It was an overwhelming victory. Rudolf's decisive win effortlessly shattered all those online claims about Bizen Nishiki's "inevitable victory."
After finishing the race and returning through the exit passageway, Rudolf saw Kagura and Trainer Tojo already waiting there.
"What a magnificent victory, Ojou-sama. Congratulations on winning the championship."
"Your decisions out there were perfect, Rudolf. You always give me, your trainer, such confidence—I never have to worry about a thing."
"Thank you, Trainer—and you too, Kagura. Without your support, I couldn't have given such a flawless performance today."
Taking the towel Kagura handed her, Rudolf wiped away the sweat, exhaling deeply. The exhilarating win left her feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
"As your trainer, I just gave you the plan; executing it well is entirely on you. That's my duty—no need for formal thanks. But Kagura—she's the one you really need to thank. She worked tirelessly this month helping you adjust your condition, even falling asleep several times at my desk."
As she spoke, Trainer Tojo reached out and lightly pressed Kagura's head, silencing her as Kagura opened her mouth, attempting to politely decline the praise.
Trainer Tojo's implication was crystal clear—Kagura had already done far more than what any ordinary Support Uma would be expected to do. None of it was technically her duty; everything was done out of her sheer sense of responsibility.
"I understand…"
Rudolf stepped closer to Kagura, lowering her head slightly to look into her eyes. Kagura suddenly didn't know what to say—declining would feel wrong, but directly accepting praise also felt awkward—so she just stared quietly back at Rudolf.
I wonder… what exactly would Kagura even want as a reward?
Rudolf gently placed her hand on Kagura's head, softly ruffling her hair as she pondered silently.
Though Rudolf genuinely wanted to reward Kagura, Kagura never openly expressed personal desires, leaving Rudolf utterly clueless about what she might actually like.
"Heh, Ojou-sama, I know exactly what you're thinking. Please don't worry about it so much."
Seeing Rudolf rubbing her head with that troubled look, Kagura gave a helpless laugh. Rudolf's expression made her thoughts obvious enough.
"No way. How could something like this just be brushed aside?"
"What I mean, Ojou-sama, is that there's no need to rush this. After all, right now, you have something more important to handle—right?"
As she spoke, Kagura pointed toward the exit passageway. Even though the doors were still closed, any Uma Musume could easily hear the noisy, bustling crowd outside. Just from the sheer volume of sound, anyone could tell that outside was absolutely packed. Now definitely wasn't the time for Rudolf to leisurely chat with Kagura.
"What a headache…"
Rudolf's expression grew slightly annoyed. Kagura fully understood Rudolf's feelings—every time after a race, figuring out how to handle those sharp-nosed reporters was always exhausting.
It really wasn't polite to keep them waiting outside too long, so Rudolf temporarily put aside the idea of rewarding Kagura, instead leaving Kagura hidden in the passageway while she and Trainer Tojo went out first to attract the reporters' attention.
[Tokai Teio]:Kagura-oneesan! I watched today's race online! Rudolf-san looked soooo cool when she accelerated and broke through the pack!! I really wanted to see it live, but I had class during the race! Does Kagura-oneesan have any photos to share?!
Only after things quieted down did Kagura have time to check her phone, noticing a message from Tokai Teio sent just after the race ended.
[Inari Kagura]:Sorry, Teio-chan. My viewing spot was pretty far from the track. I could see clearly, but any pictures would've come out blurry.
[Tokai Teio]:Eh… Next time! Next race, I'll definitely come backstage! Kagura-oneesan, remember to leave me an opening to sneak in!
[Inari Kagura]:Sure thing. Next time, just come find me backstage. Also, Teio-san… Isn't it class time right now? How come you have your phone out?
The little Uma Musume she'd bumped into at the park had quickly proven to be a die-hard fan of Rudolf. Ever since learning Kagura was supporting Rudolf, Teio would frequently ask Kagura for trivial details about Rudolf—things widely known throughout the academy but immensely interesting to her.
Teio had already excitedly told Kagura she wanted to attend today's race, even hoping Kagura could sneak her backstage for a glance at Rudolf. Unfortunately, schoolwork ultimately held her back.
[Tokai Teio]:Don't sweat the small stuff! Bathroom break's over, gotta go back to class now!
You learned how to skip out of class using a toilet break at such a young age… Careful now, if Natural-san finds out, she'll smack your butt.
Watching Teio's profile immediately go grey, Kagura thought to herself, her expression darkening slightly.
She tucked her phone away and stood quietly inside the passageway, waiting for the reporters outside to disperse. From the noisy chatter outside, she could tell their questions today were mostly focused on Rudolf's thoughts about Bizen Nishiki and the online discourse surrounding them both lately.
These reporters really have no sense of tact…
Although Kagura knew that hunting down gossip was reporters' nature, bluntly asking these questions with Bizen Nishiki herself possibly still nearby was simply too disrespectful. Every Uma Musume who poured her heart onto the track deserved at least basic courtesy and respect.
"Kagura-san…"
Just as Kagura was lost in thought, a familiar, somewhat dispirited voice suddenly called from behind.
Turning around, Kagura saw a weary-looking Bizen Nishiki walking down from the exit passageway. Trainer Narumiya was nowhere to be seen; judging from the noise outside, he was likely busy handling the reporters.
"Nishiki-san, you… don't look too well."
"Sorry, you had to see me looking so pathetic… I thought I could calmly accept this loss, but… as expected, it still hurts a little."
As she spoke, Bizen Nishiki forced herself to put on an awkward smile. Kagura noticed faint traces of tears on her face—clearly, she'd been crying earlier.
"Trainer Narumiya is handling the reporters outside?"
"Yeah. Trainer-san… figured I was feeling down, so he told me to leave the interviews to him this time and suggested I find somewhere quiet to rest and calm down, so here I am."
Bizen Nishiki came closer and squatted down beside Kagura, leaning silently against the wall. Her gloomy, defeated appearance completely contradicted her usual cheerful energy.
After all, it was an eight-length gap…
By now, Kagura had watched countless race recordings. She knew that normally, a gap of three or four lengths was already substantial, but eight lengths was another story entirely. Rudolf clearly hadn't held back at all today. Nishiki's distress was perfectly understandable.
As Nishiki crouched silently, eyes closed, replaying the race in her head, she suddenly felt something warm and gentle pressing lightly against her cheek. Opening her eyes, she saw Kagura standing right next to her, holding something golden-brown that resembled a cookie, tapping softly against her face:
"When you're feeling down, sweets help lift your mood, you know?"
"Eh…?"
"Relax, it's handmade by me—not some random thing from a shady store outside."
Seeing Nishiki stare blankly with her mouth slightly open, Kagura hastily clarified, assuming Nishiki might doubt the food's quality.
"N-no, it's not that! I'd never doubt you, Kagura-san… It's just… Aren't I supposed to be your rival? Why would you…"
"We're rivals on the track, sure, but why maintain that tense relationship off the track too? Aren't we just classmates at the same academy?"
Kagura gave Nishiki a gentle smile, then firmly pushed the cookie into Nishiki's slightly open mouth.
Instinctively biting down, Nishiki heard a satisfying crunch. The cookie was crisp and pleasantly sweet—clearly sugary but carefully balanced, sweet enough to make her feel happy without being overwhelming.
"It's delicious…!"
"Hehe, I only learned how to make these recently. I'm glad you like them, Nishiki-san."
As Nishiki finished the cookie, her mood genuinely lifted. She almost instinctively asked Kagura for another one but quickly stopped herself. Realizing Kagura was Rudolf's Support Uma, even someone as easygoing as Nishiki felt embarrassed to ask again.
Kagura-san really is exactly as they say online… Gentle, approachable, and talented in so many ways. To have such a Support Uma by her side… Rudolf-san is truly lucky…
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