Early in the morning, Symboli Rudolf finished changing into her school uniform, slung her bag over her shoulder, and pushed open the door to head downstairs.
Crossing the road, she saw Hayakawa Tazuna waiting nearby and greeted her with a smile and a nod.
"Good morning, Miss Tazuna."
"Good morning, Luna... Good luck with your work today!"
"Mm, you too."
Walking along the academy paths and passing the training grounds, she paused slightly, instinctively looking toward the field.
A familiar figure appeared once again, causing Rudolf's eyes to flicker with recognition.
On the grassy slope not far away, Starlight sat on a bench gazing out at the vast training field.
The morning sunlight draped over the silver-haired Uma Musume.
She didn't seem as energetic or lively as usual, but rather carried a touch of loneliness.
Sighing softly, Rudolf slowly walked over to her side.
Following Starlight's gaze, the image of a gray Uma Musume struggling to jog across the grass was reflected in her eyes.
It was Mejiro McQueen. She was wearing weighted horseshoes paired with the first level of the weighted equipment, making every step she took look heavy and laborious.
Even at such a slow pace, her expression was strained, and her forehead was covered in sweat.
"She's working very hard for the Tenno Sho... just like you used to."
"Yeah, just like I used to..."
"When I was coming through the school gates, I saw Teio on the dedicated Uma Musume track outside. It seems both of them are taking this duel very seriously. I'm sure it will be exceptionally brilliant."
"Yeah, brilliant..."
A drop of cold sweat trickled down Rudolf's forehead. She felt she had said the wrong thing.
'Why does Starlight's mood seem to sink even further?'
Her fuzzy white horse ears drooped against her hair, and her tail flicked listlessly behind her.
She was someone who used to be the best at running, yet her legs had betrayed her...
She was someone who loved being the center of attention, yet now she could only sit here watching other Uma Musume shine on the turf.
"...The President is as early as ever today."
Averting her gaze, Starlight squinted her eyes, her tone flat.
"Mm... it's become a habit, I suppose. Just like how you used to get up every day for morning practice."
The faint smile on Starlight's face faded completely.
She crossed her arms and gave Rudolf a slightly disgruntled look.
"Hmph. The President really isn't very good at comforting people. Your words always manage to pinpoint exactly what makes me unhappy."
"That's really not okay."
Panic flashed across Rudolf's face, and she waved her hands frantically in distress.
"I-I suppose that's true... but I really didn't mean it! Starlight-chan, please don't be sad. I'm sorry—"
"Haha, it's fine... I'm going to the cafeteria for breakfast."
With a light chuckle, Starlight slung on her bag and stood up, walking toward the cafeteria.
Watching her back, Rudolf felt a pang of guilt.
She wanted to call out to stop her, but didn't know how to start.
Outside, on the small path near the river.
This was the prime spot for Uma Musume to do extra training.
At this moment, our focused Mihono Bourbon was training on this path in her tracksuit.
Tap, tap, tap—
As she passed a cluster of bushes, a black Uma Musume wearing a grey hood and sunglasses poked her head out.
From her lower half, it was clear she was also wearing a tracksuit.
Watching Mihono Bourbon's figure, this "mysterious" Uma Musume began to run after her.
Though she looked quite mysterious, the blue rose hair ornament peeking out from her right bangs gave her away immediately— this Uma Musume was, of course, Rice Shower.
As usual, she was conducting her "stalking-style" training.
Whether the Mihono Bourbon in front had noticed her or not was unclear, but she suddenly sped up, instantly blowing past Rice Shower and leaving her in the dust.
Slowly coming to a stop and watching Bourbon's back, Rice Shower panted slightly as she began to formulate a brand-new training plan in her mind.
In the cafeteria, Starlight ordered her usual meal.
She sat down in the area by the window and gazed at the scenery outside.
Her fair, delicate hand held a fork, spearing half a boiled egg. Just as she was about to put it in her mouth, she suddenly felt a puff of warm air against her ear.
"Hoo~"
"Ah!?"
Clatter—
Starlight's face instantly turned bright red, and the fork slipped from her hand, clattering onto the floor.
She covered her tingling little ear and turned her head to look.
An Uma Musume with long, platinum-blonde hair stood there with one hand on her hip.
"Why so gloomy, Starlight-chan?"
"Ah, Gold City? What was that for? You scared the life out of me—"
"Hehe, who knew you'd be so sensitive?"
Teasingly, Gold City sat down beside her.
She reached out, picked up the fork, popped the half-egg into her own mouth, and then handed the fork back to Starlight after she finished eating.
"Alright, alright. I have to attend some performances lately. Do you want to be an idol with me? With our combined fanbase, we'd definitely be a massive hit if we formed a duo."
"Eh? Be an idol?!"
Starlight's eyes flickered with surprise at the suggestion.
"Even if I can't run, singing and dancing might still be a bit strenuous. I might hold you back."
"It's fine, I'll catch you. What do you say?"
"...Sure? Since I don't have much else to do right now, I'll be in your care, City-chan~"
"Mm. I'll come to your classroom to find you at noon. Then we can go straight to the agency to see my manager."
"Okay."
Nodding, Starlight was about to say "see you at noon" when she noticed that our platinum Uma Musume had no intention of leaving.
Starlight tilted her head curiously.
"Why aren't you leaving yet?"
"Ah? Starlight-chan... we finally get a moment to spend together, are you really that eager to chase me away?"
Gold City's voice was gentle and magnetic, yet her words carried a hint of feigned grievance.
She leaned in slightly toward Starlight, reaching out to rest a hand gently on her shoulder, a smile spreading across her lips.
True to her reputation as a great beauty, when Starlight looked at Gold City's smile, she found herself genuinely struggling to resist.
Her face flushed slightly, and she shifted aside, her gaze flickering away.
"T-That's not what I meant. Are you here to eat too?"
Squinting her eyes as she looked at the delicious-looking and bashful silver-haired Uma Musume, Gold City's tone rose playfully.
"Mm~ Indeed. That boiled egg just now was exceptionally tasty. Can I share the rest of your food with you, Starlight-chan?"
"Ah, sure... but I've almost finished this portion, it won't be enough for you."
Shaking her head, Gold City propped her head up on her elbow and watched Starlight.
"It's fine, I'm satisfied... Actually, I can take you to my dorm at noon first and help you change your hairstyle. How does that sound?"
"O-Okay then. Aside from performing on the Winning Stage, I haven't had much contact with idol work, so I'll be counting on you, City-chan..."
"No problem. Leave it to me. I'll take good care of you, Starlight-chan~"
During the fourth period in the morning, the Uma Musume of Team Spica were nowhere to be found in class.
On a distant hillside...
Mejiro McQueen placed a metal hurdle in the center.
Having changed into her weighted horseshoes and wristbands, she began her side-to-side jumping practice.
Thump—
Thump, thump, thump—
Gold Ship, sitting cross-legged on the ground in front of her, felt the vibrations traveling through the earth and marveled.
"Wow, that's impressive! Keep it up, McQueen~"
Thump, thump, thump—
Even though McQueen was still in the middle of her power jumps, her eyes were fixed on Gold Ship.
She didn't say a word, but her gaze made Gold Ship feel a cold shiver running down her spine.