The Peak of Confection

(The chocolate is sweet, the sponge is light, just as it should be. Whipped for nine minutes, as required for these ingredients. I seem to have got my sense for this back.)

The sachertorte is complete, along with all the finishing touches. This should be a worthy entry.

The illustrious Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest is now accepting entries!

This event is part of the Chocolate Festival sponsored by Spring Confectioners, who strive to produce "the peak of confection"!

Patissiers from all around the world gather to take part in this popular chocolate exhibition! Expect to see a giant dessert buffet and live baking performances!

With contenders from schools all across the country, this contest aims to find the best student confectioners! Entries are first come, first served! As representative of our academy, I urge you to consider applying!

Okay, entry application received. Contestants must enter in pairs, so once you have a partner, we can complete your entry.

By the way, I've heard that you'll be taking over your family's bakery once you graduate. Is that what motivated you to apply?

Well, not exactly... Spring Confectioners is a client of ours, so I wanted to enter as a way to express my gratitude.

As such, I do not take my entrance lightly. I intend to bring attention to this year's contest in a way that will be remembered for years to come. That's how determined I am.

I see! Hehe, that sounds like some great motivation.

Thank you. Well then, please let me know if another applicant steps forward...

Excuse me. Is this where I should submit my application for the Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest?

Now then, I'd like to begin our first strategy meeting for the Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest. Here is the agenda.

First, let's go over the rules. In this contest, each team prepares a theme-based recipe in advance.

Then on the day of the contest, each team bakes their recipe. The time limit is five hours. Entries are in pairs. During the preparation period, each team is allowed to call on up to three helpers.

Next, I will explain the procedure for placing an order for uniforms. The academy will provide uniforms for both participants.

Entrants must select a design from the catalog, input a size, and submit the order to Tazuna within seven days.

Thank you. The uniforms will be a welcome addition. They're incredibly suitable for efficient movement while baking.

Next, let's discuss the theme and how we shall proceed. This year, the objective is to create a school-themed chocolate dessert.

It's an abstract idea, which means there are many ways it could be interpreted. In other words, brainstorming as many ideas as possible will be crucial to our success.

I believe it would be most efficient to start by finding helpers, gathering ideas, and testing them as we work on the design. What do you think?

Calculating... The method suggested is the most efficient. I have no objections.

Very well, then. After a three-minute break, let's check our training schedules for openings and arrange future meetings.

Understood.

This isn't part of the meeting but... is baking a hobby of yours?

It differs slightly from a hobby.

After five tries, my sponge cake is still 13% less bouncy than anticipated. Status, failed. Improvement of skills is necessary.

"Make friend chocolates for Valentine's!" "Express your gratitude with fabulous chocolates!"

Rice, Bakushin O, Flower... There are several people who I would like to present them to.

Searching for a prompt and effective training method... The Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest.

In summary, I entered in order to upgrade my skills. The desired outcome: a level high enough to win in a competition.

Therefore, my objective is to win the highest award of excellence at the Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest.

I see... That's a relief.

A relief? Why?

The reason I applied is to repay a favor to Spring Confectioners. I'm aiming for the first prize, and nothing less will do.

In team contests, success rides on sharing the same goal. So, I look forward to working with you. Let's reach the "peak of confection" together.

Affirmative!

(Purple violas and pink pansies... hehe. I hope the girls will like how I planted them together!)

Eek!

Are you okay, Flower?!

I-I'm fine! The planter's just a bit too big, so I couldn't see my feet.

Oh... Why don't you let us carry it for you! You want it over there, right?

Oh, no, it's okay...

It's no problem. We'd rather do this than just let you fall down again! You're still small, so don't worry about it, okay?

Th-thanks... Sigh...

(I was trying to do it on my own, but someone helped me out again...)

Flower, identity confirmed. Hello. I have a favor to ask.

Would you be willing to help me in the Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest?

You want some help? Um... are you sure you want me, though?

Of course. Please lend me your cooking skills.

Well then, it's my pleasure to help you out! I'll give it everything I've got. I'm glad to join your team!

Hahaha! Count me in too! Just leave everything to me!

Both have expressed their willingness and availability to assist us.

That's great to hear. Thank you both for joining us. I have also invited one more member to help us get a variety of ideas.

Heeey. If I help, I get to nosh on a bunch of sweets, right?

Well then, we look forward to working with all of you, even if it's only for a short time.

... ...

Without further ado, let us commence our strategy meeting for the second Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest. I, Mihono Bourbon, will lead.

Hold up, are those the uniforms?! The quality is crazy good!

It is. Even I'm surprised by how well-made and beautiful they look. We decided to wear them so that we could get used to working in them.

I knew that design would fit you perfectly! You look great, Bourbon!

Thank you. I am grateful for your insight during the selection process.

Ah, our introduction has overrun by one minute. Shall we get started, then?

The brief for this year's contest is to create a dessert based on the school.

So based on Tracen?

I conducted a survey of all the academy's students and inquired what images of Tracen come to mind.

From that, I took the most popular answer, the training grounds, and made a design based on that motif.

We're aiming to have the recipe finalized at least five days before the contest, allowing room for trial and error along the way.

So we'd like to see what things you all would want to add. Your suggestions could be of great assistance to us.

Oh! Th-then can I give it a try too?

Of course. Let's split into two teams. I'll go with Bourbon and Bakushin O, and you'll be with Jordan.

Hahahaha! So you would have me as captain of whipped cream? Leave it in my capable hands! I'll have it whipped up before you know it!

Bakushin O, there's a whisk cooling in the fridge, so please use that one.

Got it! It's freezing!

Heh, apologies. Using a warm whisk would weaken the structure of the fats in the cream, making it harder to contain air.

Recorded to memory logs. I've learned something new today.

(W-wow... Amazing. She's got the knowledge and the techniques of a pro!)

(Wait! This is no time to be standing around gawking! I was lucky enough to be invited, so I'd better make myself useful!)

Okay, let's do this!

It is now time to present the completed trial cakes. Each cake will receive feedback. Please begin with ours, Flash.

Yes. This is a trifle themed on the training grounds. We've replicated the appearance of the real grounds on a miniature scale.

Next, Flower and Jordan. Please present your cake for evaluation. ...Um, where is your cake?

I'm sorry... You see...

(The idea is to make something that will be useful for Flash... Which means it's got to be high-level...)

Let's try making an opera cake! I think having a top layer of glossy chocolate would be a good way to represent the prestige of Tracen Academy!

Aight... Wait, hold up. Is this recipe for real?!

Buttercream, ganache, coffee syrup, glazing, all ready. The cake batter is nice and cool now too!

I am shook! You pretty much did everything on your own! What's left? To put it all together?

Yep! I'll go ahead and do it!

Gently... Gently... Phew, that's the coffee syrup on. Now for... the buttercream...

(What?! It solidified!)

(Oh, I must've been too slow. Oh no! Okay, I've just got to melt it in a bain-marie...)

Aah!

And in my panic, I dropped the cake batter... So we couldn't finish the cake in time. I'm sorry.

I see... I'm sorry I didn't notice the difficulties you were having.

But failure is all a part of the baking process. Please don't let it dampen your spirits.

O-okay! I'm sorry.

...

Ah, but don't let me disrupt you any further! Please continue with your evaluation!

Well, about that...

Now that we've made this trial cake, I've realized... I'm not sure if it's enough to really represent Tracen Academy.

The grounds have an impressive variety of courses, that much is true. But perhaps this is too literal...

Please let me hear your opinions. When you look at this trifle, do you feel like it represents Tracen Academy?

Tracen Academy?

... ...

Thank you. That settles it. This won't be enough to win first prize.

I believe... we'll have to go a step further with the concept. First, let's think of ways to expand on...

Sorry, we only have thirty minutes and twenty seconds left of our session. Let's move on to cleaning up and continue next time.

... Whew... Okay.

Heeey! You lookin' kinda sad, bestie. You okay?

Oh, Jordan! Well, um...

I was just thinking... I wish I was a bit more reliable, you know? That's all it is. N-nothing to worry about, so sorry!

Uh... Sigh... Great, now she's apologizing to me too...

...Huh?

Listen, bestie! Let's just have some fun and eat something good. Things are gonna be lit!

I wanna hear all the tea about your trainer! Let's go grab a burger!

Sorry. I'm not feeling up for fun right now, so... maybe next time. Thanks though.

Uh, ah...

... I haven't changed at all! Agh, I suck at this!

...A dessert themed around the school... Something's missing, but what?

Father? Hallo?

Hallo, mein Schatz. I heard about the contest from an associate at Spring Confectioners. How's it going?

Yes, it's all going to plan. I promise to achieve stunning results and make the event a success.

Is that so... Flash, you know of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, yes?

Hm? Yes. It's a well-known cake based on the Black Forest region in Baden-Württemberg, isn't it? Made with the local specialty, cherry liquor.

That's right. It's said that the cream stands for fallen snow, chocolate chips for the fallen leaves, and the cherries themselves make for a large portion of the region's livelihood.

Although I am not from Baden-Württemberg, I get a real sense of the Black Forest when I eat it.

The cold snow, the dense foliage, the cherry orchards... I'm moved to think that they've been there, loved and respected, for centuries.

Father...

Unlike the Black Forest, Tracen Academy doesn't have centuries of history or any local produce, so it might be hard to reach the same level of depth with your cake...

But I am sure there is plenty one could be moved by at the academy, because it's a wonderful place where wonderful students like you come together.

If I were you, I would start by looking for what that is.

So, I think that rather than using a simple theme like racing or the grounds, we need to think of something that will speak to the heart.

And that's what I'd like to ask you all about. What moves you about Tracen Academy? Or rather, what is the academy's charm?

...

...!

Huh?!

...! This is rather unexpected... I didn't think we'd get such different answers. Hm...

I think we should narrow it down to one theme. We'll either have to choose one, or find a common thread that ties them all together.

First, we could interview each team member and narrow down our choices based on the results. Is that okay?

I have a suggestion. There is a more efficient method than doing individual interviews.

GOOD MOOORNING!

Good morning.

"7:50 a.m., Bakushin O stands at the school gates and greets arriving students for thirty minutes."

Yes! This is my morning routine! Everything starts with a greeting! That goes without saying for an honor student like myself!

It's lunchtime, everyone! I'll collect all your Japanese homework! Step riiight up and leave it in my hands!

Oh, I nearly forgot to turn it in! Thanks, Bakushin, you're a lifesaver.

Hahaha! I know, right? I'm so dependable!

Perfect greetings, Bakushin-shin! Be dependable, Bakushin-shin! Study hard, Bakushin-shin! Run like the wind, Bakushin-shiiiiin!

And that concludes tonight's Bakushin aerobics! See you tomorrow! Good niiight!

Seeing is believing. Now I understand. She truly is leading by example.

I have a much better understanding of what school life means to her this way than I would've gotten through an interview.

A deeper understanding will help us when it comes to deciding on our motif. I suggest that we continue with this method, following a day in the life of each of our helpers.

Yawn... I'm hella tired...

Huh? Why are you guys here? Oh yeah, it's that thing today, right?

Nom, nom... This burger is bussin'! And the weather is giving me life! Today just hits different! ...WAAAH!

Shut up. Why're you shouting?

I forgot my assignment for fifth period! Oh snap!

Hold up, that's adorbs! I want it! Ah, I don't have enough money.

Yo Jordan, did you chip a nail just now?

Huh? OMG you're right! My nails are the secret to my success... so let's hit up the nail care aisle.

"Has a strong interest in beauty. Is particularly proactive about nail care. Also has an impressive number of friends." I see.

I'm the last one, right? I'll do my best! Um, hope I can help!

Morning, Flower! Sorry, could you help me with the assignment we got yesterday? I don't get it at all!

Oh, sure! Of course! If you're okay with me doing it.

I always bring my lunch with me. When the weather's nice, I eat out in the courtyard!

And actually... I've brought lunch for you both today too, so would you like to eat with me?

I've been borrowing a little plot here to grow strawberries! I'm hoping we can all enjoy them together when spring comes around!

I usually stop by to check on them on the way to training. Am I doing this right? I hope it's actually helping.

Of course. Hehe. The leaves look nice and healthy. Do you manage this plot all by yourself?

Mostly, yes. But sometimes, like just before winter, it's too hard to do it on my own. I wish I didn't have to ask for help...

...

All right, it's 3 p.m. Our experiment has ended, but... The more information we collect, the more apparent our differences become...

I was planning to narrow the themes down to one from here, but I get the feeling it's going to be difficult.

There's a method I'd like to propose. Please come to the dorm kitchen after fifth period tomorrow.

The scheduled time has arrived. I see a vegetable cake, donuts, and a mille-feuille. Please explain.

These cakes are based on Bakushin O, Jordan, and Flower. I used our time spent with each of them as inspiration.

Sometimes my parents use this method to organize their thoughts when they're developing a new recipe, so I tried it out too.

I thought that having tangible ideas in front of us would help more than just visualizing in our heads. Let's try to find a motif based on these.

I see. Understood. May I have a detailed description of each cake?

The one on the left is inspired by Bakushin O. In keeping with the superb example that she sets every day, I made a healthy vegetable cake.

In the middle are iced donuts inspired by Jordan. The glistening icing reflects her bustling social life and glossy nails.

And on the right, a mille-feuille inspired by Flower's kindness. I based the colors on the flowers she keeps in the garden.

...Scan complete. There are a multitude of themes, exemplary standards, nails, flowers, a bustling social life, kindness...

Apologies. I estimate that I will need roughly an hour to analyze the ideas and determine their commonalities. Will that be all right?

Of course.

Although... I knew that the process would be trial and error, but we're making slow progress...

We have eight days, nineteen hours, and fifty-five minutes left until the contest. I would like to decide on our motif by the end of today...

Oh, it's 2:56 p.m. We have to start heading to training. Let's reconvene about the motif later.

See you again after training.

Excellent! It's a clear and sunny day, perfect Bakushin weather!

Oh, that's...

Confirmed sighting of Bakushin O at the gates. Analysis indicates that she is preparing for a run.

One, two, three, four... Phew...

Ah! Whoops, forgot I'm on the ramps today.

It's Flower and Jordan...

Huh? I sense slight surprise in your tone. Is something wrong?

No, it's just... It's time for training, so it's only natural to see them here, but...

It just dawned on me that even though we lead such separate lives, we all come together for training at the same time.

Bakushin, Bakushin, Bakushiiin!

Way to go! Nice starting dash, Bakushin!

But you know, that's a 3,000-meter race. Funny how she's never satisfied with sticking to sprints.

...Huh?

Ba... Bakushiiin!

Oh no, she's so close to the finish line but she's losing steam. You're almost there, Class Rep!

Baku... Baku... Bah... Shiiin...

Pant, pant... Nnnuuuh! I didn't win! What an inadequate show!

However, I will not sulk about it! Because I'm the class representative!

I vow to set a fine example for everyone by winning the next race! Bakushin, Bakushin, BAKUSHIIIN!

Bakushin O...

Daaaaah!

Pant, pant... Aaah... Oh man... My legs are on fire...

But I'm not done yet! Okay, one more lap!

Today's regimen is... starting dash drills, sprint drills, and some pace running to work on my form, right?

All right! Let's do this!

Gasp...

...Flash?

The desire to win.

What?

I-I've got it! It's the desire to win! Every student in this academy wants to win, no matter who they are.

Sorry, I jumped ahead to the conclusion. What I mean is, I found the thing that ties all the students of Tracen Academy together.

There's Bakushin O, who always tries to lead by example in both her student life and on the race track. In all departments, she wants to win.

...!

Jordan pays close attention to her nails, not only for beauty's sake, but because she considers it a path to success.

My nails are the secret to my success... so let's hit up the nail care aisle.

Flower likes to make others happy. I could tell that by looking at her garden. I suspect that's her motivation for racing, too.

I want to get stronger so I can make everyone even happier!

Even though everyone's daily life looks different, at the core, we're all driven by the desire to win.

That's what Tracen Academy is all about!

Good morning. I drew up a design last night and have informed our helpers of our progress. Our meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m.

There's seven days, one hour, and two minutes left until the contest. Our goals for this weekend are to finalize the design and draft a recipe.

Let's give it all we have, Bourbon!

...! Yes!

I've created a three-tier cake by layering chocolate sponges. There's a road running diagonally down the cake from top to bottom.

To top it off, I'm thinking of decorating it with matcha frosting and cake, then etching a laurel leaf pattern...

Hm...

...?

This doesn't quite portray each student's pursuit of victory. I will revise the design, and make one more...

Oh, sorry. We're three minutes into our scheduled break time. Let's go outside for a change of scenery.

We have one minute and thirteen seconds left of our break. I thought three minutes wouldn't be too bad, but it's a bit chilly, isn't it?

Um, Flash...

Perhaps this is off-topic, but your words and facial expressions suggest that your current status is "passionate."

It is somewhat unusual. You've appeared relatively unfazed until now.

Well...

...It's a little embarrassing to put into words, but...

Each and every one of us at the academy wants to win... That realization stirred my heart a little.

Then your status is... "stirred"?

Even though it sounds obvious, it's not. No student has to care about winning or losing, necessarily. They could just be happy to be here.

But, if I think about it, I've never met anyone like that here. Everyone takes the initiative and single-mindedly chases victory.

This academy is part of my life plan, that part hasn't changed. But now I think that there's much more to be gained here than I'd imagined.

My reason for joining the contest was to show gratitude to my family's business partners, but now there's more to it than that.

I want to show my respect to Tracen Academy. I want to let the world know what a wonderful place this is.

Right now, that's all I can think about.

...Analyzing status.

Your verbalization has caused a short in my memory banks. Status, "bewildered", and...

"In agreement"... No, it's more than agreement. I hypothesize the warmth in my chest is akin to excitement. What is this?

Bourbon...

Hehe, so you feel it too... This is getting more embarrassing by the minute, isn't it?

Heeey! You're lookin' cold over there, besties!

Sorry to keep you waiting! We come bearing the tastiest of treats!

I see! So the theme for this cake is what we all have in common, the desire to win!

Yes. Despite everyone's unique personalities, we all have the same goal in mind.

Our daily routines and the things we pour our efforts into differ between us, but in our own way, we're all aiming for the same thing. I hope to convey that...

I see...

Jordan? What are you thinking?

I didn't realize our lives were all so different. For starters, we all wake up at mad different times.

Yes. Be it in your perspectives, your friendships, or even the kind of lunch you have, the three of you are surprisingly different. I imagine our results would be the same even if we observed the whole school.

Hm...

Do you have any thoughts on it?

Huh? Um, yeah, it's like... Highlighter... What was it again? Like, highlight-ening?

...Enlightening?

Yeah, that!

Hey, Flower. Wanna grab lunch after this?

Huh? Lunch... with me?

There's something I wanna do for you, Flower.

What?

Your nails!

Wha... What?!

It's okay! The manager here is chill. They said as long the nail polish doesn't smell too strong, they don't mind.

So, like, what color should we do? This pink is fire!

I do like pink, but... Um... What's this all about?

...Well, 'cuz like...

You've lowkey been looking kinda sad lately, but like, I'm not that good with words and stuff, so... I didn't wanna hurt your feelings or anything.

I mean, I suck at this kinda thing. I don't know how to cheer people up, especially chill, quiet girls like you.

I tried to comfort my classmate once and I flopped. She said she wasn't "feeling up for fun right now."

Then someone else went to comfort her and she felt better right away. I felt kinda useless, y'know?

But, like... I'm just like everyone else, I want my friends to feel better too.

Jordan...

We're all different, right? So it's okay if we all show our feelings in different ways. I thought I'd try the best way I know how!

And that's with a lit manicure! Here, give me your hands!

...!

Th-thank you! I didn't realize you were thinking about me!

...I'm sorry I didn't notice.

Nah, don't be silly!

Huh?

I mean, I know I'm pretty stupid, but that doesn't make me useless, y'know? And you're small, but you're not useless either.

We're all unique, and that's a good thing. I bet there's stuff only you can do too!

...

Right?

...Yeah!

Hehe. Well... if you need anything, I've got your back, bestie. So just hit me up.

Well, in that case... Can I ask you something? It's...

For real?! That sounds dope!

R-really? I'll give it a try then!

Nom, nom... Gulp. Ah, there's nothing better than hotpot in the winter! Huh? Bourbon?

Bakushin O, Flash, apologies for bothering you during your lunch break. Flash, I have a request for you.

What is it?

I'd like your feedback on this recipe I created. My objective is to make the best chocolates possible to give to friends.

Oh, that looks mouthwatering!

Hehe, those chocolate macarons do look delicious. Hmm, let's see...

The key to making good macarons is folding the batter. It's important to incorporate just the right amount of air into it. And then...

I see. I will save this to my memory logs.

Good morning. There are six days and one minute left until the contest.

Our goal is to start on a design and finalize it within the day. Let's keep up the good work together.

Sorry to interrupt, but I don't see Flower anywhere.

Ah, sorry. She said she had to put on the ribbons, so she's running a bit late.

What ribbons?

Sorry I'm late!

Um, Flash? Bourbon? Please have these... if you like! Jordan helped me make them.

...!

You made cakes based on us, so I thought that if you had something based on yourselves too, it might give you a new perspective for ideas!

And, well... The main reason is that I was happy you made a cake for me.

We only have a little longer to work on this, but I'm having so much fun! Thank you for inviting me to join you.

Thank you for helping us. Hehe, do I really look that serious?

Hehe, good going, Flower! Oh! Why don't you put them here together with ours?

Yo, this is fire! Can I post it on Umastagram?

Excellent!

...Excuse me. My status was "excited" for a brief moment there. Excellent work, Flower. You gave me an idea.

Th-thank you! Um...

A cake that represents our desire to win. How about a cupcake tower where each cupcake is modeled on us?

We could put the cupcakes on pedestals, representing the students winning and Tracen Academy's spirit for victory.

I see! Yes, that would certainly portray both ideas, and we could execute it within the time limit.

A cupcake tower... Let's proceed with that! Thank you, Flower!

Heh, not at all! I-I'm... glad I helped. Hehe!

How shall we make each cupcake different? Let's take today to study cake designs in this cafeteria.

Status, "thinking." Update, I have an idea. Just like this tart, we could make part of our cake out of something other than sponge.

I see! Something like... zuckerteig, or hefeteig. Namely, a biscuit base or a fermented dough. That's not a bad idea!

Absolutely not! An overly sparkly decoration for the cups would be far too showy to represent the students of Tracen Academy!

Come on, isn't it better to be a bit extra? Yours is too basic!

It is not! It is a clean and refined design befitting our students!

Um... Then how about purple, like our uniforms?

That's the one! That's it!

The fierce competition begins once again at this year's Spring Choice Chocolatier Contest!

Seventeen teams are participating, but who will win the grand prize and go home with the dazzling crown? Let the baking begin!

All right! Go get 'em, besties!

Bake Bakushin-style out there! Flash! Bourbon!

Y-you can do it!

Toi, toi, toi... Exhale... Bourbon, let's aim for nothing less than first place. I'm counting on you.

Understood. I will work at full capacity.

Mixing bowl, whisk, cream, temperature, all okay. Setup complete. I will now combine the milk fat globules with air.

You've improved a lot, Bourbon. Ah, I had better start on the cake batter.

Next up, Tracen Academy! They are making steady progress, wouldn't you say?

Yes... It's rare for this contest to have entrants from a racing school. I believe they don't even have a confectionery course.

Proceeding to the matcha cream, page twenty-three of the recipe. At present, the color is slightly different from what's written in the recipe.

In that case, add one gram of matcha and 4.2 grams of granulated sugar.

Understood. Flash, the oven will finish preheating in forty-two seconds.

Hehe, what a meticulous recipe. I get the feeling we can expect something special from these two.

Fifty seconds left. The crown piece on the top is 1.5 centimeters off-center.

I'll fix it. 1.5 centimeters... Okay, that should do it!

Time's up! Well done to all our contestants!

Now, let's get straight into the appraisal. Would representatives from each team please introduce their entries?

I am shook! Our cake looks sick! We've got this in the bag!

Ah! W-we're next! Hng... My heart is pounding!

Next up, let's hear from the Japan Umamusume Training Center Academy!

Thank you. I am Eishin Flash from Tracen Academy. The concept we chose to represent our school was "the desire to win."

Tracen Academy is the leading racing school in the country for Umamusume. Racing and competing are a part of our everyday lives.

However, that doesn't mean that we all spend every waking minute training.

Whether we're welcoming students in the morning, doing our nails at break time, caring for the garden...

Passionately working as idols, modeling, spending our time in the student council office, telling fortunes...

Or stressing over our studies, our friends, or even over our own abilities... A day in Tracen Academy looks different for every one of us.

But despite that, there's one thing that motivates us all, the desire to win.

That's something that only our school can boast, and that's what we poured into this cake.

I see. "Eclipse first, the rest nowhere." You certainly understand the spirit of your school's motto.

Yes. We strive to surpass the competition. That is our inspiration, pure and simple.

Thank you, that was wonderful, not only the cake, but your deep admiration for the school really came across too.

...!

Aw, second place?! Ughhh, we were so clooose!

The winners were just one step ahead of us with their idea and execution. ...That makes it all the more disappointing.

Yes. Even though we did everything we could...

Whimper...

Oooh! As class representative, I find this extremely demoralizing! Nghhh!

...

Hm? I've identified a smile on your face. Did I miss something?

No, I was just thinking about how we're such Tracen Academy students. Racing towards a common goal, feeling frustrated when we fall short...

Because we all want to win, we all feel the same frustration when we lose.

And so... it made me realize that we're all probably thinking the same thing.

I want to win next time.

Yes. Next time... Next time, let's make sure we win!

Yeah!

Okay! Let's go to the after-party! I'm ready to eat mad chocolate!

Um, Jordan, where would that be?

The Chocolate Festival! Word is they've got a chocolate buffet, the best patissiers from around the world, even performers and stuff!

The best patissiers from around the world?! I-I must verify this with my own eyes!

...Hehe. Shall we go too, Bourbon?

Flower, I have something to give to you.

It's slightly early, but here is something you must have. It's the best Valentine's chocolate I could make. Thank you for everything.

Wha... what?! Th-thank you!

Facial expression identified as "peaceful." I had detected nervousness from your expression earlier, so I was slightly worried.

You are a reliable person. You have supported me as your roommate on numerous occasions.

That's why when I heard we could recruit helpers, I came to you.

I will work towards being someone you can depend on too, so... I request that we continue to be friends.

Bourbon... You didn't have to...

Hehe, gladly! Let's continue to be friends!