The student council door flew open with a bang, and a small, youthful figure of an Uma Musume bounced cheerfully inside.
"Prez, I came to see you!"
"Ah, Teio… Could you stay quiet for a few more minutes? This one here needs a little more time to finish her forms."
Seeing this little Uma Musume with brown hair and a white blaze almost identical to her own right in the middle of her forehead, Rudolf did something utterly unprecedented—she showed an expression of pure fondness and spoke in a soothing tone.
If anyone outside saw this, their impression of the Emperor would probably shatter into pieces, especially those who'd been thrown into detention.
Their impression of Rudolf was all iron will, aloofness, intimidation, and sheer dominance.
Who could have imagined she'd use such a negotiating tone?
But fate works in mysterious ways. Rudolf, who could face anyone without fear and overwhelm them with her unyielding presence, found herself helpless against just three people.
The first was her grandmother.
The childhood memory of having her bottom smacked in public was far too embarrassing, leaving her with a psychological shadow around Speed Symboli. She could never act all high and mighty in front of her.
The second was Nearl.
But that was because Nearl was troublesome in an overwhelmingly positive way. Her character and strength were both flawless.
Rudolf couldn't even muster the thought of one day giving her a hard time.
And the third… was the little Uma Musume with those clear blue eyes standing before her now. Facing her, Rudolf always felt an indescribable emotion.
A boundless sense of indulgence made it hard for her to ever speak coldly or harshly to Teio.
In fact, if Teio showed even a hint of sadness, it made Rudolf's own heart ache even more.
So, there was no helping it. If anyone else dared barge in so rudely, they'd quickly learn what true majesty was. But if it was Teio… she could only smile and try her best to coax her.
"Oh, okay then."
Fortunately, Teio wasn't a particularly difficult child. She usually listened to Rudolf, so she quieted down and turned her gaze to the golden-haired beauty before her.
'Huh? This Uma Musume looks really familiar…'
As she stared, Teio's ears shot straight up. She realized why this Racing Uma Musume seemed so recognizable.
'The Radiant Knight! I'm actually meeting her in person!'
Her tail gave an involuntary wag, which she forcefully suppressed with sheer willpower. Teio shook her head vigorously, trying to clear her mind.
'No way! This person is the Prez's rival! How can I let myself be fooled by her appearance!'
Thinking of all the praise she'd seen heaped on Nearl, claims that Nearl had already surpassed the Emperor and would leave her in the dust one day, Teio puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, glaring daggers at the girl she saw as the enemy.
"Mmm…"
'Now what's this about?'
Rudolf watched Teio's obvious dislike for Nearl with growing helplessness. She made a gesture as if to reach out, wanting to say something, but didn't know where to start.
For her, it would be wonderful if Teio and Nearl could get along.
Nearl's values, her thoughtfulness, her strength—every aspect of her put Rudolf at ease. Teio could definitely learn so much from her.
But what was going on now? Could someone please explain why Teio seemed to dislike Nearl?
"President, I've finished."
Before she could figure out a solution, Nearl made the first move. She looked up, handed the completed forms to Rudolf, and then turned around.
"I thought I heard someone come in, who could it be—"
Nearl's movement froze for a split second. The figure before her wasn't as resilient and radiant as the one in her memories, but that unique, spirited aura still proclaimed her identity.
"Tokai Teio?"
"Huh? You know me, the great Teio-sama?"
Clearly, Teio hadn't expected the currently soaring Radiant Knight to know her name.
For a moment, even though her brain was still yelling that this person was the Prez's "rival," her heart couldn't help but leap with joy.
"Yes, Tokai Teio. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, call me whatever you like."
Nearl went down on one knee, bending so her eyes were level with the still-young Teio. A slight tremor was hidden within her gentle tone.
'Finally… I get to meet you.'
That's what Nearl thought.
This Racing Uma Musume before her was different.
Even though the mystery of her own crossing-over remained unsolved, and Sister Byerley kept being evasive, Nearl still thanked heaven from the bottom of her heart for letting her live a little longer.
And as the image that had moved her so deeply back then, Tokai Teio had always held a special place in her heart.
To put it simply: if one day she decided to give everyone an equally-sized piece of candy, while she wouldn't shortchange anyone else, she'd give her own extra piece to Teio.
'Calm down. They're all real. Teio isn't just the image you imagined. Too much emotion will only trouble her. Stay calm.'
Thinking this, Nearl reined in the impulse to hug Teio and nuzzle her cheek.
She knew she'd probably be unable to avoid showing Teio some favoritism, but not causing them distress was her standard for action. She couldn't let herself run wild.
"By the way, I have some candy here. I don't really like sweets myself. Would you like some, Teio?"
"Yes!"
Her eyes sparkling, Teio took the crispy candy Nearl offered, immediately tore open the wrapper, and took a bite.
"Mmm, it's dry… but so fragrant. And very sweet."
"It's an ancient Chinese pastry, a bit different from regular candy."
Rudolf curiously leaned over from the side.
"Nearl, you didn't buy this yourself, did you? You don't seem the type to actively buy candy. Was it a gift?"
"Mhm. Ardan brought me a few pieces while I was working at the cafeteria during breakfast."
"Is it really okay to give away a gift someone gave you to Teio?"
"That's why I kept one piece." As she spoke, Nearl pulled the last piece of crispy candy from her pocket and gave it a little shake.
"This way, I'm not completely disregarding Ardan's kindness."
"Mmm-mph! Teio-sama approves of you!"
Thoroughly bribed by a few pieces of candy, Tokai Teio completely forgot her previous hostility toward Nearl. Now she happily pressed closer.
"Teio, settle down."
Rudolf gently patted Teio's head.
"Teio just enrolled at Central Tracen this year, but it's the affiliated academy. She's not old enough to compete yet. Probably needs another year or two."
"And in two years, it'll be time for this Teio-sama to write her own legend!"
Her little head popped up to add this declaration before she dove back into Rudolf's embrace.
"Heh. Nearl, don't let her current 'big-shot' act fool you. But Teio's talent is the real deal. In raw talent alone, she might even surpass me."
"I know."
Nearl recalled the glorious achievements of Teio's past life and nodded in agreement.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.