"Can you tell me about it?"
Nearl gazed kindly at the suddenly energized little filly before her, deliberately encouraging her.
You had to admit, children were easy to please, and Nearl was well-versed in that art.
Just by chatting with her about things related to the Mejiro family—including their past honors and status—she would light up with joy.
"So, Mejiro is currently recognized as the undisputed ruler of long-distance races. The glory of the Spring Tenno Sho is the strongest proof of that."
Patting her own flat little chest, a now fully animated McQueen had completely shed the stiff, aristocratic demeanor she had when they first met. She was no different from any other child proudly boasting about her parents.
"Little McQueen, you really love the Mejiro family, don't you?"
Nearl smiled and gently stroked the head of the little McQueen seated on her knee. The warm, comfortable sensation made McQueen narrow her eyes in contentment.
"Of course! In the future, I'll become an Uma Musume who carries the glory of the Mejiro name. I'll aim for the long-distance crown—the Tenno Sho (Spring)!"
Puffing up her small ears with pride, little McQueen declared her grand ambitions.
"That's no easy feat, but I believe you can do it, McQueen. Keep chasing your goal. That's what being an Uma Musume is all about."
Nearl offered her encouragement. She knew full well McQueen's potential; she truly was an Uma Musume worthy of the Mejiro name.
"Then... can I become as amazing as you one day?"
The words spoken by the little one in her arms caught Nearl off guard.
"Ah, that reminds me—you called me by name when we first met. Do you know who I am?"
Smoothing McQueen's hair, Nearl asked curiously. The question made McQueen blush slightly.
"Mhm, I saw the reports. The 30-length victory in the Spring Welcome Cup. It was really amazing."
"So you saw the coverage of that race?"
"I want to become a strong Uma Musume like you, Miss Nearl! If I can be like you, the Mejiro family's glory will shine even brighter."
McQueen's eyes sparkled—a mix of admiration for Nearl and motivation for herself.
"Haha, strength isn't the only thing that matters. You'll come to understand that there are many things far beyond what 'strength' alone can encompass. But for now, it's fine to start with that as your goal."
Nearl gently tapped McQueen's forehead with her fingertip, offering mild advice.
"Besides, you should be feeling a bit calmer now, right? Remember to thank everyone when you go back. They were all very understanding of you this time."
"Mm, I know."
McQueen nodded obediently. She was aware her earlier behavior hadn't been great, but everyone had still shown her understanding, which touched her deeply.
"Let's head back then."
Taking McQueen's hand, Nearl led her back.
"If you feel afraid, then start working hard, McQueen. Work hard until you can shoulder the entire Mejiro legacy. Work hard until the Mejiro family is proud to have you."
"..."
McQueen didn't respond to Nearl's words. She hung her head low, her expression hidden from view.
But deep within her eyes burned a resolute light—the kind of conviction only found in those who have discovered their ultimate purpose in life.
--+--
"So this is Central Tracen? It really does feel more substantial seeing it in person compared to brochures or TV reports."
Walking alongside Platinum on the campus, Oguri Cap's mother expressed a polite curiosity about everything around her.
Back in her own days as an Uma Musume, there hadn't been so many fancy, well-equipped training facilities. She hadn't even made a name for herself before retiring.
Even turf tracks felt somewhat novel to her, as she'd never raced on one before retiring.
Platinum looked helplessly at the curious mother-turned-tourist beside her but resigned herself to answering all her questions.
"Centaurea, are you doing alright?"
A sudden greeting came from behind, carrying a familiar energy and simple honesty.
"Sakura Chiyono O, hello."
Platinum didn't even turn around, yet she accurately identified the Uma Musume behind her.
"That's me! How have you been lately? Managed to get in any good runs?"
Chiyono bounded up enthusiastically, her face beaming with a cheerful smile—until she noticed the presence beside Platinum, and her smile vanished.
"Oguri Cap? Why? How did you get so... big?"
Chiyono's ears shot straight up in shock. She stared blankly at the dramatically altered Oguri Cap before her, even feeling an urge to reach out and touch her.
Hehe.
Oguri Cap's mother made no attempt to correct her. Instead, she deliberately leaned down, offering herself to Chiyono's probing hands.
"Whoa, this hair..."
Without a hint of suspicion, Chiyono reached out—squeezing her shoulders, smoothing her hair, even teasing her ears.
"So, what do you think? Big change, right?"
Oguri Cap's mother asked with a smile, her entire demeanor radiating gentleness. It made Chiyono blush slightly, as if being doted on by an elder.
"It's huge! What happened to you, Oguri Cap? Such a big change... Did you get a boyfriend?!"
"Are you an idiot?"
Platinum finally couldn't take it anymore and delivered a sharp retort.
"Does this look like Oguri Cap to you? Aren't you her friend? There's no 'suddenly grew up overnight' setting here! Even for Uma Musume, that's impossible!"
"Ehehe..."
Chiyono scratched her head awkwardly, trying to laugh it off with a foolish grin.
"Sigh. Let me introduce her. This is Oguri Cap's mother. She came today to check on her daughter's condition before the Japan Cup. Your behavior just now was extremely rude, you know."
Watching Chiyono's face grow progressively paler, Platinum maintained a cool exterior while secretly smirking inside.
"Oguri Cap's... mother? Auntie..."
Chiyono's eyes began to spin. She turned and stared intently at Oguri Cap's mother.
Smile.
Auntie Oguri continued to gaze at her with that same affectionate, understanding smile, which only made Chiyono more embarrassed.
"So—so—so—sorry!"
With that shout, Sakura Chiyono O abruptly bent at the waist, performing a perfect ninety-degree bow.
Her loud voice carried far, and many Musume heard that apology.
"So noisy... Was that Chiyono?"
Oguri Cap paused her training, turning a confused gaze toward the hall area.
"Oguri! Get moving! Training isn't over yet!"
Beside her, a short-haired Uma Musume with two small braids tied near her ears cheered her on.
--+--
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.