Dream Weaver gazed at Chizuru Haibara, her thoughts drifting back to their first encounter. Back then, Chizuru had been trapped in a swamp of self-loathing, shuffling along in a worn-out tracksuit with a bag of junk food in hand, her eyes as dull as a vampire who hadn't seen sunlight in ages.
But today, meeting Chizuru Haibara again in the real world, Dream Weaver noticed how much she had changed without anyone even realizing. That lazy tracksuit had been replaced by a professional blazer, and the junk food was now a familiar training manual.
The trainer's badge hanging from her chest shimmered under the festival lights, glowing like the dreams Chizuru had once carried before life led her away from the golden path.
Unlike their first meeting in Kasamatsu, this Chizuru was still a trainer at the central racing association, her eyes burning with a fire that was impossible to ignore.
It made Dream Weaver happy to see her like this.
What she didn't know, though, was that the fire blazing in Chizuru's eyes wasn't fueled by dreams—not exactly.
It was still a fire of determination, of moving toward a goal, but Chizuru's goal wasn't some far-off victory. It was right in front of her—Dream Weaver herself, reflected in her eyes.
Her father's words echoed in her mind. This time, meeting Dream Weaver again, Chizuru felt no confusion, only resolve.
"D-Dream Weaver… are you here to enjoy the festival too?"
Though her eyes were firm, Chizuru's heart was racing. As soon as the stammered words left her mouth, she wanted to slap herself.
Why did I say something so stupid? Why am I so nervous I can't even talk properly?
This was their first real meeting in this world—why was she acting even more awkward than she had in the other one? At least back then she could string a sentence together!
Frustrated and embarrassed, Chizuru's cheeks flushed red, though to Dream Weaver it just looked like the festival lights were painting her in a warmer glow.
Dream Weaver tilted her head, a little puzzled.
Is Chizuru-san actually a stutterer in real life? She thought back to their earlier conversation—Chizuru had seemed hesitant then, too.
But before Dream Weaver could ask, Chizuru coughed awkwardly and pretended nothing had happened, starting over with forced formality.
"As an Uma Musume, you must always remember the motto of Tracen Academy. To achieve greatness—Eclipse First, The Rest Nowhere—you must train diligently even during times of leisure, and never lose sight of your goals."
Chizuru paused for two full seconds after delivering that little speech, and then her heart started hammering like a giant was stomping inside her chest.
Why did I just spout all that nonsense? Is my brain broken today?!
Even the trio of adults watching from nearby facepalmed in disbelief. They couldn't understand why Chizuru was fumbling so badly, turning what should have been a perfectly emotional reunion into some kind of awkward comedy.
Dream Weaver was also taken aback by Chizuru's sudden shift in tone. After a moment of hesitation, she replied uncertainly,
"O... okay?"
She genuinely couldn't figure out how Chizuru's train of thought had jumped so erratically.
Maybe the real Chizuru was just a serious-minded trainer who happened to be a little awkward with words?
Before Dream Weaver could reach a conclusion, she saw Chizuru take a deep breath, then another, and another, before finally patting her chest and speaking calmly.
"Alright, all of that just now was because I was too nervous. None of it counts! What I'm about to say now is our real first exchange!"
Seeing the determination in Chizuru's expression, Dream Weaver nodded instinctively.
"As you can see, I'm a trainer from the central racing association."
"I've… always been watching you quietly. With your talent, a major race like the Niigata Nisai Stakes is only the beginning."
Though she'd only known about Dream Weaver since yesterday, Chizuru believed that the self from her dreams was still herself—and that version had been watching over Dream Weaver all along.
So she spoke with utter sincerity, and not a hint of falsehood could be detected in her tone. Dream Weaver was amazed—had their connection truly begun even before the scripted missions?
"That's why I want to formally extend an invitation to you."
"I wish… to become your trainer. To walk alongside you in the days to come, and our goal—"
"Will be nothing less than the glorious Triple Crown!"
Having said this, Chizuru extended her hand toward Dream Weaver. Her eyes glittered under the glow of the festival lights.
But by now, the look in Chizuru's eyes was no longer just simple determination—it was mixed with something more complex. Regret, hope, longing, resolve... This wasn't just about recruiting Dream Weaver as her trainee.
She believed in miracles. She believed Dream Weaver had what it took to seize the Triple Crown. If heaven had granted them one miracle by bringing them together, why not aim for that glory once more?
The Japan Derby wouldn't be their end—the ultimate pinnacle of brilliance and radiance was the future she and Dream Weaver were meant to reach.
Hearing such passionate words, Dream Weaver was stunned into silence. The intensity in Chizuru's voice felt even hotter than the crowded festival around them. The lanterns lining the street seemed to gather around Chizuru, illuminating her in an even more dazzling light.
To stand together with a past companion, to make up for past regrets in this world, to claim the glory and brilliance that belonged to them—how could Dream Weaver not be stirred by such an invitation? How could her heart not race with excitement?
Her lips trembled; she was on the verge of letting her boiling heartbeat carry her into an immediate yes.
But Dream Weaver took a deep breath, closed her eyes slowly, and sank into darkness for a long moment—long enough for her burning heart to cool. Only then did she finally respond.
"I need... a little more time to think."
She truly wanted to accept Chizuru's offer, but her reason for hesitating was unshakable.
She couldn't explain the sudden leaps in her attributes and broken limits after every scripted mission.
That kind of growth couldn't be achieved through training alone. Not even a world-class talent like Orfevre could manage that.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.