"Ten years old. Not even matured, yet already has this kind of speed and stamina. Truly worthy of being the Symboli matriarch's find—her eye for talent is as sharp as ever."
While Inari Kagura was watching Maruzensky train on the track, Symboli Rudolf walked over to Tojo Hana, wanting to hear her thoughts on Kagura's performance.
"No wonder you're so invested. So you've already spoken with Speed-sama about bringing that child to Tracen?"
"…Not yet. I'm still figuring out how to bring it up with that old woman. I've heard from the maids—she's very good at looking after people. Diligent, gentle, attentive. That old woman likes her a lot. That old woman might not be willing to let me take her away."
"…Your relationship with Speed-sama is still that bad? Do you hate her that much? She's your grandmother, after all."
From how Rudolf had called her "that old woman" three times in a single breath, Tojo Hana could tell she hadn't taken any steps to mend the stiff relationship between her and the matriarch.
"…It's not hatred. Just… past issues. She meddled too much. It wasn't malicious, but doing everything herself made it feel like distrust. I… don't like that."
Rudolf knew why Speed kept such a tight grip. Back when her temper was bad, she'd made plenty of trouble, and Speed had to clean up after her. Now she was grown, independent, yet Speed still treated her like that same reckless girl from before.
"Strange, though. That old woman used to hound me constantly. Lately she hardly contacts me. And when she does, it's just to ask about my health, to remind me not to overwork…"
"Oh? That should be good news for you. Maybe she's finally eased up?"
"That old woman? After all these years, suddenly 'easing up'? Impossible."
Rudolf, chin in hand, looked skeptical.
Her gaze drifted to the distance. There, she saw Maruzensky trying to scoop up Inari Kagura, while Kagura darted around the track, fleeing in panic.
Counting back, it had only been a little over a month since Speed-sama found Kagura collapsed at the estate gates. If anything had changed her grandmother during this time, Kagura was the likeliest cause.
Could such a small child really influence that stubborn old woman?
…
…
While Rudolf and the others trained, Kagura, who had been "granted a holiday" by the ojou-sama's arrangement, had time to herself. She was free to wander the campus.
Still exhilarated from her run, Kagura hummed a little tune as she left the training grounds. It puzzled her. She didn't remember ever being fond of exercise—in fact, she had been the type to wheeze after a few steps. Yet now, ever since becoming an Uma, she not only didn't feel tired—she actually enjoyed running.
…Is running something that's supposed to feel this good? Why didn't I ever feel this before? Is this some biological instinct of the Uma species?
It was strange, but not unwelcome.
Since meeting Tokai Teio, Kagura had grown curious about the cultural curriculum Uma studied. Now, with the chance to explore this top academy, she wanted to see the classrooms. So she headed toward the buildings that looked like lecture halls.
But before she got close, she felt it—a presence behind her. Someone was following. She used her peripheral vision to confirm it, then deliberately changed her route, looping around. By angling herself near the reflective surface of a bulletin board, she managed to get a good look.
…Seriously, who the hell is this?
Behind her was a middle-aged man, suited, glasses, looking stern and serious—the same type as Tojo Hana.
She felt annoyed. She was just a penniless, identity-less child. What about her was worth tailing? It wasn't as if… they were interested in her, right?
Sigh… sometimes walking alone really does feel helpless.
——That one behind you is a trainer. He was already watching you from afar while you were running with your ojou-sama.
Suddenly, words appeared on the bulletin board's glass like mist. Kagura remembered—she wasn't truly alone. Eclipse was always with her.
I don't get it. What about me is worth following? Miss Eclipse, do you think this person can be trusted?
Pretending to read the announcements, Kagura spoke inwardly. Behind her, the man had stopped for the moment, making no move.
——Here, at least, he won't do anything excessive. I think he saw your running, that's why he followed. He probably wants to recruit you.
Recruit? I'm just a kid. And I lost in the end—what's worth recruiting in a rookie like me?
——It's because you're still a kid, Kagura-chan. You really have no confidence in yourself… Anyway, that's my guess. Whether you answer or run away is up to you.
And with that, the writing faded. Eclipse wasn't going to say more.
Kagura herself didn't want to engage. She hadn't even found her footing in this world yet. She didn't need trouble. She barely understood how teams even worked here—only that trainers built them and led Uma into races. But that was irrelevant to her: too young, and still a hei hu (unregistered).
After some thought, Kagura decided to ignore him and head inside the building. If he kept following even then, she'd sprint and lose him.
But just as she took a step away from the board, a voice called from behind:
"You there, little one. Please wait."
"…Yes? What is it?"
She considered bolting, but he hadn't shown hostility. So she turned to face him.
"I saw your running earlier. Light, agile steps, like a shadow—elegant yet powerful. It's been so long since I've seen a child with such talent. With your gifts, little one, you could shine on the racetrack."
"…."
Kagura raised an eyebrow, staring up at the man towering over her, waiting for the rest.
"So—I want to cultivate you. Will you join my team?"
"Uh… sir, I'm not a Tracen student. I just came today for open campus."
"That doesn't matter. If you're willing, I can arrange an entrance exam for you. With your talent, little one, passing would be no problem."
The suited man smiled warmly, waiting patiently for her answer.
"…I don't think it's appropriate."
"…You're worried about your lack of legal identity, aren't you?"
What?! He investigated me?!
Kagura forced her face to stay calm. She was certain she'd never met him before. This was their first encounter. How did he know she didnt have an identity?
"If you agree to join my team, identity, admission—none of that will be an issue. You'll also be provided housing and an income."
"…Who are you? What's the price? What would I have to give up?"
Kagura narrowed her eyes. This was no ordinary trainer. Even without knowing the system well, she could tell. Offering such terms wasn't something anyone could do—unless they belonged to a great family like the Symboli.
His offer was tempting. If she were truly only eleven, she might have accepted without hesitation. But Kagura didn't believe in charity without strings.
"Oh… you ask that first? Little one, you're not as childish as you look."
The man seemed briefly surprised, but recovered quickly. He leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"…I'm a trainer of the Mejiro family. I speak on their behalf. The Mejiro wish to adopt you. If you accept, you will become a Mejiro Uma. When you come of age, you will represent the Mejiro in races. Until then, they will provide you full material support. And even if you fail to achieve results, the Mejiro will not pursue you."
"…The Mejiro family…"
Kagura remembered hearing of them from Speed-sama. Like the Symboli, the Mejiro were a powerful house. Almost rivals, though Old Mejiro and Speed-sama got along decently well.
On the surface, this sounded like pure charity. She couldn't understand—why would a house that grand want her?
"No need to rush. Kagura-chan, we'll have more chances to meet. Think it over. Next time, you can give me your answer."
Seeing her conflicted expression, the man didn't press. He bowed slightly, then turned and left.