"Take a seat for a moment while I tidy up the room."
Pulling a chair out from under the desk, Nearl grabbed a tissue and carefully wiped it down before motioning for Ardan to come rest.
But Ardan couldn't sit still for long. With Nearl bustling about in front of her, just watching made her feel awkward—it wasn't like her to lounge around idly.
"Let me help out too."
"Mm, then could you wipe down the table for me?"
Nearl noticed her discomfort and, after a brief pause, understood why. Rather than let Ardan sit there squirming, she thoughtfully gave her a simple task.
"Okay!"
Sure enough, Ardan immediately felt more at ease, no longer restless as she had been.
"Here, use this cloth."
Nearl handed her a pale-yellow rag, its color faded from many uses.
Watching Ardan turn and tentatively start wiping the table, Nearl smiled faintly and shook her head.
She lifted the dust cover from the bed, folded it neatly, and set it aside. Moving the bedding, she replaced it with fresh sheets and pillowcases, then pulled a season-appropriate quilt from the closet and spread it out.
When she looked back after finishing, Ardan was still struggling with the table—her technique clearly unpracticed.
"Might as well sweep the floor while I'm at it."
Nearl took a broom from behind the door and carefully but quickly swept the small room.
By the time Ardan finally finished with the table, Nearl had just completed dusting.
"Sorry for boasting about helping, when I'm clearly not much good at it," Ardan said with an embarrassed laugh, feeling a pang of regret over her sheltered upbringing. Even trying to help felt clumsy.
"It's fine. Cleaning is a skill you pick up quickly with a little practice—nothing special. Come on, I'll take you to meet the director, Aunt Komori."
With the room mostly tidy, Nearl decided to bring her to see Aunt Komori. Since no one had come by despite all the noise, they were probably eating in the back dining hall.
"Oh, and the restroom's here. You can wash your hands."
Noticing Ardan staring uneasily at her hands after using the rag, Nearl didn't need to guess why—she pointed out the restroom.
"Ah, thank you."
Ardan brightened, hurried inside, and emerged a few minutes later looking her usual composed self.
"Sorry for the wait. Let's go."
Nearl nodded and led the way, but Ardan quickened her pace to walk beside her, occasionally glancing at her face.
'Nearl's life is even tougher than the hardest situation I imagined.'
'I thought she'd keep her cosmetics in the bathroom, but there was only toothpaste, face wash, shampoo, and body wash. That's really frugal of her.'
'No perfume is one thing, but not even deodorant? Or conditioner? Wouldn't that damage her hair?'
'Come to think of it, Centaurea-chan's the same. Even though she looks so unkempt, when she's quiet, she's really beautiful. Do these sisters just have amazing genes?'
"Looks like we don't need to go to the cafeteria."
Ardan's wandering thoughts were cut short as Nearl spoke, bringing her back to the present.
"Huh?"
"I already see the meeting room light on. Matron Komori is probably working inside, so it's better to go straight there."
"Lead the way."
Ardan had no objections. She changed direction and followed Nearl to a somewhat more presentable door.
Tap, tap, tap.
Nearl knocked gently. The sounds inside stopped at once.
"Is that Nearl?"
A hopeful, slightly trembling voice came from within.
"It's me."
Once she had a response, Nearl pushed the door open, and Ardan followed cautiously inside.
"Matron Komori, how did you know it was me?"
Nearl was a little curious. She hadn't spoken, so how had the director recognized her?
Komori stood up, pulled Nearl into a tight hug, and ruffled her hair vigorously.
"How many years have we known each other? I've memorized your every mannerism."
"The sound of your footsteps in the hall, the strength and rhythm of your knocks—I'm so used to them, I recognized you instantly."
After thoroughly fussing over Nearl, Matron Komori finally released her, satisfied. Only then did she notice Ardan, who had been smiling behind Nearl the whole time.
The director looked puzzled.
"And you are…?"
"Hello, Matron."
Ardan clasped her hands in front of her waist and bowed gracefully.
"My name is Mejiro Ardan, a friend of Nearl's. The reason for my unannounced visit is that my train was delayed, so Nearl invited me to stay here for the night. I hope that's alright."
Matron Komori was visibly stunned. She looked back and forth between Ardan, who had straightened up, and Nearl, who was quietly pouring a glass of water, her mind in a whirl.
"Um, by Mejiro… do you mean the Mejiro family? The famous Uma Musume lineage?"
The director asked cautiously, her wary expression making Nearl cover her mouth to stifle a laugh.
"Although I am from that Mejiro family, you can treat me as an ordinary person."
Ardan replied with a warm smile.
Getting a definite answer, the director's expression became distant and dreamy. She swayed over to the sofa and sank down weakly.
"The Mejiro family… the one that achieved consecutive Tenno Sho victories…"
"Nearl, is Matron Komori going to be alright?"
Ardan glanced worriedly at Nearl, who was handing her a water glass.
"It's nothing. The director has always loved long-distance races. The Tenno Sho, as the pinnacle of long-distance racing, is something she's followed closely. The Mejiro family' back-to-back wins mean a lot to her."
Nearl winked playfully.
"Just consider her a devoted Mejiro family fan."
"Then how come you've never admired our family, Nearl…"
Ardan muttered under her breath, too softly for Nearl to hear.
"Alright, Matron Komori, snap out of it. Show a little dignity as your age."
After handing the water to Ardan, Nearl sat beside the director and gently smoothed her hair, comforting her as she basked in her joy.
With Uma Musume having such extended youth, the scene looked more like two sisters playfully interacting.
--+--
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.