"So, let us celebrate Opera O becoming Wada-kun's new in charge Uma Musume—cheers!"
"Cheers!"
That evening, at a rather nice local restaurant, everyone gathered to celebrate Meisho Doto's victory. Wada-kun generously paid out of his own pocket to celebrate gaining two in charge Uma Musume, and Ikezoe, Curren Chan, and even Tojo Hana all came to join the congratulations.
"Gulp, gulp!" Tojo Hana, uncharacteristically, chugged a large glass of draft beer in one go, her unexpectedly wild drinking style confirming the lingering displeasure in her heart—even though she still came to celebrate.
"Although I'm unwilling, a loss is a loss. Opera O is yours from now on. As a senior, I must show care for my junior!"
Tojo Hana seemed to notice the surprised looks from Wada-kun and Ikezoe, thinking they were puzzled by her Presence. With cheeks flushed from alcohol, she said:
"Don't mind me! Can't women drink? Okino and I go to the bar to drink every other day! You two newcomers probably don't know, but I drink way more fiercely than Okino!"
"Today, neither of you can escape! You both have to drink with me! Especially you, Wada-kun! Today, either you crawl out, or I crawl out!"
"Come on! Drink!"
Tojo Hana was still the one to pick up her glass first, and Ikezoe and Wada-kun, after a slight hesitation, followed suit. They didn't need to worry about any health issues.
When they were Jockeys, their diet and physical management were much stricter than now. Although the outside world often jokingly referred to Jockeys as "carrying weights," there was a basis for it. A Jockey's weight management is crucial for the Racehorse, potentially directly affecting the Racehorse's performance and energy consumption.
Wada-kun and Ikezoe were both excellent Jockeys, and their weight management strictly adhered to regulations, around 55-57 kilograms.
However, ever since they transmigrated and became Trainers, they transformed from Jockeys into commanders, so weight management became an area where they could relax. Therefore, it was fine to indulge for a few days, as long as their figures didn't get out of shape… "Hehe, Oni-chan and them are having a blast, we can't lose either!"
Curren Chan also smiled and raised her glass. Of course, as Uma Musume, they completely abstained from drinking, which could be harmful to their bodies. Even members of the Student Council were absolutely forbidden from drinking. This had nothing to do with age; the main concern was the potential impact of alcohol on an Uma Musume's body and racing career.
"Let us celebrate Opera O becoming Trainer Wada's new in charge Uma Musume, everyone, cheers~"
"Yes, yes." Doto's ears twitched nervously. It was hard to tell if she was shy or a little unhappy, but at least, she didn't seem particularly high-spirited.
"Hahahahahaha! Now, please look forward to the performance of me, the Overlord!" Opera O recovered quickly, not hiding her narcissism at all, and said with high spirits:
"I, the Overlord, will not lose any race, and now I have obtained my strongest aid. I believe Ryuji will definitely lead me to a broader stage!"
"Speaking of which, Opera O and Trainer Wada became familiar so quickly." Curren Chan's gaze subtly drifted to Doto, who was not in high spirits, and a sly smile appeared on her face as she asked:
"You've only known each other for two months, and she only joined the team today, yet she's already calling Trainer Wada by his name~"
"Ugh… I don't really know, maybe it was involuntary?"
However, Opera O didn't know how to explain this. She only realized belatedly that after today's race, the moment Wada-kun hugged her, she unconsciously called him by his name. It all felt very natural, just like their usual interactions, very relaxed.
So relaxed that Opera O only now realized she had been overly natural. But even if Opera O noticed this, she didn't particularly want to change it, and simply said as casually as ever:
"It doesn't matter! A retainer who assists me, the Overlord, should be this intimate. This is trust from me, the Overlord! Hahahahahaha!"
"Clang."
However, at this moment, a sudden, slightly abrupt sound reached the ears of the other two Uma Musume. At this moment, Opera O and Curren Chan looked over in unison, only to realize it was the sound of Meisho Doto putting down her cup, which seemed a little louder than usual.
But it was only a little louder, so much so that the three Trainers on their side were completely unaware, still drinking heartily. But Opera O, who was familiar with Meisho Doto's timid personality, was surprised by Doto's clear action of expressing her displeasure.
Curren Chan, seeing this, was surprised at first, then the sly smile on her face became impossible to conceal.
Curren Chan's level was not comparable to those love-struck rookies at Tracen Academy. She could tell that, although it had only been two months, the timid Doto's ability to erupt with such strength and courage was absolutely inseparable from her daily interactions with her Trainer.
Curren Chan preferred Doto, after all, she had spent a relatively longer time with Doto, and she also strongly believed in the concept of "first."
A newcomer, Opera O, had suddenly surpassed Doto's progress—although that was also very interesting, Curren Chan believed she didn't want to see this scene. Especially since… she also had a rather formidable rival.
Therefore, she felt that she should enlighten Doto at this time, lest this insecure child miss something due to her timidity, leading to irreversible regret.
"Uh, um, I'm sorry…" Doto also belatedly realized that her emotional fluctuations were a bit too much, and timidly apologized to everyone.
Just now, she didn't know why, but as soon as she heard Opera O and her Trainer being so familiar, even more intimate with her Trainer than she was, a surge of extreme displeasure welled up deep inside her, so much so that it had even manifested in her actions.
But… her heart felt so uncomfortable. It was her Trainer from the beginning… Why… I also fought to get Opera O to join… But why do I not feel happy now… "Hehe, it's okay, because even if the atmosphere is awkward, Karen-chan will liven it up with her cuteness~"
And Curren Chan also said with a smile: "Ah, Karen-chan is going to water the flowers, so I'll excuse myself for now~"
With that, Curren Chan quietly left the scene, and on the Uma Musume side, only Doto and Opera O, two Uma Musume who were already very familiar with each other, remained. At this, Opera O also said with a smile:
"Doto, that was amazing, to actually defeat me, the Overlord. But next time, I will definitely win it back!"
"…"
However, Opera O's words unexpectedly received no response from Doto. Opera O looked over with a slight curiosity, only to find Doto with her head down, her ears drooping. Opera O, who vaguely heard Doto muttering to herself, also leaned in slightly with curiosity.
"I, I won't give him to you…"
"Doto? What did you say?" Opera O asked again, not having heard clearly. The next moment, Doto, with a flushed face and even a hint of tears in her eyes, but still in a voice no louder than a mosquito, said to Opera O with extreme shyness:
"Even if it's Opera O, my, my Trainer—I won't give him to you."
When Doto finished saying this, her entire face was so red that she wished she could crawl under the table. However, Opera O's eyes, after a slight moment of unfocus, immediately understood the meaning of Doto's words.
"So that's… what this is about…"
Sigh… My chest feels a little heavy, and suddenly I don't feel happy anymore. At this moment, Opera O, who had just joined the team and should have been full of Presence, was struck by this sudden blow, leaving her at a loss for what to do… Friendly reminder: The website is about to undergo revision, which may cause loss of reading progress. Please save your "Bookshelf" and "Reading History" in time (screenshot recommended). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!