The restaurant.
Koichi checked the time, then sat down at the reserved table.
Although he was not the one treating everyone today, he had still arrived early.
"You're here early, Sasaki."
Then Koichi saw Assistant walk in.
As an assistant, she naturally had to arrive ahead of time to check the arrangements and then confirm the dishes.
"Yeah, I happened to have nothing to do today, so I wandered around the area for a bit before coming over."
Koichi stood up as well.
It seemed he had arrived at just the right time.
"Thanks for all your hard work lately. Anything you'd like to eat?"
Fujitani Kotomi brought over the menu.
Naturally, they had invited Koichi Sasaki here today to discuss the upcoming Takarazuka Kinen.
Golden Masterpiece would soon be heading out to pasture. His condition had noticeably improved since his return. Although he could not be said to have regained peak form, he was steadily getting better, which had eased their worries considerably.
After all, they had announced last year that they would be entering the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"I'll leave it to you. I trust your choices, Assistant."
Koichi smiled as he spoke.
He rarely ate at French restaurants, and the few times he had, Ayano Aoe had treated him.
"All right, then. Have a seat over there for a little while. Young Lady will be here soon."
Fujitani Kotomi called over the manager.
She knew this place quite well, too. It was one of Young Lady's favorite restaurants.
"Okay."
Koichi returned to his seat by the window.
He might as well keep enjoying the view.
Still, he had to admit that every place she chose was excellent.
"From the look of you, you're pretty confident about the upcoming Derby, aren't you?"
Ayano Aoe spoke after