Because they were holding a dance party, Tracen was unusually lively.
"This is the dance party registration desk! Anyone who wants to sign up, come here!"
Bamboo Memory, the head of the disciplinary committee, wore a headband with the character "Dream" on it and a Public Morals armband around her arm as she called out to the students.
"I want to sign up!"
"Me too!"
"Pairs write your names here. Solo participants write here."
"You can sign up alone too?"
"Of course. If you're alone, you'll do a solo dance. There'll be a dedicated solo dance area. If you want details, go ask Fujiwara Shirayuki. She's in charge of the dance party."
Because the Student Council was short on hands, even the disciplinary committee had been dragged into helping. Speaking of which, when did our duties expand this far? Looking at the crowd gathering around her, Bamboo Memory scratched her head.
"Line up properly! One at a time!"
On the other side, Fujiwara Shirayuki was overseeing the venue. She had the surrounding students clear out the hall, then began arranging the stage and bar counter.
This was when the strength of Uma Musume truly showed itself. A massive solid-wood bar counter was carried on the shoulders of two Uma Musume as if it were a thin wooden board. Heavy sofas were lifted in pairs, one in each hand, and carried over with ease.
They're basically walking cranes.
Even though Shirayuki herself was an Uma Musume, she was still shocked by the sight. Uma Musume really were terrifying. Their work efficiency was several times faster than humans. If not for the fact that there were fewer Uma Musume, and all of them were girls, humans might have no place left in physical labor at all.
"Shirayuki-san, where should this go?"
"Let me see… south side, right against the wall. I'll give you a layout diagram later. Everything has numbers, so place them according to the diagram."
"Yes!"
"Shirayuki-san, do you have a moment? The wiring is being pressed under the stage. Should we route it around?"
"The stage is hollow. Cut out a corner on the side and pass it through there. If we route it around, the wire won't be long enough."
"Understood!"
Air Groove stood nearby, guiding several students. Then she shifted her gaze toward Shirayuki, who was organizing everything from the center of the room.
By now, Shirayuki could handle these matters with ease. The girl who had once been somewhat awkward was now beginning to radiate dignity. Air Groove had once said that what Shirayuki lacked most was dignity, and as she gradually became a leader to everyone, Shirayuki's dignity was growing stronger as well.
With this, she had taken another step toward becoming the "Empress."
It was not only training and racing that could make an Uma Musume stronger. Even organizing student activities and interacting with others could bring about earth-shaking changes in an Uma Musume.
Sometimes, a change in mindset was even more effective than training.
At that moment, Air Groove felt a sense of satisfaction, like watching a child slowly grow up. She was looking forward more and more to the day Shirayuki would be called "Empress" by the entire world. No Uma Musume could dominate the racecourse forever. Everyone would eventually reach the moment when their brightest glory gave way to the final curtain. But at the very least, Air Groove wanted to pass on the unyielding legend and spirit.
Just like President Rudolf.
Rudolf had chosen Tokai Teio. Air Groove's choice was Fujiwara Shirayuki.
As for whom Shirayuki would choose, that would depend on her own thoughts.
"All right, everyone, let's take a break first."
Shirayuki clapped her hands and called the students to a stop.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"You worked hard too, Shirayuki-san!"
After everyone scattered, Shirayuki came to Air Groove's side.
"Senpai, was there anything wrong with how I directed them?"
"You did wonderfully," Air Groove said gently. "Go back and rest. The room is full of dust."
Ever since Air Groove had opened her heart and comforted Shirayuki a few days ago, the distance between them had become much smaller. That icy beauty now showed Shirayuki a rare gentle side.
After saying goodbye to her, Shirayuki left the venue. Looking at the sun outside, she took a deep breath.
Her mind had been far too tense recently. There was Mejiro Dober, then herself, and also Rice Shower. Rice and the others would be participating in the Classic races too, and their opponents would naturally be Mejiro McQueen and the others.
She really had a lot to handle. But now, she could relax for a little while.
Chiya's side had drawn the venue design plans, while she was responsible for on-site command. Dividing the work between the two of them had gone fairly smoothly. On the surface, it looked as if she could do the same work as Air Groove, but in reality, she had used the strength of two people. In other words, only by working together with Chiya could she barely match what Air Groove did alone.
Student Council work really isn't easy.
As her position grew higher, the workload gradually increased too.
Fortunately, Shirayuki could also reap quite a few benefits from it. She had invited top-class chefs and asked them to fill the dance party with a buffet on the day itself. And all the dishes were things Shirayuki liked. This meant she could eat to her heart's content during the event.
Food she could normally never afford was practically free in front of the Student Council.
Praise President Rudolf. You are my wallet… Sorry, I misspoke. Let me try again. You are the person I admire.
"Shirayuki, so you were here."
With a series of light footsteps, Special Week came running over excitedly.
"Dance with me, Shirayuki!"
"Dance? Spe-chan, you're signing up for the dance party too?"
"I was just about to sign up. That's why I came to find you."
"But I have to eat… cough, cough. I mean, I have to manage the event that day."
"Just one song is fine. A few minutes is enough. I want to dance with Shirayuki!" Special Week said with firm determination.
"What about Suzuka-senpai? Isn't she coming?"
"Suzuka-senpai isn't good with crowded events like this…"
"Really? But she's danced on the winner's stage before."
"As an escape runner, Suzuka-senpai said she wants to escape from the winner's stage too."
Silence Suzuka liked quiet places. A stage full of singing, dancing, and rap was not suitable for her.
"I see. Then there's no helping it…"
Between appetite and friendship, Shirayuki chose the latter. It was only a few minutes anyway. At most, it was two meals. The food she liked probably would not be eaten clean that quickly.
"Really!? That's great!"
Special Week stood up.
"Then I'll come find you during the dance party!"
After saying that, she ran off with cheerful steps.
"Yuki-chan~"
Special Week had only just left when Grass Wonder found her.
"Are you busy?"
"I'm resting."
Grass Wonder sat beside Shirayuki.
"Dance with me, Yuki-chan."
She stated her purpose directly.
"Hm? But Spe-chan just invited me too."
After Shirayuki said that, she heard the sound of something breaking.
"Spe-chan, huh… No wonder I couldn't find Spe-chan. Hehe… How long are you two going to dance?" Grass Wonder's smile was bright enough to be frightening.
"One song."
"That's fine."
Grass Wonder took Shirayuki's hand and gently rubbed it against her cheek.
"Spe-chan can only be considered someone who knows a little about dancing. But I'm different, Yuki-chan. I can guide you. I promise I'll leave you with an unforgettable memory."
"Mm… okay."
"I'll look forward to the dance party."
As if her radar had activated, Grass Wonder glanced in Special Week's direction, said goodbye to Shirayuki, then stood up and left.
"Shirayuki."
"Dober-nee, do you want to dance with me too?"
"Eh? You guessed it?"
I knew it.
Over the next period of time, T.M. Opera O, El Condor Pasa, Tokai Teio, Meisho Doto, and even several students Shirayuki had helped before, whose names she did not even know, all came to find her.
It was as if everyone had made an agreement in advance, lining up one after another to ask her.
You're kidding, right?
I just wanted to eat a meal.
Are you all planning to make me dance the whole night?