A few days later, the race arrived as scheduled, and Nearl's group also arrived punctually at the Kasamatsu racecourse.
"Nearl, are you feeling nervous at all?"
On the way there, Kitahara let out a dry chuckle. Trying to ease his own nerves, he turned the question back on her.
"Relax, Trainer. There's nothing to worry about. We've prepared well."
Nearl was as steady as ever, her presence a pillar of stability for their morale. Simply sitting there with a smile, she somehow radiated an incredible sense of security.
"Besides, it seems today's situation isn't as bad as we imagined." Her Golden Pegasus ears twitched slightly, and the smile on her face grew more confident and warm.
"Huh? What do you mean by that, Nearl?"
This seemingly out-of-nowhere remark left both Kitahara and Everlamp bewildered. A random thought popped into their heads:
'Damn riddles, get out of Uma Musume!'
But as they neared their destination, they noticed something unusual.
"Why does it feel... surprisingly lively at the racetrack?"
Kitahara sounded almost disbelieving. He and Everlamp exchanged a look of pleasant surprise, their earlier resignation to defeat instantly vanishing.
"Could it be that the audience was willing to come, even knowing not many Uma Musume would be competing?"
"Then we don't have to worry about Nearl-senpai putting on a one-woman show!"
"Yay!"
The two shared a childish high-five, drawing a soft laugh from Nearl watching beside them.
When they reached the entrance of the venue, several familiar figures were waiting for them.
"Just like you, right on time."
The dapple-grey Uma Musume with crimson eyes glanced at the lady's watch on her wrist and greeted Nearl in a relaxed tone.
"March, what are you doing here?"
Nearl was pleasantly surprised. She stepped forward and gave the other a friendly, respectful hug, which Fujimasa March promptly returned.
"Nearl, for this race, I'll be your opponent."
Releasing Nearl, Fujimasa March pointed a thumb at herself, a confident grin on her face.
"I probably have a good idea how this will end, but running with you is fun, so I don't mind."
"Eh! Fujimasa, you're a participant today? I didn't see your name before!"
Kitahara, overhearing this from behind, looked utterly confused.
"Because I decided to enter after reading about the situation in the reports. You probably hadn't checked the list again those last few days."
"Trainer, that's not important right now," Nearl chided gently, glancing at Kitahara. "March joined this race to help me. We should thank her properly first."
"Well then, I'll gladly accept your thanks. In return, let's have a good race together."
"That goes without saying."
Nearl and March locked eyes, their gazes filled with nothing but a resolute will to compete.
"And me, me! Are you forgetting about me?"
The voice of Norn Ace cut in from behind, abruptly inserting herself into the conversation.
"I entered this race too!"
"Norn-senpai?" / "How did you manage that?"
Both Nearl and Fujimasa were utterly surprised by Norn's appearance.
Their questions differed, but the meaning was the same. Fujimasa March's tone, in particular, held clear skepticism.
"I recall your prize money shouldn't be enough to enter a SPII race like the Kasamatsu Year-End Prize."
"I didn't have much hope either, but maybe the organizers wanted more participants. They set the entry bar really low."
Norn Ace remembered feeling relieved when her application was approved. The thought of being rejected for insufficient qualifications after mentally preparing for a loss would have been much worse.
"Anyway, I'm an opponent in this race too. Pleased to meet you, Nearl."
"Likewise, Senpai. I look forward to it."
Norn Ace held out her palm. Understanding the gesture, Nearl stepped up and gave it a firm slap.
"Ok! I'll head off to prepare now then. Bye~~"
With that, Norn Ace promptly withdrew, maintaining her usual stylish flair as she briskly walked into the racetrack.
"It's about that time; I should go prepare too. See you on the track, Nearl."
Following suit, Fujimasa March also took her leave, leaving only Nearl's group at the entrance.
"See, Trainer? The worst-case scenario didn't happen."
Nearl turned to look at Kitahara Jo, her expression as calm as ever.
"We have Senpai and the others to thank for their help."
"True, but I think that's a testament to your charm, Nearl. So many people willing to lend a hand like this is really something special."
Tugging on his cap, Kitahara gazed at Nearl with a sigh of admiration.
"By the way, Nearl, have you grown a bit taller?"
"Perhaps..."
Amidst such conversation, Team Nearl also moved toward the preparation area.
--+--
"Hello, everyone! This is the commentary booth, welcoming all viewers to this special Kasamatsu Year-End Prize!"
"Due to certain circumstances, only six Uma Musume have entered this race, quite different from previous years."
"Indeed, but the audience turnout hasn't suffered at all. Their faces are still full of anticipation."
"Honestly, the reason is pretty obvious, isn't it? What else would they come to the racetrack for but the Uma Musume?"
"True enough. Then let's quickly get to the main event!"
With that, the two commentators finished their opening remarks, and the Uma Musume took to the presentation stage accordingly.
"First up, currently ranked 6th in popularity: Norn Ace! While this Uma Musume lacks standout achievements, her unwavering courage is something to look forward to!"
--+--
"Ranked 2nd in popularity! The renowned powerhouse of Kasamatsu, Fujimasa March! Usually aiming for SPI races, she's descended upon this SPII ! What is her goal here?"
With the small number of participants, the presentation segment was relatively short, but the excitement level was no less intense. It reached its peak when Nearl made her entrance.
Walking with her characteristically steady stride, Nearl stepped onto the presentation stage. The venue grew noisy under her gaze.
"It seems the audience is expecting and supporting me so much."
Sensing the myriad emotions contained within the spectators' stares, Nearl felt a wave of understanding.
"It seems I must respond in kind."
Clenching her right fist, she thrust it forcefully toward the sky. Without uttering a single word, this gesture alone summoned a tidal wave of cheers for Nearl.
The commentators seized the moment for her introduction.
"And here she is! The top pick for this race: Margaret Nearl! Look at this support—almost the entire audience is cheering for her!"
"But we all know she's worthy of such expectation and affection. Can Nearl seize victory as brilliantly as always in this race? Let's wait and see!"
--+--
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.