In a tastefully decorated bar with a tranquil atmosphere, Oguri Cap's trainer, Ginjirou Musaka, was enjoying a bowl of ice cream.
An elegant, crystal-clear parfait glass was filled with pale vanilla ice cream, topped with a rich layer of dark chocolate that created a stark visual contrast. Crushed peanuts were scattered around the edges, adding a final touch of sweetness, while a biscuit stick was angled artfully into the dessert—the perfect finishing touch.
But all that careful presentation was promptly ruined by Trainer Ginjirou, who dug into it with a large spoon without a second thought. After all, it was just ice cream.
"That looks delicious. I'll have one as well."
A tall elderly man dressed in traditional white martial arts attire sat down beside Ginjirou Musaka. Despite his old-school and stern appearance, he seemed curiously interested in such a sweet treat.
"Menu's here. Order for yourself."
Ginjirou casually tossed the menu over—a small gesture that spoke volumes about their comfortable relationship.
After the older man ordered the largest sundae available, Ginjirou finally spoke up.
"You saw the newspaper too, right? The one that came out this morning."
"Indeed. The content was exaggerated, yet it gives one much to ponder."
Setting down his glass, the elderly man spoke in formal, almost archaic language.
"What do you make of the Uma Musume mentioned in that article?"
"A born talent, without a doubt. Such outstanding ability is rare even in the central racing circuit. Yet, based solely on tabloid gossip, I dare not jump to conclusions."
Trainer Ginjirou nodded understandingly and took another spoonful of ice cream.
"Fair point. News reports alone aren't enough to go on. That's why I plan to go see this Uma Musume race in person. How about you?"
"I understand. I shall accompany you."
"Was hoping you'd say that. What about the others?"
Before the martial artist could respond, a woman's voice came from behind them.
"What kind of question is that? Of course we're going too."
The two older men turned to see a woman in a suit, her hair tied back in a ponytail, looking at them seriously.
"Komiyama? What brings you here? Shouldn't you be looking after Tamamo Cross?"
Stirring his ice cream, Ginjirou sounded puzzled.
"Ah, Tamamo's fine. Besides, she told me someone invited her out to dinner tonight, so I've got even less to worry about."
Trainer Komiyama clasped her hands together, replying with a bright smile.
Ginjirou nodded. "I asked Oguri Cap to find out when Nearl's next race is. I'll let you all know tomorrow."
"Wait, Oguri Cap knows this Uma Musume?"
Komiyama covered her mouth in surprise.
"Yeah, they're both from Kasamatsu. Grew up together since they were kids, like childhood friends."
Finishing the last of his ice cream, Ginjirou Musaka sighed nostalgically.
"Speaking of which, isn't Kasamatsu something else? Oguri Cap, Nearl, and let's not forget Everlamp—completely overshadowed by Nearl, but still incredibly talented. That makes three top-tier Uma Musume from the same region."
"Most perplexing, indeed."
The martial artist, quietly working on his giant parfait, chimed in calmly.
Just then, a young, clear voice cut through from nearby—cold and stern.
But those familiar with its owner knew it was only a façade.
"If you're going, may I join as well?"
Ginjirou raised his glass slightly in greeting.
"Trainer Nase, welcome."
"I don't deserve such courtesy. For an elder like you to raise a glass to me is too much."
The short-haired beauty who had just arrived bowed slightly in response.
"Heh, forget the formalities. So, you want to see her perform too? Won't your own Uma Musume get jealous?"
Ginjirou joked, and it instantly broke through Fumino Nase's icy exterior, bringing a blush to her cheeks.
"Ahem, please don't joke like that, Fairy Godfather. Super Creek wouldn't act like that—she's a very understanding person."
"Don't call me that! Have you no shame?!"
Now it was Ginjirou's turn to be flustered. He even slammed his cup down on the table.
"I think it's cool."
But Fumino Nase seemed genuinely fond of the nickname. Her eyes even seemed to sparkle a little when she said it.
"I don't get you. Anyway, we've all decided to go see her next race, right? Then wait for my message tomorrow."
Trainer Ginjirou made to leave, but just as he stood up, Komiyama spoke up apologetically.
"Um, Senior Ginjirou, would it be alright if I brought two more people? They're trainers too, but they're still pretty new. I'd like to bring them along to learn."
"Hm? Two rookies? I don't mind them coming. What are their names?"
Ginjirou stroked his beard thoughtfully, looking at Komiyama.
"Ah, one of them is named Okita…"
--+--
While the trainers were gathering at the bar, Oguri Cap was already waiting for dinner to begin.
"Margaret, order for me."
After sitting down at the yakiniku restaurant, Oguri Cap squeezed into the same booth as Nearl and handed her menu over for Nearl to choose.
"Wow, are you some kind of spoiled baby? Is this the famous 'Monster' everyone talks about?"
Across the table, Tamamo Cross—who was sitting next to Fujimasa March—looked at Oguri Cap with disdain, her expression practically screaming, "Aren't you way too old to be acting this clingy?"
Tamamo shot a disapproving glance at the clueless Oguri Cap before turning her attention back to Nearl.
"So you're Margaret Nearl, huh? I'm Tamamo Cross—currently the strongest in Japan! I'm even better than Oguri Cap!"
Facing Tamamo Cross, Nearl responded politely.
"Margaret Nearl. I'm a new Uma Musume. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about your achievements."
"Oh! You're pretty polite, aren't ya? Much better than this one, who acted all familiar right away and started calling me 'Tama' without permission."
Tamamo Cross happily stood up and vigorously shook Nearl's hand, swinging it a few times excitedly.
"I like polite kids. Nearl, was it? Nice to meet ya!"
After shaking hands, Nearl didn't sit back down.
She glanced at the still-empty table, then at Oguri Cap—who was sitting blankly, just waiting for the food to arrive—and sighed softly.
"You're too kind, Senior Tamamo. Would you like some milk?"
"Don't mind if I do. Pour me some."
Tamamo plopped back down and waved her hand casually. Now all smiles, she looked nothing like the fierce and intimidating figure from earlier.
"March, what would you like to drink?"
Not overlooking her, Nearl also asked Fujimasa March, who had been sitting stiffly with a nervous expression this whole time.
"Orange juice, please."
Finally, Nearl glanced at Oguri Cap. Without even asking, she made the decision for her.
"You'll have the usual, right, Oguri? I know. I'll go buy the drinks now."
Nearl carefully got up and went out to get the beverages.
After watching Nearl leave, the atmosphere among the three grey-haired Uma Musume grew quiet again.
--+--
T/N: New Uma Musume Fic Up!
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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.