"Today is a rest day. Relax, no need to think about training. Just so happens I've got you two young ones here—here, I'll give you a task."
The table was almost cleared after breakfast when Speed-sama suddenly spoke, assigning a mission to Maruzensky and Rudolf.
Both turned to her with puzzled looks. Kagura also tilted her head curiously, ready to eavesdrop—only to feel Speed-sama's hand reach out and gently ruffle her hair.
"This child still doesn't have proper daily wear. Open her closet and it's nothing but work uniforms. I don't want her running around in a maid outfit all the time. But I don't know what young people are into these days. Why don't you take her to a nearby clothing shop?"
"Speed-sama, that's—mmph!"
Kagura tried to protest, only to have a slice of bacon and egg promptly shoved into her mouth, silencing her.
"Don't listen to this one's refusals. Pick things that are stylish and fit. Grab several sets. Bring the receipt to me, I'll cover it."
She was given no chance to object. And Maruzensky and Rudolf weren't about to turn down Speed-sama's request. Kagura was lacking everyday clothes. And with school coming up, going out with friends in a maid uniform or her future academy uniform would be… awkward, to say the least.
So the two seniors nodded in unison, and Kagura, half-pushed, half-pulled, was promptly dragged off by two tall Uma. She could hardly believe it—her first shopping trip for clothes in this world, and it wasn't even her idea.
The clothing store was close by, within ten minutes' run at their pace. Unsurprisingly, their group drew countless stares on the way—mainly because Rudolf had just yesterday claimed victory in her debut race here. Everywhere Kagura went, she heard her name whispered.
"Hehehe we've come this far, no refusing now! Be good, Kagura-chan, and try on some outfits for onee-san!"
Sensing her hesitation, Maruzensky gave her a little push from behind, nudging her straight into the shop.
"Welcome—ah, isn't this…?"
The shop clerk instantly recognized Rudolf. Other staff glanced over, and even the customers turned their heads.
Startled, Kagura instinctively ducked behind Maruzensky's back. She was not used to being watched. Maruzensky, however, seemed perfectly calm, and Rudolf was already waving at the crowd naturally.
"My, my… Rudolf handles this far better. Come, Kagura-chan. While she's busy with the fans, let's look at clothes~"
With Rudolf occupied by admirers, Maruzensky led Kagura deeper into the store.
"I think Kagura-chan would suit blue-and-white. What about you? Any favorite colors?"
She held up a white dress with blue and gold trim, comparing it against Kagura. From an ordinary sense of fashion, it was cute and childlike. But Kagura wasn't thrilled. She had never really thought of herself as a child.
"…I think black with some white looks better."
Kagura was already content with her maid uniform. It wasn't childish, it looked neat and sharp, and it could pass as formal if needed.
"You can't just think in maid outfits! Try this one!"
"…Mmph."
She had always liked black outerwear and pants back in her old life. Her family and best friend often complained her whole wardrobe looked "gray." She disliked anything flashy. The dress in Maruzensky's hands looked dizzying already.
But—this was her first proper shopping trip. She decided to try a new style for once.
Ah. Of course. A sailor uniform. How very stereotypical.
Inside the changing room, she double-checked that no one could peek before carefully removing her maid uniform and hanging it up. Only then did she put on the new outfit.
"…Why is there this too?"
Only after dressing did she notice Maruzensky had slipped in a pair of white tights as well. Kagura preferred not to wear such things, but glancing at the mirror, she admitted—it didn't look bad.
After adjusting everything, she slipped her little feet into the fitting-room slippers and stepped outside.
"Maruzensky-san, what do you—uwaa!!"
No sooner had she emerged than Maruzensky lunged at her. Kagura flinched, thinking she'd be tackled—but Maruzensky stopped just in time.
"I knew it! Kagura-chan looks adorable in this!!"
"…R-really?"
"I think it's quite nice too. Kagura, your maid uniform always gives off a serious, strict feeling. But sometimes a lighter style suits you. You said it yourself, didn't you? Don't always stay in 'work mode' if you want to connect with others."
Rudolf had finally escaped the fans and joined them. She gave a nod of approval. Compared to "cool and competent maid," she preferred Kagura dressed like her age—pure, cute, innocent.
Because, no matter her maturity, Kagura was still just a child.
"Not bad. Kagura, what do you think? If you're fine with it, we'll buy this one."
"…If both of you think it looks good, then I guess it's fine with me."
Looking at the mirror again, Kagura found she didn't dislike it. Uma were all strikingly pretty to begin with—almost any outfit suited them. She couldn't deny having a pretty face was powerful.
Back in the changing room, she swapped back, then picked out several black-and-white outfits to her taste. That would be enough for daily wear. Maruzensky and Rudolf could only sigh—so much for fashion variety. Still, if that was her preference, they wouldn't argue.
"By the way, Kagura-chan, have you even bought undergarments before? Since we're here, let's get those too."
"I'm not even at the age for that…"
"No way! Girls must take care of themselves! Not wearing them will hurt your skin!"
Before Kagura could protest, Maruzensky steered her straight toward the children's section.
Rudolf, not great at broaching such topics, left the task to Maruzensky, who was oddly enthusiastic—far more than she ever was at student council work.
Soon, Kagura found herself with a pile of camisoles and such. She honestly thought her figure didn't need them yet, but Maruzensky had a point. With a sigh, she agreed, carrying them to try on for size.
"Kagura-chan's never worn these, right? Want onee-san to help?"
"…No thank you!!"
The shy Kagura refused without hesitation.
Soon enough, the two seniors had sorted out her wardrobe. Not just casual wear, but underwear, socks—everything. Really, it was Maruzensky doing most of the pushing, while Rudolf stood awkwardly aside, watching Kagura change like a dress-up doll.
Not that Rudolf minded. Kagura looked good in anything—except maybe some bright colors like pink, which made her look strange.
For all her aunt-like vibes, Maruzensky's taste in clothing was solid. The outfits she chose struck a balance: fitting Kagura's age, but not too childish.
"Ahhh, I'm satisfied~"
Maruzensky hummed, arms laden with bags, practically glowing with cheer.
Kagura, however, looked drained. She had never liked shopping, and without her best friend dragging her in her old life, she would never have gone. Being dressed and redressed for hours was torture.
"Kagura, once we're back in Tokyo, I'll arrange your dorm at Tracen as soon as possible. Should only take a day or two. Make sure to pack your things."
Rudolf reminded her.
But Kagura didn't really have much. Aside from documents, her only personal belonging was the miko outfit she had worn since she arrived in this world. Complicated, awkward-looking, but strangely practical—she had even managed a daitō sprint in it. Whatever it was made from, it didn't hinder movement at all.
Probably another of Eclipse-san's things…
By now, whenever something made no sense, Kagura defaulted to blaming Eclipse.
So the plan was clear: she would enroll at Tracen as a support Uma, studying while assisting Rudolf in whatever way she could.
Ha… back to school, after all this time. Am I just ojou-sama's study companion now? Well… I guess I really am.
In this life, it would be her first time at school. In her past life, after years in society, she had never thought she'd return to campus life again. This time, without the crushing pressure of exams.
She had already seen some of Tracen's curriculum. Likely because many Uma struggled with academics, the courses were simple. Nothing she couldn't handle easily with her human education.
If I don't need to focus on studying… maybe I can do something else with my time.
She mused silently as they returned, arms full of shopping bags.
"You're back, children… Kagura, did you find anything you liked?"
"Yes. Maruzensky-san picked out so much for me… Thank you very much, Speed-sama, for worrying about even something so small. I'm sorry for the trouble."
"It's no trouble at all. I'm glad to."
Speed-sama patted her head. She knew—soon Kagura would be moving to Tracen, and she wouldn't see her as often. It wasn't a closed campus, and Uma had freedom, but still—distance made visits harder.
What's wrong with me? Am I really reluctant to let the child go?
She laughed at herself.
When she had sent Rudolf to school, she hadn't felt this pang. But Kagura wasn't even her blood. Barely two months together—and yet, the thought of letting her go already hurt.
Do I really want… a child like this for my own?