That evening's events weren't particularly remarkable—just a simple, ordinary painting session.
Yet the beautiful night scenery would surely remain etched in both their hearts forever.
By the time Ardan returned to the Mejiro residence, the smile on her face still hadn't faded.
"Young mistress, you seem quite happy?"
The housekeeper stepped forward, offering to take the items from Ardan's hands, her gaze gentle as she looked upon the girl she'd watched grow up.
"Yes, Grandma Housekeeper, you wouldn't believe it—I actually ran into Nearl!"
"Oh? Has Miss Nearl come to the central district?"
Deftly putting away the various supplies Ardan had brought back, the housekeeper wisely refrained from touching the carefully rolled-up painting that Ardan still held closely to her chest.
"That's right—she came for the Arima Kinen."
After chatting briefly with the housekeeper, Ardan bid her farewell and headed cheerfully toward her room.
She needed to find materials to mount and preserve this painting as soon as possible.
"Come to think of it, Nearl just rolled the painting up and handed it to me. I never unrolled it to take a look at the time."
Holding the standard-sized scroll in both hands, Ardan grew curious about what was inside.
After finishing their paintings, both Nearl and Ardan had silently agreed not to comment on each other's work.
They hadn't even glanced at them, afraid that if either had made some awkward mistake, pointing it out would make things uncomfortable.
But now, in the privacy of her home, it was different. By the next time they met, the moment could quietly pass without mention.
"Still, I do hope Nearl's painting turned out well. Though honestly, just the thought behind it already makes me happy."
Muttering to herself, Ardan carefully unrolled the painting. The moment it lay fully open before her, she instinctively brought a hand to her mouth.
"So beautiful… this atmosphere…"
Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out, gently and carefully tracing the edges.
"The technique is still a bit unrefined—you can tell it's not the work of a professional master. But why does it feel like I'm truly standing beneath that sea of stars?"
Ardan could hardly believe what she was seeing.
This was only natural, though. While painting, Nearl had poured her own perception of the starry sky into the work.
Though her brushstrokes were unpolished, they were more than enough to carry the creator's insight.
And when it came to understanding the world and all things in it, few—if any, aside from the Three Goddesses themselves—could rival Nearl, who was on the verge of perfecting her own realm.
"Compared to Nearl's, my painting may be more skillful in technique, but in capturing this kind of feeling… I've fallen completely behind."
Ardan shook her head with a wry smile.
"And here I thought I might have had a slight edge over her in this area."
--+--
The next day, Nearl went to see Oguri Cap and witnessed a scene completely different from the one with Tamamo Cross.
"Mr. Musaka, has Oguri… been eating even more than usual?"
Nearl watched suspiciously as Oguri Cap devoured her meal in the cafeteria.
"Don't ask me. I don't know anything."
Trainer Musaka was already massaging his temples in frustration.
"I've been a trainer for nearly forty years, and I've never seen anything like this."
"Most Uma Musume would be lucky not to lose their appetite from nerves before a major race. But her? Her appetite only gets bigger right before a race. Unheard of."
"Haha."
Nearl chuckled softly beside him.
"There's no need to worry, Mr. Musaka. It's not a bad thing. The more she eats, the more energy reserves she's building."
"Compared to those who refuse to eat before a race and harm their health, Oguri's way is far more reassuring."
"I'd be reassured if that were the only issue—but now I have to worry about her gaining too much weight!"
Musaka grumbled under his breath.
But despite his complaints, he made no move to stop Oguri Cap, simply watching quietly alongside Nearl.
"Nearl, the Arima Kinen is just three days away. Which Uma Musume do you think has the best chance?"
Suddenly, Musaka asked for Nearl's opinion, his expression completely serious.
"I'm still inexperienced. My analysis wouldn't be accurate."
"Nonsense. You already passed that hellish central trainer exam—you're a fully qualified central trainer now. You're no less capable than any of us."
Musaka snorted and shot Nearl a look that was both annoyed and amused.
"So you knew."
Nearl felt a little embarrassed but didn't try to deny it.
"Who do you think I am? My connections are beyond what a kid like you can imagine."
"But honestly, Nearl, you're really something. I can't even imagine how hard you must have worked."
"Not at all. I only studied a little here and there."
"Stop being modest. Too much humility is just pride. Just tell me straight—who do you think will win the Arima Kinen?"
Musaka pulled his cap down slightly, his tone growing serious.
"To be honest, a few days ago, I would have said Oguri has the best chance. But now… it's hard to say."
"…Go on."
"It's because Tamamo-senpai has regained her form."
Hearing this, Musaka's brow furrowed. He understood exactly how much weight those words carried.
As an Uma Musume who'd competed at the central level longer than Oguri Cap, Tamamo Cross had more experience to begin with.
But her small stature, coupled with her consistently poor mental focus and appetite, had always limited her potential—even affecting her daily life.
Yet even under those conditions, she could go toe-to-toe with Oguri Cap, a testament to her strength.
And now, he was being told Tamamo Cross had regained her form?
"This is no joke, Nearl. Is Tamamo Cross in good condition now?"
Musaka's expression was grave.
"She should at least be able to maintain it through the Arima Kinen."
Nearl estimated the lasting effect of her special cooking and gave a rough answer.
"This is trouble…"
Musaka's face twisted in frustration. If he weren't concerned about his image, he might have crouched down and held his head right there.
"Most of the plans I made just went down the drain. The race is in three days—now I have to pull all-nighters again."
"It's fine, Uncle Musaka."
Just then, Oguri Cap walked over, her belly full and her face content.
"Don't worry. I won't lose."
"…"
Musaka stared at Oguri's completely carefree expression and suddenly wondered what all his hard work and planning were even for.
"I just need to run."
Oguri Cap looked straight into Musaka's eyes.
"I'll give it my all—out of respect for everyone. But winning or losing doesn't matter to me. Just being able to run like this… that's enough to make me happy."
Faced with such sincerity, what could Musaka possibly say?
"Sigh… have it your way, then."
--+--
T/N: Honkai: Star Rail fanfic up!
--+--
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.