Chapter 3: Treatment
"There's a simulated race at the academy this afternoon. Go take a look. Sign a Uma Musume as soon as possible." Rudolf said without looking up.
"Huh? I just got back and I have to work already?" Kisei pointed at his still-unopened suitcase. "Besides, I don't know anything about the Uma Musume at the academy who haven't debuted yet."
"That's exactly why you should go."
Kisei sighed. After a year and a half on a business trip, he hadn't even unpacked before being exploited by his boss. He really was destined for a life of hard work.
"Also, there's a dinner gathering tonight. Remember to answer your phone." Rudolf added.
"I..."
"I have work to do. See you tonight."
"You..."
Bang!
Kisei closed the door with a little extra force, expressing his small protest in this way.
"Trainer Hoshino, long time no see."
As soon as he stepped out, a woman wearing a green hat and a green dress was already waiting quietly nearby. Tazuna Hayakawa, the chairman's secretary, known throughout the academy as the 'Green Demon'.
"Miss Hayakawa, long time no see. You're as beautiful as ever." Kisei greeted her familiarly.
Tazuna smiled slightly: "Trainer Hoshino, please come with me. Your previous dormitory has been cleared out. The academy has arranged new accommodations for you."
"Cleared out? Who did it?"
"There were two keys to your room. Who had the other one... you should know better than I do, right?" Tazuna's smile deepened.
Kisei understood. Of course, who else could it be but Rudolf.
"Where's the new dorm? Is it still a single room?"
"No, it's not." Tazuna turned to lead the way. "During your absence, the academy reallocated some land and expanded considerably. What's been arranged for you is a standalone two-story apartment."
"Standalone? Two stories?" Kisei was somewhat surprised. He knew Tracen Academy was financially strong, but this kind of treatment was a bit too generous.
Could it really be as the saying goes: "As soon as I leave, the school builds something new"?
"Yes. This was originally a privilege reserved for top-tier Trainers, but President Rudolf specifically approved preparing one for you." Tazuna stopped and turned to look at him seriously. "She said that her achievements today owe much to you. Trainer Hana thinks so too."
After saying this, Tazuna suddenly bowed deeply and respectfully.
"Miss Hayakawa, what are you..."
"In the early years, many children couldn't receive timely treatment due to inadequate facilities and limited medical standards, ultimately losing their qualifications to run, or even giving up on their dreams." Tazuna straightened up, her gaze warm and firm. "Even today, such regrets still occur occasionally. And among Trainers willing to travel far across the seas to study intensively for these children, Trainer Hoshino, you are the first."
Kisei suddenly felt the weight on his shoulders grow a little heavier, yet a warm current surged in his heart.
Rudolf's thoughtfulness, Hana Toujou's recognition, Tazuna Hayakawa's trust. These were the reasons he persisted in this profession.
"Thank you for your trust, Miss Hayakawa."
The two left the office building and walked side by side toward the newly built dormitory area. Kisei couldn't help but feel anticipation. What would a top-tier Trainer's apartment be like?
At Central Tracen, a Trainer's rank directly relates to their authority, status, and treatment.
Trainee Trainer
Monthly Salary: 200,000 ~ 250,000 yen
Benefits: Basic social insurance, academy dormitory (or housing allowance)
Job Responsibilities: Assist senior trainers, learn training planning, assist with health management, handle logistical affairs.
Now, Kisei is a full-fledged Trainer with a maximum monthly salary of 450,000 yen and the ability to contract Uma Musume. When the Uma Musume under his charge wins race prize money, the Trainer receives a 5% bonus commission, tax-free.
Walking through the academy, passing Uma Musume occasionally greeted Tazuna. This secretary, who had been dedicated here since the academy's founding, was deeply respected and beloved by all.
Upon reaching the dormitory area, Kisei gazed at the two-story apartment that belonged to him and once again marveled—the chairman's power truly was limitless.
"Trainer Hoshino, this will be your residence," Tazuna stood by the fence gate, her smile as gentle as a maid awaiting her master's return.
"Very nice," Kisei nodded.
"Then, I won't disturb you any further."
After Tazuna left, Kisei pushed open the fence and stepped into his own little world.
The first floor consisted of a living room and kitchen, while the second floor had a study and bedroom, each with its own bathroom, and the bath was located on the second floor. He set down his luggage and carefully inspected every corner.
For a long time to come, this would likely be where he spent most of his time.
Lying on the soft bed in the bedroom, Kisei looked up at the ceiling and murmured to himself, "Who will be my first Uma Musume?"
Fatigue gradually washed over him. The over ten-hour flight, combined with Maruzensky's deadly journey, had left his entire body sore and weary. Unconsciously, he fell into a deep sleep.
...
At 3 p.m., the academy's class-ending bell woke Kisei.
He took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and stepped out of the apartment feeling refreshed.
"Eh?!"
"Hoshino?!"
The moment he stepped out the door, an exclamation came from next door.
Kisei turned and saw a familiar face.
"Senior Okino, you live here too?"
"I should be the one asking you that!" Okino Koji laughed as he walked over. "When did you get back?"
"Just this morning. I rested in my room for a while," Kisei replied. "Where are you heading, Senior?"
"Perfect timing! I was just about to watch the simulation races. Want to join me?"
Kisei nodded. "I was planning to go too. Let's go together."
...
The training grounds at Tracen Academy were among the world's finest—stretches of Turf, neatly maintained Dirt tracks, undulating slopes. Long Distance, Middle Distance, Mile, Short Distance—every type of professional track was available, and not just one of each.
By now, the area around Training Ground No. 3 was gradually bustling with activity. Uma Musume who had just finished school arrived in small groups, some still in their uniforms, others already changed into lightweight athletic wear. The youthful energy seemed to brighten the very air around them.
"Ah, youth!"
Kisei couldn't help but sigh as he watched this flowing scenery.
"Young people~"
Beside him, Koji crossed his arms, his tone carrying the unique blend of teasing and nostalgia characteristic of someone who had been through it all.
The two walked over to the grassy area beside the training ground and casually sat down cross-legged. Kisei nudged Koji with his shoulder, a challenging smile in his voice.
"Senior, for today's simulation races, do you have any Uma Musume you've got your eye on? If so, you'd better say so now. Otherwise, if I end up snatching them away later, don't blame me."
Koji turned at the words, looking Kisei up and down.
"You?"
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on the empty hands.
"You want to sign an Uma Musume without preparing anything?"
Usually, if a Trainer had a particular Uma Musume in mind to sign, they would at least prepare two things.
One was how to promote themselves, and the other was a preliminary training plan tailored to the other party, to demonstrate professionalism and sincerity. Even if it was a spur-of-the-moment interest, they would at least try to accomplish the first step.
For experienced Trainers, sometimes just by observing a single simulation race, they could accurately point out the Uma Musume's strengths and weaknesses. This in itself was proof of ability and could greatly increase their bargaining power for signing.
But the Kisei before him had nothing in his hands, looking as leisurely as if he were just out for a stroll. Koji couldn't imagine what this kid planned to use to compete with other well-prepared Trainers if he really did spot a promising talent later.