"Huh~~ So that's the reason?"
Mr. C.B. drew out her voice, her expression clearly showing she wasn't very interested in that answer.
"How boring. Such a shallow reason."
"Hehe, after all, not everyone has the spare time to observe your interesting soul. Loving beauty is just human nature."
Maruzensky didn't seem to mind this point. Though, judging by the way she unconsciously stroked her beautiful hair, she probably benefited from this very bonus herself.
"Speaking of beauty, I think Nearl is quite beautiful too."
After staring at the photo of Ellerslie Pride in the report for a long while, Mr. C.B. suddenly muttered. Her abrupt comment sent Symboli Rudolf into deep thought.
"Indeed, I also feel Nearl's beauty is no less than this New Zealand runner's. She not only has a pure golden mane as rare as Gold City's, but those light golden eyes of hers also possess a unique brilliance."
"And even in terms of ability... if she were just a year older, I would have moved heaven and earth to have her transfer to the Central Circuit. What a pity. The lineup for this Japan Cup is so stellar, it'll be hard to see its like again."
Symboli Rudolf sighed with genuine regret.
"Huh? What do you mean Nearl is a year younger?"
Mr. C.B. asked, confused. This question earned her a look of pure exasperation from the Emperor.
"Really, senpai, you met that child even earlier than I did, how do you seem so unconcerned? I'm talking about the most important year in a Uma Musume's life, the year she's permitted to enter the classic races."
"Nearl isn't even sixteen yet?"
Mr. C.B. was shocked.
"She's already that strong, and she hasn't even finished her Maturation?"
"Correct. She likely hasn't been in Maturation for long, meaning she's absolutely not over sixteen yet. After all, every Uma Musume who has completed her Maturation so far has been at least 16 years old."
Rising from her leather chair, Symboli Rudolf walked over to the sofa and poured a cup of black tea.
"If it weren't for that, I would never allow her to continue running in the regional circuits. It would waste her potential."
"Ooh, so you've considered all that? That's so like you, Rudolf."
Mr. C.B. nodded repeatedly, speaking as if this was some profound revelation, but her praise only earned a look of indifference from Symboli Rudolf.
"Praise like that doesn't make me happy in the slightest, senpai."
All through their chatter and teasing, one Showa-era auntie sat there utterly lost, a blank look on her face.
She hesitantly raised her right hand, like a student answering in class.
"Um, who is this 'Nearl' you keep mentioning? From the sound of it, she's a regional Uma Musume? Is she another Oguri Cap?"
The appearance of this question made Mr. C.B. and Symboli Rudolf look at each other, then suddenly realize something.
"Ah, that's right. Maruzen-senpai, you were traveling back then, somewhere quite remote, weren't you? It's normal you haven't heard of her."
The Emperor spoke with understanding.
"Senpai, you just need to know that Nearl is strong. Not just potentially strong, but strong right now."
"And the honors she will achieve in the future will surely surpass mine, the so-called 'Emperor'."
Hearing this, Maruzensky's first reaction was disbelief. Who dared claim they could completely overshadow the Emperor's radiance?
But the next moment, she fell into thought.
Because to her knowledge, Symboli Rudolf didn't joke about such things. She sincerely believed that this Nearl could achieve glory far surpassing her own.
"But I still find it hard to believe." Maruzensky ultimately couldn't bring herself to trust it. "Rudolf, who are you?"
"You're Japan's first Undefeated Triple Crown winner, a 7-G1 champion holding seven titles. And the era back then was different from now; the total number of G1 races didn't even exceed double digits, let alone the fact all your seven crowns were from the top tier graded stakes."
"With a record like that, how can you expect me to believe this Nearl could outshine you?"
"She can."
Symboli Rudolf's words put a firm end to Maruzensky's doubts.
"Words are cheap. But if you, Maruzen-senpai, just watch one of her races, you'll have no doubt that she can reach the top of Japan—no, the top of the world."
"She is that kind of transcendent Uma Musume."
Hearing Symboli Rudolf express a level of deference she'd never shown before, Maruzensky felt a fire ignite within her—a fire of curiosity.
"Then, when is her next race? Or are there any reports about her races available now?"
"She just finished a 2000-meter race a few days ago, so we won't see one soon. The report for that race probably comes out tomorrow. Right now, I only have the record of her debut race here."
"Is that all? What a shame. If only I could see this Nearl of yours with my own eyes." Maruzensky was quite disheartened.
But her words received a cheerful response from Rudolf.
"It's not entirely impossible."
"What did you say?"
"Senpai, you know the Japan Cup is happening soon, right? The foreign participants have already arrived in Japan."
"Of course I know! Why do you think I came back so quickly?"
"Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross are both participating in this race. And Nearl and Oguri Cap have been close friends since childhood; she'll definitely come to cheer Oguri Cap on. So, senpai, you'll be able to see her in the next few days."
"Really?!"
Hearing this, Maruzensky felt her anticipation overflow.
"Then I'll have to make sure to get to know her properly then."
'To get to know the monster even Rudolf doesn't consider a match.'
--+--
"We're here. That was quite a distance. Would bringing a book next time be better?"
Mejiro Ardan, having stepped off the train, stretched slightly to relieve the fatigue of sitting for hours.
Though, mindful of decorum, she didn't make any large movements, her lovely, curvaceous figure was still evident.
Pity the Nearl next to her didn't even bat an eye.
"That's a good idea. I'll take care of bringing a book next time then."
Nearl, who was carrying the luggage behind, responded to Ardan's complaint.
"That works too. The books you read must be wonderful, Nearl. Let me try reading them sometime."
"I'd be honored."
"Hehe. Come with me. I didn't call for the family driver today, so we'll have to walk back slowly. But Nearl, if you're in a hurry to see Centaurea-chan, I can call a taxi."
Ardan made plans beside her, but her decision to call a taxi was vetoed by Nearl.
"It's fine, no need to spend the money. Besides, having a friend to walk and talk with is a pleasure in itself."
"Don't say such embarrassing things."
A faint blush colored Ardan's cheeks as she lightly tapped Nearl.
--+--
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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.