Kagura, still wandering outside, naturally had no idea about the commotion unfolding at school. After circling around all day, she finally returned, contentedly carrying a huge pile of groceries.
Eclipse-san, anything you particularly want to eat tonight? I'll make it.
——Hehe, there's nothing special. Anything tasty is fine by me.
Having accompanied Kagura around town the entire afternoon, Eclipse-san felt thoroughly satisfied. Her standards were never high to begin with, so she didn't want to further trouble Kagura.
With her arms full of groceries, Kagura headed straight for the cafeteria upon her return—after all, aside from one change of clothes, everything else she bought was food. Thanks to her Uma Musume strength, lugging this huge haul back in one trip wasn't even a challenge.
"That's strange, why are the cafeteria lights off? It's almost night already… is nobody here?"
When Kagura arrived at the cafeteria entrance, she felt puzzled seeing no lights inside. The sun was already setting, casting shadows over the dining hall. Normally, someone should have turned on the lights by now.
Holding bags of groceries in the dimness, Kagura carefully stepped inside, intending to put everything down first before searching for the light switch.
Before she could even take two more steps, a small rustling noise came from her right side. Just as Kagura turned toward it, a loud pop, like a balloon bursting, suddenly erupted, startling her into a tiny jump.
"Surprise! Welcome back, Kagura-chan!"
Along with the sound, the lights suddenly flicked on, covering Kagura in ribbons and streamers. Standing directly in front of her was Akikawa Yayoi, and a bit further back were several familiar faces, all gathered around the table where they usually freeloaded food together.
"What are you all…"
After the initial shock faded, Kagura sighed in relief. For a second, she'd truly thought her brief Uma-life was about to end. She hadn't imagined it was just these familiar troublemakers hiding to prank her. No wonder Eclipse-san hadn't given any warning.
Even the cafeteria aunties and uncles appeared from behind the serving counters, applauding warmly, leaving Kagura—who'd only just returned—completely bewildered.
Can someone explain to me what on earth is happening right now?
From their behavior, Kagura guessed they were probably trying to surprise her. But today wasn't anything special—except perhaps her birthday, a date she herself had almost forgotten. She'd certainly never mentioned it to anyone. How could they possibly know?
"It's a celebration, of course! Rudolf-san secured her third big victory recently, and since Rudolf-san was too busy dealing with the media earlier, we're taking the opportunity to celebrate now!"
Akikawa Yayoi smoothly delivered the prearranged excuse. Knowing Kagura definitely wouldn't mention her birthday, they'd cooked up this "reason" to hold a celebration. Later, they'd casually bring up her birthday and naturally slip into celebrating it.
"Exactly. Everyone else already arrived; we were just missing my most important supporter. Hehe, did we manage to surprise you?"
Rudolf Ojou-sama smiled gracefully, naturally following Yayoi's lead. When Yayoi suggested giving Kagura a surprise celebration, Rudolf had immediately agreed.
"You definitely startled me…"
Seeing even the normally serious Trainer Tojo present boosted Rudolf's credibility further. Without thinking much about it, Kagura dropped off her groceries in the kitchen before returning to the table.
"First of all, congratulations again, Rudolf, on your splendid third victory! We're all looking forward to seeing you continue your success!"
After everyone sat down, Trainer Tojo kicked things off with congratulations for the official "star" of the evening—Rudolf Ojou-sama—prompting a round of applause.
Of course, Rudolf insisted Kagura sit in the center too. Originally, Rudolf had offered her lap due to lack of space, but after careful consideration, Kagura politely declined, squeezing beside Rudolf instead. Luckily, Kagura's petite figure easily allowed her to slip into the tight space without causing trouble.
"Thank you all for your support. Although I have no more races scheduled this year, next year I'll definitely do my best to follow Mr. C.B.'s footsteps and capture the Triple Crown in magnificent fashion."
Sitting next to her, Kagura watched Rudolf speak confidently, like a leader addressing her supporters, composed and assured. A proud smile unconsciously spread across Kagura's face. Suddenly, she understood exactly how her mother must have felt upon seeing her university entrance exam results.
Why does it feel like I aged several years just now...?
"It's impossible for me alone to maintain such perfect racing form. Behind me stands Trainer Tojo, who always supports me, and Central Tracen's best Support Uma Musume, Inari Kagura. They both deserve immense credit for my victory."
"Indeed," Trainer Tojo smoothly took the cue as planned. "Rather, Kagura might be the most crucial element here. While I handle race strategy and training, Kagura is responsible for logistical support. She's the one keeping Rudolf at 100% physically and mentally. Today's celebration also belongs partly to her."
"Kagura! I heard you won Tracen's Gold Medal for Best Support Uma Musume! Congratulations! I knew someone as amazing as you would definitely get an award!"
Nice Nature finally seized her chance to speak, immediately congratulating Kagura.
Her praise was sincere. Thanks to Kagura's tutoring, she'd safely passed every theory exam. Kagura even sacrificed her own rest to specially train her while she was struggling to find a trainer, hardly sleeping for an entire week. Kagura's help had undoubtedly played a huge role in her finding someone as gentle as Trainer Minamizaka. Not to mention Kagura's daily care—it was practically parental. Nice Nature couldn't even imagine how chaotic her life would've become without Kagura's support.
"Kagura's award was expected. Even though you rarely attend classes, I frequently overhear students talking about you. Your legend echoes everywhere in school… Haha, you've probably never heard about this, since you hardly ever return to class."
Rudolf nodded, then passed her tablet over to Kagura.
Taking the tablet, Kagura saw a picture from a classroom. In it, several Uma Musume stood facing an empty desk, their hands clasped together reverently as if praying before a sacred altar. But the desk wasn't empty—it was piled high with familiar notebooks and scraps of paper.
Those were Kagura's notebooks, left behind earlier.
"The students say if they leave their questions on Kagura's desk, after a week the Goddess of Learning descends to bless her believers, guaranteeing they pass their exams for three whole days... Pfft…"
Rudolf herself nearly burst out laughing as she spoke. Naturally, Rudolf knew the truth: when Kagura had spare time, she'd swing by the class, leaving behind photocopies of her detailed notes.
But how it had evolved into this bizarre legend—Rudolf glanced subtly behind her at Gold Ship, who was currently absorbed in fiddling with a Rubik's cube. She suspected this kid had probably played a crucial role in creating the myth.
"Kagura-chan! I'll have vacation soon and will be pretty free! Want to take a drive with me? Onee-san will show you around town!"
After Rudolf, Maruzensky-san jumped eagerly into the conversation. She'd long wanted to take Kagura for a ride but never found a chance.
With Maruzensky-san's lively enthusiasm, the atmosphere quickly warmed. Everyone chattered excitedly, Kagura responding happily to each familiar face's questions. These were her close friends, so there was no need for her to hold back.
The cafeteria aunties and uncles even brought out meals and desserts for the Uma Musume. Since Kagura frequently assisted in the cafeteria, especially during peak hours—always skillful, efficient, and unpaid—the staff eagerly volunteered to help once they heard about the celebration.
Hehe… Kagura truly is a good girl who loves everyone and is loved by everyone in return…
Watching Kagura chatting happily, Rudolf was moved by her warmth and popularity. Surely, Kagura's kind nature contributed greatly, but she truly had the skills to help others generously.
Seeing her chance had finally come, Rudolf seized a quiet moment and asked Kagura casually:
"By the way, Kagura, I've wanted to ask this for a while. When is your birthday? You've done so much for me, I'd love to thank you properly."
"You really don't need to do anything special, Ojou-sama! I'm just doing my job—not something so special! Ehehe... Honestly, I almost forgot my birthday myself. But earlier today, when eating cake outside, I suddenly remembered...today actually is my birthday."
"Whoa! Kagura-chan's birthday is today!? This must be what they call shuāngxǐ línmén ('double happiness') in Huaguo!"
Yayoi immediately took over, genuinely surprised—Gold Ship had somehow guessed Kagura's birthday with zero evidence, even before Kagura herself remembered.
"What a lucky coincidence! Since we're already having a celebration, let's celebrate Kagura's birthday together!"
At last, Rudolf relaxed, seeing their plan successfully accomplished. Turning to the others, she joyfully declared:
"Alright, everyone—let's celebrate!"