Some time later...
The two once again sat inside the council room.
Though unlike before, it was only the two of them this time.
Since it was the weekend, the other Student Council members were absent, likely occupied with their own activities away from the academy. Or taking time to train on their own.
But Symboli Rudolf remained as always, rigid and dutiful.
Even on days she should have rested, she still insisted on ensuring the academy continued functioning smoothly.
Some called her hardworking.
Others simply called her a workaholic.
Especially Tokai Teio, who often complained that Rudolf spent more time working than relaxing with anyone else.
Either way...
There were still many early arrivals to handle, especially students traveling from distant prefectures.
And right now, one particularly energetic arrival sat directly across from Rudolf.
Kicking her legs freely while waiting.
Without wasting much time, Rudolf finally began.
"So… Urara."
"Thank you for taking the time to come here."
"I understand you must be exhausted from your travels, however…"
"This matter is deeply connected to your standing within our academy."
Immediately, Urara's eyes widened.
"Whoa!"
She leaned forward excitedly.
"Am I getting promoted already?!"
"…Pro-Promoted?" Rudolf repeated blankly.
She genuinely had no idea what Urara even meant.
At that, she awkwardly chuckled.
Then, Rudolf quickly cleared her throat and regained composure.
"No, Urara," she replied, shaking her head slightly.
"The matter I wish to discuss…"
"…is not nearly as cheerful as it sounds."
"You see…"
Symboli Rudolf folded her hands together calmly.
"Even though I fought rather intensely for your place within this academy…"
"The officials were not pleased with your performance during the trial examinations."
"And unfortunately…"
"It has already become a topic of discussion throughout the academy."
Rudolf lowered her head slightly.
"I did not wish to tell you this so abruptly, Urara, but…"
"...You are still not officially recognized as a student of Tracen Academy."
"Not yet, at least," she emphasized carefully.
"Due to your previous results, the officials have decided to place your enrollment under probationary evaluation."
"They will continue observing your standing before deciding whether you should remain enrolled…"
"…or be dismissed entirely."
Urara blinked quietly while listening.
Meanwhile, Rudolf continued.
"I'm sorry to inform you of this."
"But in order to secure your place here…"
"You will need to undertake the trial examinations once more."
"Both the written test and the racing test."
"Fortunately, these evaluations are conducted three times each year."
"Within those three opportunities…"
"You must successfully pass at least once."
"Only then will you officially become a member of Tracen Academy."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"Otherwise…"
"You will permanently lose your eligibility to attend this institution."
"Still," Symboli Rudolf continued, "you will continue receiving our education, training, and access to our facilities."
Her tone then softened slightly.
"Urara… please pass at least either the race or the written examination."
"Since Umamusume remains the core of our institution, I sincerely hope you can continue staying here with us."
Then she smiled faintly.
"Because I would hate to see someone with the potential to become a star in her own way be taken away from this academy."
"Don't you think so—" before she finished.
"Then all I gotta do is win!" Urara suddenly interrupted, pumping both fists confidently.
"All I need to do is beat everyone on the track!"
She proudly rose from her seat.
"I can do that! Don't underestimate Urara!"
Seeing that reaction, she was slightly taken aback but also quietly relaxed a little.
She had honestly worried Urara might take the news badly, but that little critter simply wasn't rattled even one bit.
As a matter of fact, she was more determined.
Rudolf then quickly continued.
"Or…" she added, "You could also try passing the written exam."
"It truly should not be that difficult if you study properly."
"Don't worry!" Urara replied immediately, completely ignoring that suggestion as if the written exam had never existed as an option.
"I promise I'll win on the track at least once, Rudy!"
Then she grinned brightly.
"And when I do, maybe we can celebrate together!"
Rudolf chuckled softly.
"Alright, alright…"
"I'll hold you to that promise."
But soon—
Her expression returned to seriousness once more.
"Regardless…"
"Please do your very best, Urara."
"Just secure your place within this academy before the year ends."
Rudolf's gaze eased slightly.
"I know you can do it."
"Yes, madam!" Urara replied with another dramatic salute.
And with that, Urara was dismissed.
Soon afterward, she was approached and guided toward her dormitory by Kiseki, whom Rudolf had called beforehand to assist.
Leaving Symboli Rudolf alone inside the council room once more...
...
...
...
After they left...
Rudolf quietly turned toward the window.
Outside, Umamusume continued living freely throughout the academy grounds.
Some raced each other playfully.
Some chatted together.
Some simply enjoyed their own little moments.
Meanwhile, Rudolf's expression slowly changed.
Her mind drifted back toward her meeting with Tazuna and the Director.
The moment she had been informed that Urara's standing still remained undecided.
That further evaluation would be necessary to preserve Tracen Academy's reputation.
How Rudolf had argued repeatedly in Urara's defense...
Only for her efforts to be rejected due to the "risk" Urara supposedly posed to the academy's prestige.
And then...
There was that question.
"Rudolf… why are you trying so hard for her, someone that was far below the level?"
Quietly, Rudolf clenched her fist.
Even now, she still questioned herself.
Why?
Why was she trying so hard for someone who technically should never have qualified for Tracen in the first place?
It was the first time she had worried this deeply over a single student.
The first time she felt herself showing favoritism toward someone.
Perhaps it was Urara's infectious energy.
Perhaps it was because Rudolf had seen genuine growth within her.
Or perhaps...
She simply...
..changed...?
…
…
…
Not long afterward...
Urara was guided toward her dormitory by Fuji Kiseki herself.
More specifically, the Ritto Dormitory, the very dorm under Kiseki's supervision.
Once they arrived, Kiseki opened the room door for her.
Immediately, Urara's eyes sparkled.
"Whoa! It's so big!"
Then she sharply turned toward Kiseki.
"Wait! Is all of this mine?!"
"With two beds too?!"
Kiseki chuckled softly.
"No, not quite."
"It simply means your roommate hasn't arrived yet, my little pony."
"WHOA!"
Urara cheered even louder.
"I get a friend to share my room with?! That's even better!"
And from that point onward, Urara immediately dashed around the room excitedly.
Touching random furniture.
Inspecting the walls.
Jumping repeatedly on the bed.
Running from one side of the room to another while dragging her luggage behind her.
Meanwhile, Kiseki simply watched with amused disbelief.
Until eventually, she gently interrupted Urara's rampage and bid her farewell.
Giving a graceful bow before stepping outside and quietly shutting the door behind her.
Leaving Urara completely alone inside the dorm room.
And immediately afterward, Urara began unpacking.
Or more accurately...
She began throwing her belongings everywhere.
Clothes were scattered across the room instead of being folded neatly.
Mostly because back home, that had always been her mother's responsibility.
Eventually, after exhausting herself enough.
Urara flopped onto the bed dramatically.
Lying flat while staring at the ceiling above her.
A bright grin slowly spread across her face.
"Whoa…"
"I've never had my own room before!"
Then her legs kicked excitedly against the mattress.
"I wonder who my roommate's gonna be!"
"I can't wait!!!"