Let's rewind time slightly.
Returning to the day Yayoi Natural stepped off the plane.
After getting off, Yayoi Natural cautiously looked around.
She quickly noticed the Uma Musume standing at the airport's arrival area.
After briefly comparing her with the photo, Yayoi Natural was certain: this person had to be Symboli Speed.
After all, that hair color was simply too striking.
As if noticing Yayoi Natural's gaze, the other party turned to look at her as well.
Wearing sunglasses, Symboli Speed didn't wave or call out.
She merely waited until Yayoi Natural approached her.
Soon, Yayoi Natural, holding Mochizuki, reached her.
Looking down at the petite Yayoi Natural, Symboli Speed fell silent for a few seconds, then finally opened her mouth:
"My dumbass granddaughter must've caused you quite a lot of trouble, huh?"
"Eh?"
Hearing words that clearly didn't fit the dignified Symboli Family image, Yayoi Natural's expression changed subtly.
"But now that you're here, no need to worry. Rudolf—that idiot—won't be able to reach you anytime soon."
With those blunt words, Yayoi Natural confirmed she hadn't misheard earlier. After a moment, she spoke carefully:
"Um, I'm Yayoi Natural."
"…I know. For now, you'll be staying at a house I bought here in France. As for how long…"
Symboli Speed paused, then continued softly: "That's up to you."
Her voice carried a hint of apology—clearly, she already knew exactly what her foolish granddaughter had done.
Hearing this, Yayoi Natural murmured an "Mm," then stepped beside her.
She followed Symboli Speed and got into her car.
After getting inside, Symboli Speed didn't immediately start the engine; instead, she gazed quietly out the window.
Then she spoke again: "About living expenses…"
"Do you have any?"
"I haven't exchanged for euros yet."
"I see. Then use mine for now. It's all from Symboli family accounts anyway—no matter how much, it won't matter."
"Thank you…"
"As Rudolf's grandmother, it's only right I clean up the mess she made."
Saying this, Symboli Speed lightly stepped on the gas pedal.
As the car moved smoothly, it wasn't long before Yayoi Natural found herself in front of what appeared to be a luxurious villa.
Looking at the sprawling mansion, Yayoi Natural turned to Symboli Speed.
"This is the house I bought, though I rarely stay here myself, so…"
Symboli Speed pulled out a slightly worn key. "Feel free to use it however you wish."
Staring at the key, Yayoi Natural wasn't sure if she should accept it, because she felt…
Ignoring Yayoi Natural's hesitation, Symboli Speed directly took Yayoi's free hand and placed the key firmly into her palm.
"No need to overthink it."
Symboli Speed gently turned Yayoi around, nudging her forward. "Go ahead, open the door."
Glancing back at Symboli Speed,
Yayoi Natural knew she likely still had spare keys.
Yet…
She couldn't quite understand why Symboli Speed would entrust her with the main key.
Even if this was an apology, wasn't this going too far?
But before she could consider it further, Symboli Speed had already pushed her to the door.
Facing the large, imposing entrance, Yayoi Natural glanced down again at the key in her hand.
As though sensing something, she suddenly raised her head, turning to Symboli Speed. "Is this really okay?"
"…Ah, you caught me."
Not bothering to hide it, Symboli Speed spoke frankly. "Just a small compensation. After all… given what Rudolf's done, it's only right I make some amends."
"But I don't want you forgiving Rudolf so easily. Her mistakes won't just disappear. Since she made the mess herself, she needs to clean it up herself. This little bit of help is all I can offer."
Symboli Speed's voice carried both concern for her granddaughter and genuine regret toward Yayoi Natural.
Listening to Symboli Speed's words, Yayoi Natural didn't look at her any longer, lowering her gaze back to the key in her hand.
After ten or so seconds of silence, Yayoi Natural slid the key into the lock and gently twisted.
The sound of the door unlocking echoed softly.
Yayoi Natural didn't turn back to Symboli Speed.
Only after entering the house did she finally reply:
"If someone wants to apologize… they should do it themselves, shouldn't they?"
Those words made Symboli Speed's gaze soften with understanding.
Now she clearly saw why all those youngsters had become so drawn to Yayoi Natural.
Indeed, such an attitude was captivating to young hearts.
Still…
What Yayoi Natural said wasn't wrong.
Since her words were correct, Symboli Speed saw no reason to say anything else.
Instead, she simply asked gently, "You still need to adjust to the time difference, right?"
"Mm…"
"Then go ahead. I'll…"
Pausing briefly to mentally check her schedule, Symboli Speed continued after confirming no immediate trips:
"I won't be leaving France anytime soon. At least not until you're fully settled."
Symboli Speed's words made Yayoi Natural hesitate briefly before softly replying, "Thank you."
"There are rooms both downstairs and upstairs. Pick any room you like and rest."
After saying this, Symboli Speed watched Yayoi Natural carefully.
Only after Yayoi Natural disappeared into a room did Symboli Speed take out her phone, dialing Symboli Sirius's number.
Once connected, Symboli Sirius's voice came clearly through the receiver:
"Speed-obaasan, has Natural arrived safely?"
"Mm, Yayoi Natural just got here. And…"
Symboli Speed paused, glancing toward where Yayoi Natural had disappeared before continuing: "I asked her what she thought."
"What…did she say?"
Sirius asked cautiously, anxiety creeping into her voice.
Faced with Sirius's question, Symboli Speed leaned back against the sofa in silence for a long moment before finally responding:
"She said… if someone wants to apologize, they should come in person."
"…I see. I…"
Remembering Rudolf was currently unreachable, Sirius paused only briefly before responding, "I understand."
"Tell that brat Rudolf for me."
"Mm. I will."