As the most important G1 race, the Arima Kinen held a dedicated press conference before the event.
The reporters' job was to bring the public updates on the contestants' condition, goals, and personal declarations.
And so, Oguri Cap and the others found themselves at a certain ultra-luxury hotel, where the press conference was being held.
"Welcome, please wait here for a while. Feel free to help yourselves to drinks, fruits, and snacks. Staff will come to notify you shortly."
Formally dressed service staff led the Uma Musume and their teams into a large hall. As the doors opened, dazzling chandeliers and exquisitely arranged fruits and foods covering the tables greeted them.
"Thank you for your trouble." The seasoned Musaka Ginjirou gave a nod to the staff and walked into the hall.
"It's so huge! Amazing!"
Berno Light clasped her hands in front of her chest, stunned by the opulent scene, feeling too overwhelmed to even react properly.
"Keep your cool. It's just a hotel, no need to be scared."
Trainer Musaka reminded her helplessly, seeing Berno Light so nervous she was walking out of sync.
"Y-Yes, sir!"
Instead, Berno Light stiffened up even more upon hearing this, even standing at attention like a statue.
Shaking his head in resignation, Musaka decided to let her adjust on her own and went to find Komiyama to discuss matters concerning Tamamo Cross.
'Seems this old bone needs to go sound out someone else's intentions for a change.'
Putting aside the "dirty" minds of the adults, the atmosphere among the Uma Musume was quite friendly.
After all, neither Super Creek nor Oguri Cap were the hot-tempered type.
You could even say they were among the more easy-going Uma Musume.
"What a pain. I really don't wanna see those reporters one bit."
Dicta Striker grimaced, genuinely disgusted by the profession of journalism.
'After all, they did that kind of thing back then. I've never forgotten.'
Her eyes turned sharp and fierce, her mood souring as she recalled those dark memories.
In the past, shortly after her debut, Dicta Striker received widespread praise. Her outstanding performance made everyone place high hopes on her.
The media and reporters at the time spared no effort in singing her praises, and she naively believed this halo would always surround her.
Until her leg developed problems.
It was only after that Dicta Striker understood the fickleness of human hearts and the cruelty of words.
"Has Dicta Striker Fallen? The Super Precocious Uma Musume?"
"The Disappointing Bullet, Has Her Final Sprint Fizzled?"
"Was Her Previous Victory Her Limit, Or Just a Benefit of Precocity?"
The flood of reports cut as deep as cold blades, tormenting Dicta Striker with both physical and mental wounds.
"Tch, thinking about this stuff just kills my appetite."
She let out a disdainful breath and casually picked up a piece of sliced fruit from a nearby table.
"What's this... munch munch... Wow, tasty! Is it apple?"
The delicious juice melted in her mouth, the cool, crisp texture spreading apart like sand, soft and fine.
"So sweet, but not too cloying. This apple is really good. Gotta have more..."
Her hands kept moving, and Dicta Striker, getting more addicted with each bite, simply took the entire plate, holding it in one hand while periodically picking up slices to pop into her mouth with the other.
"Oguri Cap, this fruit is really good, especially the apples. You should have some too—"
She stopped mid-sentence, seeing Oguri Cap in front of her already licking a plate, her cheeks stuffed so full they were puffed up like dough.
Dicta Striker swallowed her original words and finished lamely, "...you're already on it."
Watching the Uma Musume chatting amiably, Nase Fumino, leaning against the wall in a distant corner hidden from direct view, had a trace of amusement in her eyes.
"Trainer, why are you hiding here all by yourself?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded by her ear. But this person, whom she was usually accustomed to, now made her feel somewhat flustered.
"Ahem, I'm just used to being alone. Why have you come over here, Creek? Shouldn't you be talking with your fellow Uma Musume right now?"
"Because you looked so lonely by yourself, Trainer. I thought it would be better to keep you company. And look, I brought you some fruit."
As she spoke, Super Creek waved the plate in her hand.
"...Alright, I'll try some."
Nase Fumino reached out to take the plate, but when she pulled, the plate didn't budge.
"?"
She looked up puzzledly at Creek, who was smiling mysteriously.
"Here, say 'ahh~~'"
Creek carefully picked up a piece of apple with her fingers and brought it right to her trainer's lips, a gentle smile on her face.
"..."
A noticeable blush spread across Nase Fumino's face. Her slight backward lean also showed her resistance.
"Trainer~~"
Well, that resistance didn't last long. It crumbled completely under Super Creek's assault.
"Nom."
Closing her eyes, Nase Fumino took a bite of the apple from Super Creek's hand and immediately turned her back.
"There (munch munch), happy now? (munch munch)."
She mumbled indistinctly. Meanwhile, Super Creek was looking at her own finger, blushing in silence.
"Satisfied?" Nase Fumino still had her back turned, but her tone was noticeably softer than usual.
If Creek had circled around to the front now, she might have unlocked the rare sight of a "flustered" expression.
Unfortunately, Creek was also lost in her own embarrassment, retracting the feeding finger and clutching it tightly to her chest.
"Mhm."
She gave a soft affirmation.
"Hello everyone! Ready to deal with those annoying reporters?!"
The large doors swung open with a bang, and a vibrant, booming voice filled the room.
Everyone's actions halted as they instinctively turned to look at the small figure at the entrance.
"Ah, it's Tamamo Cross."
Dicta Striker remarked, then extended the fruit plate she was holding towards her.
"Want a piece? This apple is top-notch."
"Oh, then I gotta try it."
Tamamo Cross took a piece and tossed it into her mouth, savoring it carefully.
"Really is! The flavor's great. Got any more?"
"Of course, there's a whole bunch more on the table... huh?"
Dicta Stricker turned to point at the table and froze completely.
The once abundantly laden table now only had a single grey figure sprawled across it.
"Where did all the fruit go?!"
"Hahaha, need you ask? With Oguri Cap here, you didn't foresee this? How naive."
Tamamo Cross laughed, patting Dicta Striker's shoulder, then proactively walked over to Oguri Cap.
"Oguri Cap, can you spare me a moment?"
She asked quietly.
--+--
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.