This time, Rudolf's victory wasn't beyond Kagura's expectations. When she'd bumped into Bizen Nishiki yesterday at school, she'd noticed the faint signs of fatigue on her face, likely lingering from the recent races. In other words, Bizen Nishiki wasn't at her best today. Kagura couldn't help wondering what Trainer Narumiya had in mind with such an arrangement.
On top of Bizen Nishiki's condition, Rudolf-ojousama's form today could only be described as terrifyingly good. Not only did she effortlessly break through the leading pack within mere seconds, seizing first place, but she even shattered the course record. Rudolf hadn't even had time to meet Kagura in the tunnel after the race, instantly swarmed by reporters instead.
Kagura understood the scene well enough. After all, Rudolf-ojousama's casual confidence, strolling to victory as though it were nothing, stood in stark contrast to everyone else's strained attempts. Winning the first crown of the Triple Crown series truly exhibited the demeanor of a genuine king.
...
"Rudolf-san, today you defeated your greatest rival so effortlessly. How does it feel?"
"Rudolf-san! Your form today was astonishing—do you have a secret for maintaining such condition?"
"Rudolf-san! When you crossed the finish line, you raised one finger—does that gesture have any special meaning?"
Thinking back to when she'd left the racetrack, hearing the noisy reporters and spectators outside blending with Rudolf-ojousama's and Trainer Tojo's composed replies, Kagura was immensely thankful that Rudolf-ojousama and Tojo-san agreed to keep her identity hidden. If she had to deal with hordes of paparazzi every single time, even imagining it gave her a headache.
Honestly speaking, Kagura found many of the reporters' questions rather rude, utterly disrespectful toward the other competitors. Although she understood it was just part of their job, she personally couldn't stomach that lack of manners. Fortunately, Bizen Nishiki wasn't nearby to overhear—if she had, Kagura couldn't imagine how she'd handle such infuriating remarks on top of today's crushing defeat.
"Haah…"
Feeling helpless at the thought, Kagura sighed softly, stepping out of the Cafeteria with leftover pastries after cleaning up post-victory banquet.
It was nearly nine in the evening. Rudolf-ojousama had eaten quickly, then dashed off to the student council office, claiming a few documents still needed her attention. Kagura also didn't plan to linger outside much longer, so she'd promptly packed up the extra pastries, intending to share some with Nice Nature and Ardan-ojousama.
At this hour, most Uma Musume had already returned to their dorms to rest. Students at Tracen were pretty disciplined; by this time, they typically stayed obediently indoors. Kagura vaguely remembered her past self, at this age, still contemplating whether to grab a late-night snack after evening study.
Walking alone along the quiet courtyard path, Kagura heard only the crisp sound of her shoes against the pavement, accompanied by occasional gusts of wind.
"Hmm?"
Passing through the courtyard, Kagura suddenly heard a faint sobbing, intermittent and quiet, as if someone were deliberately suppressing their voice.
This was a world where spirits genuinely existed. Hearing crying at this hour sent a chill up Kagura's spine, especially since she'd recently encountered a ghost at an amusement park. Her ears instantly perked up, and she slowed down, cautiously surveying her surroundings.
Moving forward a bit further, near the tree hollow where students often exchanged items or chatted, Kagura saw by the moonlight someone kneeling beside the hollow, shoulders trembling faintly. Instantly, she understood where the crying had come from.
Scared me to death… Turns out it's just someone venting frustration after losing a race.
The only person Kagura could think of who might be out here at night was someone who'd suffered defeat today. With today's Satsuki Sho fresh in her mind, Kagura had a good guess about the figure's identity. She placed the pastry basket aside, quietly approaching the tree hollow.
"Uu… uuu… I'm sorry… Trainer-san… I let you down… I'm too weak… I'm nothing compared to Rudolf-san…"
As she drew closer, the sobbing grew clearer. The voice was familiar, confirming Kagura's suspicion—indeed, it was Bizen Nishiki, Rudolf-ojousama's greatest rival, who'd faced humiliating defeat today.
"Those reporters were right… Someone like me… How could I ever compare to the Student Council President… Such an overestimation of myself…"
"Uuu… Uwaaa—!"
Seemingly unable to suppress her feelings any longer, Bizen Nishiki's crying intensified into heart-wrenching wails.
The agonized cries shook Kagura's heart. She hated hearing such sounds; in her past line of work, they'd always meant something bad.
Bizen Nishiki was a serious and hardworking girl. Kagura often saw her diligently training, not just to repay Trainer Narumiya's expectations but also due to her own competitive spirit. All the effort she put in behind the scenes was purely for the glory of shining on stage, basking in the cheers of victory. Yet, two crushing defeats—the Yayoi Sho and today's Satsuki Sho—had shattered her pride and confidence. Always hailed as a genius, these losses had shown her, for the first time, just how vast the gap between herself and a real prodigy was. It was the first time she'd realized there were things she simply couldn't overcome through effort alone; strangers' opinions and judgments weren't immutable.
For someone innocent yet competitive like her… these devastating losses, the media's questioning… and the shifting attitudes of her fans…
Kagura had witnessed everything today, experiencing firsthand that beneath the sparkling stage of victory hid the tears and anguish of girls like Bizen Nishiki.
"!"
As Kagura approached, Bizen Nishiki noticed a subtle movement behind her. She turned around, startled, seeing a small Uma Musume quietly standing behind her, holding a handkerchief, seemingly unsure whether to approach.
"…Inari Kagura…san?"
Eyes wide, Bizen Nishiki stared blankly as Kagura cautiously approached, eyes still glistening with unshed tears.
"Bizen Nishiki-san, I… wasn't intentionally eavesdropping. I was just passing by and heard something… So I came to check. If I've disturbed you, please allow me to apologize."
Saying this, Kagura stood before her, hesitantly lifting the handkerchief to help wipe her tears but reconsidering, unsure if Bizen Nishiki would feel comfortable with that. Instead, Kagura gently offered:
"I thought you might need this… Would you?"
"Uu…"
Accepting Kagura's handkerchief, Bizen Nishiki felt her nose sting again. Any lingering self-control vanished, unleashing another flood of tears. Kagura could tell she was desperately trying to hold back, but her pent-up emotions had finally broken free.
Stepping closer, Kagura lightly patted Bizen Nishiki's trembling shoulder, whispering softly:
"When you're sad, a hug can help ease your pain. Bizen Nishiki-san… would you like one?"
"Kagura-san… someone like me… can I really…?"
"Why couldn't you? Aren't you also a student at Tracen? Everyone here is the same, after all."
At last, Bizen Nishiki couldn't resist her inner impulse. Shaking, she reached out, tightly embracing Kagura's petite figure, breaking down completely in her arms.
Gently, Kagura stroked her head, like comforting a younger sister at home.
Perhaps it was the warmth emanating from Kagura that dissolved her defenses; perhaps Kagura's gentleness genuinely moved her. Bizen Nishiki poured out all her grievances and sadness, crying uncontrollably. Amidst broken words and tears, Kagura heard her frustration, regret, and even envy.
"It's okay. Don't mind what they say—what others think doesn't matter. Only you can decide who you'll be. You're not some self-deluded clown. You're still yourself: undefeated after four races, fearless in the face of formidable opponents—the proud, brave Bizen Nishiki, right?"
"Uu… uwaaaa—!!"
Unable to form coherent words anymore, Bizen Nishiki simply wailed. Kagura patiently stroked her hair, silently comforting the proud yet fragile girl.
Time passed unnoticed until Bizen Nishiki gradually stopped trembling and calmed down. Kagura gently patted her shoulder, smiling warmly:
"Do you feel better after letting it all out?"
"Much better… Thank you… truly… thank you, Kagura-san…!"
"I'm glad. They say sharing happiness doubles it; sharing pain halves it. Talking to a friend or trainer from time to time can really help."
"Mhm…! Mm!"
Nodding, Bizen Nishiki slowly rose, wiping her eyes.
In the distance, Trainer Narumiya's anxious voice echoed: "Hey—Nishiki! Where are you!?"
"You didn't tell Trainer Narumiya you were here?"
"No… Trainer-san worries about me. I didn't want him seeing this embarrassing side again…"
"If he can't find you, he'll worry even more~"
Remembering something, Kagura ran to fetch the pastry basket, returning quickly to place a box of Osmanthus Coconut Cake into her hands.
"What's this…?"
"Homemade sweets. Something sweet helps lift the mood. After you finish eating, wipe away your tears and go meet your trainer~"
Giving an encouraging smile, Kagura watched Bizen Nishiki finish the pastry before hopping lightly back to the corridor:
"Since you're feeling better, I'll get going~ Check your phone too—it's not as bad as you think~!"
"Oh… oh! Goodbye, Kagura-san! Thank you!"
"You're welcome~!"
Kagura's airy reply drifted back from afar.
Bizen Nishiki stood still, sweetness lingering on her tongue and in her heart, realizing how fortunate she was to encounter someone as kind as Kagura-san.
Kagura-san… I really want to be friends with her…
---
T/N: KAGURA IS SOOO GOOODDDDDD
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl