Inari Kagura felt uneasy.
All along the way, she could feel a gaze on her back—by now she didn't even need to call it "feeling." She knew. She had already noticed a terribly clumsy disguise and an even worse tailing technique: an Uma following her. And since she wasn't affected by the bizarre eyesight unique to Uma (the kind where holding up two twigs somehow makes you "invisible"), of course she spotted the stalker instantly.
Kagura couldn't think of any reason she was worth following. What could she possibly have, a penniless little kid, that attracted someone's interest?
Why does she look so familiar…?
At a red light, Kagura stopped, pretending to check the road. Using her peripheral vision, she studied the figure.
Wait—that's Speed-sama's granddaughter?!
Recognizing her, Kagura was startled. She had just met Symboli Rudolf yesterday, and she trusted her memory. That height, that uniform, that hairstyle, and the streak of white in her bangs—unless Rudolf had a twin, there was no mistaking her.
Maybe because it was rush hour, the red light was long. The Uma tailing her came right up beside her, staring straight at the traffic signal. But Kagura caught her sneaking glances sideways from time to time.
"…We meet again. Good morning, ojou-sama."
Seeing her act so awkwardly, Kagura couldn't bear it and greeted her first. But she didn't mention she'd noticed the tailing from the very start.
"…With so many people around, you've only met me once. How did you recognize me?"
After a moment of silence, Rudolf turned to her and asked softly.
"Well, yes, there are a lot of people… but who else in the middle of the street wears both a mask and sunglasses? So conspicuous it screams suspicious."
"…I see. Then perhaps disguises are worse."
With that, Rudolf removed her mask and sunglasses, smiling slightly. The expression surprised Kagura, who'd thought yesterday that Rudolf was the taciturn, severe type.
"So, ojou-sama, what did you need me for?"
"It's been a long time since I came home. There's a new face in the household—naturally I was curious. Let me reintroduce myself: I'm Symboli Rudolf. Pleased to meet you."
"Inari Kagura. Please, just call me Kagura. I'm glad to meet you."
Kagura extended her small hand, and Rudolf shook it, formally introducing herself.
By then, the light had turned green. Kagura was about to walk forward, ready to say goodbye, but Rudolf touched her shoulder first, motioning her across.
"What? Weren't you heading home? The light's green."
"Yes, but… we're not going the same way. School's over there, isn't it? If I'm right, you'll be late soon."
Kagura had seen Tracen students pass this crossing often, and she had more or less figured out their schedule, though she didn't know what exactly they studied.
"No. I'm going home today. Let's go together."
"…Fine."
Still not sure why Rudolf had followed her, Kagura couldn't say much more. She nodded, leading her across the street.
…
…
"Kagura, today's a holiday. No work for you."
"…Eh?"
As soon as she'd put her groceries down in the kitchen back at the Symboli estate, a senior maid ran up with the incredible news.
"…Why suddenly a holiday?"
"Well…"
The maid didn't get to finish. Rudolf had already wandered into the kitchen, looking around like she was on a tour.
Ah. I think I get it.
Kagura realized. The maid saw she understood, so didn't elaborate. It wouldn't be good to say too much with Rudolf right there.
"Ojou-sama, do you have some request?"
"…Come with me somewhere?"
"…But I still have work—"
"It's fine. The old lady approved. Today, you're with me."
So Rudolf had come home specifically to take her out. Kagura didn't feel she had any choice. She wasn't worried Rudolf would harm her—just confused what she was planning.
A little later, Kagura had changed shoes and socks and came to the front gate. Rudolf was waiting.
Since she still had nothing else to wear, she chose the cleanest of her maid uniforms from the dozen in her wardrobe.
"That was quick. Well then—ready for a run?"
"…Eh? Run… what?"
"Half an hour until I'm late. Of course we're running to school. Come, keep up."
"…Hah??"
Kagura stared blankly. She didn't seem the type to care about tardiness. Why suddenly decide to sprint?
But Rudolf was already off. Kagura could only follow.
Thankfully, city speed limits kept Rudolf from accelerating beyond her reach. Adjusting her breathing, Kagura settled in at her side.
"Ojou-sama, are you… taking me to school?"
"Mm. You pass that intersection every day for groceries. Don't you want to see inside?"
"…Uh."
She'd be lying to say she wasn't curious. She had wondered many times about that legendary Tracen Academy. But it wasn't something she felt she had to see—so she'd never gone out of her way.
But with the chance handed to her, of course she was willing. What puzzled her was why Rudolf cared to bring her. She hadn't told anyone her thoughts.
Forget it. Just go. Take things step by step.
The academy wasn't far. By the time they reached the grand gates, it was only 7:50. Still minutes left before late bell.
"Good morning, Rudolf-san. Oh my, rare to see you arriving with someone. This child is?"
At the gate, a woman with a green cap greeted Rudolf warmly, then turned her gaze curiously on Kagura.
"It's open campus this week. Brought along a household maid to visit."
"…The household maid—ah, so it's her. Alright then, please go in. Class is starting soon, and the Director will be doing rounds. Don't be caught late."
Kagura sensed the green-haired woman had heard of her. But since this was their first meeting, she just bowed politely and followed Rudolf in.
"…So big…"
Though she had passed outside before, seeing the scale from within shocked her anew.
With classes about to start, the grounds weren't crowded. Rudolf explained it would liven up during breaks.
"Central Tracen is where the nation's top Uma gather. Its training facilities and support systems are the finest. The academy ensures everything, so the girls can run without worry."
Like a tour guide, Rudolf showed her around, sometimes pulling up photos on her phone.
Kagura realized she'd underestimated how much this world valued Uma—and underestimated Tracen's wealth. Dorms were luxurious, like new apartments. The cafeteria looked delicious—and free, buffet-style.
This high school outclasses my university's facilities by miles. Does heaven really exist on earth?
She had heard tuition was high, but also that those with talent could be granted exemptions or stipends from the Director. Even knowing "2D logic," she couldn't help wondering how Tracen earned its money.
"To create a world where every Uma can run happily. That is Symboli's ideal—and Tracen's as well."
Seeing her puzzlement, Rudolf added the explanation.
"…Oh."
The dream seemed too vast to be real. Kagura wasn't the type to believe in grand ideals. But she respected those willing to act for them.
Her curiosity was satisfied. But why was this ojou-sama leading her away from the classrooms and deeper into the campus?
They walked until faint sounds reached them. Ahead, Kagura saw what looked like a huge stadium.
"Morning, Rudolf. Later than usual today."
A tall woman in crisp gray work clothes approached, long black braid swinging, sharp aura of an elite.
"Morning, Trainer. Just showing a curious Uma around. Haven't missed warm-ups, right?"
"Still some time. Prep yourself—your debut race is close. Your condition's solid?"
"No problem."
"You've been up late too often. I hope you mean that… So, who's this? Rare to see you with someone."
Her gaze shifted to Kagura. Caught staring at other girls training, Kagura refocused.
"A maid from home. Showing her around Tracen."
"Inari Kagura. Pleased to meet you."
With Rudolf's intro, Kagura bowed politely.
"…A maid of the Symboli family. I'm Tojo Hana, Rudolf's trainer. As you see, this is Tracen's daily state. Apart from classes, most time is spent training here."
Her eyes lingered, studying Kagura. It felt like she knew of her. Kagura didn't recall ever meeting her. So she chose cautious politeness.
"…Tojo-san. May I call you that?"
"No need to be stiff. Did you need something?"
"…Trainer—is that like a teacher?"
She had no clue how this school worked, aside from Rudolf's surface-level briefing. Best to ask someone experienced.
Tojo blinked, clearly not expecting the question. She glanced at Rudolf, who, out of Kagura's sightline, gave a helpless smile.
"…It's broader than that. A trainer manages far more. Without support staff, we handle daily exercise, nutrition plans, race schedules. Injuries too—we plan recovery. And…"
Though she hadn't explained basics in a long while, Tojo gave a detailed answer.
"…Wow."
Sounded like being both parent and caretaker. More burdensome than her old doctor job. Basically a family without blood ties.
So much care, for so many? Don't they worry about dying from overwork?
Having already died once herself, Kagura couldn't help thinking it, looking at Tojo with respect.
"…Then what about support Uma?"
"They're like teaching assistants. Helping trainers, closer to the girls. But rare—most would rather race than stay behind."
Tojo realized Kagura's ignorance of Uma life ran deep. No wonder Rudolf had brought her. And knowing Rudolf, she wouldn't personally guide someone without reason.
"…Our track has room open. Kagura-chan, want to try running? Feel what class is like?"
As expected, at that line, Rudolf's eyes lit up. Kagura almost felt the spark.
"…Me? Wouldn't I be intruding?"
"The track's wide, and no other teams are scheduled. As long as you don't block anyone, it's fine."
In fact, Tojo only had two trainees. One was Rudolf. The other—already bounding toward them with sparkling eyes—was the chestnut-blue-eyed Uma Kagura had met before: Maruzensky.
"Kagura-chan——!"
"…Ah."
It's that overfriendly Uma from last time!
Kagura's ears shot straight up. She tried to sidestep. Too late. Maruzensky leapt, scooping her up and pressing her head into two soft mounds.
A merciless chest-suffocation… And sweaty, judging from her damp clothes.
"…Please let go. I can't breathe."
"Sorry, sorry. Got too excited, forgot I'd just been running."
Seeing her ears droop flat, Maruzensky released her quickly.
Against Maruzensky's tall, mature build, Kagura—barely 1.4 meters—looked pitiful. She longed for her old 1.7-meter self.
Being small is so inconvenient… If only I could be bigger.
She sighed inwardly, thinking of Eclipse, whose face mirrored hers but on a tall, statuesque body. The image of what this body might become—though Kagura had the uneasy feeling she'd never quite grow that much.
"…Kagura-chan, you came to see Tracen today?"
"…I suppose so."
"Then why not run a few laps with onee-san? Our team's track is free!"
Maruzensky's eagerness radiated. Kagura hesitated—then felt Rudolf give her a small push.
"…It's just exercise. Won't you come along?"
"…I don't mind. If you don't mind me intruding, I'll run a bit."
Seeing their expectant faces, Kagura agreed easily. She didn't dislike running. Since that day with Speed-sama, she'd found it fun—free, exhilarating. What she didn't understand was why Rudolf and Maruzensky were so insistent on pulling her in.
…Is running together supposed to be that exciting?
Wondering, she followed them toward the track.