That afternoon, the third-year Uma Musume weren't studying in their classrooms. Instead, they had all gathered on the sports field.
"Students! Everyone!"
The female teacher at the front raised her voice, calling out twice to make sure all the Uma Musume were focused on her before continuing.
"…This afternoon, two seniors from Central Tracen Academy will be visiting to observe your training. Every one of you must give your absolute best during today's session!"
"Teacher, I have a question!"
An Uma Musume standing at the far left of the front row raised her hand. "Do you know which two seniors are coming?"
"One of them is the current President of Central Tracen Academy's Student Council."
"The current Student Council President?"
The neatly lined-up rows stirred with excitement. "We're going to see Symboli Rudolf?!"
"Why else would I specifically emphasize bringing your best for this afternoon's training?"
The teacher, her hair tied in a single ponytail, tapped the black notebook in her hand. "Alright, that's all I have to say. You may begin your warm-up exercises now… Oh, one more thing."
Before dismissing them, she scanned the group and easily spotted a certain white-haired Uma Musume among the nearly fifty students. "Bless the Moment, as usual, you can either return to the classroom or wait in the stands until training is over."
"Understood."
Bless the Moment responded when her name was called.
Rudolf's coming?
Leaving the formation, Bless the Moment headed toward the stands.
What's she doing here? To watch the junior high students train?
Does she have that much free time? Is her Student Council work all done?
…She's not here to 'recruit' from the junior high again, is she? Has that old habit flared up?
The white-haired Uma Musume muttered to herself, recalling some past incidents.
But who's the other Uma Musume with her?
"Bless—!"
Just as she was speculating whether the other one might be a Student Council member, a voice calling out from a distance cut her train of thought.
She saw Kitasan Black waving at her. "After training, Dia and I will come find you in the stands!"
"Got it!"
Bless the Moment smiled and nodded to show she'd heard.
--+--
"So, you dumped all the Student Council work on Air Groove again?"
After parking the car by the roadside, the brown-haired, blue-eyed Uma Musume looked at Symboli Rudolf, who had already stepped out from the passenger seat. "Poor Air Groove."
"I'll bring her something as an apology when we get back."
Symboli Rudolf, looking a bit pale, leaned one hand on the hood of the car, her voice slightly unsteady. "…I never should have let you drive."
"What's wrong with my driving?"
Maruzensky twirled the keyring around her index finger. "The GPS said it would take an hour, but I got us here in forty-six minutes. Saved over ten minutes—isn't that great?"
"You… just give me the keys."
Symboli Rudolf, fighting back nausea, reached out toward Maruzensky. "I'm driving on the way back."
"Aww… I so rarely get to drive. Let me take the wheel on the way back too~"
Seeing Rudolf's hand reaching for the keys on her finger, Maruzensky quickly changed the subject. "It's getting late. Those kids have probably started training already. We should head in."
"…I'll take a taxi back."
Unable to get the keys, Symboli Rudolf hesitated for a moment before speaking to Maruzensky, who was already walking ahead.
Rather than endure another ride with Maruzensky, she'd much rather take a comfortable taxi back.
"Is that so… Well then, I'll take 'Tā-chan' out and pick up Ms. Tazuna for a spin~"
Maruzensky didn't seem bothered and replied cheerfully.
Since they had already been in contact with the school staff beforehand, the security guard, having received notice from above, didn't stop them and even pointed out the direction to the school's sports field.
"I'll wait for you in the stands, then~"
Arriving at the field and seeing Rudolf head straight onward, Maruzensky waved, turned around, and walked toward the stands.
It's just too hot today. Instead of watching the junior high Uma Musume train up close like Rudolf, I'd rather find some shade and rest a bit… Hm?
As she climbed up into the stands, Maruzensky noticed the white-haired Uma Musume in her line of sight and was quite surprised.
Her uniform… Is she a student at this school?
But why is she sitting up here?
"Who are you?"
The white-haired Uma Musume sitting not far away also noticed the brown-haired Uma Musume entering the stands.
Tilting her head as the other approached, the white-haired girl asked curiously.
"Little one, why are you sitting up here?"
Walking over to her, Maruzensky pointed toward the lively field below. "Aren't you going down to join your classmates?"
"You're one of the seniors visiting our training today, right?"
The white-haired Uma Musume stared at her for a moment before stating with certainty.
"That's right."
Maruzensky sat down beside her. "But you still haven't answered my question, little one."
"My body… can't handle training or competing."
The white-haired Uma Musume's tone grew somewhat subdued. "That's why I'm not down there."
"Oh… I see…"
Maruzensky's expression tightened slightly, her curiosity now replaced with regret.
…What have I done?
Looking at the downcast white-haired young Uma Musume, Maruzensky felt a pang of guilt.
All the other Uma Musume her age were training on the field, while she could only sit here alone, merely a spectator.
It must hurt her, deep down, right?
I have to make it up to her somehow.
So the one who came with Rudolf was Maruzen…
Keeping her head lowered, Bless the Moment stole a glance at Maruzensky sitting beside her.
No wonder Rudolf's steps seemed a bit unsteady earlier. If Maruzensky was the one who drove her here, it all made sense.
You actually dared to ride in Maruzensky's car… Symboli Rudolf, you've got some nerve.
"Miss, you're Maruzensky-senpai, right?"
"Hm? You know me?"
Hearing Bless the Moment's question, Maruzensky was a little surprised.
"Yes."
Maruzensky watched as the white-haired Uma Musume nodded.
"My dad really loves watching recordings of your races, so I recognized you right away."
"I see…"
Thinking the young white-haired Uma Musume might be a fan, Maruzensky reached into her pocket.
Finding a strawberry-flavored hard candy inside, she pressed it into the other's palm. "I was in a bit of a hurry today and didn't bring anything with me. Here's a piece of candy for now. Can you forgive me?"
"Forgive you?"
She saw the white-haired Uma Musume blink in confusion. "…Maruzensky-senpai, you didn't do anything wrong. What would I need to forgive?"
--+--
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.