Tokyo — Central Tracen Academy.
Since he had already filed a report in advance, the guard only checked his ID briefly before letting Kuroha through.
Thanks to his earlier visit with Ginjirou, he already knew the way and soon arrived at the president's office.
Standing at the door, he straightened his clothes, making sure there was nothing out of place, then knocked politely.
Even if he and Symboli Rudolf were friends, this was still a formal interview, and proper manners were necessary.
Knock, knock.
"…Come in."
The room was quiet for a moment before a composed voice answered.
Opening the door, Kuroha was met with the sight of a large desk facing the entrance.
Behind it sat Symboli Rudolf, her fingers interlaced, expression calm and commanding.
Had he not been familiar with her, the sheer aura she radiated would have been enough to intimidate him.
"Good morning, Trainer Kuroha."
A gentle voice came from the side. Sitting on the sofa with her usual smile was Maruzensky.
"Rudolf's been waiting ages for you," she teased, pointing at Rudolf whose composure was already starting to falter. "She was just saying how nervous she felt."
"Maruzensky…" Rudolf's voice carried a faint complaint.
"Ara, my bad."
Covering her mouth, Maruzensky giggled, then winked playfully at Kuroha, gesturing for him to come over.
Seeing this familiar, slightly comical scene, Kuroha couldn't help but smile.
He bowed politely to Rudolf first.
"Good morning, President Rudolf."
Then he turned to Maruzensky with a lighter tone.
"Miss Maruzensky, I didn't expect you here too. Looks like today's atmosphere is especially lively."
Rudolf cleared her throat, trying to reclaim the authority that Maruzensky's joke had punctured. Straightening her back, she fixed Kuroha with a sharp gaze, her voice shifting into official tones.
"Trainer Kuroha, have a seat."
She gestured to the chair across from her desk.
Kuroha sat, and a moment later, a folder was slid across the table toward him.
"This is the Central Trainer employment contract. Look it over, and if there's no problem—sign it."
"…Huh?"
Kuroha stared blankly at the contract in front of him.
Wait a minute—wasn't this supposed to be an interview?
Rudolf finally let out a laugh.
"You scored first in the written exam, and on top of that, you're the trainer of the South Kanto Triple Crown winner. What's left to test?"
"Am I supposed to question you on training philosophy or methods? You know more than I do."
Kuroha chuckled, flipping through the contract.
"So this is the president's privilege?"
Rudolf's expression stiffened. "…Are you signing or not?"
Seeing her caught out, Kuroha smiled faintly.
"Of course I'll sign. But I'll read carefully first."
Friends were friends, but contracts had to be checked.
He skimmed through the detailed clauses: base salary, benefits, training resource allocation, responsibilities and obligations for the Uma Musume under his care, confidentiality agreements…
Everything was thorough and well-structured, just like Central URA's reputation for high standards.
Even the base salary alone was more than triple that of a local trainer.
On top of that came generous allowances and benefits.
Equipment for training—horseshoes, racing shoes, weights—as well as access to pools and tracks would be distributed based on performance.
Unlike local trainers who had to pay out of pocket, Central provided proper support.
When his eyes fell on the Work Location section—"Central Tracen Academy exclusive training grounds and associated facilities"—he tapped it lightly.
It signified he would officially leave local Tracen behind and enter the very core of Central.
Turning to the clauses about Uma Musume rights and commercial development, he read extra carefully.
Fujimasa March was already a Triple Crown champion. Like Oguri Cap, even if she retired from racing, the merchandise income alone could surpass what Tamamo Cross had earned at her peak.
Fortunately, Central's contracts were fair and transparent in this area. Most profits from merchandise went directly to the Uma Musume. Advertisements and endorsements remained the Uma Musume's personal income, unrelated to Central.
No traps. No exploitative fine print.
Satisfied, Kuroha nodded.
"How is it? Not bad for a Central contract, right?"
Rudolf's tone carried a trace of teasing, clearly amused by his cautious scrutiny.
"The clauses are clear, benefits are excellent," Kuroha replied with a faint smile.
"Looks like President Rudolf really didn't try to sneak in any surprises for this so-called 'privileged hire.'"
Rudolf raised an eyebrow, but let it slide.
"Good. If there are no issues, sign it. From next month onward, you'll be a registered Central Tracen trainer."
Picking up the pen, Kuroha signed smoothly.
"Congratulations."
At last, Maruzensky spoke, her smile radiant as she stood and extended a hand.
"Welcome to Central. From today, you'll be our teacher."
Kuroha put the pen down, rose, and shook her hand with a smile.
"Then I'll be in your care, Maruzensky."
Seeing the matter settled, Rudolf leaned back into her chair.
"Kuroha, once the interview list is officially published, come by again when you're free. That's when you'll formally start at Central."
"No problem. Since Oi and Central are both in Tokyo, it's convenient enough."
With the formalities complete, their conversation shifted to lighter topics.
The three sat on the sofa, sipping tea, chatting warmly.
"Hah, Teio is always so clumsy," Rudolf laughed after Kuroha shared a story about Tokai Teio.
Watching him speak with such ease, she felt a pang of nostalgia.
After all, she had met both him and Maruzensky through younger girls—Teio, Oguri, and later through Sakura Chiyono O's injury case, they'd grown closer as friends.
Now, the "Emperor" of Central Tracen, her name carried an aura of authority across the academy.
But few remembered that she was only two years into retirement.
Her family's younger Uma Musume, Sirius Symboli, was still active on the track.
In truth, Rudolf was still young herself, but she bore the burden of being a role model.
She wanted to create an era where every Uma Musume could be happy, and so she upheld her strict image of dignity.
Even so, deep down, she longed to interact casually, like she did with them now.
"Thanks to Teio, I gained another friend."
Rudolf smiled into her teacup.
"By the way," Maruzensky said, setting her cup down, "the Autumn Tenno Sho is at the end of the month. Want to go together? It's a match between the 'Strongest of the Present' and the 'Gray Monster'!"
"The Autumn Tenno Sho?" Kuroha paused. Yes, the timing fit.
"If you're going, I'll make sure you get the best seats," Rudolf added lightly.
"…Another presidential privilege?" Kuroha teased.
Her moon-shaped fringe bounced as she laughed softly.
"Want to test it yourself? Once you're officially in Central, I'll show you just how far presidential privileges go."
"Please, spare me," he chuckled.
After agreeing to attend the Autumn Tenno Sho together, Kuroha bid them farewell.
After all, two of his own girls were still waiting for him at home.
(End of Chapter)
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