The Logistics Uma Musume Has Issues, Huh?

After saying that, Mr. C.B. picked up her spoon and lowered her head to eat the wontons. It was her first time tasting this kind of food at Kagura's place. The chewy meat-filled wontons and delicious hot broth brought her body back to life in an instant, filling her with a refreshing sense of satisfaction.

Nice Nature picked up her spoon and began eating too. The delicious flavor made her eyes widen, and she immediately began wolfing them down alongside Mr. C.B.

"Ha-ha, you two gluttons, don't rush. No one's going to steal them from you. Besides, I don't have many ingredients left. I still have to pack a serving for Miss Rudolph Symbol later, so no matter how fast you eat, I won't have any extra to give you."

After packing Rudolph Symbol's portion, Kagura filled one for herself as well and sat down beside the two of them with her bowl. Her serving wasn't large—obviously much smaller than theirs—but it was already enough for her.

How nostalgic... this flavor. Looks like I haven't forgotten this skill after all.

The Logistics Uma Musume's Birthday

—It's rare to have a day off. Don't work so hard today. Why don't you go out for a walk?

After breakfast, they returned their tableware for collection. As the few Uma Musume walked out of the cafeteria, satisfied, Kagura saw those words appear on her phone screen.

What's wrong?

Eclipse normally never gave her suggestions about what to do when there was nothing going on. Today was also a normal post-race rest day, so Kagura really didn't need to work. Still, it was rare for Eclipse to take the initiative and suggest going out.

—You finally have a break, so don't stay cooped up at school! Staying indoors all the time will make you depressed. When I was your age, I was running all over the streets of London every day. How can you sit still so well?

Doctors are just like that. How could I do this job without the patience to sit still...?

—You silly child, you're a child now, not a doctor! Can't you act a little more like one? Come on, come on, I want cake! Go eat some for me!

Kagura couldn't see Eclipse's expression, so she had no way to judge her current mood. From the text, Eclipse's true intention seemed to be that she had a craving again. Eclipse rarely made such requests, so satisfying her once in a while shouldn't be a problem.

Kagura then used her phone to send Rudolph Symbol a message saying that she was going out today and reminding her to eat lunch on time and not snack randomly. After saying goodbye to Mr. C.B. and Nice Nature, who were traveling with her, she split up with them and headed straight out of the school gate.

Since Kagura had simply come out to find something to eat, she hadn't notified anyone else. Nice Nature had to attend class, while Mr. C.B. was rushing home to catch up on sleep, so no one else accompanied Kagura.

—Follow my directions. You won't be able to find the way by yourself.

Miss Eclipse, do you actually remember where the dessert shops are?

—Of course! Remembering the shops you like is basic practice! Besides, are you planning to eat something and go straight back? You've already come out. Aren't you going to look around a little?

"Well..."

Kagura indeed hadn't planned to eat something and return immediately. Since she was already out, she also wanted to explore the streets for ingredients and see whether she could find anything interesting to bring back and make something with for Nice Nature and the others. She could also update a video while she was at it.

Recently, the number of her Umastagram followers had quietly surpassed two hundred thousand. Every day, she received a huge number of private messages asking where she had opened her shop and saying they wanted to visit and check it out. She had no choice but to add a subtitle to her videos stating that she didn't own a shop.

Aside from the foodies, Kagura didn't know whether it was because her childlike appearance made people more inclined to worry about her, but lately she had also seen quite a few cyber parents in the comments. The harmonious atmosphere there made her sigh emotionally at how beautiful the world was.

Some online users from the Heavenly Dynasty had suggested that Kagura open an account on a website there as well. She had also received several private messages asking whether they could repost her videos on Bilibili. Their reminders finally made Kagura realize that, despite having been here for so long, she had never paid attention to the internet in the neighboring country.

Of course, this was also related to the fact that Kagura hadn't managed her accounts much lately. She didn't understand things like account operations very well. At first, she had handled it herself for a while, but some time ago she had handed it over to Eclipse. She only occasionally checked the comments and uploaded videos.

Kagura was also surprised that a ghost like Eclipse could use a phone. Eclipse had replied, "Thanks to you, my condition has recovered a little, so now I can use it," leaving Kagura completely baffled.

Eclipse seemed to enjoy browsing Umastagram quite a lot, though, so Kagura let her do as she pleased and even handed her account over to Eclipse. Whenever Kagura was working, she only needed to leave her phone screen lit beside her, and Eclipse would come over and play with it on her own.

As a former professional Uma Musume, Eclipse naturally understood idol management and publicity work. Although she was from ancient times, she had also learned a great deal of modern knowledge, and she was exceptionally skilled in everything related to idols.

—By the way, I've seen quite a few people asking lately whether you have plans to livestream. What do you think?

I'm a food blogger. What could I even stream...? Livestreaming myself cooking would be a little strange, wouldn't it?

—That's true... But you reminded me of something. If we get the chance, I'll have to teach you how to dance.

Why?! I don't want to stream in the dance section!!

—I didn't say you had to stream in the dance section. I'm saying learning to dance will definitely be useful for you later!

Kagura felt her hair being vigorously rubbed twice.

Without realizing it, while making her way to the shop Eclipse had mentioned, Kagura arrived at the entrance of a clothing store. She remembered that she had often come here to buy clothes before. With winter approaching and the temperature dropping frighteningly fast lately, she had planned to buy some winter clothes today as well.

"Welcome~! Oh my, little girl, are you here to buy clothes again?"

Since Kagura came so often and was so eye-catching and easy to recognize, the owner of the shop already knew her. Children Kagura's age generally had their parents accompany them when buying clothes, while older ones usually had friends with them. Kagura, who appeared here alone every time, naturally seemed somewhat out of place.

"Yes, it's gotten colder lately, and I don't have quite enough clothes... I'd like to buy some thicker clothes and a coat or something."

"I see..."

The shop owner felt that the child might be hiding some unspeakable troubles. Not only did she never have any companions with her, but her parents never accompanied her either. She didn't prioritize attractive clothes when choosing, and always bought the cheaper ones. She really didn't seem like a normal child. Instead, she seemed like the sort of child whose parents beat and scolded her at home, constantly argued with each other, and raised her to be too introverted to speak up—only for her to be bullied at school as well.

However, the shop owner didn't say any of that aloud. Already familiar with Kagura's shopping preferences, she quickly led Kagura to the section she wanted and discreetly used her phone to tell her employees to bring a few better clothes from other sections, attach this section's price tags to them, and hang them here.

After all, it was already winter. They couldn't let such a young child go without proper clothes and end up freezing.

Kagura didn't notice what the employees around her were doing. She simply searched seriously through the pile of inexpensive clothes for styles she liked. After eliminating bright colors such as pink, her gaze unconsciously fell once again on the black-and-white clothes over there.

—If you buy any more of this cheap black-and-white stuff, I'm going to bonk you on the head! Can an entire wardrobe really be black and white? Why does it look like you're short of money?

Eclipse's words appeared on Kagura's phone screen. It was unclear whether they were helpless or annoyed. This time, Eclipse had even added a little animation effect, making the words bounce twice as though she were angry.

I'm just saving money out of habit. Besides, what's wrong with liking black and white?

—Then stop always picking the cheap ones! Poor-quality clothes can hurt your skin! You're still growing! How can a girl be so careless with her body?

Uh... Aren't clothes fine as long as they're wearable? I don't really feel anything... It shouldn't matter, right?

—Put that down! If you're going to take black and white, at least take the better one beside it!

Watching Eclipse type away furiously, Kagura suddenly felt as though she had gone shopping for clothes at the mall with her mother in the past.

Kagura put down the clothes in her hand and looked at the coat beside them. It was obvious that it belonged to a different price range from the items she had just been looking at, but after checking the price tag, Kagura found the low price almost unbelievable.

There's no mistake. This price range absolutely doesn't belong in this section. How did it end up here?

Her habits over the years had made Kagura sensitive to price and quality. Besides, she had come here so many times that she retained at least some memory of the merchandise. She was certain she couldn't have judged it incorrectly.

—Maybe it really is a high-quality bargain? Try it on!

To be honest, Kagura quite liked the coat, and Eclipse seemed satisfied with it too. Kagura simply felt that it was probably expensive. Although she wasn't short of money now, frugality had been carved into her soul like part of her DNA.

"Miss, could I ask whether the price of this clothing is definitely correct?"

To be safe, Kagura still asked the shop owner for confirmation. The owner smiled and nodded in response.

"The shop happens to be running a promotion these days. Some overstocked goods have been discounted, and that one happens to be on sale."

"I see..."

Kagura didn't really believe that a coat like this would go unsold in this season. However, since the shop owner had said that, she had no intention of exposing her. It was still an act of kindness. After wandering around the store and picking up some scarves and other things, Kagura carried her pile into the fitting room.

—It's wonderful! It's as beautiful as I was when I was young. It suits you perfectly!

After changing, Kagura walked out and swayed in front of the mirror before nodding in satisfaction. Eclipse seemed satisfied too, and Kagura felt her hair being vigorously rubbed twice again.

"Little girl, this outfit suits you very well. You were already cute, but you look even prettier after changing!"

"Thank you for the compliment."

Since she liked it and Eclipse was satisfied too, Kagura decided to buy the clothes. Shopping like this, where she picked clothes and changed without dawdling, was something she could accept. If she had to be treated like a dress-up doll for several hours as Maruzensky had done before, Kagura would rather return to the dorm and lie down in this weather.

"Thank you, miss."

When paying, Kagura honestly thanked the kind shop owner. She didn't directly explain why she was thanking her, just as the shop owner hadn't openly explained why she had specially given her a discount. The owner only froze for a moment before smiling knowingly.

Watching Kagura leave the shop, the owner sighed helplessly and smiled.

"What incredible insight. What a sensitive child..."

While walking around with Eclipse, Kagura passed a supermarket and a small park. She also saw Gold Ship selling yakisoba by the roadside with a basket. Judging by how unusually lively today's messages were, along with their mischievous animated effects, Eclipse was having a wonderful time exploring, and Kagura's mood improved considerably along with hers.

Kagura remembered a novel she had read in high school called Her Eyes. The girl trapped deep underground could only observe the world through cameras carried by other people. Eclipse was somewhat similar. Many sensations that ordinary people naturally possessed had to be experienced through Kagura's body. Kagura had always served as her "eyes." Seeing Eclipse having so much fun naturally made Kagura happy as well.

After playing and fooling around along the way, Kagura arrived at the dessert shop Eclipse had been longing to visit just as the lunchtime rush ended.

Miss Eclipse, what kind of cake do you like?

—I want to try the flavor you like. Just choose what you want.

"Hello, I'd like this one."

Kagura ordered one of her favorite cakes. It was slightly expensive, but still affordable. She usually saved money to an extreme degree, but she was fairly willing to spend on food. Besides, she wasn't actually short of money now.

Since Eclipse had told her to choose according to her own preferences, Kagura picked the style she liked best and could reasonably afford, then carried it back and sat down to one side.

As usual, Kagura took out her phone and first photographed the untouched cake as though taking a final picture of it, planning to post an update later if it tasted good.

Only after taking the photo did Kagura pick up her fork, cut off a small piece, and put it into her mouth.

"Mm..."

The cakes available on the market all had more or less the same flavors and styles. Kagura couldn't help sighing at how sometimes the simplest, most basic things could remain largely unchanged for so many years, yet still provide such sweet satisfaction and happiness when eaten.

This shop's cakes really were better than those from other places, though. No wonder Eclipse had been thinking about them ever since she tried one.

—Mmm... It tastes wonderful! This shop really is the best!

I'm glad you like it, Miss Eclipse. Finding you something to eat was the most important reason for coming out today.

—Oh, you silly child! Haven't you realized yet? Do you really think I'd be willing to make you spend an entire day out just because I happened to crave something?

Huh? What?

Eclipse's words made several question marks appear in Kagura's mind. She stopped eating and stared at the phone screen, waiting for Eclipse to continue.

—Look at the date. Isn't today November thirtieth?

Yes. It doesn't seem to be any holiday, though?

"Today is your birthday. Happy birthday, my little fool."

Eclipse didn't communicate those words through text. Instead, she expended a little strength to whisper them softly and tenderly into Kagura's ear. Kagura felt herself being gently hugged and having her head patted.

"Ah..."

Looking at those words on the screen, Kagura couldn't help freezing.

Ever since she had started working, she had rarely celebrated her birthday. Most of her memories of that day involved hospital offices and corridors. If her parents hadn't remembered it for her, she probably would have forgotten the date altogether.

After coming here, Kagura had even less concept of birthdays. She didn't know when this body had been created, much less when to celebrate its birthday. If someone asked her directly about her birthday, she might even have to struggle over whether to use Eclipse's birthday or her own.

—What, are you saying you have another birthday besides your own? Don't tell me you want to celebrate mine too? I don't even remember which day it is myself.

"No..."

After so long, someone still remembered this matter and had gone to such lengths to trick her into coming out for a birthday cake. Kagura truly felt what a surprise was supposed to feel like, and her eyes grew hot.

—Hey! What are you doing? Why are you crying? Birthdays should be spent smiling happily! It's a pity I can't spend money myself, or I would have bought you a cake. Making someone else pay for their own surprise is really too rude.

No... You didn't have to go to so much trouble, Miss Eclipse! I just... didn't expect it. I'm a little too happy... Thank you! Really, thank you so much!

Kagura didn't mind the details. What mattered most was that Eclipse had remembered something she had casually mentioned once and had kept it in mind so seriously. She had even gone to the trouble of arranging this little surprise. That was already everything Eclipse could possibly do right now.

—All right, all right. That adorable face of yours isn't suited to tears. Wipe them away. Don't overthink it, Kagura. You're always so busy, so just enjoy your birthday properly~

Kagura nodded, raised her hand to wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes, and cut off another piece of cake to put into her mouth. It was the same food as before, yet today's cake brought an especially strong sense of happiness and joy. Kagura felt that it was the most delicious cake she had ever eaten.

Miss Eclipse, if you don't remember your birthday, why don't we celebrate it together on the same day as mine?

—Hehe, celebrate it together...

—All right.

What Do You Even Understand!?

"Kagura-neechan? What are you doing here?"

While Kagura was eating cake, she suddenly heard a familiar voice from her right and felt two light pats on her shoulder.

Turning her head, Kagura saw that Mejiro McQueen had somehow sat down beside her. She was also holding a several-tiered dessert tower and looked as though she had come here to eat a reduced-fat meal.

Looking behind her, Kagura could see the old butler of the Mejiro family some distance away. When he noticed Kagura looking over, he nodded and smiled in greeting.

"Ah... McQueen, you're here too. Isn't it obvious? I came to eat cake."

As she spoke, Kagura lightly tapped the unfinished piece of cake on her plate with her fork.

"Is that so? Then why did I see Kagura-neechan... crying just now?"

"Ah, this..."

Kagura couldn't help freezing slightly. She really hadn't been able to control herself just now, but she hadn't expected Mejiro McQueen to witness it after arriving at some unknown point. McQueen was straightforward by nature and didn't beat around the bush, so she had asked the question without any reservations.