The day after her debut race, the newspapers hadn't yet flooded the stands with outrageous headlines about the Sun-Moon Cup, so Nearl knew she had to make the most of today and head out quickly.
This outing was absolutely necessary—otherwise, she'd run short of horseshoes for training and athletic shoes. She could also use a few new sets of workout clothes.
After winning first place in the Sun-Moon Cup, Nearl had a comfortable amount of funds to cover her needs, especially when it came to these essential training supplies.
"Hmm… horseshoes, athletic shoes, weights, a fountain pen, ink, and a notebook. That should be all I need to buy."
Nearl jotted down the items on a list to make sure she wouldn't forget anything, then headed to the training room to ask Kitahara for some time off.
"You're right to think ahead, Nearl. You're very thorough. Would you like me to come along and help you shop?"
Kitahara twirled a pencil in his hand, leaning back in his chair behind the desk.
"Trainer, I've been helping adults with chores since I was little. I'm not some clueless young lady who doesn't know her way around. I've long since mastered little tricks like how to pick quality items at a good price or gauge how far a seller is willing to bend."
Nearl replied with a sly smile, which only made Kitahara shake his head and chuckle.
"Seems I overstepped. But I've noticed there's nothing you can't do, Nearl. I honestly can't think of anything you're not good at."
"No one in this world is good at everything. I'm just a little more familiar with things I've encountered often, that's all. Anyway, I'll be off now. See you later, Trainer."
Nearl gave a nod to Kitahara and turned toward the door. But halfway there, she seemed to remember something and suddenly glanced back.
"Trainer, please make sure you finish three sets of practice exams today. I'll check them when I get back, so try not to slack off too thoroughly."
With that, and amid Kitahara's dramatic groans, Nearl walked out with a light step.
'First stop, the shopping district. I'll run there.'
Once she reached the Uma Musume-only path outside the academy gates, Nearl took off at the legal speed limit. Drivers she blew past didn't even blink—they were used to it by now.
For the convenience of the Uma Musume at Kasamatsu Tracen, this dedicated path stretched all the way to the entrance of the shopping street, so it didn't take long for Nearl to arrive.
'So many people. It's nothing like the small town where I lived with Aunt Komori. And the shop signs feel so much more crowded too.'
Standing at the entrance, Nearl felt a sense of novelty, but she wasn't distracted by the bustling storefronts. Instead, she pulled her list from her pocket and carefully scanned it.
"The stationery store is here. I can start with the notebook and pen. Office supplies don't vary much in price, so any store will do."
After a quick glance around, Nearl chose the stationery shop with the cleanest storefront. The words "Dustlight" on its sign glowed with a warm orange hue from lights embedded below, giving off a cozy feeling.
"Welcome."
As Nearl approached the entrance, the glass door slid open automatically, and a prerecorded greeting sounded in her ears.
The interior was spacious and minimalist, with various supplies neatly arranged on shelves. Nearl spotted the fountain pens and notebooks she needed right away.
"Hello there! Looking for a fountain pen? Need any recommendations?" A shop assistant approached with a friendly smile as Nearl made her way to the pen aisle.
"Yes, I'm looking for a pen for note-taking. Could you recommend one that writes smoothly and has an easy ink-filling mechanism?"
After hearing her request, the assistant scanned the display, then picked out several models to show Nearl.
"How about these, ma'am? They're all very popular."
Nearl took the pens and examined them closely, immediately ruling out a few.
'These are too flashy in color and feel too light—probably not made of good materials.'
She returned those to their place and began unscrewing the caps of the remaining ones to check their mechanisms.
'This one uses a squeeze-filler for ink? Seems a bit troublesome. Next.'
After narrowing it down, only two pens remained in her hand.
'Both of these feel suitable—slightly weighty, convenient ink systems, and not overly decorative.'
Looking at one black and one blue pen, Nearl thought for a moment, then decided to buy both.
After all, pens could easily break for any number of reasons. Having a spare was never a bad idea.
As for the notebook, after some consideration, she settled on a binder-style notepad.
'This kind lets me add pages whenever I need, and it'll be easy to organize my notes. Plus, it's affordable.'
The stationery shopping took Nearl about half an hour. After paying, she stepped out carrying a small bag and began looking for the other items on her list.
"Horseshoes and athletic shoes…"
Just as she looked up to search for sports-related shops, a soft, lively voice reached her ears.
"Sister Nearl! Over here!"
Her ears twitched, and Nearl turned to look behind her. A familiar roan-haired Uma Musume was bouncing up and down, her face brimming with unrestrained joy and excitement.
"Little Lamp? Are you here shopping too?"
Nearl waved back with a natural smile. Really, who could dislike an adorable, affectionate child?
"Hehe, Sister Nearl, let me hug you!"
From a distance, Everlamp broke into a sprint, followed by a super-sized leap, launching herself right into Nearl's arms. Then she clung tightly, like hugging a pillow, occasionally giggling and nuzzling.
"You're a senior, Little Lamp. You shouldn't act so childishly."
Nearl gently patted Everlamp's head, smoothing her long, loose hair, while offering a word of advice.
"What's the big deal? Everyone already thinks I'm a kid because of my size. I'm just acting the part."
Everlamp dismissed the concern without a second thought, still holding on and refusing to let go—until Nearl bent her knuckles and lightly tapped the top of her head.
"Alright, that's enough. Any more and it'll be improper. Time to let go."
After receiving two light thumps, Everlamp finally released her grip. She pretended to be upset, bumping her head against Nearl playfully, then burst out laughing herself.
"Heehee, I'm so silly."
"If you know it's silly, then don't do it," Nearl said, tapping her forehead lightly.
After that, Everlamp obediently detached herself from Nearl and toned down the extreme affection, returning to something closer to normal—which made Nearl breathe a sigh of relief.
She really wasn't good at handling that type of personality, especially when it was a friend.
"Let me ask again then—are you here shopping, Little Lamp?"
Nearl adjusted her workout clothes, slightly ruffled from Everlamp's embrace, as she asked.
"Nope! I came specifically to play with you, Sister Nearl!"
--+--
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.