"Tch, that was sloppy."
Gold Legend was on her way to the next stop.
After princess-carrying Fine Motion to the ramen shop on the fourth floor, to save time, Legend rejected Fine Motion's blushing invitation to eat ramen and performed a Jackie Chan-style descent like in Police Story.
I can only say it's fortunate there were no extra decorations on the pole, so no unexpected damage involving sparks and lightning was caused.
However, there was still a price to pay.
Because the landing posture wasn't great, her foot was a bit numb, but other than that, she was fine (kids, don't try this at home).
But it doesn't matter, it was all worth it.
Legend shook her head and continued running.
...
Mentioning the cafeteria, what comes to mind?
In her past life, mentioning the cafeteria always reminded Legend of those magical places at school that claimed to have high-end decor and famous chefs.
They were a collection of black technology, food festivals, cafeteria ladies with shaky hands, and "dark cuisine" with super wild imaginations—truly a case of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their own magic.
The cafeteria in this life seemed to be the same; if one had to say, there was one existence that could never be avoided when mentioning the cafeteria in this life.
How to evaluate if a cafeteria is up to standard in the Uma Musume world?
Answer: Look at how much Oguri Cap has eaten.
Or rather, how much is left in the cafeteria after Oguri Cap arrives.
Legend stared blankly at the plates stacked higher than herself on the table in front of Oguri Cap, the corner of her eye twitching slightly.
You ask why Legend is here?
Admittedly, she was on her way to the broadcast room.
But, there are always some things and people that can make you temporarily put down everything in your hands to prioritize solving them.
So when Gold Legend passed by the cafeteria and saw that Gray Mane, she knew she had been manipulated by Gold Ship.
Although Oguri Cap didn't say anything and was just eating quietly.
Gold Legend still obediently sat down in front of her.
"I'm telling you, Oguri, why are you here? Where did you get your ticket?"
It's not mealtime right now, is it? And the cafeteria here is self-service, you need a ticket...
"At noon, Classmate Gold Ship gave me a ticket and said you would come too, Legend, so I came as soon as training ended."
Oguri Cap looked up, with oil stains on her mouth.
Legend pulled a tissue from her side and wiped Oguri Cap's mouth.
Looking at the plates piled up on the table, at Oguri Cap's speed of one plate every twenty seconds, a conservative estimate was at least half an hour.
"... Did Gold Ship say anything else?" Legend asked helplessly.
"Hm? Nothing, she just said that me being here was enough."
After Oguri Cap finished speaking, she lowered her head and continued to feast.
"... Fine, I really can't do anything about you."
What else could Legend say?
"Legend, do you want to eat too?"
Oguri Cap raised her head, scooped up a spoonful of curry rice, and handed it to Legend.
"I won't stand on ceremony... Mmm, the taste is not bad..."
Since I'm already here, I might as well enjoy it.
...
After wasting about 20 minutes in the cafeteria, Oguri Cap finally said goodbye to Legend with a big belly.
Legend looked at the time she had set and felt a bit numb.
The plan to arrive in half an hour had completely failed, but fortunately, there was still time.
Although this bit of time was also in a precarious state.
"But it doesn't matter, there's still time!"
Because she had eaten, Legend didn't run in a hurry.
Strenuous exercise after a meal is bad for the body.
"Anyway, the remaining time is enough."
Legend muttered to herself, as if comforting herself.
She slowly arrived at the small garden in the center of the resort.
Legend stopped.
As long as she passed through here, she could reach the place where the broadcast room was located.
"... There couldn't possibly be a gatekeeper boss here, right?"
I always feel a bit of faint unease...
Legend frowned, but still stepped forward.
I don't know what the designer was thinking, but there was a small grove at the entrance of the garden, and the path wasn't built very wide.
It was narrow at first, just enough for a person to pass, but after walking a few dozen steps, it suddenly opened up.
"Whoa, this is really nice."
Neatly trimmed grass, orderly arranged floor tiles, and scattered benches along the winding path. In the center of the garden was a fountain, with splashing water reflecting the sunlight.
Butterflies flew past Legend's eyes, carrying a touch of laziness and comfort.
Legend didn't understand design and decoration, but that didn't stop her from feeling that the scene before her was very comfortable.
There was a kind of quiet, ordinary beauty.
For some reason, she didn't want to move anymore.
Legend sat down on a bench by the road and stared at the road, dazed.
"I feel like something should happen now."
"Like what?"
A figure blocked Legend's light.
"Like cicadas chirping, like flowers." Legend looked up. "Or perhaps, an encounter."
"Then what counts as this?" The girl leaned forward slightly, her clear eyes fixed on Legend, unwavering.
"... A reunion?" Legend blinked.
"Hehe." The girl smiled slightly and jumped back lightly, her elegant long dress swaying with her. "Good afternoon, Legend-san."
"... Good afternoon, Ardan."
Legend smiled helplessly.
As expected, I was manipulated... You really are something, Gold Ship.
Legend quietly took out her phone with one hand and turned off the timer.
---------------------------------
I hope you enjoy this fanfiction! If you're having fun and want to read 30 chapters in advance, feel free to check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TLScarlet
Your support means a lot so if you like the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone.