Today, Nearl planned to head to the city center. She had promised Oguri Cap that she'd let her know as soon as she won her debut race—and this news was just the thing to bring along.
Of course, she wasn't going alone. Fujimasa March had decided to join her. March was in that awkward phase where her injuries had just healed enough to avoid training restrictions, leaving her with plenty of free time on her hands.
So when she heard Nearl was going to visit Oguri Cap, she rushed right over.
Actually, Norn Ace had wanted to go to the central district to see Oguri Cap too, but with her own race coming up, Trainer Kawamura Hiyori was watching her like a hawk, leaving zero chance for any sneaking away.
In the end, Nearl could only watch as a tearful Norn Ace was dragged off by Trainer Kawamura, her wails so pitiful they'd move anyone who heard them to sorrow.
Sometimes, though, Nearl wondered—how did that cool, detached upperclassman she first met end up like this?
"Trainer, are you sure you won't come with me to the central district to see Oguri? I'm sure she misses you too."
Before leaving, Nearl glanced at Kitahara Jo standing where he was and tried one more time to persuade him.
"No, this time it's different. I want to earn my Central Training License first, then go see her properly—head held high. Thanks to your help and guidance, Nearl, I'm confident I can pass the exam in no time."
Kitahara planted his hands on his hips, speaking with such pride that Nearl could only shake her head.
"The path of learning has no end, Trainer. Remember, overconfidence is your enemy. Don't forget to finish the tasks I assigned you while I'm away."
After offering that warning, Nearl prepared to set off. "Well then, I'm off to the central district. Take care of yourself, Trainer."
That made Kitahara pull his cap down sheepishly. "Shouldn't I be the one saying that? What kind of Uma Musume looks after her own trainer like this?"
"Well, I'm not exactly your ordinary Uma Musume, now am I?"
Nearl cracked a small joke before turning to leave. Kitahara remained where he was, watching her go.
At the school gate—the spot where she'd agreed to meet Fujimasa March—Nearl found March and her trainer, Shibasaki Koichi, already waiting.
Seeing this, Nearl quickened her pace and jogged over.
"Have you been waiting long? I don't think I'm late."
As she drew closer, Nearl noticed the travel suitcase March was pulling and asked a bit apologetically.
"It's fine. Now that you're here, Nearl, let's get going."
March blinked as she saw Nearl arrive, then decisively hoisted her suitcase and made ready to leave. Trainer Shibasaki could only shake his head.
"Nearl, please keep an eye on March for me. She's a bit too straightforward, a little reckless— tends to find trouble."
Trainer Shibasaki reached out to shake Nearl's hand, lowering his voice to avoid being overheard by March.
Catching his meaning, Nearl replied just as quietly, "I will. Don't worry."
"Thank you, Nearl."
Trainer Shibasaki breathed a sigh of relief, pulled out a cigarette and placed it between his lips, then waved them off.
"Nearl, keep up." March, already some distance away, noticed Nearl wasn't following and called out to her. Nearl responded and hurried to catch up.
"Sorry, I'm coming."
--+--
On the train.
Fujimasa March sat bolt upright, her posture rigidly correct. Her back was straight, hands properly resting on her knees, head held high—only her eyes moved, scanning nervously.
Beside her, Nearl seemed far more at ease. She wasn't sitting; instead, she stood facing the window.
One hand held the railing for balance, the other gripped the suitcase. Nearl stood perfectly steady, motionless as a steel nail driven into place.
Of course, poised as she seemed, inwardly Nearl was buzzing with excitement.
The scenery rushing past the window felt wonderfully new to her. Neither in her past life nor this one had she ever had the chance to see so much with her own eyes.
'Skyscrapers, row upon row—what a sight. So many people down below, too. And this train racing along its elevated track… truly, seeing it for yourself beats hearing about it a hundred times.'
To anyone watching, Nearl appeared completely calm and collected, not a hint of unrest—even March was impressed.
'This is Nearl's first time in a big city, right? And she's this composed? We're both first-timers, so why am I so nervous? I feel kind of embarrassed.'
But in truth, Nearl was marveling inwardly, far from as unaffected as March assumed.
And so one sat stiffly, enduring the tension, while the other stood gazing out at the passing world—until the train's arrival announcement echoed through the car.
"March, we've arrived."
Nearl pulled her eyes from the window and turned to remind Fujimasa March.
"Huh? Ah, right. Let's go."
In one swift motion, March rose to her feet, grabbed her suitcase, and marched stiffly toward the door.
Chest out, head high, her expression frozen—fellow passengers smiled understandingly.
Nearl, meanwhile, swept a glance over their seats to make sure nothing was left behind before following off the train.
Stepping onto the platform, the two found themselves in a vast, open space. People streamed past in every direction; wherever they looked, crowds filled the view.
Over the speakers, announcements for arriving and departing trains played nonstop, blending with the buzz of conversations and phone calls into a lively, noisy din.
By now, Fujimasa March was feeling completely out of her depth. The unease of being in unfamiliar surroundings wrapped around her heart, tugging at her nerves.
"Stay calm, March. Let's start by checking the map over there."
Just as March's anxiety began to spike, Nearl's steady, calm voice reached her from beside. That sense of reassurance instantly soothed her restless heart.
"You're right. Lead the way."
Nodding, March stayed close behind Nearl as they wove through the crowd.
"So this is a big city… It's nothing like Kasamatsu."
"To be fair, most places aren't usually this packed. But stations are hubs—probably some of the busiest spots in any city."
As they spoke, the two came to a stop in front of the map.
"Central Tracen, Central Tracen… right here."
Nearl's finger traced across the map before stopping on one specific point.
"Exit through Gate C, then turn right… doesn't look like many turns. Got it."
She withdrew her hand, sounding confident.
"You figured it out already?" March stepped closer as Nearl turned back.
"Yes, let's go. I've memorized the route—just stick with me."
Nearl reached over and took March's suitcase, guiding her toward the exit escalators.
"You're really reliable, Nearl."
"Heh, thanks for saying so."
--+--
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.