"Indeed, it really broadened my perspective. So everyone is... this fiercely decisive in their actions?"
"No, no, no, I think you've misunderstood something?"
Seeing the grave expression on Nearl's face, Symboli Rudolf hurriedly waved her hands. She really didn't want this pure-hearted junior to get the wrong idea about the other Uma Musume.
"It's just that their... initiative is a bit strong, that's all."
"Things like adding spicy ingredients to someone's food, showing up at the trainer's dorm in pajamas at night, casually leaning in for hugs during daily interactions, getting visibly upset when other Uma Musume talk to their trainer, secretly drafting a year-long conquest plan after recognizing their destined person, forcefully inserting themselves into their trainer's life plans... and so on—none of that actually happens!"
"..."
"..."
Nearl silently rose from the sofa and wordlessly moved toward the student council door.
"Wait! I was just giving examples! None of it is true!"
Rudolf desperately explained, cold sweat even beading on her temples.
She had a feeling that if she couldn't make Nearl understand, the reputation of Uma Musume might face some fatal issues in the future.
"But President, your examples were so detailed, so vivid it felt like I was there witnessing them myself. Are you sure they aren't things you've actually seen?"
"They're fake! How could I have seen such things? I was just racking my brains to come up with something convincing!"
Rudolf was now so flustered she began gesturing with sign language, as if using two modes of expression would emphasize her seriousness.
"Hmm... Alright, I'll take your word for it."
After a moment's thought, Nearl reluctantly nodded. Rudolf's usual image in her mind was still very upright and reliable.
Out of this trust, Nearl forced herself not to dwell on the unnervingly realistic feel of those earlier examples.
Ahem. "Anyway, the point of all this is just to let you know one thing: in the future, if you need anything, you don't have to shoulder it alone. Just go to them directly. As the hidden senior figures, they are far from the harmless personas they appear to be."
"This time, while their review of you was partly for appearances due to public opinion, it was also a convenient opportunity to get to know and talk with you."
"After all, everyone knows the Radiant Knight is now the 'strongest' Uma Musume. Establishing communication early is good for everyone."
"And personally, I also hope you get along well with them."
Sitting back in her chair, Symboli Rudolf regained her dignified composure, mentally discarding the image of her earlier frantic explanations.
...Perhaps she could discard it.
"After all, you are the sole candidate I have in mind for the next student council president. For those of us who will bear the responsibility for the happiness and stable lives of the Uma Musume, having the closest possible ties with friendly groups is essential, especially with these natural allies."
"I understand. Thank you for your help and kindness, President Rudolf."
"Oh? That phrasing... can I take it as you've already agreed?"
The ears atop her head swayed happily.
Although Rudolf had been certain from the start that Nearl would accept the presidency, getting this clear response felt like fulfilling some sense of mission. A feeling of changing eras rose within her.
From her era, to Tamamo Cross, to Oguri Cap, and now to Nearl. Whether as a senior or a friend, she felt content with the current situation.
This was the sentiment Nearl, this fellow traveler, brought her. Rudolf believed Nearl would do even better than she had in the future.
"If the role of president can help many people, then I have no choice but to take it."
"Beautifully said!"
Rudolf clapped her hands together with a loud, crisp sound. She had always felt heartened by Nearl's character of caring for others.
"But it's not needed just yet. Right now, your focus should solely be on races and enjoying your youth. I have no plans to vacate this chair beneath me for another two or three years."
Playfully patting the armrest of her seat, Rudolf's gaze was gentle.
"It's still too early for you to join the student council now. At the very least, wait until you enter your older years."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you don't need to stay here. Rather than spending time with an antique of a senior like me, you're better off being with friends your own age. It's more than enough that you were willing to listen to my ramblings for so long."
Faced with Rudolf's "dismissal," Nearl didn't insist on staying.
Both she and Rudolf were far from idle people; finding this time to talk was already a sign of their deep bond.
"Then I'll take my leave, President—"
Beep, beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep-boop...
Nearl stood up, but before she could finish, her pocket suddenly rang.
The ringtone was old-fashioned yet seemed to echo in one's heart. Rudolf instinctively reached toward her own phone pocket.
The two exchanged a glance, and Rudolf made a "please go ahead" gesture.
"Hello, this is Nearl speaking. May I ask... Tamamo-senpai?"
"Nearl!! Come save me!!"
Nearl's placid expression shifted with the voice coming through the phone—from initial surprise to confusion, then from confusion to speechlessness. Finally, she let out a deep sigh.
"Yes, I understand. Please stay where you are and don't wander around. I'll be there within about twenty minutes."
"Oh! Thank you! You're a lifesaver! When I get to the academy, I'll treat you to my family's fried tofu."
"Let's talk about that once I've picked you up, Senior."
Click.
Snapping the phone shut, Nearl turned to Rudolf, who wore an "I'm so curious" expression.
Nearl didn't look particularly hurried; clearly, Tamamo Cross wasn't in any real trouble.
"President, I'll take my leave now. Tamamo-senpai miscalculated the taxi fare back and is now stranded halfway. She also has a lot of luggage and can't just leave it there and run back, so she hopes I can help."
"I bet it's not that she didn't bring enough money, but that she brought none at all."
Hearing about Tamamo's predicament, Rudolf wasn't surprised at all.
"Tamamo has always been like that—tight-fisted with herself. Even though she's already the first Uma Musume to achieve consecutive spring and autumn championship wins, she still lives as cautiously as an undeveloped rookie, with no desire to spend money at all."
"Taking a taxi probably still counts as a luxury in Tamamo-senpai's book. Anyway, I'll head out now."
Bidding farewell to Rudolf, Nearl turned to leave.
"Tamamo-senpai is at a train station quite far from Tracen. If I take a taxi there, she'll feel embarrassed seeing me spend money and might even try to pay me back, which would defeat the purpose of picking her up."
"The subway is too crowded; being recognized would be a real hassle. I guess running there is the only option?"
After a moment's thought, Nearl reached a conclusion.
"Right, I'll run. This distance isn't strenuous for me anyway, since sprinting isn't allowed on the roads."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.