After escorting a blushing Fujimasa March back to her hospital room, Nearl decided it was time to take her leave. She had already spent quite a while visiting.
Just before she left, Fujimasa March called out to her, "Nearl, for the Sun-Moon Cup—run with all your spirit."
"I won't let you down," Nearl replied confidently, offering a wave before stepping out of the room.
She exchanged greetings with doctors and nurses along the way before finally exiting the hospital.
As she jogged slowly along the Pegasus-girl-only path back to Kasamatsu Tracen Academy, her mind drifted to future race strategies.
'After the Sun-Moon Cup, with a good performance, I should qualify for higher-level races. I'll have to ask the trainer to help plan the best schedule. Maybe one race per month at minimum—can't push everyone's limits too much.'
'And then there's what Sister Byerley said about the other me… sounds like she's more of a free spirit. How should I get along with her?'
'Not to mention training equipment. My sessions are too long and inefficient lately. Some weighted gear would help. Gotta save time for studying too…'
"Miss Nearl~"
So absorbed was she in her thoughts that she didn't notice the three figures approaching from the opposite direction.
It was their call that finally snapped her out of her own world.
The voice drew Nearl's attention forward. The three Uma Musume looked familiar—classmates of hers. One of them, in particular, had been a great help to her before.
"Miss Norn, and everyone—good afternoon," Nearl greeted them politely.
"Ah, yeah—good afternoon," said Rudy Lemono, somewhat awkwardly rubbing her hair.
"Hello," replied Mini the Lady, surprisingly cold for some reason.
Ahem, hello there, Miss Nearl! Are you out training?" asked an unusually enthusiastic Norn Ace.
Faced with such contrasting attitudes, Nearl felt a little puzzled, but she tried to engage anyway.
"I'm actually on my way back to school for training. I just visited March. My schedule's a bit tight today."
"Is Fujimasa okay?" Rudy Lemono, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up, clear worry written on her face. "I saw that training race too. I heard she was carried off by the academy medics. Was she badly hurt?"
Seeing Rudy's concern, and noticing the uneasy expressions on Norn Ace and Mini the Lady as well, Nearl saw no reason to hide the truth.
"Don't worry. I asked the doctor just now—March's injuries aren't serious. She should be back on the track in a few weeks."
Hearing that, all three of them visibly relaxed, the heavy atmosphere melting away almost instantly.
"See? I told you she'd be fine! It was you, Lemono, going on about how she was carried off on a stretcher, making it sound so serious. You got me all worried too!"
Norn Ace complained while lightly hitting Rudy's arm. Now relieved, Rudy didn't try to stop her.
After all, she'd been part of the reason they'd all been so anxious today.
"So, you all know Miss March? Were you planning to visit her?"
Nearl asked curiously. She was interested in how someone like Fujimasa March had become friends with these three, though she knew better than to pry into personal matters. Their destination, however, was fair game.
"Yeah, that's right. We were gonna go see how that girl's doing. We've been friends for a year now," Rudy replied with a sigh.
"Then I won't keep you. It's getting late—you should head there soon."
Nearl stepped aside to make way, ready to end the conversation.
"Right. We'll see you around, then," Rudy said breezily, waving goodbye. Mini the Lady followed without a word.
Norn Ace, however, lingered for a moment.
"Miss Nearl, have you decided on your debut race yet?"
"Yes, it's the Sun-Moon Cup. Thank you again for your help that day, Miss Norn." Nearl nodded earnestly.
"Don't mention it—just a small favor. I'll be there to watch your debut. See you later!"
With that, Norn Ace skipped away cheerfully, her mood clearly lifted.
Nearl watched the three of them until they were some distance away, then turned and continued her run back to Kasamatsu Tracen Academy.
It was already 5 PM. Too late for more training, but she still had her daily studying to do.
'I've already memorized the full meridian chart of an Uma Musume. Next should be learning the functions of acupuncture points…'
Nearl had no intention of letting her mind idle. Even now, she kept thinking, planning, moving forward.
--+--
After that, the days fell into a quiet, repetitive rhythm—at least for Nearl.
Morning training, helping out in the cafeteria at lunch while practicing her cooking, more training in the afternoon, and studying at night.
Oh, and recently, she'd taken on another task: helping Kitahara Jo prepare for the Central Trainer Exam.
To most people, this would feel like a prison sentence. But Nearl not only endured it—she embraced it.
She knew her talent wasn't just for herself. Everything she did now was to build a future where she could help others.
And her efforts weren't in vain.
Under her guidance, Kitahara's scores were steadily improving. In a few more months, he'd be ready to take the Central Trainer exam.
A few more Uma Musume had also started showing up during her training sessions. Though too shy to talk to her, they trained on their own nearby.
That was enough. Nearl knew her efforts mattered. She was becoming a role model in these young fillies' eyes.
Most still felt they didn't need to work as hard as she did, but someday, if they ever found the will to strive, Nearl's way of life would shine like a beacon.
A few weeks later, Fujimasa March was discharged from the hospital.
But on doctor's orders, she still had to use crutches for a while, which frustrated her to no end. All she could do was sit on the sidelines and watch Nearl train.
The trio showed up on the field often too, mostly to keep March company.
Whenever Nearl invited them to train together, they'd pale and politely decline.
And so time flew by.
Then, one day a month later, Nearl's debut race finally arrived.
--+--
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.