The retraction of the domain gradually dispersed the previously oppressive atmosphere, and both Ardan and Mejiro Bright immediately let out a sigh of relief.
Ardan could still barely maintain her composure, but Mejiro Bright already felt her legs going a little weak.
"What was that… aura? Or some kind of superpower?"
After taking a few deep breaths to steady her emotions, Ardan hesitantly addressed the two approaching her.
"It's a domain—an ability that a few Uma Musume naturally awaken after pushing past their limits in a race and reaching a whole new level," Nearl explained vaguely.
"I see… so it's something only a handful of Uma Musume can grasp. Dicta Striker often exhibits that kind of aura too—does she also have a domain?"
"Yep, I'm sure of it," Platinum chimed in. "She showed it during that race we had before."
"…"
Ardan fell silent, bowing her head.
Her blue hair fell over her eyes as one arm crossed her chest, tightly gripping the other.
"It's because I'm too weak… I haven't been able to touch the realm of domains."
"Ardan-nee…"
Mejiro Bright looked at her with concern, instinctively reaching out to support her.
She knew her older sister well—gentle yet strong-willed, with beauty and elegance that made her a true representative of the Mejiro house.
But above all that, what was truly regrettable was her inherently frail constitution, which had all but drawn a close to her racing career.
If it were just a lack of talent, Ardan could have accepted it. But what pained her most was being denied even the chance to fulfill what potential she had.
Now, learning about domains, Bright worried it would only upset her sister further.
"Bright, you don't need to worry about me so much." Ardan gently patted Bright's head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "My time in the Twinkle Series isn't far from over, but I've given my all every step of the way—never slacked off once. So I have no regrets."
After comforting her sister, Ardan turned her gaze back to Nearl and the others.
"But Nearl, why did you and Centaurea release your domains together? Was there a reason for that?"
"Guess this one wanted to get to know me better," Centaurea answered, shrugging with a resigned tone.
"You can sense someone's truest nature, desires, and even talent through their domain. She probably couldn't be bothered with talking—just went for the direct approach."
Nearl nodded naturally, agreeing with Platinum's explanation, which surprised Ardan, who had always thought of Nearl as more mild-mannered.
But seeing the two of them getting along even better than when they first met, she began to doubt herself.
Was this actually the normal way to get along with Centaurea?
"Ardan."
Just then, Nearl called her name, her expression still serious.
"I plan to take Centaurea back with me. Thank you for caring for her like a little sister all these days—I truly appreciate it."
After speaking, Nearl bowed sincerely in gratitude. Even Platinum gave a quiet nod this time.
"…"
Ardan fell silent again. Truth be told, she had mentally prepared herself for the possibility of Centaurea leaving with Nearl.
Even so, hearing the news that Centaurea would be leaving filled her with deep reluctance.
If even Ardan, who'd seen it coming, felt this upset, it was even harder for Mejiro Bright, who had been inseparable from Platinum and adored her even more.
She hadn't prepared herself at all, so the moment she heard Platinum was leaving, her mind went blank.
"Centaurea-chan? You're leaving? That can't be true…"
Mejiro Bright stared at Platinum with disbelief, a trace of hope still lingering on her face.
"Yeah, I'm going back with this one. I'll miss you all, but there's no helping it."
Platinum, however, cleanly severed that last thread of hope, stating her plans outright.
Hearing that, Bright's eyes instantly welled up. She looked at Platinum with a pitiful, puppy-like gaze, lips pressed tightly together.
"But… but I still wanted to take naps with you every day, run together, talk together… I'd even planned so far ahead… Why do you have to go now, Centaurea-chan…"
Finally, the tears that had been welling up broke free, tracing paths down Bright's fair cheeks before falling onto her clothes, leaving small, damp marks.
"Bright…"
Ardan pulled her sister close, her heart aching at the sight of Bright's tear-streaked face, and began comforting her softly.
"I'm sorry…"
Seeing Bright so heartbroken left Nearl at a loss.
What she really couldn't understand was how, in such a short time, Bright and Platinum had grown so deeply attached.
"Don't ask me, I don't know either."
The moment that thought crossed Nearl's mind, Platinum answered it aloud.
"Sniff… Centaurea-chan…"
Bright buried her face in Ardan's chest, her sobs coming in muffled, broken waves.
"Sigh… Nearl, Centaurea, I'm going to comfort Bright for a while. Please excuse us."
Ardan apologized to Nearl and Platinum.
But Nearl, feeling responsible, couldn't possibly accept the apology calmly and quickly shook her head to show it was fine.
"Centaurea-chan… will you be attending Central Tracen?"
Just then, Bright lifted her head, teary-eyed, and looked straight at Platinum.
"Of course. I'm not like Nearl—why would I go to the countryside branch?"
"Okay, then I'll definitely go to Central Tracen too! Centaurea-chan, you have to wait for me there!"
Wiping her tears, Bright stared earnestly at Platinum, waiting for her reply.
"Mhm, sure. As long as we end up in the same place."
"I understand."
With those final words, Bright stubbornly turned away and sprinted off at full speed, as if forcing herself to accept the farewell.
"Sigh… Nearl, please contact me again soon. I'm worried about Bright, so I'll take my leave for now."
After exchanging goodbyes with Nearl, Ardan hurried off after her sister, leaving behind a guilt-ridden Nearl and a seemingly unfazed Platinum.
--+--
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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.