Time slowly passed, gradually reaching May.
Tokai Shizen's life also began to gradually get back on track.
Because her daughter herself didn't cry much, it was relatively convenient for Tokai Shizen to take care of her.
Although there were still five to six months until the one-year-old weaning period,
The current Tokai Shizen could indeed go out alone for longer periods without worrying about Tokai Mochizuki.
It was precisely because of this that, under such circumstances, Tokai Shizen was now able to accompany Chiyo O to the Shopping Street around Tracen Academy to look around.
After all, she hadn't had much time to come to such a distant place before.
"Tokai-nee, why did you want to come and look around?"
"Chiaki mentioned the other day that there seemed to be a storefront here on the Shopping Street, so I decided to come and take a look."
Tokai Shizen's gaze swept across the street, searching for the storefront Representative Chiaki had mentioned.
"Is Tokai-nee planning to buy it?"
"How could I have that much money? I'm just worried about whether Representative Chiaki or Maruzen might buy it."
After answering Chiyo O's question, Tokai Shizen continued, "Given their personalities, if they were to buy it directly, it would probably be very troublesome, and…"
After turning to look at Chiyo O.
"Hmm?"
Looking at the silent Tokai Shizen, Chiyo O's face was full of confusion.
"Is this a bit too far from Maruzen Family?"
She didn't speak the real reason.
After all, the reason of being too close to Tracen Academy was indeed difficult to voice.
It wouldn't be good if Chiyo O thought she disliked her.
Moreover, this distance might be noticed by that person.
"Oh, I see. But Tokai-nee does need to worry about this issue. Mochizuki isn't very old, and it would indeed be dangerous if you couldn't return in time."
Chiyo O, unable to detect the truth Tokai Shizen was hiding, simply understood it in terms of family matters.
"That's pretty much the reason. Although the profit margin here is high, it's still a bit too far from Maruzen Family."
Continuing along with Chiyo O's own explanation, Tokai Shizen finally found the storefront that Representative Chiaki had mentioned.
"I found the storefront."
"Eh? Where is it?"
"Just ahead."
Following Tokai Shizen's refer to direction, Chiyo O finally found the location of the storefront, not far from them. Chiyo O, who had quickly walked forward, soon saw the 'store for sale' sticker.
Looking at the message, Chiyo O simply peered inside through the shop's glass window.
From the interior decoration, it was clear that this was a typical restaurant.
Many seats, packed together, suggesting a large daily customer flow.
Of course, this was to be expected.
After all, Tracen Academy was nearby.
Although Tracen Academy's cafeteria offered free meals, like most university students, Uma Musume didn't want to eat in the Tracen Academy cafeteria every day.
So, this restaurant's daily customer flow would not be low.
Plus, with the staff of Tracen Academy.
It was probably natural to have so many seats.
"Hmm, if we're just looking at the location, it's indeed a very good storefront. If we consider Tokai-nee's cooking skills, I might come every day."
Watching Chiyo O's tail wagging like a dog, Tokai Shizen just smiled: "From a geographical perspective, this shop would definitely not lose money. I wonder why it's for sale."
Saying this, Tokai Shizen shifted her gaze from Chiyo O's wagging tail to the tables and chairs inside: "I wonder if the items inside can be bought at a low price. If so, the initial cost of opening the store might decrease a lot. And there's a market nearby; if we source from there, the cost price will also be significantly lower. But I'm not sure if there's a cold storage inside..."
Tokai Shizen's muttering naturally attracted Chiyo O's attention.
And after Tokai Shizen subconsciously finished calculating the basic costs.
She then noticed Chiyo O was looking at her.
"Wh-what is it?"
"Tokai-nee, you said you didn't want to open a shop here, but you've started planning."
"It's just a subconscious action." Saying this, Tokai Shizen slightly turned her head to hide her embarrassment: "However, opening a shop here would indeed significantly reduce the cost price."
Chiyo O just nodded upon hearing Tokai Shizen say this: "Then..."
"Don't say it. This isn't something I should be thinking about, so let's go back. We can buy some groceries on the way; after all, those two aren't here right now, so you can decide on the flavors."
Seeing Tokai Shizen refuse her, Chiyo O just opened her mouth, then nodded: "Hmm, okay."
Chiyo O knew why Tokai Shizen would refuse. After such a long time together, Chiyo O also understood Tokai Shizen's personality, so she was well aware of the reason for Tokai Shizen's refusal.
It's just... looking at the unchanging expression on her face, Chiyo O felt her steps grow heavier.
But... with Tokai Shizen herself not saying much, Chiyo O wouldn't overthink it, so... "Tokai-nee."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"What do you like to eat?" Chiyo O asked Tokai Shizen this question.
Facing Chiyo O's question, Tokai Shizen was stunned for a moment, then pretended to think for a second before giving her answer: "I don't have any particular favorites. I like whatever you all like to eat."
Listening to Tokai Shizen's accommodating response.
Chiyo O was silent for a few seconds, then responded: "Um, Tokai-nee."
"Hmm?"
"What do you think if I buy that storefront with my prize money?"
"Eh~ What would Chiyo O do then?"
"I don't know, but I just feel that if I leave it to Tokai-nee, it probably won't lose money, right?"
"That storefront's location means it's unlikely to lose money no matter what it sells. After all, it's so close to Tracen Academy, and the revenue from Tracen Academy is enough to support the shops on this Shopping Street. So, Chiyo O, you can do whatever you want."
Without directly answering Chiyo O's words, Tokai Shizen simply used this leeway to maneuver.
"Tokai-nee, aren't you talking about yourself?"
"I'm not really suitable~" Saying this, Tokai Shizen slightly raised her hand and tapped Chiyo O's head, then continued: "I'm not worth Chiyo O doing so much."
Listening to Tokai Shizen's words, Chiyo O recalled another conversation.
It was the faint sounds she heard outside the hospital room that day.
Only now did Chiyo O understand why Representative Chiaki had said what she did back then.
Thinking of this, Chiyo O just opened her mouth, but couldn't say anything.
Seeing Chiyo O's reaction, Tokai Shizen simply took a step forward: "Alright, it's time to buy groceries. Dinner hasn't been decided yet today."