Chapter 51. Unexpected Attire
The day after returning to Tokyo, Shuta An did not report to work. He had already requested leave from Symboli Rudolf the previous evening, so skipping the morning clock-in posed no issue. He slept until noon. After washing up, unwilling to cook, he ordered takeout from a nearby restaurant.
While waiting, he reopened the Arlington Million registration page he had bookmarked the previous year. Registration was still open. Without hesitation, he submitted Silence Suzuka's name for the Arlington Million.
"It's unfortunate Suzuka can't enter that other G1 turf restricted to Triple Tiara Route runners," he muttered. "Otherwise, she could sweep G1 titles at this racecourse."
After sending a screenshot of the successful registration to Silence Suzuka on Line, he opened a document and began drafting the post-race report for the Hakodate Nisai Stakes.
He summarized the race progression succinctly, then devoted several hundred polished words to praising Mejiro Dober's performance. Deliberately, he omitted any mention of her unusual sensation during the final stretch. He had no intention of exposing that anomaly—not publicly, not even to Dr. Grace.
"This difference from other Uma Musume must be utilized carefully," he reflected. "To approach her mental limit merely by rushing an artbook deadline—If she hadn't told me herself, I would never have believed it. I've never heard of anything similar—not even in Father's team. Just how desperate was that deadline?"
With that, he submitted the report to Symboli Rudolf.
After lunch, he returned to his upstairs study and found a reply.
"The report has been received. It is well written, but next time, there is no need to praise your own Uma Musume so extensively; be more concise. Additionally, you mentioned Tokai Teio's remarks during the post-race interview. Please clarify."
His lips twitched. Instead of replying formally, he contacted Rudolf directly on Line.
He explained why he had referenced Tokai Teio. He had expected a reprimand for drawing attention to her prematurely. Instead, the response surprised him.
"I am very pleased that Shuta-kun holds Teio in such high regard. It is tremendous encouragement for her. After reading the report, she came to the Student Council office and spoke with me at length."
Though the text lacked overt emotion, the satisfaction beneath it was unmistakable.
"I am only stating facts," he replied. "The most important factor for Teio is maintaining sound health." After a pause, he added, "I have never told her this—and please do not tell her—but I genuinely believe Tokai Teio will enter the Twinkle Series Hall of Fame. She will become a legend, a lasting memory, and a generational leader."
"Do you recall," Rudolf responded teasingly, "when I first recommended Teio to you? Neither of you were particularly impressed with the other."
"At that time, your relationship with me was hardly cordial because of Oguri Cap, was it?" he countered. "But Teio's attitude improved quickly afterward, even though I did nothing."
That was untrue. He had invested considerable time strengthening Tokai Teio's affinity in the Dream World, which had subtly influenced reality. Similar cases were not uncommon.
"I greatly anticipate Teio's performance after full maturation," Rudolf replied after a pause. "I hope she will not disappoint your expectations."
"My expectations are fluid," he typed. "Her performance will only improve—but first, I must pray she avoids injury."
Rudolf seemed to detect the implication. "I will arrange monthly physical examinations for her. I also heard she will accompany you to North America during summer vacation? I will entrust her to your care."
"Monthly is sufficient," he agreed. "However, we likely will not depart this month."
That afternoon, intending to go for a drive, he received a Line message from Oguri Cap. He opened it to find a selfie. His focus shifted not to her face but to the background.
Narita Airport.
He paused before typing, "Are you back in Tokyo? Where is Berno?"
"With me, of course," Oguri replied, followed by a pouting emoji. "When will Ann come pick us up?"
"I'm leaving now," he answered immediately.
By the time he arrived at Narita Airport, before he could message again, Oguri Cap and Berno Light were already exiting.
Oguri pulled a suitcase with one hand while gently rubbing her abdomen with the other—clearly having eaten quickly at an airport restaurant while he was en route.
After parking, Shuta An hurried over and embraced both of them, surprise evident in his tone. "Why return so early?"
"After seeing Dober-chan win the Hakodate Nisai Stakes, we assumed Ann would be back in Tokyo," Berno Light explained softly, leaning against him. "If we delayed, we might not see each other again until year's end once you leave for North America. Coincidentally, the Dream Cup Association invited Oguri to participate in an event, so we agreed. It worked out perfectly—we could spend time together."
"I will likely depart in early August," he informed them. "But I must return by late October. Suzuka will challenge the Tenno Sho (Autumn), and I cannot oversee her preparation remotely."
"October—" Oguri's ears twitched, her spirits clearly rising. "The Dream Cup autumn middle-distance final will also be at Tokyo Racecourse then. Ann must attend."
"Of course," he replied without hesitation.
When they returned home, Shuta An had barely stepped inside before Oguri Cap grabbed Berno Light's hand and rushed upstairs.
"We're taking a bath first!"
"Alright," he replied with a helpless shake of his head.
Glancing at his phone, he reconsidered his schedule. He had not anticipated their early return. The refrigerator was nearly empty. "The pantry's insufficient. I need to restock properly."
As he drove off, Oguri did not enter the bathroom as declared. Instead, she stood quietly by the window, watching his car disappear down the street.
"Ann…" she murmured softly.
Only then did she turn toward her room. The bath she had planned became a quick shower instead. Cleaning the house felt more pressing.
Berno Light had reached the same conclusion independently. Being home after a long absence without tidying up felt improper.
When Shuta An returned with multiple shopping bags—
"Welcome home!"
What greeted him left him momentarily speechless.
Both Oguri Cap and Berno Light stood before him in Japanese-style maid outfits. He was certain such garments did not exist in his wardrobe.
Oguri's attire was restrained yet elegant: a goldfish-patterned kimono paired with a simple white apron. On her maid headband rested a single Asiatic dayflower—bride's grass—delicately pinned.
Berno's ensemble was far more ornate. Lace-trimmed apron, tassels, and a richly patterned kimono that shimmered under the light.
He surveyed them carefully. "You both look beautiful," he concluded sincerely. Then his brows lifted. "But where did these come from?"
"At Narita, I mentioned the Dream Trophy Series invited Oguri for an event," Berno Light explained with a smile. "It's a promotional shoot—famous Dream Trophy Uma Musume cosplaying as maids. I've seen the script. Oguri mostly just eats."
"Then these outfits were provided?"
"Half and half," Berno clarified. "The one I'm wearing is actually Oguri's. The one Oguri is wearing, I assembled in Okinawa—except the headpiece. She insisted on adding the flower."
She stepped closer. "Ann, is it cute?"
He swallowed reflexively. He had seen far more provocative sides of them before, yet this presentation was novel. "I understand now why some colleagues visit maid cafés after work," he muttered before catching himself. "Yes. Very cute. Both of you look good in anything."
Satisfied, Berno nodded. "Then we'll wear these today."
That promise extended into the evening.
The next morning, Shuta An rose first. The two Uma Musume remained asleep beside him. He slipped out of bed quietly and gathered the maid outfits.
"They'll need washing," he muttered. "Last night was excessive."
It had been some time since they last met. Both Oguri and Berno had demanded more than usual. Fortunately, his training regimen had kept him in condition. He was the last to fall asleep—and the first to wake.
Breakfast was prepared before either came downstairs.
He settled onto the sofa and turned on the television.
"The stock market is still declining—nearly two years now," he murmured while watching the news. "The economic downturn's consequences are deeper than expected. Property prices continue falling—Perhaps it's time to consider purchasing a summer villa in Hokkaido. I'll likely travel there frequently."
He browsed listings on his phone but found nothing suitable.
The news shifted to Uma Musume.
"Mejiro Dober of Team Sadalsuud, winner of the Hakodate Nisai Stakes, will next challenge the G1 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack in Canada. The long-term objective remains the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies."
"Silence Suzuka, recent winner of the Takarazuka Kinen and her first domestic G1, will target the Arlington Million. Team Sadalsuud seeks consecutive victories."
"This year's Yasuda Kinen champion, Taiki Shuttle of Team Rigil, has arrived in France to pursue major mile titles in both England and France."
"Derby Uma Musume Special Week will run the Kyoto Shimbun Hai as preparation for the Kikuka Sho."
"Everyone is announcing plans," Shuta An observed. "I wonder what Kitahara intends for Team Scorpii."
He did not ask. That boundary was deliberate.
The Dream Trophy advertisement shoot was scheduled for that day. Despite consuming substantial food during filming, Oguri still ate half of her breakfast.
"I'll drive you," he offered. "I can extend my leave."
"Even if you hadn't offered, I would have asked," Oguri replied with narrowed eyes. "Many seniors are participating. I feel more at ease with Ann nearby."
"I understand." He packed his laptop. "I'll work from the set."
At the Minato Ward studio, he secured permission to work in a corner outside the set. Berno assisted with administrative matters.
He outlined Tokai Teio's upcoming training schedule before loading a 3D model of Woodbine Racetrack to analyze its characteristics. The Canadian venue, over a century old, hosted the King's Plate and Canadian Breeders' Stakes—components of the Canadian Triple Crown—alongside major G1 events such as the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes, Woodbine Mile, Natalma Stakes, and Canadian International.
Prize money in Canada was modest compared to other circuits. His rationale was strategic timing: the Natalma Stakes offered Mejiro Dober a realistic early G1 opportunity without the risks of European autumn tracks or compressed scheduling before the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies.
"Before the Senior year, better to challenge North American turf," he mused privately.
On set, Oguri's performance required no rehearsal—she ate continuously. Between takes. During resets. Even while scenes were rearranged.
A concerned director approached, worried about indigestion. Shuta An dismissed the concern calmly.
Berno muttered beside him, "They should worry about running out of food before the shoot ends."
"If efficiency drops, that's plausible," he agreed.
"By the way," he added, "what is Oguri's appearance fee?"
"Twenty-five million yen before tax for a single quarter," Berno answered promptly. "The contract was reviewed thoroughly."
For a single day's shoot, it was substantial.
"Top-tier domestic celebrities earn around thirty-five million," she added quickly. "Oguri's already near the top in her first Dream Trophy year."
"I don't consider twenty-five million low," he replied evenly. "If anything, it's generous for a starting rate. I assume there were other offers?"
"Mostly food brands. Oguri sampled them privately and rejected most."
"If Oguri says the taste is inadequate, it likely is," he said dryly. "We are not financially constrained. Select only what aligns with her standards. And screen manufacturers carefully."
Berno grinned. "Of course."
After filming concluded, he thanked staff, exchanged contacts with the director, and gently extracted Oguri—still eating—from the set.
"Half full," she reported once seated in the car. "I want steak tonight. Too many vegetables."
He obliged without hesitation.
Back home, after dinner, he regarded her thoughtfully.
"Oguri, this is your only Tokyo engagement, correct?"
"Yes. I'll stay home with Ann until you depart."
He leaned back, calculating.
"Then starting tomorrow, how about accompanying me to work? Especially on Wednesdays. High-intensity training days. I may require your assistance."
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