In another month or two, I'll be able to take Teio back to my place…"
She briefly summarized her current situation, and Roman quietly nodded as she listened.
She had no objections to her sister's decision. Teio had always been Natural's daughter, after all; she herself had merely raised the girl in Natural's place for all these years.
Back then, Natural simply hadn't had the capacity to care for another person.
So…
Thinking of this, Tokai Roman fell silent for a few seconds.
She knew it was perfectly reasonable for her sister to take Tokai Teio back.
Yet…
Deep in her heart, a faint sense of loss lingered.
Still…
"But let's wait and see what Teio wants," Natural suddenly said. "If she wishes to stay with you, then let her stay, Roman-neechan."
Changing her tone, Tokai Natural showed a gentle smile. "After all, you raised Teio all these years. It wouldn't be right to simply take her back without considering how she feels."
Seeing Roman's lowered gaze, Natural gently cupped her sister's chin, lifting her head. "So, don't look so down, Roman-nee~"
"But…"
"It's fine. Roman-neechan, it's good you've cared for Teio, and besides…"
Only then did Tokai Natural take the prepared bank card from her handbag. "Use this money to improve your life a bit. At least it'll keep those people from bothering you."
"I… I can't accept this."
"It's okay. For me, earning back this amount isn't difficult. Mochizuki is growing up too—soon I won't need to limit myself to daily sell-outs. So don't worry, Roman-neechan. I'll cover Teio's future training expenses as well."
She hugged her sister again, cutting off any protests. Holding Roman close, she softly whispered, "You've worked so hard all these years, Roman-nee…"
Then, as if something inside her had finally broken free, Tokai Roman quietly began to cry.
---
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