What's with this 'only I can't do it' atmosphere?
Walking behind Miss Hayakawa, Legend thought in silence.
Should I find something to talk about?
"Though it's a pity to meet you under these circumstances, please allow me to introduce myself once more."
The gentle words broke the awkward atmosphere.
"Hello, Golden Legend-san. I am the secretary to the President of Tracen Academy, Hayakawa Tazuna."
Miss Hayakawa walked quietly, her tone peaceful.
"Uh, hello. I am Legend. I'm sorry you had to meet me this way. Also, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to pick me up."
Classmate Legend had abandoned all self-respect.
Yes, the two were walking back to Tracen Academy. From the conversation between the Police Officer and Miss Hayakawa, she had learned that the station was very close to Tracen Academy, less than 2 kilometers away.
In other words, our Golden Legend-san was only a tiny bit away from making it to the opening ceremony.
Next time, I definitely won't get caught!
A certain someone made a firm resolution and deeply reflected on her mistakes (not really).
While the girl had her head down in self-reflection, Miss Hayakawa stopped ahead of her.
"Well then, though it's a bit late, Golden Legend-san, welcome to Tracen Academy."
Legend was startled. She looked up and saw the school gates and Miss Hayakawa's smile.
Whether it was because the afternoon sun was so bright or just psychological, she felt like this smile and this academy were both glowing, shining brilliantly.
"Yes! I am but a humble student, please look after me!"
The girl, becoming nervous without realizing it, started babbling nonsense.
"Oh dear." Miss Hayakawa didn't know whether to laugh or cry and wanted to comfort the nervous girl.
However, before she could speak, another heavyweight figure arrived.
"Good afternoon, Miss Hayakawa."
The voice revealed a sense of sharpness and pride. Legend turned her head and saw a person—no, an Uma Musume—who looked somewhat familiar.
"Are you Golden Legend-san? I am the Student Council Vice President, Air Groove."
Yes, the newcomer was the Student Council's only designated conscience—the one who not only carried half the council's operations on her shoulders but also frequently suffered from the Student Council President's terrible puns, the very attractive Air Groove.
Air Groove didn't waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point.
"Please come with me to the Student Council. The Student Council President wants to see you."
"Eh?"
Summoned by the BOSS right after enrollment? Is the next step making me go undercover for three years?
A certain girl, whose mind started racing as soon as she got nervous, became even more anxious... "I am the Student Council President, Symboli Rudolf."
The calm words could hardly hide that overbearing aura. What shone through those amethyst-like eyes was the confidence and pride of the strong.
This person surely needs no introduction; any student who has encountered Uma Musume cannot bypass her.
With an undefeated posture, standing proud among the Triple Crown!
The undisputed Student Council President of Tracen.
The Teio / Tokai Teio, Symboli Rudolf!
"Among the training institutions in the country, this school implements the largest-scale and most perfect educational policy..."
Ignoring the nervous Legend, the President began a long-winded speech on her own, starting from the school introduction and drilling information into the poor girl.
Is this the punishment for skipping the opening ceremony? The girl thought aimlessly, her gaze involuntarily drifting to the slogan on the wall.
"Eclipse first, the rest nowhere. Do you know what it means?"
The calm words brought Legend's consciousness back.
"When Eclipse appears, who can compete?" she answered instinctively.
"It can also be translated as 'One horse leads, and ten thousand horses lose their luster.'"
"This is the school motto. Can you understand the meaning of these words?"
What does she mean? Who is she looking down on? Legend couldn't comprehend this mysterious question.
"...Never mind. Today I just wanted to meet the problem student who caused trouble on her first day of enrollment."
Rudolf sighed.
"Go on. Miss Hayakawa is still waiting for you outside. Any later and you won't make it for the dorm assignments."
"Ah, yes." Legend stood up and answered instinctively.
"By the way, one more thing." Rudolf called out to Legend, who had already turned around.
"What is it?" She looked back.
"From now on, I look forward to working with you, Golden Legend-san." The Student Council President finally showed a smile to Legend.
"...Yes, President. I look forward to your guidance from now on."
..."This is rare. Why such an attitude toward a freshman?"
After Legend went out, Air Groove, who had been a background character for the entire scene, questioned the Teio / Tokai Teio.
"The last person who made you act like this was Oguri Cap."
"That child is very strong!" Rudolf gave an irrelevant answer.
"Ah?"
"It's not about potential or talent; she is strength itself," Rudolf explained calmly.
"The moment she entered the Student Council Room, my 'Domain' issued a warning to me—I felt a threat from her."
"It's incredible, isn't it? From someone who hasn't undergone formal training and can't even be called a proper Uma Musume yet, I felt a threat."
"Are you excited?" Air Groove raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat helpless.
"Not to that extent. She hasn't been polished yet; she doesn't have the qualifications yet." Rudolf shook her head.
"However, once she grows, we will have another opponent—and an unprecedentedly powerful enemy at that!"
"Truly surprising. This is the first time you've praised someone so much. Even Teio / Tokai Teio and Oguri Cap never received such an evaluation." Air Groove was a bit shocked. "Does she really deserve such an evaluation from the Teio / Tokai Teio?"
"She is a natural-born powerhouse," Rudolf replied. "Flawless."
"Is that so? Then I'll wait and see." Miss Air Groove expressed her indifference.
"By the way, Air Groove."
"What is it?"
"Speaking of perfection, it really should be paired with a parfait!"
"Uh..."
Air Groove's motivation dropped.