"That's your own foolishness." A woman in formal attire approached Okino.
"Hana, no need to be like that. It's just instinct, you know? The instinct when you see an exceptional Uma Musume."
"Then shouldn't you be touching Nearl's thigh instead?"
Watching Nearl's upright figure in the distance, Toujou Hana cracked a small joke.
"Don't joke about that. Nearl doesn't need anyone groping her legs to confirm her quality. Just one look, and anyone can understand her strength."
"So you decided to go for that logistics Uma Musume's thigh instead?"
"You might not believe it, but I think that logistics Uma Musume is a genius too."
"No, while your character might be questionable, I still trust your judgment. That little gray filly probably has something special about her, doesn't she?"
"See!"
Okino excitedly clenched his fist.
"Even though I didn't get to touch it, I can confirm she's another one who could make it to the Central league."
"Just what is it about this Kasamatsu place? Is it really some kind of blessed land? How are all these talents popping up one after another?"
Toujou Hana gazed at Nearl and Everlamp in the distance, letting out a confused sigh.
--+--
Meanwhile, in the spectator stands, a masked Uma Musume wearing sunglasses was swiftly weaving through the crowd. Despite her speed, she carefully avoided bumping into anyone.
"This should be the direction Senpai mentioned."
Ardan stopped and looked around.
"I wonder if Nearl still remembers me. Will my sudden appearance startle her?"
Imagining someone as steady as Nearl getting flustered in front of her, Ardan couldn't help but chuckle.
"But Miss Nearl is a Racing Uma Musume too. I should have realized it sooner."
She tapped her head in frustration, annoyed at her own denseness.
"I met Miss Nearl's sister, and I saw how talented Centaurea-chan is. Why didn't I consider that Miss Nearl might be just as exceptionally gifted?"
"In the end, I only pieced it together from clues Dicta Striker let slip."
"But perhaps this is fate."
Leaning against the railing, Ardan scanned the venue.
"For news of Miss Nearl to come to me like this... it must be destiny's way of telling me our connection is meant to be."
"Found her!"
Ardan covered her mouth in delight as she spotted Nearl's radiant hair shimmering in the distance, its brilliance instantly capturing her attention.
"Alright, Ardan, no more excuses now. Go for it!"
Pumping her fists to psych herself up, Ardan turned and broke into a light jog toward her.
"I sense a familiar presence."
Nearl, who had been checking competition equipment with Everlamp, suddenly perked up her ears and twitched them slightly.
"Nearl-nee?"
Everlamp looked at her questioningly.
But before Nearl could respond, a gentle, delighted voice called from afar.
"Miss Nearl!"
"That voice... could it be Miss Ardan?!"
Nearl turned toward the sound, spotting that beautiful pale blue hair.
"You remember me."
Walking calmly to stand before Nearl, Ardan composed herself, not wanting to appear flustered.
"Of course. The determination you showed that night remains unforgettable. I'm truly happy to see you again here, Miss Ardan."
The corners of Nearl's lips lifted into a smile brighter than her usual polite expression.
"This must be a reunion ordained by fate. I wonder if I might have the honor of getting to know you better this time, Miss Nearl?"
With her hands properly folded before her, Ardan spoke earnestly.
"The honor is mine. Please allow me to reintroduce myself."
Nearl placed a hand lightly over her chest, her expression serious.
"I am Margaret Nearl, an Uma Musume from Kasamatsu Tracen."
Facing her, Ardan gave a formal bow, though her tone was unmistakably cheerful.
"Mejiro Ardan, currently attending Central Tracen."
After their introductions, both suddenly fell silent. Amethyst eyes met pale golden ones, each inwardly marveling at the other's presence while forgetting how to speak.
"..."
"..."
"Nearl-nee?"
Everlamp, puzzled by their sudden stillness, spoke up. Her words seemed to break some spell - Nearl and Ardan glanced at each other and suddenly burst into laughter.
"Pfft..."
"Ahaha..."
"?"
Everlamp wondered if these two might be a bit unwell.
After their laughter subsided, Ardan naturally stepped closer to Nearl and bent down to meet Everlamp's eyes.
"Hello, I'm Mejiro Ardan. May I ask your name?"
"Mm, I'm Everlamp. I'm currently Nearl-nee's support Uma Musume."
Everlamp's impression of this sudden arrival was quite favorable - though honestly, who wouldn't be impressed by such an elegant, gentle, and refined Uma Musume?
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Everlamp."
Their brief exchange couldn't last long, as the entrance bell began ringing, signaling that Nearl needed to prepare for her race.
"What a pity, but today's gain has been sufficient. Nearl, let's meet again after the race."
Waving to Nearl, Ardan turned back toward her seat, her return journey much more leisurely than her urgent arrival.
Not long after Ardan left, the trainers led by Musaka Ginjirou also bid farewell to Nearl.
"It's about time we took our leave. But we'll be watching from the stands, looking forward to your performance."
Trainer Musaka gave Kitahara another light thump before temporarily parting ways with Nearl.
In moments, the previously bustling corridor grew strikingly quiet, leaving only three people behind.
Kitahara patted Nearl's shoulder and gave her a gentle push. "Go on, Nearl. Everlamp and I will be waiting here for you to return with victory."
"Mm. I'll take my leave for now."
Nearl waved to them before turning toward the track.
Meanwhile, another awkward encounter was unfolding in the spectator stands.
"...I didn't expect to find all the trainers here. Did you arrange to watch the race together?"
Symboli Rudolf sat with legs crossed on an ordinary seat that somehow felt like a throne beneath her.
"Well, we certainly didn't expect the great 'Emperor' herself to come watch a minor local race."
"Hehe. There's an old saying from across the sea: 'No matter how tall the mountain, it's the presence of immortals that gives it fame.' This race simply has competitors who interest me. That is all."
--+--
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.