"So... what's going on here?"
Standing at the airport entrance, Okino scratched his head, utterly confused.
"Sunshine, shopping, and action movies!" Platinum cheered, sunglasses perched on her head.
"Racing, fillies!" Agnes Digital chimed in right behind her.
"President, you big idiot—!" This wailed protest came from Leap of Faith, who was being firmly escorted by Symboli Rudolf towards the airport, squirming and crying out in frustration.
"There's no helping it," Symboli Rudolf said with a sigh, pushing Leap of Faith towards Agnes Digital. "This was specifically requested by Golden Sixty."
"['Whether Faith is willing to participate in this special race or not, please send her back to Hong Kong for a visit.'] That's what Golden Sixty wrote in her letter to me."
Given Symboli Rudolf's character, a request from a friend was something to be honored.
Besides, this was a family matter. Symboli Rudolf felt she had no place interfering. Sending Leap of Faith over for her own family to deal with was the extent of her responsibility; she'd done her part.
With things having come to this, Leap of Faith hadn't expected that not only would she fail to talk Platinum out of it, but she'd gotten herself roped in as well.
She immediately spread her arms and rushed to throw herself into Platinum's embrace.
"Wah... I'm so sad..."
Platinum sidestepped neatly, and Leap of Faith ended up crashing right into Agnes Digital. "Don't just glomp onto people like that," Platinum said flatly.
She really couldn't stand that kind of thing.
"Oof!" Platinum wasn't sure if she imagined it, but she thought she heard Agnes Digital, who was quickly covering her mouth, let out a strange sound.
And what was Agnes Digital thinking right now?
She was over the moon.
Though Agnes Digital claimed to be a head fan who supported everyone equally, she was really a 'DD'—someone who fell for one after another.
Any Uma Musume who shone brightly on the racetrack... Agnes Digital gave them all her equal, boundless love.
Lately, she might have been a little biased towards Platinum... but, but!
Leap of Faith was also a kid she'd been quietly supporting all along.
Even after suffering three devastating debut losses, Agnes Digital firmly believed that Leap of Faith held endless potential within.
One day, she was sure, Leap of Faith would stand on stage, shining as brightly as the others.
Just thinking about it filled Agnes Digital with a strange sense of pride.
'I was supporting her back when she was still a nobody!'
And now, Leap of Faith was right in front of her, their bodies pressed close together, so close she could almost hear each other's heartbeats.
No... this isn't right... As a fan, I should be watching and supporting from afar, quietly. This kind of contact—
It's just so awesome!
Agnes Digital suddenly recalled a childhood memory with her father.
"—Digital, why are you so set on becoming a Uma Musume?"
"—Ah, well, that's obviously because..."
Because Tracen Academy is full of Uma Musume everywhere you look! You can get close to them anytime, anywhere!
This was the very reason, the very reason I entered Tracen Academy! This is just me returning to my roots!
Agnes Digital trembled with happiness, nearly fainting on the spot.
An involuntary shudder ran through Leap of Faith, who quickly pushed Agnes Digital away.
"Ah, no... sorry, Miss Digital, I didn't mean to do that..." Leap of Faith stared at her own hand in disbelief. "I don't have anything against you, Miss Digital..."
"But for some reason, when I hugged you... I felt a little... well... kinda creeped out."
Guh-hah!
Agnes Digital clutched her chest, dropping to her knees as if turned to stone.
She'd been rejected...
This world had no more value for her.
If that was the case, it might as well end right here.
Agnes Digital pulled out a fountain pen and held it horizontally against her own neck, smiling as tears streamed down her face nonstop.
"Forgive me, I'll just end it all now..."
"Wait, that's not what I meant!" Leap of Faith hurriedly grabbed Agnes Digital's wrist. "I'm sorry, Miss Digital... I really didn't mean to say that, it just slipped out..."
"Besides, I've already used the self-termination bit before. If we keep using it, the readers will get tired of it..."
Ignoring the chaotic duo making a scene behind her, Platinum looked at Okino and Symboli Rudolf, who had seen the three of them off, and waved. "Well, we're off then."
"Once you're settled in Hong Kong, don't forget to call," Okino called back, waving at Platinum.
Tokai Teio and the rest of Spica hadn't come.
After the last celebration party, Platinum felt a strange sense of embarrassment around them and didn't want to trouble them again.
Especially Tokai Teio—if she'd told her the departure date, it would definitely interfere with her preparations.
So Platinum simply hadn't told any of them, planning to call them once they arrived in Hong Kong.
"Remember what I said. Don't be impulsive, observe and learn more. If something seems impossible, don't force it." Symboli Rudolf also waved at Platinum.
"I've spoken with Golden Sixty. Someone should be there to pick you up when you arrive in Hong Kong."
"Try cramming a few phrases in Chinese and English; they'll come in handy there. If you feel awkward asking Leap of Faith for help, just talk to Agnes Digital about any needs. Her English is quite good, so communication shouldn't be a problem."
"Heh heh heh." For some reason, Platinum responded to Symboli Rudolf's advice with a supremely confident smirk.
Symboli Rudolf, just who do you think you're talking to?
Do you really think I won't understand the language over there?
You're underestimating me way too much. Today, I'm going to amaze everyone.
Seeing Platinum's smirk, Symboli Rudolf decided not to press the matter. She had completely given up on trying to figure out what went on in kids' heads.
"By the way... why didn't Agnes Tachyon come?"
Platinum's eyes darted around, surprised that the usual nuisance hadn't shown up to see her off.
Good thing, really. A very good thing. She was finally going to escape Agnes Tachyon's clutches.
"Alright, we're going!" Pushing and shoving each other, Platinum, Leap of Faith, and Agnes Digital headed into the airport. Symboli Rudolf leaned against the car door, waving after them.
She hoped that this time, Platinum could learn what she needed from Golden Sixty.
Understanding the gap between herself and the current strongest active racer... was the perfect opportunity to define her path forward.
It's just... given Golden Sixty's personality... Symboli Rudolf couldn't help feeling a faint trickle of worry in her heart.
The world always makes allowances for those who are exceptionally talented. So people like Symboli Rudolf often came across as... rather eccentric.
She wondered if Platinum would be able to handle Golden Sixty's particular brand of teasing.
--+--
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.