Chapter 26: The Eve of the Kikuka Sho
Under Miss Mizunoe's care, Teio's training was progressing steadily.
As the Kikuka Sho approached, the classroom buzzed with excitement despite the heavy academic workload. Most conversations revolved around Tokai Teio's Triple Crown bid. If Teio achieved an undefeated Triple Crown, it would be an unprecedented triumph in the annals of royal tradition.
The legend of the royal path always stirred hearts with excitement.
Despite Kousei's impressive progress, no one in class spoke to her. Cliques existed everywhere, but Kousei didn't mind. In fact, she preferred the quiet. Never one for small talk, she often felt overwhelmed in large groups.
But when it came to friends, Kousei did have one.
"Kousei, what's taking you so long?"
"Oh, I'm coming."
The Young Lady called from the classroom entrance. Kousei grabbed her lunchbox and headed out. Though they weren't in the same class, they had long grown accustomed to eating together. Kousei knew McQueen was looking out for her; someone as popular as McQueen could never lack friends.
So Kousei resolved to express her gratitude.
"Huh? You mean you made all this yourself?" McQueen asked in surprise, her eyes fixed on the exquisitely arranged, vibrant dishes in Kousei's lunchbox.
"Yes, it's a special homemade dish. I asked Fuji Kiseki Dorm Leader to taste-test it for me, so I'm sure the flavor is good."
McQueen's eyes flickered. "A bento... made by Kousei herself?"
Kousei usually ate yakisoba sandwiches or onigiri. This was the first time McQueen had ever seen her bring a bento, and even more surprising, it was one she had made herself!
The thought made McQueen's heart flutter with delight. She swallowed hard. "Let's eat."
The flavor was unmistakably Kousei's own. The gentle seasoning reminded McQueen of Kousei's mother's smile.
"I never realized home cooking could be so distinct."
McQueen had always assumed that delicious food tasted roughly the same, but Kousei's cooking felt completely different from that of the Mejiro Family's chefs.
"Even in cooking, there are such clear differences... I guess I'm still rather ignorant."
Seeing McQueen's silence, Kousei worried that her food wasn't to her liking. After all, as a member of the Mejiro Family, McQueen must be accustomed to the finest delicacies.
"No, no! It's delicious! I'm just amazed by how unique it is! The flavor is truly special!"
Kousei visibly relaxed, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Really? I'm glad to hear that. I was afraid you wouldn't like it."
McQueen continued, "I never imagined you were such a good cook. This flavor is so special... how did you make it?"
Young ladies are always terribly curious about such things.
Kousei pondered for a moment. "A special flavor? It must be the love my mother poured into this dish. After all, she created it for my father, and I merely replicated her recipe."
"So that's it... love?" McQueen stared blankly at the meal, lost in thought.
"But while I was cooking, I also held you in my heart, McQueen. I truly am grateful for your presence."
McQueen's eyes crinkled into a smile. "That's a pleasant thing to hear."
After enjoying their lunch, the two stood on the rooftop, letting the gentle breeze wash over them.
"The Kikuka Sho is just around the corner."
"Indeed. Everyone's anticipation burns even hotter than the grand festival itself."
McQueen's expression clouded with worry at the mention of the Kikuka Sho. Noticing her unease, Kousei asked, "What's wrong? You seem preoccupied."
McQueen didn't try to hide her thoughts. "Teio once shared her dream with me—a dream no one has dared to pursue before. No one even knows what lies beyond that path. The Kikuka Sho is her starting point. If Teio truly intends to go through with it..."
McQueen trailed off. Kousei knew Teio's dream was to win the Triple Crown undefeated, but she was unaware of the deeper meaning behind it.
As the gentle breeze swirled around them, Kousei knew she would find the answers to her questions about Teio at the Kikuka Sho.
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Super short chap so a double upload