"Iris-sama, Iris-sama! Can we go to Tracen Academy in a few days?"
Early in the morning, just as Mejiro Iris was rubbing her sleepy eyes and stepping into the living room, she was suddenly surrounded by a group of excited young Uma Musume, gazing at her eagerly.
Mejiro Iris was a bit confused by the situation. Usually, these five youngsters of hers rarely acted together, their interests being so different. Today, however, their unity surprised her greatly.
Could these five have found a shared interest without my noticing?
"What's going on? You five coming to me together, and to go to Tracen, no less? What's the matter?"
"Iris-sama, look!"
The lively Mejiro Palmer quickly held up Mejiro Dober's phone to Iris' face. Squinting, Iris stared at it for quite a while before realizing it was a status update from an Umastagram user called "Inari Kagura":
[I'll be participating in the school selection race in a few days, so there might be no new videos this month. Sorry, everyone~]
Iris wasn't entirely disconnected from social media—she followed plenty of accounts herself and had seen plenty of similar notices from creators taking short breaks. At first glance, this announcement wasn't anything special…
Hm?? Inari Kagura… Kagura-chan?! That's that girl's account!?
She carefully reread the clearly identifiable ID, finally realizing how significant this news was.
Kagura is entering the school selection race!?
Now it made sense why her children were suddenly united. Iris knew very well that her grandchildren did indeed have one shared obsession—Kagura.
Ever since Kagura's last stay at the Mejiro Main Estate, it was as if the girl had stolen these children's hearts completely. Kagura, with her delicious cooking, youthful charm, and approachable warmth, had quickly become their beloved Kagura-oneesan, the bright moon in their eyes. These children's greatest wish was for Kagura to visit again. Iris shared that desire, but Kagura belonged to the Symboli Family, making it challenging to invite her casually.
Still, although she couldn't invite Kagura back easily, Iris-sama had always kept tabs on her activities. If Kagura was competing in the Tracen Selection Race, Iris-sama absolutely wouldn't miss it.
"Did Kagura say when it would be?"
"Two days from now! Kagura-oneesan said we can register to go watch! Please, Iris-sama! Take us, please! We really want to see Kagura-oneesan race!"
Looking at the hopeful faces of the little Uma Musume—even the usually reserved Mejiro McQueen staring intently—Iris-sama smiled gently and patted each of their heads.
"Of course we can. I want to watch her race too. Why don't we all go together?"
"Yaaay! Iris-sama is the best!!"
...
[Mejiro Iris]:Hey, old-timer, you awake yet?
[Symboli Speed]:Eh? What do you want? You never message me usually—this early in the morning too. What's up?
[Mejiro Iris]:Take a look at this.
[Mejiro Iris]:[link]
[Symboli Speed]:What's this?
[Symboli Speed]: …That child is entering the selection race!?
[Mejiro Iris]:In two days. You coming or not, old friend?
[Symboli Speed]: You kidding? Of course! How could I miss Kagura's big race!
Speed, who had felt lazy after her usual morning jog and was resting in her chair, sat bolt upright upon reading Iris's message, immediately wide awake.
"What's the matter, Speed-sama? You suddenly look so excited," the Head Maid asked curiously, smiling gently.
"Hey, hey! Kagura's entering the School Selection Race!" Speed's voice was filled with enthusiasm, like a proud parent announcing her child's admission into a prestigious school.
"Oh my… that's wonderful news!" The Head Maid was momentarily stunned but quickly broke into a joyful smile.
"Right? You all want to come too? Should I include your names when registering?"
"Certainly, Speed-sama. Let me ask the others and tally the numbers first, then I'll get back to you."
Although the Head Maid maintained her usual calm expression, her hurried steps as she rushed out the door betrayed the excitement bubbling within her.
After all, Kagura was the beloved darling of the Symboli Household maids. They practically saw her as their own daughter. Speed reckoned she'd probably end up registering dozens of attendees.
Still, if the girl decided to enter now… Does that mean she's already chosen a trainer?
I'd better visit her at school ahead of time and find out what's going on.
Speed finalized her plan, eyeing the old school uniform hanging neatly in her closet—the same one she'd used to sneak into Tracen Academy before.
Looks like it's your time again, old friend.
....
"Eh?! Kagura-sensei is competing in a race?!"
Curren Chan was idly scrolling through her phone on her bed as usual when a notification popped into view.
It was from Inari Kagura's Umastagram, which she had specially followed. The post was straightforward—she'd soon be participating in Tracen's selection race, and updates would halt temporarily.
Curren Chan instantly lost any sleepiness, kicking her stocking-covered feet excitedly as she bolted upright on the bed, swiftly typing out a message.
[Curren Chan]:Kagura-sensei!! I saw your post. You're entering the school selection race?
[Inari Kagura]:Ah, yes. I might not update this month.
[Curren Chan]: Can I apply to watch at Tracen?
[Inari Kagura]:Sure. If you want, I'll let Director Akikawa know.
"Yes!!"
After getting Kagura's approval, Curren Chan joyfully leaped from the bed, not even bothering to put slippers on, and rushed out of her room.
"Mom~! In two days, I need to go to Tracen!"
...
[Wudi]:Eh! Kagura-meimei, you're entering the selection race?
[Inari Kagura]:Yup. It's happening in two days, I think.
[Wudi]:Ah, it's too short notice. I definitely can't make it in time… But can I trouble you to ask a classmate to livestream it for us? Everyone on Bilibili got super excited after hearing the news!
[Inari Kagura]:If so many people want to watch, that should be fine. I'll check if anyone's willing to help.
[Wudi]:Great! Then I'll get things ready on my end. Waiting for good news!
Kagura put down her phone after replying to the last message and stared up at the ceiling.
I never imagined so many people cared about me…
Alright, then—I'll give it my all. Let's give everyone who supports me a dazzling race!
---
T/N: so many fanssssss
(FUTURE EM HEERE, found out Wudi is Ardan's daughter irl! a stallion named Wu Di!)
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