"Honestly, I'm not going to spoil you like Nearl does. Don't expect me to go easy during training."
Platinum scuffed the grass with her hoof, testing the turf underfoot.
"Not as good as the Mejiro family's grass. Might have to take it a bit slower."
Seeing Platinum's attitude, the simple-minded Oguri Cap didn't take it to heart at all. Her focus was entirely on the word "sister."
"Margaret, you have a sister? Aunt Komori's child?"
She blinked her clear blue eyes, staring straight up at Nearl. The silly question made Nearl both amused and exasperated, and she gently tapped the simpleton's head.
"Of course not. Even if you don't know Matron Komori well, I've told you about my background, haven't I? Centaurea is my biological sister, we're related by blood."
"Huh? But didn't your family abandon you, Margaret?"
The hand resting on Oguri Cap's head curled into a claw. Nearl pressed down with a bit more force, her tone turning serious.
"You can't say things like that, Oguri. That hurts people's feelings. You must never say something like that again, understand?"
Pinned in a sensitive spot, Oguri Cap nodded vigorously, wearing an expression that screamed "I completely understand."
"So dumb…" Platinum muttered under her breath.
Meanwhile, back at the trainer's office, Mr. Musaka had found himself in a troublesome situation, stuck with a persistent pest.
"Hey, I told you I've got no comment! Why are you still following me!"
Finally fed up, Mr. Musaka turned and roared, his fierce face creating an intensely intimidating atmosphere.
"Oh haha, still as scary as ever. As expected of a veteran."
A man who looked utterly frivolous and unreliable, complete with glasses, was tailing Mr. Musaka. Even after being yelled at, face covered in spittle, he refused to back down.
"I've got permission this time! The Chairman herself gave me special interview privileges. You can't violently eject me now."
"Hmph. You got lucky, kid. But let me make one thing clear."
Trainer Musaka raised his cane, pointing it directly at the man's nose. His expression and tone were so menacing, he could have passed for a mob boss.
"Whether you get your interview depends entirely on the Uma Musume's own willingness."
"If she's not agreeable and you try sneaking photos... you'll find out why those famous reporters vanished from the public eye."
Gulp.
The reporter's throat moved. Cold sweat poured uncontrollably down his forehead. He raised his hands high in immediate surrender.
"I understand, I understand. I'll definitely know my limits."
"Better if you do."
Trainer Musaka adjusted his hat and headed back towards the track.
--+--
"Alright, I'm back. How are you all getting along?"
Seeing the peaceful scene before him, Musaka nodded in satisfaction. "Looks pretty good."
Indeed, the scene was quite harmonious.
Oguri Cap was lying contentedly with her head in Nearl's lap, letting Nearl carefully groom her tail.
Platinum, meanwhile, was quietly leaning against Nearl's other shoulder, seemingly resting with her eyes closed.
"Mr. Musaka, you're back."
Noticing the trainer's return, Nearl gently nudged Oguri Cap, who was resting on her leg, rousing the simpleton from her comfortable state.
"Mmm…"
Oguri Cap reluctantly climbed off the soft lap, then shook out her tail, now neatly groomed by Nearl.
"Margaret, my tail feels so light."
Oguri Cap acted like she'd found a treasure, her starry-eyed expression bringing a smile to Nearl's face as well.
"That's normal. I gave you a bit of a massage while I was grooming you. There are many pressure points on an Uma Musume's tail."
After saying this, Nearl turned her gaze to the unfamiliar man holding a camera behind them, her eyes showing a trace of confusion.
"But, sir, you are…?"
Although Nearl had asked, the reporter still seemed dazed.
His hand, holding the camera, was trembling wildly, as if he was desperately suppressing the urge to start snapping pictures.
'Margaret Nearl... she's actually here! Fantastic! They're all Uma Musume from Kasamatsu, and so close... I smell a huge story brewing…'
"…"
Nearl's brow was now furrowed. This reporter in front of her was giving her a very bad feeling.
Her irritation also seeped into Platinum's awareness. Compared to Nearl, Platinum's personality was far less friendly and restrained.
She stood up and scrutinized the man, her gaze gradually sharpening.
"…"
A chill shot from the soles of his feet straight to the crown of his head. The reporter instantly felt a layer of cold sweat break out on his back. His heart began to pound wildly, and his ears filled with static.
He opened his mouth, but no words came out. A phantom pain at the back of his head made him feel as if a gun were pressed firmly against his skull.
It felt like an eternity.
Just as he felt he couldn't hold on any longer, his legs turning to jelly, the pressure finally vanished.
Recovering, he immediately began gasping for air.
"Haah… Haah…"
His heavy panting naturally drew puzzled looks from the others. Trainer Musaka spoke up with concern.
"Hey, you alright? Feeling unwell?"
"Haha… Maybe. I'll go see a doctor after I head back today."
The now-frightened reporter spoke meekly. Any thought of digging up a big story was gone. He honestly began his introduction.
"Well, my name is Fujii Kyosuke. I'm a journalist by trade. I came here this time with the Academy Chairman's permission, hoping to document some news."
As soon as the words were out, Trainer Musaka interjected.
"While that's what he says, you all have the right to refuse. He wouldn't dare write anything underhanded."
"That's right. So, I'll seek your approval before publishing anything."
Fujii Kyosuke said obediently.
"I don't mind." Oguri Cap expressed her indifference.
"I'm fine with it too, though I hope you'll exercise some restraint in your writing." After a moment's consideration, Nearl reluctantly agreed.
But Platinum offered no such courtesy.
"Don't bother me. I hate the spotlight."
"Haha, haha…"
Under Platinum's glare, Fujii instinctively flinched back, completely shedding his usual thick-skinned demeanor.
"Alright, that's enough chit-chat. Miss Centaurea, if you'd please head to the track."
Rapping his cane, Trainer Musaka prepared to start the next training session.
But his words sparked excitement first in Oguri Cap. Platinum just replied nonchalantly.
As she leisurely got up and headed towards the track, Oguri Cap, who had already dashed ahead, was busy doing warm-up stretches.
"Centaurea, let's run a race together!"
She said with brimming enthusiasm.
--+--
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.