After Chiyo O and the others left.
Representative Chiaki looked at Tokai Shizen, who was sitting on the other side of the table, eating dinner made from scraps.
After a few seconds of thought, Representative Chiaki finally asked: "Has the Mejiro Family invited you?"
"Yes, they have, but I plan to ask for your opinions before making a decision."
After eating a small piece of beef, Tokai Shizen continued: "If you don't agree…"
Tokai Shizen didn't continue.
Representative Chiaki merely looked at Tokai Shizen.
Tokai Shizen's face showed a hint of anticipation and worry.
The anticipation was hoping for a positive response from her.
And the worry was… Representative Chiaki, sensing the change in Tokai Shizen's mood, frowned: "Did something happen between you and Maruzen?"
Representative Chiaki, who had originally decided not to ask, broke her own decision at this moment.
The question posed by Representative Chiaki caught Tokai Shizen somewhat off guard.
But very quickly, Tokai Shizen waved her hand: "No, nothing happened."
Tokai Shizen's response was quick.
But Representative Chiaki noticed that Tokai Shizen's body seemed a bit stiff.
Noticing this, Representative Chiaki opened her mouth.
She wanted to find out what had happened between Tokai Shizen and Maruzensky.
But… just as the question was about to be spoken, Representative Chiaki remembered Tokai Shizen's physical condition.
So, with just a slight adjustment, Representative Chiaki responded: "I don't really see much of a problem on my end, but can your body still handle it?"
She asked the question with a caring tone.
She tried her best not to let her words scare Tokai Shizen, which would cause Tokai Shizen to be hospitalized again.
"If it's just an occasional visit, my body won't have any problems. And Al Dan offered a very high salary. If I can start working sooner, I can also slightly repay some of what you two have done for me."
Representative Chiaki understood.
Upon hearing Tokai Shizen's words, Representative Chiaki realized why Maruzensky had scared Tokai Shizen.
Because if Tokai Shizen started working, then Tokai Shizen would have the possibility of breaking away from her and living independently.
Thinking of this, Representative Chiaki looked at Tokai Shizen.
If it hadn't been for Tokai Shizen's verbal reminder.
Representative Chiaki still wouldn't have realized this.
But… Representative Chiaki would not make the same decision as Maruzensky.
As someone who had personally witnessed Tokai Shizen collapse due to overwork and emotional distress.
Representative Chiaki knew that Tokai Shizen was a fragile crystal flower.
Once shattered, there would be no possibility of restoration.
So, Representative Chiaki just looked at Tokai Shizen: "If that's the case, it sounds pretty good. After all, the Mejiro Family's restaurant can't possibly have only one person working, so being there should be much easier than opening a shop, and it's good for your health too."
Saying this, Representative Chiaki merely adjusted her sitting posture slightly: "Next, it's probably just Maruzen's opinion left. She probably doesn't have time to come back recently. Should I ask her for you?"
"…Thank you."
Tokai Shizen was stunned for a moment by Representative Chiaki's words, then nodded.
Hearing this response, Representative Chiaki confirmed that something bad had happened between Tokai Shizen and Maruzensky.
That incident caused Tokai Shizen to avoid Maruzensky.
Thinking of this, Representative Chiaki simply looked at Tokai Shizen.
She was contemplating what to do next.
After finishing dinner, Tokai Shizen simply stood up and looked at Representative Chiaki: "Do you want to stay here for the night?"
"…"
Hearing this question, Representative Chiaki was stunned for a second.
Then she stood up: "No need."
She didn't know what Maruzensky had done to Tokai Shizen that caused Tokai Shizen to feel some resistance towards Maruzensky.
But Representative Chiaki knew that only if Maruzensky had done something truly terrible would things turn out this way.
Because, given Tokai Shizen's personality, most of what Maruzensky did would not provoke Tokai Shizen's resistance.
But now… Recalling Tokai's previous appearance, Representative Chiaki simply returned the wooden chair to its place, then looked at Tokai Shizen: "I'm leaving, Shizen."
"Okay, be careful on your way."
Without responding to Tokai Shizen's voice, Representative Chiaki simply closed the door, withdrawing from Tokai Shizen's life.
Walking back, Representative Chiaki pondered how she should ask Maruzensky.
In the past, Representative Chiaki would have just called directly and asked.
But clearly, Representative Chiaki couldn't do that now.
Tokai Shizen still lived in Maruzensky's home. If Representative Chiaki's question was too direct and Maruzensky noticed Tokai Shizen's thoughts… Representative Chiaki, even without thinking, could tell what would happen next just by instinct.
Because possessiveness guided Representative Chiaki; she knew that if Tokai Shizen made certain choices.
She would also make the same choices as Maruzensky.
But unlike Maruzensky.
After personally witnessing Tokai Shizen fall ill.
Representative Chiaki would cherish Tokai Shizen even more, so she had to consider these issues.
Because if Tokai Shizen were to be locked up by Maruzensky, Representative Chiaki wasn't confident she could find Tokai Shizen without using Rudolph Symboli's influence.
But the relationship between Rudolph Symboli and Tokai Shizen was… Thinking of this, Representative Chiaki merely rubbed her head: "How did I get into something like this?"
Although her words were full of complaints, Representative Chiaki knew that this was a problem she had brought upon herself.
Therefore, she would not resist dealing with it.
Thus… ————————————————
The next day, after handling the Student Council's affairs.
Representative Chiaki found Maruzensky, who was still working on the final revisions and review of documents.
"Tokai has been invited by the Mejiro Family to be a guest chef."
Simple words explained the general course of events.
Maruzensky merely nodded: "Hmm… Isn't that a good thing?"
"So, Tokai said she wanted to hear our opinions before making a decision."
"I see. Well, I have no opinion on where Tokai works, but her body…"
"She only needs to go occasionally, but…" After a second of silence, Representative Chiaki spoke again: "Tokai Shizen also said she wants to repay some of our efforts as much as possible. It really feels like…"
Turning her head, Maruzensky looked at Representative Chiaki.
A hint of desire flashed in Maruzensky's eyes, but it disappeared the next second.
"Isn't it good to be able to survive early?"
"Indeed. Then I'll tell Tokai today that she can go work there."
Saying these words, Representative Chiaki left the Student Council Room.
Maruzensky let go of her hand and looked at the fountain pen she used to review documents.
The fountain pen, used for many years, had been crushed by the Uma Musume's strong grip.