"Nearl-nee, you're back."
Walking alone toward the backstage, Nearl encountered her support Uma Musume at the entrance of the lounge.
"Yeah, I'm back."
"So next is the Winner's Stage, and after that, you'll officially announce your move to the Central circuit, right?"
Entering the lounge, Everlamp helped Nearl tidy her disheveled hair after the run, while Nearl herself was removing the gear from her racing outfit.
"Yes. I hope everyone won't be too upset, but thinking about it, probably only a few will be. After all, many of my fans come from all over."
"Moving to Central... such a distant dream. So many local Uma Musume never even get to touch that boundary in their entire careers."
"What's this? Feeling uncertain about the future, my little support?"
Nearl turned around and teased the support who had been with her for a year.
After all this time together, they might not be perfectly in sync, but they could certainly read each other's thoughts from a single expression.
"Not at all! But aren't you worried I won't be able to follow you? Only you received the invitation to Central, after all. They probably wouldn't want a small-time support Uma Musume like me."
"Hmm."
Hearing this sulky remark, Nearl let out an inexplicable chuckle.
"Haven't you already started preparing for the Central Support Uma Musume exam?"
Everlamp's expression instantly turned comical with shock.
"Wh-what? Nearl-nee, how did you know I was preparing? Were you spying on me?"
"You didn't really think I was that oblivious, did you? I've noticed all the changes in you."
Resting her chin on one hand propped against the table, Nearl gazed fondly at the girl she regarded as a younger sister.
"Ah, that's just mean! Now all my hiding around makes me look like a complete fool!"
The mere thought of herself sneaking around with books lately, while Nearl quietly watched her clumsy antics from behind... made her face burn with embarrassment.
To hide it, she promptly shoved Nearl into the bathroom and slammed the door shut with a 'thud'.
"Go take a shower and change! You're not planning to perform on the Winner's Stage drenched in sweat, are you? The audience would mind!"
"Heh, alright, I get it. No need to push."
Letting herself be half-guided, half-pushed, Nearl entered the bathroom. Once the door closed, Everlamp was alone in the lounge.
She flopped onto the sofa in frustration and let out an exasperated groan.
"Ugh~~~~~~ I feel like such an idiot!"
As the sound of 'pitter-patter' running water echoed, everything gradually settled into calm.
--+--
"Ooh, here it comes, my most anticipated part—the Winner's Stage."
"Seriously, Nearl's musical skills are impressive. Feels like even if she quit being an Uma Musume, she'd still make a name for herself with this talent."
In front of the fully set-up stage, a dense crowd bustled, all waiting for the one Uma Musume who would grace the stage.
A middle-aged man dressed quite formally sighed in admiration, his words drawing agreement from many around.
"This gentleman speaks the truth. Just for this music alone, even if Nearl were the only one racing, I'd still come to support."
The two older men hit it off so well they enthusiastically shook hands, visibly moved, as if they'd found kindred spirits in appreciation.
"A fellow connoisseur! So you also enjoy pure musical artistry? May I ask what headphones you usually use? Any recommendations for vocal-focused ones?"
"Ah, who uses headphones? My ears are too sensitive, can't stand them. I just built a music hall at home, use speakers instead."
"Wow, you really know your stuff, brother!"
Their conversation only ceased when Nearl stepped onto the stage.
"Here she is, it's Nearl!"
"Nearl!"
Hearty cheers erupted from below, so loud the small stones at the edge of the venue trembled.
On stage, Nearl looked out at these passionate fans, and finally, a hint of pride surfaced in her heart.
'My efforts weren't in vain. Over this past year, I've truly changed the circumstances for local Uma Musume.'
'With the help of the president and everyone else, that vicious cycle has been completely broken.'
'Fujimasa March, Norn Ace, Southern Actress... In this short year, every race with them, big or small, has become a source of growth.'
'As long as they remain active, even if I leave, this place won't stagnate again.'
Skillfully taking out her violin and assuming her stance, Nearl closed her captivating eyes.
'The local scene... I've truly changed it. The dream I discussed with Oguri Cap on that mountaintop has been realized step by step over this year. So now, it's time to begin a new journey.'
'It's time for Central.'
"Hmmmm~~~~"
The bow drew across, the strings vibrated, producing beautiful notes. The melodious, heartfelt tones, amplified by the speakers, spread throughout the entire venue.
The crowd below fell silent, captivated by the music, their emotions resonating with Nearl's.
Music holds power. Mere variations in vibration, individual notes that alone would just sound noisy, yet when combined, they can stir the soul.
In this piece, Nearl poured all her feelings—the reluctance and sentiment of leaving this place, the anticipation for the future—into every note.
It was as if every audience member understood something in that moment, everything conveyed without words.
As the piece ended, Nearl didn't thank the crowd and make a quick exit as usual. This time, she stood straight and silent, her gaze gentle yet firm, sweeping over the entire audience.
The venue fell into a hushed silence. Everyone faintly sensed what was coming, but they remained, waiting for the final farewell.
"Everyone, there's something I want to tell you all here."
Nearl's calm voice carried through the microphones, causing a slight ripple through the crowd that quickly stilled again. All eyes were fixed quietly on Nearl.
"In my year and three months here locally, I've experienced so much. Training at the academy, competing in races, getting to know my rivals... these experiences have become my unique treasures. My growth, my convictions, owe much to their support."
"Local races back then were indeed plain, with sparse audiences and low enthusiasm among participants. Trapped in that vicious cycle, the future seemed almost invisible."
"But Oguri Cap's arrival brought new change, and I chased that faint ripple, contributing my own strength step by step."
"Can local races now attract the cheers of the audience? What small part did I play in that? These questions are for the future to answer."
"Whatever the case, Margaret Nearl's time in the local circuit is drawing to a close."
As cries of "Don't retire!" and "We still want to see you run!" erupted from below, Nearl smiled and shook her head.
"Of course, it's not retirement. My career still has a long way to go. Only the battlefield is changing."
"Yes, from now on, you'll be able to see me competing in Central. Please look forward to it."
"Thank you, everyone, for everything until now."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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.