Kasamatsu Station.
Nearl stepped out of the train car, pulling her suitcase alongside Fujimasa March.
As expected, Trainer Shibasaki and Kitahara were both there waiting for them.
The moment March spotted her trainer, her eyes lit up. After waving a quick goodbye to Nearl, she hurried toward him, her face bright with happiness.
Nearl stood at a distance, watching as Shibasaki ruffled March's hair.
Despite her usual aloof demeanor, March showed no resistance—instead, she accepted the affectionate gesture without a change in expression.
"March and Mr. Shibasaki really are close, aren't they?"
A soft smile touched Nearl's lips as she watched the trainer take the suitcase from Fujimasa's hand before they both waved farewell in her direction.
Nearl raised her hand in return, watching as the two walked off deep in lively conversation.
"Their relationship wasn't always this good, you know."
Kitahara approached from the side, hands in his pockets, a cheerful tone in his voice.
"March is serious-minded and a bit hot-tempered, and Koichi, well, he's soft-hearted. At first, he had absolutely no control over her."
Nearl smiled understandingly, pulling her luggage along as she fell into step beside Kitahara.
"But now, it seems Mr. Shibasaki and March are as close as family."
"Naturally. They've spent three years together—one-on-one, at that. At this point, they're practically like siblings."
Kitahara took off his cap, gave it a light pat, and placed it back on his head before shifting the subject.
"Now, let's talk about us, Nearl. Did March fill you in about the race?"
Nearl nodded.
"She did. The Spring Welcome Cup, one week from now."
"That's right. This race has a long history—far older than events like the Sun-Moon Cup."
"With a 2000-meter distance on turf, those two factors alone will draw plenty of Uma Musume to compete."
"You could even say the turnout might be larger than your typical SPⅠ. After all, turf races are pretty rare out here in the regional circuit."
They stepped out of the platform into the endless stream of people. Keeping his expression as serious as he could, Kitahara explained his intentions to Nearl.
"You need to take this race seriously, Nearl. Turf is a completely unfamiliar surface for you."
"Of course, I don't think you'll lose, but the main goal is to see how well you adapt to grass. Understand?"
Meeting her trainer's gaze, Nearl matched his seriousness with her own.
"Understood. I'll pay close attention to how I perform in comparison."
"Good." Clapping his hands together lightly, Kitahara relaxed again.
"Next is training. That's always been something you manage yourself, so I won't interfere."
"But keep this in mind: with the race just a week away, time is tight. Make sure to keep your daily training moderate—save your energy and focus."
"I'll remember that."
After that, silence fell between them. Kitahara opened his mouth several times as if to speak, but hesitated, his expression troubled.
Finally, after a few minutes of quiet, he seemed to make up his mind.
"So, uh, Nearl… How's Oguri Cap doing?"
"She's doing well. Oguri has been through a lot since moving to the central circuit—faced setbacks, too—but she's kept pushing forward, never backing down."
Nearl's eyes warmed as she recalled seeing Oguri Cap these past few days.
"She's met a rival who challenges her, made friends who strive alongside her, her classmates and teachers are kind, and the races are more intense and thrilling than the ones out here."
"So no, she doesn't regret moving to the central circuit."
"Is that so… That's really good to hear."
A relieved smile touched his lips as Kitahara habitually tugged his cap down, shading his eyes.
"So, Trainer, you can't afford to slack off now. She's still waiting for you."
Nearl patted Kitahara's shoulder, then posed a question that made him break out in a cold sweat.
"I wonder, have you been faithfully completing the tasks I set for you before I left?"
"Haha, well, that's… How do I put it…?"
Kitahara stumbled over his words, his eyes darting everywhere—a clear sign of guilt.
Nearl understood instantly, her face filling with resignation.
"Trainer, procrastination is a serious problem. What will you do if no one's there to keep you in line?"
Kitahara hung his head, offering an apologetic smile, not daring to argue.
"Never mind. Helping a comrade improve is also part of my duty. When we return, I'll supervise you as you make up for lost time. You must pass the next central trainer exam."
Nearl sighed helplessly, speaking with earnest concern as Kitahara bowed slightly beside her, trying to laugh it off. For a moment, the scene was almost comical.
"Oh, that reminds me, Nearl." Kitahara suddenly seemed to recall something, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"When you get back to the academy, a little surprise will be waiting for you."
"Hm?"
Nearl looked at him, puzzled by Kitahara's sly expression.
"I'm not saying another word. This is something you'll have to experience for yourself."
Covering his mouth with a hand, Kitahara made it clear he wouldn't spill.
"Trainer, that's really quite childish…"
Nearl was exasperated, but in her heart, she felt a faint thread of anticipation for the unknown.
--+--
"Nearl-nee! Did you miss me? Here I come!"
The moment Nearl opened the training room door, a previously hidden gray-haired figure rushed from the side and flung herself straight into Nearl's arms.
Nearl instinctively caught the girl, only realizing what had happened after she'd nuzzled against her chest a few times.
"Lamp-chan… So you're who the trainer meant?"
"That's right! Aren't you surprised, Nearl-nee?"
Everlamp's voice was sweet as honey, her body melting into Nearl's embrace like soft, warm mochi.
"That uniform… Have you already transferred schools, Lamp-chan?"
Noticing the familiar Tracen Academy outfit Everlamp wore, Nearl asked with some surprise.
"Yep! I followed in your footsteps here. Trainer Kitahara even allowed me to join his team!"
She hopped out of Nearl's arms and struck an adorable pose.
But Nearl didn't look entirely pleased. She turned a stern gaze toward Kitahara behind her, her tone serious.
"Trainer, we shouldn't have the capacity to train another Uma Musume right now. This wasn't a decision you should have made lightly."
"You're preparing for the central exam, and my own time is already limited. Having Little Light here could very well waste her potential."
At this, Kitahara's face tightened with unease. He frowned and began, "About that…"
"Let me explain, Trainer."
Everlamp cut in gently, her smile unwavering.
"Nearl-nee, the truth is… I've already retired from being a racing Uma Musume. I've switched to a support role now."
--+--
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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.