The next morning, Tokai Roman once again walked Teio to school.
It was one of the daily tasks she always had to do.
Besides this, there was something else she needed to handle today.
Like, for example, finding a new house.
Moving to a new place had been Yayoi Natural's suggestion.
Tokai Roman didn't really have many thoughts about it; she'd even wanted to return the money to her younger sister. After all, Natural's health was always a concern.
Although it had improved somewhat recently, the money Natural had saved bit by bit should still go toward her own wellbeing.
After all, if Natural ever had to be hospitalized again, a big chunk of this money would instantly disappear.
As for living together or renting together...
Roman had suggested it, but Natural had firmly rejected the idea.
Because Natural's restaurant was opened near the school—effectively competing with the cafeteria—she had to serve breakfast as well to maximize profits.
Thus, Natural couldn't leave the restaurant; she had no choice but to live on its second floor.
At the same time, Natural's fragile condition meant someone had to always keep an eye on her.
Given these conditions, Natural simply couldn't leave the restaurant.
Reminded of this by Natural, Roman had originally considered moving in with her sister.
However, the space was insufficient. Unless the building had a third floor, there was no way four people could squeeze in.
The second floor was already half-residential, half-storage, at most fitting two adults or three children-sized individuals.
Therefore, Natural had shot down Roman's suggestion as well.
But renting a whole house near Tracen Academy should be feasible.
Thinking about this, Roman walked into a real estate agency.
Then she walked right out again.
The reason was simple: houses near Tracen Academy suitable for four people were far too expensive. Including the deposit money, Roman and Natural together could just barely afford it.
But once Teio's future expenses were factored in, even their combined funds wouldn't be enough.
Thinking of this, Tokai Roman let out a heavy sigh.
Especially once Teio began training officially—her expenses would skyrocket.
"Haa…"
A low sigh escaped her lips.
But Roman's sigh was actually due to something else.
Because there was still another source of money she hadn't touched yet.
But…
She wasn't sure if she should use that money.
Because it didn't belong to her—it belonged to Symboli Rudolf.
Though Rudolf had entrusted her with the money as a way of trying to make up for her past mistakes, instructing Roman to use it for Teio's care.
Yet, over the years, Tokai Roman hadn't touched a single yen.
In Roman's mind, this money should rightfully go to her younger sister rather than herself.
But…
She took the bank card Rudolf had given her out of her handbag.
Roman's face filled with hesitation.
She knew that this card contained savings of at least 200 million yen. If she used this money, all of their problems would be instantly solved.
Natural's health issues, their housing—everything.
Even in today's Japan, this sum was enough to buy any home large enough for all four of them to live together comfortably.
Thinking of this possibility, Roman's breathing quickened slightly.
Clearly, she wanted to live together with her sister.
And at the same time, she didn't want to be separated from Teio.
So... should I use it or not…?
This thought kept rising and falling in Tokai Roman's heart.
...
Having finalized arrangements with suppliers yesterday—ensuring deliveries would start as soon as tomorrow—Yayoi Natural began thoroughly cleaning the restaurant.
If a restaurant wasn't spotless, no one would want to enter, no matter who they were.
So, a deep clean was absolutely necessary.
Just then, the door opened again.
"Sorry, we're not open yet—"
"Ah! Owner-san, you're back!"
A voice tinged with surprise.
Turning around, Yayoi Natural saw Tamamo Cross standing by the doorway. She paused only for a second before smiling slightly. "Oh, it's you, Tamtam..."
"We aren't serving food today, since deliveries won't arrive until tomorrow. If you want to eat something, how about coming back then?"
Scrubbing vigorously at a stubborn spot Tamamo Cross had missed in the kitchen cabinet, Yayoi Natural continued, "Just like I promised earlier, it's on the house."
Listening to Natural's words, the girl frowned slightly. Clearly, she wasn't worried about that, but rather—
"How's your health, Owner-san? I heard you went abroad for treatment or something?" Her voice carried genuine concern.
Tamamo Cross had always had a soft spot for those plagued by illnesses.
"Hmm? Who told you about that?"
"It was the President."
There was only one person Tamamo could mean by "President."
Symboli Rudolf. No one else.
At that thought, Yayoi Natural's hands froze momentarily. "Is that so..."
Hearing the subtle shift in Natural's tone, Tamamo Cross glanced toward the kitchen but saw only an empty space.
I guess Owner-san and the President have some history...
Tamamo Cross thought about this briefly, then spoke again: "Owner-san, you're officially opening tomorrow, right?"
"Ah, pretty much. Deliveries start tomorrow if everything goes smoothly." Yayoi Natural straightened up. "If you don't mind, come by tomorrow."
With a gentle smile directed at Tamamo Cross, Yayoi Natural added, "If deliveries get delayed, then stay and have dinner with us. How about it?"
"You promised, Owner-san!"
"Mm-hmm, I promise."
Setting down the cloth, Yayoi Natural continued, "Just don't complain about my cooking then."
"I trust your cooking completely, Owner-san!"
Grinning, Tamamo Cross placed a key on the countertop in front of Natural. "I'll leave your keys here, Owner-san."
"Thanks for helping me all these years~"
"No worries, Owner-san—I was just stopping by anyway," Tamamo Cross said, turning to leave. "Oh yeah, want me to bring some customers?"
"Eh? You'd do that?"
"No biggie, just bringing some folks along. Don't sweat it."
At the door, Tamamo Cross paused again: "By the way, Owner-san, I'll be a regular from now on!"
"Sure thing—you're always welcome."
---
T/N: BRINGING OGURI??? ARE U TRYING TO KILL HER
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