"Alright, let's not talk about that irresponsible woman anymore."
After venting to Nearl about Mr. C.B's exploitative behavior, Symboli Rudolf's mood visibly improved.
She turned around and punched the Mr. C.B doll beside her, sending it flying into the corner of the wall, then let out a long sigh before picking up her teacup again.
"I actually knew about you through certain channels already, Margaret Nearl. I just didn't expect to meet you face-to-face so soon—it really feels like fate at work."
Taking small sips of her tea, Symboli Rudolf looked quite pleased.
"Channels? I see—it must have been the coverage of my debut race, right?"
After a moment's thought, Nearl quickly deduced why Symboli Rudolf would know about a relatively unknown Uma Musume like herself. The only notable thing she'd done recently was her debut race.
"You're very sharp."
Symboli Rudolf nodded in approval, then set down her teacup and adopted a serious expression.
"Actually, I've been observing you all this time—your temperament, your character. Ultimately, I believe you've exceeded my expectations in these aspects."
"So now I'm formally extending an invitation to you on behalf of Tracen Academy's central branch, Margaret Nearl."
"Will you join Central Tracen?"
Just as she'd heard earlier from Ms. Hayakawa and Mr. C.B, but this time it was an official, formal offer—the significance was on a completely different level.
The legendary Symboli Rudolf was gazing at her, awaiting her response.
Tap.
Nearl set her cup down on the tea table and responded to Symboli Rudolf with equal formality.
"I'm sorry, but I'll be staying in the regional circuit for now."
"...You do realize the competition level in the regions isn't on par with the central branch, don't you? Is there still a reason for you to stay there?"
Symboli Rudolf asked calmly, though her gaze sharpened slightly.
It had to be expected of the Uma Musume known as the "Emperor." Just a change in her expression was enough to make the atmosphere grow tense.
But Nearl met the Emperor's eyes without hesitation, the light in her own eyes still shining brightly.
"Do you think I'm strong now?"
"...In the regional circuit, I doubt any Uma Musume could defeat you."
After a moment's hesitation, the Emperor replied.
"Then do you think if I maintain these results, many people will pay attention to me?"
"You plan to gather fans this way?!"
Symboli Rudolf's expression clearly darkened. She stared intently at Nearl, waiting for her next words.
"I don't intend to gather fans this way. I just want to make use of the attention."
Nearl dismissed the Emperor's assumption.
"If I keep winning like this, coverage of me will spread further and further. Many spectators will come to watch my races."
"A reasonable assumption, but what's the point of that?"
The Emperor was starting to struggle to understand this Uma Musume's thinking. If she wanted more spectators, the central branch was still the better choice. What was the need for such a roundabout approach?
"If every one of my races draws a full crowd, then the other Uma Musume racing with me will also get more attention."
"Right now, regional races have too few spectators. Many Uma Musume have grown discouraged because of it."
"...What?"
As if she'd heard something incomprehensible, Symboli Rudolf struggled to form words, giving her mind a moment to process.
"You hope to use your own popularity to boost the appeal of regional races?"
She had never even considered the possibility of such an answer.
"How foolish. Doing that would only make the other Uma Musume racing alongside you seem weak. Spectators won't appreciate the efforts of those they see as inferior."
"As cruel as it sounds, that's reality. People will overlook the other Uma Musume running with you—they'll only focus on you."
In the end, Symboli Rudolf rejected Nearl's idea. She acknowledged that a strong competitor like Nearl would indeed draw crowds—some devoted fans would travel great distances to watch—but it likely wouldn't do much for the regional Uma Musume.
"Normally, that would be the case."
Nearl nodded, agreeing with Symboli Rudolf's view... under normal circumstances.
"So I have to win. I have to keep winning. I have to keep winning decisively, just like in this debut race."
Watching President Rudolf behind her desk, her expression gradually shifting to astonishment, Nearl continued to calmly and firmly voice her ideal.
"Create a gap—an incomparable gap. Once, twice, three times... When people realize my races no longer hold any suspense, their gaze will naturally turn to the Uma Musume behind me."
"Who pays attention to the sun always hanging in the sky? They prefer momentary fireworks."
The student council room fell into silence after Nearl finished speaking.
Symboli Rudolf propped her forehead in her hands, the shadow cast completely obscuring her face, making her thoughts impossible to discern.
After a long while, she finally managed to squeeze out a phrase.
"A lofty ambition."
"I never imagined an Uma Musume could harbor such a difficult yet grand dream."
"If everything goes according to your plan, it might indeed be possible. But there are two issues."
As she spoke, Symboli Rudolf raised two fingers, gently waving them.
"First, if you keep winning like this, have you considered the possibility of avoided matches? Second, can you truly ensure you'll keep achieving such overwhelming victories?"
The Emperor looked at the still somewhat youthful Nearl before her with heartache, filled with concern and reluctance.
"If you plan to do this, you'll have to run alone, forever and always."
"No rivals, no competition—all you'll experience on the track is loneliness."
"You want to make yourself an untouchable reference point, a beacon that your rivals forever chase, a radiant statue."
"Can you bear such heavy pressure and expectations? You'll crush yourself under the weight."
Symboli Rudolf's hand slammed on the desk as she suddenly stood up, completely unlike her usual composed self.
"I absolutely cannot allow an Uma Musume to live such a tragic life! Playing the saint will drag you into the abyss. I became student council president to create a world where all Uma Musume can be happy!"
"President Rudolf, as you said, people have their limits. Your hands can't reach the regional Uma Musume yet, can they?"
Unfazed by the Emperor's intensity, Nearl set down her now-empty teacup and stood up, walking toward the door.
"But my method is feasible now. You can't convince me otherwise."
Pulling open the heavy wooden door, Nearl took her leave of Symboli Rudolf.
"Then, I look forward to our next meeting, President Rudolf."
Click.
The sound of the lock engaging felt to the Emperor like it was mocking her incompetence.
Her usually authoritative face, in this lonely moment, finally revealed a trace of helplessness.
--+--
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.