"I'm going to be the coordinator for the inter-academy league…"
In the student council room, Manhattan Cafe repeated Symboli Rudolf's words.
"That's right." As if worried she hadn't heard clearly, Symboli Rudolf said it again.
No, that wasn't the issue.
The key point was…
Why?
Cafe didn't understand.
Why choose utterly ordinary her for such an important role?
The inter-academy league—a competition between two schools. The coordinator would mainly act as a bridge for communication between the academies, helping the two sides coordinate and arrange various matters.
The thing was, Cafe never liked talking to strangers. Now, suddenly, she was being asked to represent central Tracen Academy and communicate with the representative from the local Tracen branch.
This has to be a joke…
It was like taking a student who kept to herself, who preferred staying in the corners, and suddenly pushing her in front of the entire school to perform.
How was that any different from killing her!?
"Are you wondering why I chose you?"
Noticing Cafe's hesitation, Symboli Rudolf asked.
The black-haired girl nodded.
"Because of your performance."
She said something Manhattan Cafe never expected.
"My… performance?"
"Correct. Maruzensky mentioned that she's observed your excellent work ethic at school—both diligent and hardworking. So she recommended you to me for this important task."
Maruzensky.
Why would it be her?
In a month, the number of conversations between the two of them probably didn't even reach ten. How could she be the one recommending her?
Eyes like amethysts fixed on Cafe.
"And it's not just Maruzensky. Even Green Grass has been singing your praises beside me, saying you're a very hardworking and promising girl."
Symboli Rudolf continued her explanation.
"Perhaps I've been dealing with external affairs for too long, and have neglected the situation within the school."
"Too many diligent students haven't received sufficient attention."
Besides victory, additional rewards were also the best motivators for Uma Musume.
For instance, when Tracen held events, they often used coupons, food, and other things the girls liked as rewards to encourage them to strive for victory.
But now, the event was shifting from internal school activities to a regional league.
Naturally, the old approach wouldn't do.
For those students who were serious and hardworking, Symboli Rudolf's choice was—
"I hope you can become an assistant to the student council."
"An assistant…"
Manhattan Cafe frowned slightly.
Putting aside the matter of potential and hard work for now, just being asked to become an auxiliary member of the student council and contribute labor… it didn't sound much like a reward.
"During your tenure, you'll also be able to utilize the student council's resources. For example, funds, or arranging for class representatives to assist."
"Of course, we can't have you handling everything alone. Maruzensky will also be there to guide you."
Making the 'murderer' and the 'victim' work together?
That wasn't exactly pleasant news.
"And Oguri Cap and Belno Light—Uma Musume who also came from local branches—they will assist you and help with communication."
"I've already spoken with them. Belno Light said that if it's you, Cafe, you definitely have the ability to handle this responsibility."
"…"
"To receive such high praise, I also have confidence in you."
For some reason, she felt a bit conflicted.
The last time she'd met those two, she hadn't exactly been friendly.
Of course, back then, she hadn't been 'Cafe' yet.
"So, what do you think?"
Symboli Rudolf asked, "Naturally, if you're unwilling, you can refuse. We won't force students to make decisions."
This was just an opportunity.
A chance to step into the student council sphere and gain more knowledge and resources.
She could choose to seize it, or let it slip away.
"Can I… ask a question?" Manhattan Cafe spoke up.
"Go ahead."
"Is this… President Rudolf's own idea, or did someone else… hope that President Rudolf would make this arrangement…"
The question was very direct. Rudolf narrowed her eyes.
In fact, not long ago, Maruzensky had come to chat with her.
She mentioned that Green Grass had found a junior she'd taken a liking to, and hoped Rudolf could pay a bit more attention to this junior's training.
Hearing this, Rudolf made the same expression Maruzensky had when she first heard the news.
Utterly relieved.
In the past, because of this matter, Green Grass had come to her countless times to vent her frustrations, each session lasting hours.
Rudolf didn't want to speak ill of her friend, but…
This couldn't really be called venting anymore. It was practically a form of torture, leaving Rudolf mentally and physically exhausted.
Now that her friend had finally fulfilled her wish, it was a relief for Rudolf too.
She understood Green Grass's feelings.
Wanting to look after a junior—to embody the meaning of being a senior.
However—
"As student council president, I can't show excessive attention to any one student."
Besides, Symboli Rudolf didn't have much free time.
Her spare moments were all spent accompanying Teio during training.
But Rudolf also couldn't afford to make her old friend angry.
If she refused outright, Rudolf could already imagine Green Grass standing behind her with a knife.
She broke out in goosebumps instantly.
Maruzensky hadn't come for a chat—she was delivering an ultimatum for Green Grass!
After a moment's thought, Rudolf said tactfully, "I'll try to find an opportunity when my work allows, to advise her on training methods and teach her some techniques."
"Our Rudolf-chan can be quite adaptable."
"Like I have a choice…"
Back to the present, Rudolf had assigned Manhattan Cafe a role to help her familiarize herself with the student council's workflow.
This way, she would have both the opportunity and a legitimate reason to provide guidance to Cafe.
After a brief contemplation, Rudolf shook her head and answered Cafe's question.
"No. It was my own judgment."
"I see…"
Her golden eyes unconsciously drifted downward a little.
"Are you unwilling?"
"It's not that… I'm unwilling."
Manhattan Cafe's gaze wavered. Seemingly reminded of something, she asked Rudolf,
"President, while serving as an assistant… can my 'friend'… be by my side?"
"Your friend? Of course. You can have your friend assist you as well."
After receiving this confirmation, Manhattan Cafe hesitated no longer.
"I understand. Then, please allow me… to take responsibility for the league matters."
"Good." Symboli Rudolf nodded in satisfaction.
Those who achieve great things hold themselves accountable.
The fact that Cafe had this mindset proved she had the capability.
"I have a list here with the names of the students from the local Tracen branch. Prepare in advance—it will make things easier when the time comes to get to know them."
As she spoke, Rudolf handed a sheet to Cafe.
She had fulfilled her friend's request.
The rest was up to Cafe's performance.
Of course, what Rudolf didn't know was that the black-haired girl wasn't particularly interested in that.
She just wanted an excuse to have her 'friend' stay by her side every single moment.
Especially after that incident.
Manhattan Cafe's state of mind had undergone a slight change.
"Those arriving soon include—"
Rudolf pointed at the names on the list.
Meikei Yell from Monbetsu Tracen.
Meisei Opera from Mizusawa Tracen.
World Premiere from Urawa Tracen.
As well as Inari One and Copano Rickey from Oi Tracen.
They were all Uma Musume who had won major local graded races, possessing the ability to advance to the central league.
--+--
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.