Morning Breeze, Snoring, and Returning to the Stable

Sunlight streamed into the break room.

The morning after the rain was exceptionally bright. The sun, having only just appeared, sent its light through the sheer curtains.

The temperature was gradually rising as well. Even in Hokkaido at the northern edge of the country, staying under the sun on a day like this would quickly leave one drenched in sweat.

A season when emotions were easily stirred.

If only that were true.

Unfortunately, for most of the ranch staff, today was instead a cloudy day that even threatened to bring light rain.

Before the morning work began, the brief break in the lounge was filled with noise, regretful sighs nearly blending into one another.

Still, that was only natural.

Thinking so, she looked toward the newly added trophy in the display case.

—And at the human-shaped Samoyed glaring fixedly at the Derby trophy with bloodshot eyes.

Correction: that was the deputy ranch manager from Germany.

"What a shame—"

The sound had not stopped since he entered the break room. It had already been going on for nearly five minutes.

"Exactly."

"That's right, that's right!"

Rachel Ho and Kikuchi chimed in.

Last year, she might have shown a somewhat troubled expression.

But having long since built up resistance through her time with the staff, she had at least learned to ignore such noises like Ravide did.

"Well then, it's about time."

After Ravide spoke and stood up, everyone else rose as well. Even those who had been groaning moments ago instantly switched to their work expressions.

Once they opened the entrance door, they stood on the highest slope of the ranch. On clear days, they could barely make out the distant seaside park and Yushun Romance Street by the coast.

In winter, stepping outside meant enduring the overly enthusiastic greetings of