"Mi-Milord-san! Milord-san!"
Faintly, I heard a very gentle voice. A voice that kept pulling me deeper into my subconscious.
"Milord-san!"
It was becoming clearer now. I could even feel something soft pressing against my cheek. Squishing it like mochi.
"Milord-san! Wake up!"
"Uhee… tinutuan is sooo good…"
I felt my blanket being tugged. "Milord-san! It's already morning! You'll be late!"
"Just a sec… one more bite…"
"Oh, honestly. Trainer-san will scold us later."
"Trai… ner?"
Slowly, light seeped into my world. A middle-aged man in a white cap appeared. He scooped up a spoonful and tried to feed me. The classic "airplane" spoon came flying toward my mouth—complete with a sweet, almost coquettish smile on his masculine lips.
"Aaah…"
—"NOOOO!"
"Huwwaaa!"
I jolted awake from the nightmare. Right in front of me, Salva was shrieking in fear.
"Mi-Milord-san! Please don't scare me like that!"
"Ah! S-Sorry, Salva."
"Honestly, you… Hurry up! We've got morning practice today."
"O-Okay!"
I quickly went to shower, changed my clothes, and got ready. Meanwhile, Salva waited for me in front of the dorm room door.
"Let's go!" I called.
"Mm!"
And just like that, my first day at Tracen Dormitory passed. After registering with Team Emerald yesterday, I'd been paired with this kid as roommates.
Salvatore Minang. From Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. A land of kings with a long-standing tradition of horse-girl racing from the old days to now. For the nobility there, Uma Musume races are a stage to display their prowess and capture the royal family's attention. A symbol of status among elites and datuk.
Maybe that background was why he'd become such a tough Uma, just like I said yesterday. I couldn't afford to underestimate him if we ever faced each other in a race.
For some reason, I'm surrounded by incredible Uma. From the kid walking beside me, to Gavi and Argentine from the King Halim Family—a noble lineage that has produced outstanding horse girls for generations. Lady Aria, Lady Jay, Cinderella Jatim, the Queen sisters. Even my sister once fought desperately against one of them in the Pertiwi Cup.
Not to mention the Long-Distance Queen—Queen Thalassa. The strongest stayer of this era. Someone I truly admire. Just like I admire my sister. I was even surprised that my sister could stand at their level. She's even on the same team as them—Team Sapphire.
"What's wrong, Milord-san?"
"Huh? Ah, nothing. Just thinking."
"Thinking?"
"Mm. I finally made it into this academy. Standing among the best Uma in the country. For someone from the countryside like me, that's already something extraordinary."
"R-Really? I'm the same. I'm from a village in West Sumatra too."
"Huh? Seriously?"
Salva nodded. "Ever since I was little, I loved watching horse-girl races near my home. I thought they were amazing. Running that fast. And having so many people cheering for them." He looked up at the bright sky. "I want to be like that."
"…"
"…I want to make Father proud."
Maybe it was just me, but that last sentence sounded lonely. Salva lowered his gaze, then looked at me.
"What about you, Milord-san? What made you want to come to this academy?"
"Me? Well, I…"
"Mm?"
"Of course I want to be the strongest!"
"I thought so." Salva chuckled softly.
But… why did I hesitate earlier? Why did my family's faces flash through my mind?
"…By the way, Milord-san."
"Mm?"
"Um… the back of your uniform is… kind of… open…" he said quietly, blushing.
"Huh? Um? …AAAHH!!!"
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
The bell rang, signaling the end of academic classes.
After what felt like an eternity listening to tedious lessons, it was finally time for training. Without wasting a second, I stuffed my stationery and books into my bag and stood up, turning to the kid behind me.
"Salva, let's hurry!" I said enthusiastically.
"Eh? Y-Yeah."
We headed out, chatting in the corridor. Students bustled all around us. Then I felt something vibrating in my blazer pocket.
I took out my phone and checked the screen.
"Huh? Sis?" I answered. "Hello?"
["Mi-chan. Are you done with class?"]
Strange. She sounded unusually calm. "Yeah. Salva and I are heading to practice. What's up?"
["Can you come here for a moment?"]
"Where?"
["The Student Council room."]
"…!"
["There's someone who wants to meet you. You know where it is, right?"]
"…Yeah. I'll head there."
["Okay. I'll be waiting. Bye!"]
"Bye."
The kid beside me looked curious. "What's wrong, Milord-san?"
"My sister wants me at the Student Council room. Sorry, Salva. You go ahead."
"Ah, okay. See you later."
"Yeah."
I watched Salva leave before turning in a different direction. The corridor felt calm. Students walked back and forth, unhurried.
I kept to the shaded side to avoid the heat, then went down the stairs. The crowd wasn't as dense as before. Luckily, no one stopped me. Being the younger sibling of someone popular can be troublesome.
It didn't take long to arrive. My eyes fell on a small sign reading "Student Council" hanging above the doorway. I knocked three times.
"Excuse me! Milord here!"
"Ah, please come in!"
Hm? That wasn't my sister's voice. But it sounded familiar.
"Ah, excuse me."
I turned the handle and pushed the door open slightly. The first person I saw was my sister, sitting alone on the sofa.
"Huh? Sis?"
She just smiled, a teacup in her hand.
"Hm. So this is your little sister, Sunny-chan?"
"…!" That was the voice I heard earlier.
On one side of the room stood a carved wooden desk and chair. Sitting there was a girl calmly reading. Light filtered through white curtains, falling on her—especially on the green tiara that gleamed softly. Large glasses gave her a composed impression. Her deep crimson hair was elegantly tied up, strands swaying gently in the breeze from the window, enhancing her beauty.
She was so focused on each word that she didn't even look up. Yet somehow, I felt she was fully aware of my presence.
I stared at her for quite a while. Even the simple act of her removing her glasses, placing them atop her book, and setting both on the table was enough to freeze me in place. She turned, offering a warm, gentle smile.
"Please, have a seat."
"Y-Yes."
I obediently sat beside my sister. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to look at her again. Cold sweat formed. The room was quiet—just the breeze and the faint sound of tea being poured.
But something felt strange. Why was my sister so quiet too? Normally she'd be making a fuss, complaining, "Mi-chaaan! You're late! Hmph!"
What is going on?! No wonder she sounded calm on the phone. Is she keeping up appearances in front of this person? Just you wait, liquid soap—I'll rinse—no, repay you later!
"Please."
A teacup was set down in front of me. From the girl whose face I still couldn't properly look at.
"Ah, th-thank you."
Even with my head lowered, I knew she was sitting on the sofa directly across from me. I picked up the cup and took a careful sip. A deep bitterness spread across my tongue—yet strangely, I liked it. I even took another sip before setting it down.
Wait! I'm still uneasy about the girl beside me! How long are you going to keep acting all composed, you liquidsoap!
"Good afternoon, Milord-kun. I apologize for interrupting your training time and asking you to come here."
"Huh? Ah, it's no problem."
"But before that," she set down her cup, "do you know who I am?"
"…!"
Of course I do. Who wouldn't know a legend like her?
The only racer to reign over this academy. The strongest among the strong. Second Triple Crown winner. PON champion. Three-time SuperSprint winner. Three-time StarofStars champion. Even more astonishing—out of 41 races, she won 37.
An achievement no one has surpassed to this day. A truly anomalous strength. A real monster.
That was the terrifying presence before me.
The bearer of the title "TheGreatQueen"—DjoharManik.
"I-I know. You're the Student Council President of this academy."
"No need to be so formal. Relax, okay."
"Eh?! Y-Yes. I'll try."
"Hm?"
"Ah—! I'll try."
She let out a soft laugh at my nervous reaction.
"Well then, first of all, welcome to Indonesia Tracen Academy, Milord-kun. Graduating from this academy is very difficult, but entering with that recommendation is remarkable. It's rare to see an Uma Musume like you."
"Ah, hehe. Thank you very much."
"As you may already know, this school has a special curriculum to train Uma Musume to excel. All facilities are provided to support that goal. Therefore, we expect cooperation from every student in following the school's guidance—especially the Trainers assigned to you. You've already joined a Team. So… Milord-kun, are you listening?"
"Huh? Ah, yes."
"Why do you keep looking down? Are you all right?"
"Y-Yes. I'm fine. Ah— I'm fine."
Good grief! How long am I going to stay this nervous?!
The aura she radiated left me powerless. I was completely unlike my usual self. Even my sister beside me seemed to be saying with her eyes: 'Same. I feel it too.'
After that, I quietly listened to her explanations and instructions, responding only with "Yes" or "No" when she asked.
This girl—so pure in nature. Her gentleness is truly dangerous.
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
"Mi–Milord-san! Milord-san!"
"..."
"Milord-san!"
"Huh?! A-Ah! What is it, Salva?"
"You've been spacing out this whole time. What's wrong?"
Salva looked worried. So did Gavi and Argentine, who were warming up ahead of us. They'd been eyeing me strangely ever since I came back from the Student Council room.
"Ah, no. It's nothing, really."
"What? Did Djohar scold you? What kind of violation did you commit?" Trainer asked.
"I didn't do anything wrong! It's crazy to get written up on my first day!"
"Ahahaha! I'm kidding. I know you didn't. Well, every Uma reacts like that when they meet Djohar for the first time. She's incredibly charismatic. Everyone here holds her in high regard."
"Yeah… I guess."
Honestly, it's more her strong maternal aura. I wanted to say that—but I held it back.
"Alright, everyone! Warm-up's done! Time for the next phase! For today's training, we'll focus on Argentine and Milord. You two will be doing different drills."
"Huh?"
"Different?"
"You're both in the Triple Crown Series, but you're running in different classes. Argentine is debuting. Meanwhile, you're in Beginner C/D, Milord. Your race is 200 meters longer than your last one."
"Understood," I replied.
"For the rest of you: Gavi with Argentine, Salva with Milord. Your job is to support your respective partners' training."
"Yes, sir!" Gavi and Salva answered in unison.
"Milord. I'll be measuring your consistency and stamina first. Three laps at a slow pace. Then three at medium. Finally, two at high speed. You must follow Salva at exactly two meters' distance. No closer, no farther. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Argentine. I've told you this many times. I'm not forbidding you from giving it your all—I know you want to push 100%. But during training, you need to hold back. It's hard for me to evaluate your performance otherwise."
"... Yes." Her face tilted downward slightly.
Hmm. So that's why she always looks worn out during practice? Interesting. My instincts are rarely wrong about people.
"Your debut distance is 800 meters. That means everything depends on your start. The better your start, the better your chances. Short distances demand explosive, precise, instantaneous power. So I'll say it again—hold yourself back."
"... Yes. I understand."
"Alright, everyone. Now go!"
"Yes, sir!"
We split into two groups. Salva and I trained on Track A, while Argentine and Gavi took the shorter Track B. I glanced over at Argentine's expression. An innocent face—but her eyes couldn't lie. She wasn't happy about it.
Salva and I began circling the track, her running ahead of me as instructed. First, slow pace. I tried to keep my whole body as relaxed as possible.
A sea breeze drifted gently through the air. Heat still radiated from the damp dirt after it had been watered. Dust swirled regardless. Honestly, that's what makes running on a dirt track exciting.
Back in my hometown, Tompaso, the air is cool and the scenery still lush. I can breathe in nature freely. But here, the sunlight burns harshly. The heat and humidity of the equator are a serious challenge.
Just three light laps and I already feel this way—what will it be like during a high-intensity race?
And then…
My eyes flicked toward the long black-haired girl on the other track. Running under the blazing sun without even panting. The memory of her torn-up shoes crossed my mind.
"So this is how she's been training all this time…" I muttered.
"Huh? What's wrong, Milord-san?" Salva asked, glancing back.
"Nothing... It's nothing."
Why does something feel stuck in my chest? Is this why I've been irritated?
The racers at the top are the ones with extraordinary talent. Talent that turns you into a monster. Devouring every opponent in your way until no one remains but you at the finish line.
No matter how hard you work, you can't surpass true talent. You can be proud of being a turtle who beats a rabbit—but remember, you beat a lazy rabbit. Try beating a serious one.
That's what I've engraved in my heart all this time. The reason I left my family behind to venture to this land—carrying enormous hopes on my back.
I don't want to be a turtle struggling desperately.
I want to be a serious rabbit.
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
"Good! Your time's pretty solid, Milord. But you need to take the inside line on the curves. You're drifting too wide."
"Yeah, I've always done that."
"You need more practice."
"I understand."
"Argentine. Your time's good too. But you need to stay calmer—especially inside the gate. Remember again! Your distance is very short. The key is the start. Understood?"
"Yes. I understand."
"Alright. That's it for today's training. Grab your things and head back."
"Yes, sir!" we answered together.
"Ah, Gavi—"
"Yes?"
"Come with me to the staff room for a moment. I need to discuss something about your upcoming race."
"Ah, okay!" Gavi turned to us. "I'll be back in a bit. Sorry, I'll leave the rest to you guys."
"It-It's fine, Gavi-chan!" Salva said.
"See you later!"
That left the three of us cleaning up the equipment. I gathered the cones from the track and placed them into the large box Salva carried. Argentine picked up the scattered water bottles and returned them to the cooler box.
Every now and then, my eyes drifted to the girl with the long bangs. Completely at ease in her own world. Truly an introverted horse girl.
I saw Salva heading toward the equipment storage room. That was when I moved.
"Salva, I'll head over there for a bit."
"Huh? Where?"
"Going to help Argentine. So we can finish faster."
"Oh? O-Okay. I'll go to the storage room first."
"Okay."
I turned and walked calmly, my gaze fixed on her. Just one hour of training and her body was already dirty and drenched in sweat. She was cooling down, trying to relax.
Her body was flexible. Strong leg muscles. Lean frame. Truly ideal.
"Hey, introverted horse girl," I greeted as I approached.
"...?"
"Your debut race is soon, right?"
She looked slightly annoyed. "Argentine."
"Hm?"
"My name is Argentine."
"Ah, sorry, sorry. Can I call you Aru? Gavi does, right?"
"... Whatever you want."
She walked away toward the drink box. Naturally, I followed.
"I've heard rumors about you. You train alone every single day."
"... What do you want?"
My eyes sharpened. "You… don't have talent, do you?"
Her hand paused before grabbing a cold bottle. "Why would you think that?"
"Instinct."
"...?" Her eyes demanded an explanation.
"I've run with plenty of Uma. You're the first I've seen like this. You give everything—even in practice. You know you're weak. That's why you push yourself to the limit."
She stayed silent for a moment before opening the bottle. "You're exaggerating." She took a sip. "I'm just training normally."
"Hmm." My gaze dropped to her shoes. "Normally, huh?"
"W-What?"
"How many times have you replaced your shoes?"
Flustered, she tried to hide one of her torn shoes.
"I've been watching you," I continued. "You concentrate all your power into your legs when you run. That's why your shoes tear—they're constantly bearing heavy impact. Yet you can still control your pace. Your body stays stable. Your gaze never wavers forward. You do it consistently. But…"
"...?"
I leaned closer, staring into the blue eyes hidden behind her long bangs.
"It's dull. I don't see any ambition in your eyes."
"...!"
"You know? Ambition is the lifeblood of Uma Musume. But all you do is run and run. That's why you don't have talent."
Her eyes sharpened—more accurately, they grew unsettled.
"Huah! That's scary~! Don't look at me like that! I'm just curious—why do you keep running?"
"Obviously, to train for the race."
"No, no. I want to know your reason. Why do you run? For what? For whom? From that, instinct and drive are born. Your sisters have ambition. So does Gavi. But you—"
"...!"
"—I don't see it at all."
Her expression tightened further. Looks like I hit the mark.
"It's interesting seeing that reaction. Maybe you just haven't found your reason yet. But I want to see your race. I guarantee it—once you feel the thrill of competing on the track, you'll understand."
She didn't reply. But something had changed in her expression. She was thinking about what I said.
I snatched the bottle from her hand, drank it dry, and handed it back empty. She could only stare at me.
I turned and waved.
"Good luck winning your race!"
I left her alone.
I know she has potential. But watching her train so hard without knowing what she wants irritates me.
I don't want dead weight on my team.
A dull race. An unpleasant sight.
I want to see what choice she'll make.
※ ※ ※ (CHAPTER 02) ※ ※ ※