But thinking it over carefully, Kitahara realized he didn't have much work to do at all.
Nearl handled her own daily training schedule, and given her serious nature, there was no need to worry about supervision. As for ability, she could outpace Fujimasa March by over a dozen horse lengths—even more exaggerated than Oguri Cap back in Kasamatsu.
After some reflection, it suddenly dawned on Kitahara that the only things left for him to do were help Nearl select races and handle the registrations. As for scouting opponents or planning race strategies?
Nah. For a mere SP3-level race, unless Nearl took a tumble on the track, he couldn't even imagine how she might lose.
'Oh no! At this rate, the only purpose I'll serve as a trainer is signing registration forms!'
Kitahara Jo clutched his head in panic, looking like he'd stepped straight out of the world-famous painting The Scream: 'I really don't want to be a freeloader!'
"Sigh, I might as well go help Nearl with her registration. What's the point of dwelling on all this?"
Feeling defeated by reality and forced to idle away his days collecting a paycheck, Kitahara let out a long sigh and headed toward the training room. There, he would fill out the competition entry form for Nearl and sign his name.
Watching Kitahara leave, Nearl didn't plan to follow. She was confident he could handle such a small task perfectly fine. Her time and energy were better spent on training.
But as she turned back, Nearl sensed something off in the atmosphere.
Many Uma Musume outside the track were looking at her with complex expressions—eyes filled with fear, admiration, and distance, among other emotions—but noticeably absent was any desire to approach.
'So that's how it is… They're unconsciously keeping their distance from me, aren't they?' Nearl closed her eyes, understanding dawning.
She had actually anticipated this kind of reaction.
Most people instinctively avoid getting too close to those far stronger than themselves, regardless of how approachable that person might be.
It's a form of self-preservation. Those who fly too close to the sun will burn; they'd rather stay at a distance and bask in its light and warmth.
It can't be helped, Nearl told herself.
She understood their feelings and respected their choice. Even if it meant she might feel lonely, that was alright.
'I may feel lonely, but I won't be troubled by loneliness. I will keep moving forward, becoming a light in their hearts. If they're afraid to come close, then let them watch from afar. Even from a distance, my radiance can offer them some comfort.'
With that, Nearl strengthened her resolve.
When she opened her eyes again, the light within them shone brighter than ever before. Deep within her light brown eyes, flecks of gold glimmered quietly.
--+--
In the distance, Fujimasa March was receiving a stern talking-to from her trainer, Shibasaki. For once, she hung her head low and listened intently.
She knew she'd really crossed a line this time—not by losing to Nearl, but by pushing herself to accelerate so desperately at the end of the race that she nearly collapsed after crossing the finish line, almost causing a disaster.
She and Trainer Shibasaki had been partners for years. He treated her like family, and this time, she'd probably truly worried him.
"Are you even listening? Stop thinking about the race already—the only place you're going right now is the hospital!"
An angry Shibasaki Koichi glared down at Fujimasa March, who was sitting by the railing. His usually handsome face was now etched with fury and concern.
His hands trembled slightly, making it difficult for him to even slip his phone back into his pocket.
"I've already contacted the academy's medical team. You're going to see a doctor right now, and you're going to behave. Understood?"
Fujimasa March remained silent under her trainer's scolding, merely nodding quietly to show she would comply.
"Hah…"
Exhausted, Trainer Shibasaki sat down beside her, clasping his hands and resting his chin on them. His eyes gazed blankly at the track ahead as he and Fujimasa sat in shared silence—as if lost in thought, or perhaps reflection.
An autumn breeze swept by, carrying a slight chill and cooling both of their heated emotions.
Shibasaki reached for a nearby bag, pulled out the remains of his earlier lunch, and handed it to the weary Fujimasa March.
"Eat it while it's still warm. I know you probably don't have much appetite, but you should still try to eat a little."
Fujimasa accepted the meal with both hands and remained silent for a long time. Finally, she whispered two words: "Thank you."
Before Nearl approached them, Fujimasa and Shibasaki maintained a wordless understanding of silence.
"March, Trainer Shibasaki, are you both alright?" Approaching them, Nearl sensed the subtly tense atmosphere and asked with concern.
"It's fine, Nearl. I might just be spending some time in the hospital soon, but it's not your fault. Don't dwell on it, and please don't feel guilty," Fujimasa March replied between small bites of her food. She made a point to reassure Nearl, hoping she wouldn't blame herself for Fujimasa's own sorry state.
"I won't. I only kept the promise we made before the training race—to run with all my strength. I wouldn't feel guilty over something like that. I respect your resolve, and I'll continue to carry that mindset whenever I run on the track."
Nearl declined Fujimasa's reassurance, making it clear she wouldn't hold back in future races either.
"Nearl, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You really have a firm, clear-cut sense of conviction. You're still growing, but I've already reached my peak. In the future, you'll surely see even greater heights—heights I might never reach, no matter how hard I try."
There was envy in Fujimasa's voice, and though she didn't show it openly, Nearl could hear the deep frustration lurking beneath her tone.
"I haven't given up yet, but I have a pretty good idea what my future holds… which is why—Margaret Nearl!"
Fujimasa suddenly called out Nearl's name loudly.
"I'm giving half of my dream to you! You have to go to the Central Circuit and see the highest peak for yourself! See those distant sights for me. Carry the name of this loser forward, bear my longing, and keep running ahead!!"
How much heartache was contained within that low, fervent shout? Nearl felt it was beyond her imagination, yet she could vividly sense the burning passion in Fujimasa March's soul.
It reminded her of the thrill she'd felt at the end of her previous life, and it added another weight to carry on her journey forward.
But she would not retreat, not hesitate, not regret.
"I understand your feelings now. I've heard your cry."
Nearl grasped both of Fujimasa March's hands. "Then please, entrust part of your dream to me. Allow me to carry your hopes as I continue to run."
"Yes… I leave it to you, Nearl. Please… let me see that dream too."
A glistening tear traced down Fujimasa's proud face. What exactly was she crying for? Perhaps only Trainer Shibasaki, who had turned away beside them, could truly understand.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.