Breakfast time passed quickly. The Uma Musumes coming and going were curious about these outsiders carrying their long and short lenses, but having seen reporters before, most simply glanced from afar before going about their business.
Only poor Ms. Nagiko had it rough. After returning, she was ruthlessly squeezed by her colleagues, ultimately spending a small fortune on food to finally shut their sour, jealous mouths.
But such happy teasing lasted only a moment. What followed for them was nothing but boredom… and awe.
The dry, tedious studying in the library, the staggering training load on the field, the sheer drudgery with not a moment of leisure—all of it left the reporters who had observed Nearl's day feeling distinctly uncomfortable.
"Is this self-torture?"
One reporter muttered, but his sentiment was met with unanimous agreement from his colleagues.
"I think that's about right. And it's definitely not an act. I even asked some of the other students earlier—their attitude toward Nearl is completely consistent."
"Consistent how?"
"Terror. All they feel about Nearl's life is terror. Impossible to emulate."
"So you're saying she really lives like this every day? Do you think anyone will believe this if we film it?"
However, the female reporter, Nagiko, maintained a firm stance.
"I actually think this documentary would be quite convincing. Think about how many miracles The Radiant Knight has created on the track. This level of hardship seems normal."
"I believe once this documentary airs, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of just how much struggle lies hidden beneath glory and radiance."
"..."
They exchanged glances, finding themselves unexpectedly persuaded.
"Nagiko has a point. We'll proceed with the documentary as planned. As for the air date… let's set it for next month."
--+--
The reporters left. Aside from notifying Nearl before their departure, almost no one noticed them go—a testament to their adherence to the agreement with Nearl.
In any case, although Nearl hadn't interacted with them during the recording, the footage was authentic enough as material.
Sometimes, words aren't necessary; silent images can possess even more tension and emotional power.
"Alright. Even though they stayed quiet all day without any disturbance, having a big camera stuck there was still distracting. Now I can relax."
Seeing no reporters in sight, Kitahara's ramrod-straight posture instantly collapsed, and he sprawled lazily right on the track.
"Trainer, I understand your desire to maintain a proper image, but an image forced like this won't last. It's better to build it through daily details."
Nearl looked helplessly at Kitahara collapsed on the ground and reached out to help him up.
"I know, I know."
Kitahara got to his feet and let out a long sigh.
"It's just that, as your trainer, I can't let my actions affect your reputation negatively. This is just a small effort on my part."
"I understand. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Trainer."
Nearl willingly accepted his sentiment. For her now, any refusal or caution would only dampen her trainer's enthusiasm, so simple gratitude was enough.
"It's nothing. This day ended perfectly, Nearl. Go back and rest. The Satsuki Sho… this is your first time stepping onto a G1 stage. Whether you're excited or calm, nervous or bold, this experience is uniquely yours, a once-in-a-lifetime feeling."
Patting her shoulder, Kitahara turned to leave with a smile.
"No training tomorrow. Give yourself a chance to rest. We'll meet again the morning after."
"Goodbye, Trainer."
--+--
Night fell, and Tracen Academy was now enveloped in darkness. Uma Musume didn't live on campus, so the classrooms should have been dark after classes ended.
Should have been.
Yet, in a remote classroom building, despite the drawn curtains, a faint light still seeped through.
"Hmm, add this? But given Nearl's physical condition, wouldn't this dosage be a bit weak?"
For once, the white lab coat was properly worn, signaling Tachyon's serious attitude.
"So difficult. Is morality really the stumbling block holding scientists back? The development went so smoothly, but trying to preserve its effects while suppressing them to legal levels is proving extremely tough."
Tachyon irritably discarded another batch of failed materials, placing the equipment on the shelf before slumping backward wearily.
"I really wanted to show off my brilliance in front of Nearl, to repay her usual kindness. After all, I, Agnes Tachyon, am not one to forget a favor."
"But this formula just won't work. No matter how I adjust it, I can't maintain the desired effects while passing the race's doping checks."
"Do I have to abandon the full potency? But then it'd be no different from an energy bar—just like eating a few extra bars at most."
"Sigh…"
Tonight, the classroom light remained on.
--+--
At the Mejiro estate, in a clean, elegant room, a certain Uma Musume stood by the window, gazing at the stars above. Her eyes shone as brightly as the starry nebula.
"Above the myriad stars, footsteps traverse the galaxy. May the belief of the Three Goddesses accompany every stride, blessing every inch of land."
Strangely, Ardan hadn't been such a devout believer in the Three Goddesses before.
While she held respect for them, in daily life she had always relied on herself.
Of course, this didn't mean she now expected only divine assistance.
But ever since returning from creating the winning outfit with Nearl, she had become certain that the Three Goddesses were surely by their side.
"Goddesses, please bless Nearl. May she always be happy, and may no tragic fate ever entangle her."
--+--
In the Ritto Dormitory, in a room temporarily occupied by one, a dapple-gray figure was sleeping soundly.
"Margaret… I wanna eat… Let's run… run together…"
She was dead asleep. Her face, usually cool and aloof due to her reserved nature, now looked utterly foolish.
A considerable amount of drool had already soaked the blanket clutched in her arms. Yet, judging by her sleep-talking, there were still people on her mind.
Today, many hidden thoughts and wishes glittered in the dark… All roads led to that final destination—the Satsuki Sho.
--+--
And now, Nearl had arrived.
"Welcome, everyone, to today's race! Such a packed crowd—this fiery atmosphere is a rare sight indeed!"
"But I believe this year's Satsuki Sho fully deserves your anticipation. Countless young, classic-level contenders are about to step onto this once-in-a-lifetime stage!"
"As the saying goes, 'The fastest Uma Musume wins the Satsuki Sho.' Let this race determine who that fastest is!"
"And I'm sure you've all heard the news, but I'll say it again: due to changes in URA regulations, The Radiant Knight is participating in this race!"
--+--
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.