At lunch, in the cafeteria.
"…Aren't you eating?"
"Ever since you've been saying things like 'adorable,' 'precious,' or whatever with that cute voice, my hands have been shaking so much I can't hold my chopsticks—!?"
"Cute voice… thank you. But you're the one who's cuter, senpai."
---
The next day at lunch, again in the cafeteria.
"Bread today, huh? Holding it with both hands… it's like a little hamster, so cute."
"Uuuu…!"
---
And the day after that.
"It is my utmost honor to behold your esteemed visage each day."
"Ah, I-I'm not someone to be worshiped! I'm the one who should be worshiping!! …And the formal speech, really… you don't need it…!"
"…! …Then I'll just say it straight. You're incredibly cute, Dejitan. I love your sparkling, gem-like eyes, and the way your expression and gestures look like a small animal when you watch your favorite. And also—"
"…Hah!? Sudden fan service!? …Kyuuh"
"Ah…"
◆
Suddenly, I feel invincible. Why? Because I've built immunity.
For three days, having shared meals with Dejitan and replayed those moments endlessly in my mind, I've efficiently acquired immunity to such overwhelming cuteness. I have become transcendent enough to directly tell her, "I love you."
Just earlier, the moment I confirmed she didn't need formal speech, I went on the offensive, ultimately knocking her out and admiring her sleeping face—a fine play. Counting the first day of school, that's my second "kill."
On the first day of school… back then, I would hit my limits at every turn, and it was really disgusting. Truly disgusting. Looking back, I can't believe I've progressed this far at this pace.
Thinking that, I head toward the training grounds.
Chuo Tracen Academy is an elite school for developing athletes. That means lots of time moving your body. Most days, like today, are morning classes and full afternoon training. After debuting in the Twinkle Series, it's said that holidays can be spent entirely training.
Both trainers and Uma Musume have grueling schedules. That's what it means to be at Tracen Academy and to compete in Chuo as a racing Uma Musume.
Of course, thanks to abundant funding, the facilities are top-notch: all-you-can-eat cafeteria, a gym with treadmills, barbells, even tile-breaking areas, a large pool, a big library, and an audiovisual room where past race records can all be watched. Countless other facilities are spread across the vast grounds.
Yes, this place is really huge. I've been walking for several minutes, and I still haven't reached my destination. I have time, but I pick up my pace slightly.
"Next, 600m dash! This is the last one!"
I run across the dirt track, already bathed in the setting sun. That's me, the Uma Musume.
Even a short distance like 600m requires full effort.
I push my brain to match the movements of my body with the form in my memory.
"…! …Hoo…"
I cross the finish line, slowing down and exhaling unconsciously.
"All right! Great job! …Amazing that your time is almost the same as on the turf. Your form is really shaping up. Keep this up!"
"Yes! Thank you!"
Today, I focused on correcting my form on the dirt course.
I originally had a habit of long strides. This "stride running style" uses less stamina and keeps speed stable, but it lacks acceleration.
Today, I practiced the "pitch running style," with shorter strides but higher leg turnover. Unlike stride style, it consumes more stamina but excels at acceleration. With strong power to grip the ground, it's suitable for running on dirt tracks prone to losing footing.
It's challenging, but if I can switch between these styles in a race, I'll run faster. That's the purpose of this training.
Stride running is smooth since I've practiced it unconsciously for years, but pitch running still shows rough spots. I haven't never practiced it, but under a professional trainer, the flaws become clear.
By the way, trainers here guide all new, team-less, pre-debut Uma Musume. That doesn't mean they're weaker than team-exclusive trainers. Managing many students while tailoring individual plans—these are truly skilled people.
"All right, that's it for today. You can do extra practice if you want, but be careful not to overwork. See you next time."
"Thank you! Goodbye!"
The trainer announces the end, and I step off the track.
Now, what to do next? Hit the gym for strength training? Or the pool for stamina?
As I walk thinking this, someone blocks my path.
"Sorry to trouble you, Aurora Frigate. Do you have a little time?"
…Deer-brown hair with a white crescent moon mark, dignified and graceful face. But the most striking thing is her overwhelming presence.
Emperor Symboli Rudolf is standing right in front of me.
"…Yes, I don't have any plans."
"I see. I am Symboli Rudolf, student council president of this academy. I wanted to speak with you for a bit. Normally I'd prefer a more relaxed setting, but I've finally found the time."
"No, that's fine… So, what do you want to talk about?"
Why would the student council president come to see me personally? I haven't done anything wrong. Maybe I did use all the screens in the audiovisual room to play multiple race videos simultaneously… Could it be that?
"I heard you got perfect scores in all subjects on the entrance tests?"
"…Eh? Ah, yes…"
That's right. My perfect memory, mostly used to replay precious scenes of Dejitan and other favorites, is also fully used for studying.
"That's not all. I also heard you plan to run both turf and dirt races. A new student like that would naturally catch my attention. That's why I came."
"…"
I see. That's why she came.
Yet I still feel a cold sweat from her intense presence. Am I being tested?
"I watched your last run. Very good. From what I've seen, you're not overestimating your abilities, and if you continue your efforts, G1 victories aren't impossible."
"…! Th-thank you!"
Wow! I got approval from Symboli Rudolf! I feel so motivated. My extra practice will be productive today.
"However, in racing, skill alone doesn't decide everything. Sometimes luck, things beyond your control, are necessary. …Though I'm called 'Emperor' now, my journey was not easy."
"…"
"Furthermore, you plan to run both turf and dirt? I've never heard of anyone winning G1s on both. The path is steep. Yet if you have the resolve to seize your dream, continue your efforts with steadfast determination. I apologize for taking your time; I just wanted to say this."
"…Understood. Thank you."
It's difficult, but not impossible. As Dejitan has done in the game, there's no reason I can't do it. This strengthens my resolve.
…As expected of Symboli Rudolf. Her words carry weight, a force in themselves.
And she came all this way just to say that. No wonder she commands such respect.
"…Hehe. Aurora Frigate. I look forward to seeing you create more exciting races. I simulated your races in my head and hope one day to compete with you…"
"… …"
A strange silence lingers. I feel a bad premonition. Something I should notice… but haven't.
"… …"
"…Well then! I look forward to seeing you again."
Just as I open my mouth, she says this quickly and then leaves.
Her figure seems slightly slumped, her ears and tail drooping, giving off a faintly downcast aura.
That night, in my dorm room.
"Ughhh…"
"What's with that dying-Jupiter voice? Eat something weird?"
"No… actually, I talked to the student council president today…"
"Oh? Nervous and mentally drained?"
"…Yeah, something like that… haah…"
I made a huge mistake because I was nervous.
I had an advantage. A big advantage.
Memories from my previous life. Knowledge about the Uma Musume Symboli Rudolf.
Yes, knowledge about this pun-loving Uma Musume.
"…Damn…! I didn't notice…!"
"Ah, I get it. That's such a stupid reason."
"Looking back, it was everywhere…! By the end, it was beyond puns, almost like she was rapping!"
"…Ridiculous."
Why didn't I react immediately…? Her departing figure radiated melancholy because of it…
…Was this how Air Groove felt too?
Aurora Frigate's motivation has dropped!
Anyway, after various setbacks, I feel demotivated. The only saving grace is that I finished extra practice.
Of course, the quickest way to regain motivation is to absorb Dejitan's preciousness.
So, as usual, in the cafeteria.
"Ah, hello, Aurora-chan."
"Hello… You seem calm today."
"By the fourth day, even I've gotten used to you. Besides, you seem like a comrade on 'this side'… I can almost feel the sympathy."
Dejitan says this, looking slightly proud. Showing new expressions keeps a fan engaged… truly a goddess.
"…Cute. So cute. Keep that expression. I'm going to memorize it from every angle."
"…Hyuh…! Face so close! N-no way! I'm not cut out to be on the receiving end of admiration!"
And her weakness to this kind of attention… she's even weaker toward the fans, i.e., Uma Musume fans. How adorable.
While we're like this, Golshi-chan, who had somehow sat beside me, speaks up.
"…Not to brag, but if I look faded compared to this… that's insane, you guys."
"Yeah, everything pales before Dejitan's preciousness."
I knew it. Dejitan is a goddess, the pinnacle of my world. Golshi understands this.
"…Am I the weird one here?"
"? You're always crazy, but why ask now?"
"…Never mind."
She frowns at her salad. Maybe there were bell peppers in it.
"…As I said before, I haven't even debuted yet. And there are plenty of other Uma Musume worth supporting more…"
"I support Dejitan because it's written in my soul. Debut doesn't matter."
In fact, being pre-debut means I can't buy merchandise or wave glow sticks, so all that desire channels toward Dejitan.
"…Written in your soul… I see… hmm."
She lowers her head, thinking while murmuring.
But she quickly looks up at me and says:
"…Aurora-chan! You still don't understand! The true preciousness of Uma Musume!!"
Someone precious is giving a lecture.
"I'll show you that there are Uma Musume far more wonderful than me!!"
Her eyes ignite as she speaks, ready to stand.
Yet she still won't admit her own preciousness.
…I can't wait for her debut. Once she gets more fans, she'll understand. Maybe I'll start an unofficial fan club in the school just for her.
"…Listen, comrade Aurora. You are still inexperienced. Supporting Dejitan above all is sheer folly!! You need to broaden your perspective!! I'll explain all the charms of other Uma Musume from head to toe!! …And if you find a new favorite, then we can share the preciousness as comrades… That's what it means to be an Uma Musume fan!!"
"So basically, you want to talk about favorites?"
"Yes, that too. Or 'oshi-katsu.' …Anyway! Then you'll realize your mistake!"
"…I already understand the preciousness of other Uma Musume. I have many favorites. Yet my number one is still Dejitan—that's what I'll prove…!"
Even reborn, I wouldn't change.
"…Other girls are far more attractive than me!! Like Golshi over there… wait?"
I look at where Golshi-chan had been—she's gone.
Instead, a piece of paper reads: "I sensed a crisis in the universe, so I'm leaving. Also, you guys are loud."
…Looking around, quite a few eyes are on us.
"…"
"…"
We exchange a glance, nod simultaneously, and quietly finish our lunch.