She remembered that a few months ago, Cesario had still been a little foal who only reached her waist.
Now, she was even taller than Shirayuki.
Uma musume bodies really were mysterious.
Shirayuki invited her into the room.
"It's been a while, Cesario."
"Yes. Since our last meeting, exactly one hundred fifty-eight days, seven hours, and forty-two minutes have passed."
"Oh… You remember that very clearly."
"I remember everything about Shirayuki-senpai. During the Oka Sho, I was in the spectator seats beside the gate. During the Oaks, I was in the same position. Both times, Shirayuki-senpai won with overwhelming strength."
Her purple eyes stared without blinking, and Cesario's tone sounded almost mechanical.
"Cesario, it's just the two of us here. You can relax a little."
"Can I relax?"
"Of course. You're already my junior now, aren't you? It's fine even if you act a little closer."
"Really… It's okay if I act closer?"
"Mm."
"Then, can I hug Shirayuki-senpai?"
"Of course."
Shirayuki opened her arms and gave her a hug.
"Shirayuki-senpai… Shirayuki-senpai is hugging me! Ah~"
Cesario let out an excited voice, becoming a completely different person compared to just now. While calling out "Senpai," she held Shirayuki tightly in her arms. At the same time, she buried her face against Shirayuki's shoulder and inhaled deeply.
"Shirayuki-senpai's scent… Hehe, it's amazing…"
"Cesario?"
"Shirayuki-senpai's body is so soft… Senpai's waist, and her tail too, they're really wonderful. Sniff~"
"O-okay, that's enough, Cesario."
"I've always watched Senpai's races. Ever since Senpai's debut race, I've been watching. Shirayuki-senpai's figure is so captivating and powerful. Even after you went to the European racecourse, I kept following Senpai's movements. When I saw Senpai overpower those uma musume, I was so happy! Even on that final, highest-level world stage, Shirayuki-senpai was still equal to that uma musume they called a 'genius.' Senpai is truly amazing!"
Cesario sniffed the scent around Shirayuki's neck and hair while speaking like a machine gun.
"Thank you…"
"Now I've finally come to Tracen Academy. I will also follow in Shirayuki-senpai's footsteps, become an excellent filly, and go to the world stage. Senpai… I like you…"
"Can you let go of me first, Cesario?"
"Senpai~"
No good.
Cesario had completely entered fangirl mode.
Shirayuki patted Cesario's head. Nearly half a year had passed, but Cesario still had the same short, neat blue hair. She also had two completely different personalities. When she was nervous, she looked like a cool, elegant ice beauty. Once she relaxed, she became unbelievably clingy.
"I want Shirayuki-senpai's scent to stay on me. That way, I'll never have to bathe again."
"You absolutely have to bathe. How can a girl not keep herself clean?"
"But that would wash away Shirayuki-senpai's scent."
"You can come cling to me again afterward."
"Senpai… I'm really too happy."
With her face flushed, Cesario finally let go of Shirayuki. She coughed a few times.
"I'm sorry. I got a little excited after not seeing you for so long."
"…It's fine."
That was more than a little excited.
Shirayuki had even prepared herself to be pushed down.
If Cesario only saw her as an idol, that would be fine. What she feared was this passion developing into something else. If that happened, Katsumura Youta would probably come fight him to the death.
And Special Week liked this girl very much too. She even wanted to treat her like a younger sister.
"I heard from my cousin that Trainer needs to test me before signing a contract with me."
"Maa… it's not that you can only sign if you pass the test. He just wants to see your ability. I think Cesario will definitely be fine."
"Yes! I will not betray Senpai's expectations. I will definitely give Trainer a satisfactory result."
When this girl was not in fangirl mode, she really did look quite reliable.
Could it be that after all my hardships, I can finally sign with a dependable uma musume?
Shirayuki felt as if she had finally made it through.
"Then I won't disturb Senpai's rest any longer."
Before leaving, Cesario hugged Shirayuki again and inhaled her scent for a while.
After Cesario left, Shirayuki touched her stomach.
She had not eaten for most of the day.
She was hungry.
And finally, she could enjoy proper Japanese food again!
When she arrived at the cafeteria and had only just stepped through the door, dozens of pairs of eyes moved toward her.
Immediately after—
"Shirayuki-senpai!"
"Her Majesty!"
They surrounded Shirayuki in the middle.
She had only come second, yet the excitement these students showed made it seem as if she had become invincible under the heavens.
Facing the juniors surrounding her, Shirayuki patted their heads.
"Kyaa! Her Majesty!"
They let out delicate little squeals.
"Do not disturb other people while they are eating. Keep quiet in public places."
Shirayuki instructed them, and the uma musume nodded obediently. After asking Shirayuki for hugs, they happily returned to their seats.
Shirayuki filled a whole table with food for herself and sat down to eat.
"Is this seat taken?"
A brown-haired girl came over beside her.
Looking at that familiar pretty face, as well as the red pinwheel hair ornament on her head, Shirayuki said, "Please sit, Yaeno Muteki-senpai."
The two sat shoulder to shoulder.
"Just woke up?"
"Mm."
Yaeno Muteki had gone to find Shirayuki in the morning, but she had been asleep.
"Dober said your body was injured. How is it?"
"Just some bruises and strains. I'll be fine after resting for a few days."
"It was because of that final move, wasn't it?" Yaeno Muteki said.
"That's right."
Shirayuki understood. She was referring to the moment Shirayuki had forced herself between two uma musume.
"Shirayuki…"
After hesitating several times, Yaeno Muteki spoke.
"Actually, I know a technique that lets you force your way between uma musume without getting injured."
"Hm?"
"A technique to protect the body and preserve stamina during impacts between uma musume. If you want to learn it, come to the dojo. Acting Master wants to see you."
"All right. I'll come bother you then."
"Also, your body. Do you want me to help improve circulation and ease the bruising? Even if you don't need to race for a while, the sooner your body recovers, the sooner you can return to training. If I'm not mistaken, you definitely won't back down because of this defeat, will you? You'll definitely return in an even stronger form and reclaim the victory that should have belonged to you."
"Mm. I'll train my body to the point where, even from gate twenty, I can still break through the crowd. I always thought my limit stopped here, but in reality, every time my body reaches its limit, it changes. Each limit becomes stronger than the last one. I've realised that this is what uma musume are like. They grow through breakthrough after breakthrough."
"Haha, good. Very good! Neither arrogant nor impatient, neither discouraged nor defeated. That is the spirit of a martial artist. Tonight, I'll come to your room and help condition your body."
"Thank you, Yaeno Muteki-senpai."
"No. What should you call me now?"
"…Ane-deshi."