Before she could focus on seizing victory, Nearl first had to sort out the situation within her team.
"Waaah, Nearl, you're finally back. I can't take it anymore, save me... waaah..."
Tamamo Cross clung to Nearl's waist, tears and snot flowing freely, refusing to let go even as Oguri Cap tugged at her from behind.
"While you were away, Oguri's been such a handful! Every time we went out to eat with her, I lost count of how many dirty looks we got. And she kept dragging me along to train—but I'm retired! My stamina just can't keep up!"
Letting Tamamo vent her frustrations with a sigh, Nearl scanned the room, looking for their trainer.
The office was noticeably messier—though not quite to the point of being a trash-strewn obstacle course. Stacks of books and papers covered the desks, likely hiding Kitahara Jo from view.
"Don't worry about Kitahara. He's been even more exhausted than me lately. To make Oguri's comeback race a glorious one, he's been pushing himself to the limit."
Tamamo had straightened up again, having mostly recovered.
Her meltdown had been more for show—a way to blow off steam. In truth, as the eldest sister at home, she was well used to looking after younger siblings.
Oguri might be a bit dense and a handful to care for, but that was nothing compared to the pressure on Trainer Kitahara.
After all, so many people adored Oguri and were eagerly awaiting her return. If her performance fell flat, the online chatter would be brutal.
Hearing this, Nearl shook her head.
"The trainer really has it tough. Better not disturb him, then. Tamamo, is there anything you need help with?"
"Quite eager, aren't you! There's still some clothes, towels, and such left to wash. Normally, Everlamp and Berno Light would help out, but the logistics team seems to be in intensive training lately. These past couple of days, I've been so busy I wish I could borrow a cat's paws."
"Margaret, I won."
Oguri had been holding it in since they met, but all that came out in the end was this simple claim of victory. There was a clueless, earnest charm to it that made Nearl chuckle.
She gently ruffled the goofball-cap's hair. Looking at this friend she'd watched grow up, Nearl knew exactly how to make her happy.
"Let's go out to eat. My treat."
"Yay!"
See? Her gray tail was already wagging like a fan.
"Hey, there isn't a single buffet place near the academy that'll let Oguri in anymore—not even if I vouch for her. You really shouldn't."
Seeing Nearl's gaze, Tamamo explained carefully.
"Your team will want to celebrate outings in the future, right? If even you get turned away by restaurant owners, who else can you count on?"
What a considerate, home-minded girl Tamamo was—already thinking about future meals.
But her intel was clearly outdated. This Nearl wasn't the Nearl of old. This was Margaret 'Money Is No Object' Nearl. She could easily afford not just a meal, but buying the whole restaurant.
Not that Nearl was one to waste money like that.
"It's fine, Tamamo. Just come with me. For... certain reasons, I'm quite well-off for meals right now."
"Huh?"
--+--
"I, uh, I s-say..."
Tamamo fiddled with her cute carrot-print white blouse, her whole demeanor shrinking as if she'd turned into a bona fide elementary schooler.
"Eating here must cost a fortune, right? Nearl, are you sure your heart isn't aching? Mine's hurting so much I've lost my appetite."
She wasn't kidding. Tamamo genuinely felt her stomach twisting.
After just a few bites of the complimentary fruit, she already felt acid rising in her throat.
"I know you're really famous now and definitely not short on money, but this feels like a waste. We all grew up poor, right? We could've just gone to some little diner."
"This place even has live music—it must cost a bomb!"
In contrast to the pained Tamamo, Oguri was in a world of her own.
Not overthinking a thing, she focused solely on munching the apple in front of her, a small plate already piled high with cores beside her.
"It's really alright, Tamamo. Have you heard? I found my biological sister."
"That's no secret around the academy, but the details are still pretty murky."
"To put it simply, my sister felt she hadn't taken good enough care of me, so she gave me a bit of money. So don't worry, senior—I haven't even touched my own savings yet."
Hearing this, Tamamo felt a sudden wave of relief.
Her back stopped aching, her heart settled, and her appetite even returned.
"Hey, Oguri! How'd you finish all the fruit already?!"
"Because it was tasty."
"You're still eating?! Save some for me!"
The mood turned cheerful again. Nearl watched the two gray-haired girls bickering and playing across from her, feeling this was how a meal should be.
All that earlier anxiety—what was that about? Facing food, it's best to smile.
"Hello~! Your sweet-and-sour spare ribs are here, guests, please—Nearl?"
The server carrying the tray exclaimed in surprise, though her professionalism quickly took over as she gracefully set the plate on the table.
"Ines? You're working here? I thought you'd be at the convenience store this time."
Nearl looked up in surprise at the familiar face in neat server attire, a pleasantly startled smile on her face.
That smile was returned—Ines Fujin's grin growing even sweeter.
"Changed jobs. Even though I didn't win against you in our race, a lot of spectators seemed to like my performance. Gained a bit of a following, I guess. The owner here probably wanted me as a sort of mascot."
With that, Ines shrugged.
"But I don't mind. The pay here is great, and the work isn't too hard. I'm actually really grateful for the opportunity."
"Make sure to rest, okay? Don't forget the Japanese Derby is the day after tomorrow."
"I know. Chances to challenge you in graded races are getting fewer. I won't forget. I've already requested tomorrow off—I'll be facing you at my absolute best."
"Good. I'll be waiting."
Nearl extended her left fist. Ines responded with a bright smile, her white teeth making her otherwise unremarkable Uma Musume features glow with charm.
Fists touched—a gesture of friendship, and a declaration of rivalry.
"Alright, I've got work to do. I'll catch you later."
Watching the girl skip away, Tamamo gritted her teeth in envy.
"Ah, I should've never retired. Only now do I realize I never got to race against you, Nearl. What a loss, it really stings."
"I haven't retired yet. Nearl and I still have a chance to race together."
Oguri "helpfully" added.
"Well, aren't I just jealous of you!"
Tamamo snapped back, half-exasperated, half-amused.
--+--
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.