After bumping along on the shinkansen for quite a while, Kagura and the others finally arrived in Niigata.
Symboli Rudolf, it was said, had already come yesterday to prepare. And now Kagura finally understood—today's event here was Rudolf ojou-sama's debut race. No wonder Speed-sama had traveled so far.
What a huge stadium…! Can sports events really gather this many people? Isn't this more like a megastar's concert?!
Dragging her luggage toward the venue, Kagura stared at the massive structure towering in the distance, its size far surpassing any normal sports arena. Around it, a sea of people pressed in like a black tide, blocking every path. The sight alone hit her with a wave of idol-style shock.
At least on Earth, only a few star memorial concerts could attract an audience on this scale. She had almost never seen a sporting event that could pull such a crowd.
They hadn't even reached the entrance, yet Kagura could already hear the conversations around them. People were murmuring, over and over, the same name—Symboli Rudolf. Just from how often it came up, it was obvious: nearly this whole flood of humanity had come for her.
"All these people… they're ojou-sama's fans?"
To prevent Kagura from getting lost in the crush, both Speed-sama and Tojo Hana kept a firm hold on her hands. Speed-sama had originally wanted to just carry her, but Kagura had absolutely refused.
"Yes… perhaps not every last one, but most. That rising star who drew all eyes before even debuting—today she takes her first step onto her path."
Tojo Hana spoke with a touch of awe. She clearly had deep faith in Rudolf's strength.
Kagura had been steeling herself for a long, slow struggle through the lines outside. But before she had much time to fret, Speed-sama and Tojo Hana pulled her aside, down a quiet passageway leading directly into the venue. Kagura only then remembered—of course, a house like the Symboli must have its privileges. No need to shove through the main gates with the crowd.
The corridor was laid with a red carpet, and as they went deeper, Kagura couldn't help muttering in her heart rich people really do live differently. The interior decor was as lavish as a hotel. The private rooms along the back felt less like seating and more like VIP lounges—one could probably sip tea in leisure while watching the race.
But what surprised Kagura was that, when they entered their box, someone was already there. One she recognized—Maruzensky-san, whom she'd met not long ago. And reclining a little distance away on a lounge chair was an orange-haired girl in a white dress and sunhat, with a cat perched lazily atop the hat.
"You came quickly, Akikawa. We didn't keep you waiting, did we?"
Speed-sama's tone was that of old friends, warm and natural. She walked over casually to the girl, even giving the cat a fond scratch, earning a pleased purr.
"Not at all! Maruzensky and I just sat down! Old Symboli, don't stand there—come, sit with us!"
The girl's way of speaking left a deep impression on Kagura. The rhythm, the rise and fall—it reminded her of the voices of elderly Nihon actors she'd once heard in old dramas.
Kagura didn't know who this girl was, but the fact that she addressed Speed-sama so freely said enough: her identity wasn't ordinary. After all, both Maruzensky and Tojo Hana were a little stiff, yet this girl chatted on with ease.
Kagura, though observing, didn't forget her duty. While the others sat, she quickly prepared tea with the set in the box and brought a cup to each person.
"Thank you hardworking little maid-chan is cute too. Come here, let onee-san hug you~"
Maruzensky reached out, eager. Kagura sighed inwardly. Why did so many Uma around her love to hug? Was she really that huggable?
"Please don't tease me… Maruzensky-san, who's that girl talking with Speed-sama?"
But she really did want to ask. So while passing her the tea, she lowered her voice. Maruzensky, being a Tracen student, had to know more than her.
"You mean Director Akikawa? That's Tracen's chairwoman. Since Tracen cares deeply about Rudolf's debut, she came along today."
Maruzensky also dropped her voice to answer.
Hah?! That tiny girl is the director?!
Kagura looked at the girl—only a little taller than herself—and felt it unbelievable.
Don't overthink it, it's anime logic… maybe she just looks small. She might actually be ancient. Yes, that has to be it.
Kagura gently removed Maruzensky's hand, which had somehow found its way onto her head, and was just about to slip back toward the window to stand by and peek at the track when the lively, up-and-down voice called out to her:
"Wait! Little Uma over there! Could you come here?"
Turning, Kagura found the director staring at her with open curiosity. Beside her, Speed-sama gave a smile and nod, signaling her not to be nervous.
"Hello, Director Akikawa. Do you need anything?"
She stepped forward, not knowing what to expect, and gave the standard polite response.
But the director said nothing at first, only continued staring. Studying. Observing. The look prickled at Kagura's skin. She glanced at Speed-sama—still calm, still nodding for her to relax.
"Familiar! This little Uma reminds me of someone long ago. I couldn't help staring."
Kagura kept her polite maid's smile, though inwardly startled. Who could she possibly resemble?
"Curious! I've heard from Maruzensky and Trainer Tojo that your talent is remarkable. Is that so?"
"Um… I'm sorry, I'm not really sure myself."
Kagura didn't have the confidence to boast.
"Not long ago, this child ran 1600 meters with me. On grass. She used daitō, and beat me to the finish by twelve lengths. I truly did my best. Don't look at me like that, Akikawa—you know I've never neglected my training. I'm not easy to shake off. Trainer Tojo saw her daitō the other day. If you doubt it, ask her."
Before Kagura could answer, Speed-sama smoothly spoke up.
The words dropped like stones into water. Silence rippled through the box. Kagura felt every gaze snap toward her.
Speed-sama!!
Her polite smile stiffened, her heart screaming.
She didn't know what it meant to beat Speed-sama—an elder, yes, but once a pro racer. But the others did. For one so young, not that hasn't even gone through maturation, to crush her by such a margin… that was a frighteningly bright talent.
"You're amazing, little one… do you have a trainer?"
Maruzensky was the first to break the hush.
"No. This child has no trainer. I haven't assigned anyone to her."
Speed-sama added it casually.
"Oh…"
Another round of surprised murmurs. Kagura felt the gazes grow hotter.
"Hehe… she's not of age to race yet. There's no need to rush. We didn't come here to discuss my maid's gifts, did we? Don't miss the opening ceremony, everyone."
With perfect timing, Speed-sama closed the topic and steered the focus back to today's event. Like casting bait into the pond, she had already dropped the information. Now it would ripple through these old acquaintances of Tracen. None of them could possibly ignore such news. And by sharing it ahead of time, she ensured Kagura's path, if she one day stepped onto the track, would be smoother.
With the stares easing, Kagura finally relaxed and retreated to the window, waiting quietly while peeking at the field below.
The entrance ceremony began, full of runway-like flair. Each participant stepped out in turn, greeted the crowd, threw out words of bravado. Kagura thought of her old roommate's esports matches—the trash-talk phase before the real fight.
When a chestnut-haired Uma stepped forward, the stadium roared. The announcer's voice boomed with vigor:
—Number one in popularity, Symboli Rudolf!
The wave of cheers nearly deafened Kagura. Once again, she felt what true fervor meant. Rudolf's influence was overwhelming. Even though this was her debut, her very first battle, countless fans were already waiting.
Incredible…
Rudolf accepted the cheers calmly, unhurried, not a flicker of nerves on her face. Kagura could only admire that composure. If she had to stand there, she would have melted on the spot.
"Impressive, isn't she? Rudolf looks so cool."
As the words came, a hand gently patted her head. Maruzensky had sidled up beside her.
"Ojou-sama really is amazing. If it were me up there, I'd already be a puddle on the floor…"
"Mhm~ after all, she's someone who belongs under the spotlight."
"Maruzensky-san, you're her classmate, right? Are you also preparing for debut?"
"We're both in high school, but I'm a bit older than Rudolf… As for races…"
For some reason, Maruzensky's tone grew vague, as if she didn't want to talk about it. Kagura quickly added:
"I was just curious. If it's inconvenient to say, please don't mind me! Professional athletes' privacy is important!"
"Ahh… such a thoughtful little sister. Thank you~"
Delighted, Maruzensky pulled her into a hug, rubbing affectionately. Kagura barely managed to wriggle free before being suffocated in the valley of mountains.
Damn… so this is the class enemy!!
She glanced down at her own flat plain, then up at the rolling highlands pressing against her. With a sigh, she could only mourn silently.