Nearly fourteen months had passed since I first extended the invitation, and now, Nearl, you've finally enrolled.
Heh, as expected—when I set my mind to something, it always gets done.
After Nearl finished signing the stamped documents, the name Margaret Nearl was officially registered in the central student archives.
With that done, Symboli Rudolf cheerfully tossed out a lighthearted remark—though perhaps it wasn't entirely a joke.
"Air Groove, I'll leave the filing to you."
By placing this enrollment agreement into Nearl's records and handing it off to her capable vice president, Rudolf once again demonstrated her mastery of delegation—or more plainly, her knack for passing off work whenever possible.
"Understood, President."
Air Groove, still not yet versed in the art of slacking, remained the diligent and dedicated assistant she'd always been. She buried herself in the task without a word of complaint.
"Nearl, would you like assistance in selecting a trainer? I could arrange a special screening session just for you."
With Air Groove handling the paperwork, Rudolf—now free of duties—turned her full attention to Nearl.
"You just name your requirements. Central trainers are a rare resource, but for someone like you, I guarantee they'd flock over like seagulls spotting fries on the beach."
Rudolf would swear by that with her hand on her heart.
Nearl might be new to the central scene and unaware of certain rumors, but who was Rudolf?
She was the emperor of Tracen Academy—there was no way she'd miss the buzz among the trainers.
Lately, Nearl had become the hottest topic in their circles. Every one of them was racking their brains, trying to figure out how to "curry favor" with her.
"Thank you for your concern, President, but that won't be necessary. I've already decided on my trainer."
Nearl shook her head, politely declining the president's offer. She was the type to hold loyalty close, and her choice of trainer had long been settled.
"Who is it?"
Rudolf was puzzled. She hadn't heard of Nearl being particularly close with any central trainer—certainly not close enough to warrant a direct appointment without due process.
'Wait… If we're talking about deep connections, there is one person…'
"Nearl, could it be Mr. Kitahara? I know he was your trainer back in Kasamatsu as well."
"Yes. I've worked with Kitahara for over a year now, and I deeply respect his character. I still intend for him to be my trainer."
But after Nearl stated her decision, Rudolf fell silent. She thought it over carefully before speaking in a serious tone.
"Nearl, it's not that I disapprove of Trainer Kitahara. But from his work with Oguri Cap this past year, I see him as… an average trainer. And I mean that literally—he's mid-tier among our trainers here."
Rudolf paused briefly here.
She glanced at Nearl's expression. Seeing no displeasure, only attentive listening, she continued.
"Your talent, in my eyes, is a rarity across eras. I truly hope you'll choose a brilliant trainer to support you."
"I see. I understand what you mean. Thank you for looking out for me, President."
Nearl listened earnestly, then responded with a calm smile and gratitude. Her reaction made Rudolf chuckle wryly and shake her head.
"It seems you won't be taking my advice after all."
"My apologies, President."
With that simple refusal, Nearl said no more. Both she and Rudolf were sharp Uma Musume—some things didn't need spelling out.
"Very well. It's alright. My advice is just that—advice. Reality rarely matches the ideal, and your personal feelings matter too."
Rising to her feet, Rudolf led Nearl out of the room. She felt there was nothing left to discuss.
"Go find the trainer you've chosen. I'll prepare the documents on my end."
"Thank you for your trouble, President."
"No need for formalities."
Rudolf smiled as she watched Nearl leave.
Behind her, Air Groove stepped out, curiosity written on her face.
"President, is she really a new student? I felt an intense pressure from her—not the kind a rookie should have."
"Air Groove, sometimes we just have to admit it: some prodigies simply defy common sense."
"President…"
"What is it? You look like you've got something stuck in your throat."
Amused by her vice president's hesitant manner, Rudolf had never seen the cool and elegant Air Groove so conflicted.
"Nearl plans to challenge the Classics, doesn't she?"
"Without a doubt. Right now, she's the closest any Uma Musume has come to an Undefeated Triple Crown. Not aiming for that laurel would be a crime."
"Of course, she might have other goals too—like the Oka Sho, reserved for fillies. But no matter what, the Japanese Derby will be on her list. It stands above even other G1 races—the only one that compares is the Arima Kinen."
Rudolf spoke with confidence.
But soon, her expression shifted to unease. She noticed a look of pity in Air Groove's eyes—as if something regrettable had happened.
A bad feeling welled up inside Rudolf, and an oppressive aura unconsciously seeped from her.
"What is it, Air Groove?"
"President, it seems… Nearl may not be able to enter the Classic races."
"…Damn it!"
Rudolf cursed under her breath, struggling to keep her emotions in check.
"What's the reason?"
Her voice turned low and heavy. Even off the track, the emperor's domain seemed to expand uncontrollably.
"Missed registration deadline."
Air Groove forced out the words, feeling an invisible pressure weighing her down, turning her hands and feet cold.
Symboli Rudolf felt a sharp pang of distress—and along with it, deep guilt toward Nearl.
The Classics come only once in a lifetime. No matter how many honors Nearl might earn later, this gap would remain with her forever.
"This again? It happened with Oguri Cap, and now Nearl too?! Is there some curse on Uma Musume from Kasamatsu?!"
Gritting her teeth, Rudolf turned and strode out of the student council room.
"Air Groove, I'll need you to cover for me. I'm going to the URA headquarters."
With an aura of grim determination, Rudolf marched forward.
"This time, no matter what it takes, I'll make the URA Association change this rigid, unforgiving rule. We can't let what happened with Oguri Cap happen again!"
With those words, she walked away, her steps heavy yet resolute.
Though her resolve was firm, she still had no certainty about the outcome.
"I hope they're ready to rewrite the rules."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.