"So this is why you brought over this pot of… food?"
In the training room, Trainer Fumino Nase was at a loss as she accepted the food container handed to her by Super Creek.
"It's just that you've been pushing yourself too hard these past few days, Trainer. Seeing you so exhausted every day is really worrying. You need to think about how I feel, watching you like this."
After handing over the health-conscious meal she'd prepared together with Nearl, Super Creek began scolding Trainer Nase.
She felt this kind of behavior was irresponsible towards the Uma Musume under her care.
"How can someone who can't even take care of herself make the Uma Musume who follow her feel secure? It was Nearl who made me understand this point. So, Trainer, you have to promise me."
Nase Fumino was completely stunned. This was the first time Super Creek had ever scolded her like this.
Before this, her general impression of Super Creek was limited to her running-related qualities: gentle, tenacious, clear-headed.
Only now did she suddenly realize how little she truly knew about the Uma Musume under her care.
What was she like in daily life? What did she like or dislike? Why did she pursue running?
Nase Fumino had a premonition.
If she could figure out these things, she and Super Creek might just reach that state the Mejiro family pursued—the so-called 'Two Hearts, One Body'.
"Trainer? Don't space out. Can you give me an answer now?"
Seeing Nase staring blankly at the food container in her hands, Super Creek grew anxious.
"I mean it, Trainer!"
Putting a bit more force into her tone, Super Creek gently clapped her hands on her trainer's cheeks, then applied a little pressure to make her look directly into her eyes.
"Please give me an answer. Promise me you won't mistreat your health like this anymore."
That face, filled with both sternness and concern, was deeply etched into Nase Fumino's heart, leaving her feeling dazed.
From childhood till now, no one had ever shown her such concern.
Her family life wasn't devoid of love, but her parents never knew how to express it, leaving her completely unfamiliar with such direct displays of care.
"I understand. Now stop squishing my face."
The usually aloof Trainer Nase's expression was rather comical, but this comicality conveniently masked the faint pink blush creeping up her fair cheeks.
"Mhm, that's a good girl."
Satisfied to see her trainer nodding obediently, Super Creek withdrew her hands.
But as she watched her trainer begin to dutifully eat the food she'd brought, a strange emotion began to sprout inside her.
'The trainer looks so cute like this… I want to pat her head, I want to feed her…'
Such faint, barely perceptible thoughts flashed through her mind too quickly for Super Creek to clearly grasp.
But their trace was permanently left behind.
--+--
Meanwhile, Nearl, holding another portion of food she had specially set aside, was heading towards Central Tracen.
As for who this was for, I believe everyone has already guessed.
She is currently one of Japan's top Uma Musume.
She has deep blue eyes and long gray hair.
She holds the key to becoming a legendary Uma Musume: the Domain.
That's right, she is~~~
Tamamo Cross, ta-da!
"Trainer Komiyama."
Arriving at Tamamo Cross's dedicated training area, Nearl first sought out Tamamo's trainer, Ms. Komiyama.
"Nearl! What brings you here?"
Komiyama was very surprised to see Nearl, as she hadn't invited her over.
And with the Arima Kinen, the most important race of the year, just days away, who would dare disrupt the athlete's schedule like this?
"I came today because of our phone conversation earlier. You mentioned that Tamamo-senpai's appetite has taken a serious hit, correct?"
Nearl got straight to the point, stating the reason for her visit, which stemmed from their usual daily chats.
Actually, after the Spring Welcome Cup, nearly all the trainers had gotten Nearl's phone number and email, but not a single one called her.
After all, their positions were somewhat awkward; calling Nearl for no reason would definitely seem odd.
But asking these grown men to exchange text messages and share their feelings with Nearl was simply too difficult for them.
Trainer Komiyama, however, was female, a natural advantage.
She could freely exchange emails and chat with Nearl without anyone batting an eye.
Trainer Nase actually had the same opportunity.
But her reserved personality and her habit of focusing all her attention on Super Creek made it hard for her to build a connection with Nearl.
A few days ago, Komiyama had brought up this very issue in their chat.
Nearl still remembered the worried tone in Komiyama's voice.
"You remembered that."
Komiyama smiled and scratched her head, but the brief smile soon faded, replaced again by a cloud of worry.
"I won't hide it from you. Tama-chan's condition is quite severe now. Not only are her nerves unbearably tense every day, she can't even finish more than a few bites of food."
"In just these ten-plus days, her weight has dropped by almost three pounds. If this continues, forget participating in the Arima Kinen, even maintaining a normal life might become a problem."
"It's already this serious…"
Nearl murmured, bowing her head briefly before quickly looking up to ask Trainer Komiyama a question.
"Do you know the reason behind Tamamo-senpai's extreme tension?"
Just like the principle of treating an illness, you must treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
If they couldn't figure out the reason for Tamamo Cross's abnormal behavior, Nearl couldn't possibly follow her around forever.
Fortunately, the bond between this trainer and Tamamo Cross was deep. After long observation, she had noticed some clues.
"I've identified a few potential reasons myself. They might not be entirely accurate, but they're probably connected to some degree."
"Please, go ahead."
Nearl immediately became serious, listening attentively to Trainer Komiyama's theories.
"Tama-chan possesses a competitive spirit far surpassing the ordinary. This trait often allows her to unleash incredible power during races, but it also makes her nerves sensitive, volatile, and finely strung."
"Right now, she only has this one race left before retirement. The pressure is immense. Her pursuit of victory is exhausting her, both physically and mentally. It's also why, even though I'd be saddened to see her retire, I won't stop her."
"Tama-chan has long needed a rest."
"I see. So, ultimately, the root of Tamamo-senpai's problem lies in her mental state."
Nearl nodded, summarizing the core issue.
"Yes, a matter of the heart. But matters of the heart are often the hardest to cure."
--+--
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.