"Teio, is there anywhere you'd like to see? Or something you'd like to eat? Since President Rudolf entrusted you to me, I'll naturally take good care of you."
Walking between the buildings, Nearl asked Tokai Teio, who was beside her, for her thoughts.
It was still morning. According to the rules of Central Tracen Academy, the Uma Musume should have been in class.
As an academy dedicated to nurturing Uma Musume, Tracen not only allowed the Uma Musume to register for races but also aimed to help them grow into knowledgeable individuals with life skills. Thus, regular classes were part of the curriculum.
But Nearl was an exception. After demonstrating her extensive knowledge to the student council, she was granted permission to study independently.
After all, if she couldn't learn anything in class, it would just be a waste of time. It was better to let Nearl manage her own schedule.
Yet, no other Uma Musume felt jealous because of this. They all knew that even though Nearl didn't attend classes, she never stopped studying. Her figure could always be seen in the library.
So, normally, Nearl should have been heading off for self-study right now. But for Tokai Teio's sake, she felt she could make a small exception.
"I want something to eat! Honey Special Drink!"
Teio bounced along beside Nearl, her jumps fully showcasing the suppleness of her ankles. This was her most pride-worthy talent: naturally flexible joints.
Don't underestimate this simple description. For an Uma Musume, flexible joints offered countless advantages.
Higher leg lifts, longer strides, the ability to withstand more driving force, and more extreme engagement of muscle groups—all of which allowed her to achieve greater speeds.
Before her, there was another Uma Musume quite similar in this aspect: Oguri Cap (specifically regarding flexible joints).
Both were Uma Musume with exceptionally flexible joints, though Oguri Cap's was in her knees, while Teio's was in her ankles.
"Alright, follow me. I'm quite familiar with everyone in the cafeteria. Borrowing some ingredients and utensils shouldn't be a problem."
"You mean you can make Honey Special Drink?"
"Of course. I trained specifically for it before. I even have my own secret recipe."
Hearing this, Teio's eyes began to sparkle. Her fondness for Nearl was skyrocketing, now second only to her admiration for Symboli Rudolf.
Such a child. To the current Tokai Teio, Nearl was an idol on another level.
Just like how every kid wishes their parents ran a snack shop when they're little.
"Go, let's go! I want to drink it!"
"Don't rush. Patience is a required lesson for growth too."
Nearl deliberately slowed her pace to match Teio's. The closeness between the two didn't seem like a first meeting at all.
--+--
"So, how is it? Good?"
"Mhm! Even better than the ones sold outside school. And how did you know I like my Honey Special Drink this thick?"
Tokai Teio sucked hard on the glue-like special drink as if eating jelly, savoring this uniquely indescribable texture.
"...Just a hunch, I suppose."
Nearl watched gently as Teio wrestled with the large cup of Honey Special Drink.
"What next? Should I take you back to President Rudolf?"
"Mmm... not just yet."
Surprisingly, Tokai Teio shook her head.
"Nearl, can I watch how you train this afternoon?"
"That's certainly fine, but why?"
Facing this question, Teio lowered her head and stirred her drink. For a moment, she seemed more mature, not as childish as before.
"I thought carefully about what you asked me in the student council earlier. I really do want to surpass Prez, after all. If I just reached her level and then became complacent and slack, she'd definitely be angry. So I want to be stronger, faster than Prez."
"But there isn't a second Uma Musume in all of Japan who can claim to be stronger than Prez. The only one is right in front of me."
Putting down her Honey Special Drink, Tokai Teio ran over to where Nearl was sitting opposite her.
Since Nearl had already completed her Maturation, while Teio's hadn't even begun, even seated, Nearl could look Teio straight in the eyes.
Those clear blue eyes were now filled with determination and conviction. Though a slight tremble in her pupils revealed she still had some doubts, for a child, having such thoughts was already remarkable.
"So, Nearl, could I ask you to be my master?"
A loud shout, followed by a ninety-degree bow. Tokai Teio waited anxiously for a response.
There was no sound, but there was also none of those long waits seen on TV. Almost a second after she bowed, a pair of hands helped her up.
"Teio, 'master' is too grand a title for me. But if you don't mind, when you're ready to debut, I'll be your trainer."
"Trainer!"
"Yes, trainer. Every Uma Musume needs a trainer to be allowed to debut. And I already have my Central Trainer qualification."
"Yay!"
Whether it was trainer or master, it didn't really matter to Tokai Teio's young mind. All she knew right now was that Nearl had agreed.
"I'm pouncing!"
Facing the soft little body that leaped into her arms, Nearl caught her steadily and ruffled her hair.
"Mouuuu, don't mess up my hair, it'll get all tangled."
Changing position, Teio nimbly scrambled over Nearl, moving from her arms to her back, peeking out with her little head.
"Trainer, let's go! Take me to see your training!"
"Hold on tight."
Not correcting the address, a cheerful Nearl simply started running. The sudden inertia made Teio sway on her back.
But it didn't scare her; it only made her more excited.
"So amazing, you're running so fast! The trees are moving backwards!"
Though carrying little Teio kept Nearl from running at full speed, it was still a pace Teio had never experienced before.
On Nearl's back, she felt the wind rushing past and the blurred scenery changing around her. In this moment, her resolve solidified once again.
'Running really is the happiest thing!!'
--+--
"But the training was so scary!"
That afternoon, Rudolf listened to Tokai Teio's tearful complaints.
"Those exercises are too frightening! I don't want that!"
"No, no, every Uma Musume's training is different. Nearl's case is a special exception. Even I can't do it. Don't worry, Teio."
Recalling Nearl's usual training regimen, Rudolf completely understood why Tokai Teio was so terrified.
[Training Content]
Pulling a fully loaded truck with its handbrake engaged using a hemp rope;
Two half-hour sessions of jump rope; one hour of long-distance running training;
One hour of sprint training;
One hour of high-and-low jump training;
Fifteen minutes of high knee lifts;
Fifteen minutes of stretching.
--+--
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.