"...That's incredible, Margaret. It sounds like you're doing something truly great."
Oguri Cap's tone was unreadable, but the awe in her voice was unmistakable. She had never imagined that this friend she'd met by chance and grown close to carried such a... one might even say 'audacious' goal deep in her heart.
But she'll definitely achieve it—Oguri Cap was certain of that. Anyone who saw that golden Uma Musume bathed in the morning glow would understand her noble spirit. That gold wasn't just the dawn; it was the very essence of Margaret Nearl's being.
"Don't tease me, Oguri. 'Great' is too heavy a word for someone like me." Nearl smiled softly and gave Oguri Cap's shoulder a light, playful punch.
Oguri's usually stoic face broke into a faint smile, and she gently bumped her fist back against Nearl's.
By now, the sun had fully risen. The early autumn sunlight was gentle and warm, and as Nearl stood basking in it, she felt the light within her grow even brighter.
She gazed into the distance, the sun spilling over her shoulders and setting her golden hair aglow. It was as if she were wrapped in light itself. Her light brown eyes shimmered with a golden hue under the sun's rays—calm and serene like a still lake. With every blink, her gaze softened, peaceful and tender.
Oguri Cap watched her, a faint, almost imperceptible blush coloring her cheeks. Her eyes drifted unconsciously toward Nearl's face, and her ears twitched ever so slightly.
"Margaret, we should head back. Weren't you supposed to help with breakfast?" Oguri suddenly turned away, her voice carrying a hint of fluster.
Nearl snapped out of her reverie, blinking until the gold in her eyes faded back to their usual light brown. She realized then how late it had gotten—conversing with Oguri had been so engaging she'd lost track of time.
"Ha... my mistake. We'd better pick up the pace."
"Mhm," Oguri nodded, falling in step behind Nearl as though it were the most natural thing.
Nearl paused and glanced back at Oguri, who looked back innocently, tilting her head. Nearl could almost see a question mark floating above her.
For a moment, neither spoke.
"You... come along, then."
In the end, Nearl relented. She sighed and continued down the hill. Oguri followed close behind, her expression blank yet somehow giving the impression she was smiling.
"Margaret, how about a race? From here to your place," Oguri suggested out of the blue.
Nearl looked back at her with mild exasperation, but after a moment's consideration, she agreed. They were running later than usual, and sprinting back would help them make it in time for breakfast preparations. The race was just a formality, really.
Besides, Oguri didn't seem like she'd take no for an answer.
'Good thing Oguri brought me that rice ball, or I'd be running on empty.'
Nearl felt a flicker of gratitude before they began.
"From here to the town gate, the path is rough. Don't push like you're on the track, Oguri—watch your step."
Before they started, Nearl reminded her, worried Oguri might race with her track habits and hurt herself. Nearl still couldn't channel her light directly into another's body. If Oguri got injured, she'd have to infuse her radiance into ingredients and rely on dietary therapy for recovery—a tedious and effort-heavy process.
Not that Oguri would mind one bit—she'd probably be thrilled.
"Got it. Okay, 3... 2... 1... go!"
With that, two figures shot forward one after the other, speeding down the path until only their fading shadows remained.
--+--
At the Komori Orphanage, the children were still asleep, but the Matron was already up. Aside from Nearl, who was out training, the Matron was always the earliest to rise, as she and Nearl were in charge of breakfast. The Matron handled ingredient prep, and Nearl helped cook once she returned from her morning workout.
But today was different. It was already time to start breakfast, and Nearl still hadn't returned. Komori Party was growing worried.
"This is the first time Little Nearl has been late without any notice. It's not like her—that child is strict about discipline and keeping promises. How could she be late?"
It was precisely because she knew Nearl so well that Komori Party was even more concerned.
Since she was young, Nearl had been the quietest and most sensible among the orphans Komori Party had taken in. She never cried or fussed, studied diligently, and helped with cleaning and cooking. One could say Nearl was Komori Party's favorite.
By the time she turned ten, Nearl had matured even further, rarely giving anyone cause to worry. She'd volunteered to move to the old house and took care of the younger children on her own initiative. Despite all that, she never fell behind in her studies, and her gentle yet resilient nature naturally drew people to her.
Komori Party sometimes wondered—if Nearl's parents knew what an exceptional Uma Musume she had become, would they regret abandoning her?
'But who cares! Nearl is my child!'
Right now, though, Komori Party was anxious for her child. The more you understood Nearl, the clearer it became how difficult it was for her to break a promise.
It had already been twenty minutes past the time Nearl usually returned.
"Something must have happened. I need to go check!"
Finally, Komori Party couldn't sit still any longer. She hurriedly made for the door to search for Nearl, but just as she opened the gate, two figures appeared before her.
It was Nearl and Oguri Cap.
The moment Nearl saw the worry and anxiety on Komori Party's face, she understood—the Matron had been concerned about her. Guilt washed over her.
"I'm sorry, Matron Komori. I didn't return on time and made you worry. I'll accept any punishment." Nearl stood straight, her expression serious as she awaited possible scolding or discipline.
But instead, she felt a hand gently ruffle her hair and heard words of care: "Not at all. If anything, I'm the one who should reflect. You're fourteen now, and so clever and careful. For me to get so worked up over one late return—I'm the one being unreasonable. My anxiety must have put pressure on you. Please don't mind it."
As she tousled Nearl's golden hair, Komori Party reflected inwardly.
'Have I been too strict with Little Nearl? It's true she's always so reliable and strict with herself, but I shouldn't take that for granted. Even I couldn't hold myself to such high standards when I was her age.'
She withdrew her hand from Nearl's hair and let her gaze drift to the friend her little filly had brought back.
"Come, let me see—who is it that's won the friendship of our strict Little Nearl?" Matron Komori asked with a warm smile.
But that smile faded the moment she saw the dapple-gray figure, and she blinked in disbelief.
Gray hair, a diamond-shaped hair accessory, brilliant blue eyes, and that unmistakable Tracen Academy uniform—this Uma Musume was a household name in Kasamatsu.
"O-Oguri Cap!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.