"So cold!"
Symboli Rudolf and Tokai Teio both thought the same thing in their hearts.
Seeing her respond with just a single word before immediately turning to look at Platinum's direction, an indescribable feeling lodged itself in the Emperor's heart, making her start to doubt her own reputation.
'Could it be that I've already faded into obscurity without anyone noticing?'
But because of this, Teio developed a bit of interest in Special Week—call it a child's rebelliousness.
The less Spe-chan paid attention to her, the more Teio wanted to make her talk.
"Special Week, where did you come from? Are you here at Tracen for the entrance exam? I'm Tokai Teio, already a provisional student at Tracen. Want to run with Teio-sama later? Let me tell you, Tracen's entrance exam is really tough…"
With her usual persistence, Teio chattered away beside Special Week, while secretly gauging her mood. If she saw even a hint of impatience, she'd quiet down.
But there wasn't any.
Special Week didn't pay her any mind—no annoyance, no curiosity either.
She just stood there quietly, calmly, which made Teio feel a little deflated.
'What's with that? No reaction at all. Couldn't you at least chat a little?'
After all, she hadn't fully matured yet. Though she looked like a first-year middle schooler, Teio's mind matched her appearance perfectly.
Her passionate enthusiasm had run into an ice-cold wall, and that fact made her want to cry.
Oh, she was already sniffling. The grievance in her heart swelled like fermenting dough, making it hard to think, hard to vent. Tears were already welling up in her eyes.
But before she could fully burst into tears, someone noticed.
"Aah…"
A sigh, followed by a warm sensation enveloping her from behind. Her body sank completely into a soft, warm embrace, arms pinned so she couldn't move.
But there was no unease. Even the grievance in her heart melted away like snow in that moment.
Tokai Teio tilted her head back as far as she could, her gaze lifting to see the concerned, lovely face beneath the cloak of the person behind her.
"Are you okay, Teio?"
The same gentle voice as always, but this caring gaze was exactly what Teio longed for right now. She blinked hard, forcing the tears back down.
"Totally fine! Teio-sama is completely okay!"
Putting on a bright smile, Tokai Teio only wanted to show Nearl her energetic side.
Unlike the Student Council President, Nearl would indulge her willfulness, never scolding her even for out-of-line words or actions.
But the more that was true, the more Teio felt she couldn't show that side to Nearl. She wanted Nearl to see her as a mature Uma Musume, not a child needing care.
Perhaps compared to Rudolf, Teio's behavior around Nearl was more like seeing an idol.
She'd show her childish side to Rudolf, but with Nearl, she only wanted to express maturity and reliability—even if it was just a child putting on a brave face.
(Because Teio sees the Student Council President as family, an elder.)
"Mhm, you're doing great, Teio."
Nearl gently ruffled the adorable little head nestled against her. If you ignored her own youthful appearance, the two might be mistaken for mother and daughter.
After comforting Teio for a while—until she was happily leaning on Nearl's shoulder—Nearl finally shifted her attention to Special Week, who had been standing quietly all this time, listening to Rudolf explain the long history of Central Tracen.
The current Special Week was far different from the one in her memory.
Apart from that inner passion for running, everything else seemed almost unrecognizable: her strength, maturity, calm and detached demeanor—it was like she'd undergone a super evolution.
"Rea, just what did you do to her…"
"I trained her my way, of course. Isn't this wonderful? Solid foundation, sharp spirit—I've laid the groundwork for everything a legendary Uma Musume needs. Only the most important 'heart' is something I can't help with."
Faced with Nearl's minor complaint, Platinum didn't take it seriously at all.
By nature, she was a self-centered existence. As the "origin point" anchoring the self between the two of them, her actions only leaned toward her own inclinations.
So what if the Special Week from her past memories was honest, adorable, and cute? Did she care?
Only this Special Week, who had been with her for so long, was the important family member she was willing to devote effort to.
"Nearl, Miss Centaurea, we should let Special Week go take her assessment now. It's about time."
Rudolf walked over to remind them. Special Week followed closely to Platinum's side, almost like bound equipment.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, Spe-chan."
Platinum didn't mind either—in fact, she'd prefer the assessment to end as soon as possible.
"Finish early, and I'll take you back to my place. The game consoles there are way more advanced than the FC at the ranch."
"Mhm! I'll hurry."
A spark flashed in Special Week's eyes, and her steps seemed eager. It was clear how much anticipation she held inside.
It wasn't that she loved games. No matter what kind of entertainment, as long as she could share it with that figure, Special Week would lose herself in it.
What interested her was simply her master's home. Whether luxurious or simple didn't matter—only that it was "Master's home."
This sudden enthusiasm made the Emperor nearby feel a bit helpless, but what could she say? She could only sigh silently at the deep, albeit unusual, bond between this master and disciple.
"The assessment won't be that easy, you know…"
--+--
Today, the large field behind the academy was unusually empty of other students.
It had been requisitioned as the assessment venue. Apart from a large crowd of trainers eager to gauge the potential of incoming Uma Musume, only the young fillies here to take the test remained.
But the numbers weren't as high as one might think.
After all, the number of Uma Musume born in Japan each year didn't exceed ten thousand, and even having a third of those possessing the qualities of a racing Uma Musume was considered a lot.
And Central Tracen, as the pinnacle academy for Uma Musume, had requirements that made many young fillies hesitate.
That, in turn, funneled a large number into local Tracen branches, further reducing the number of candidates for the Central assessment.
After all, you couldn't enter races without enrolling, and the assessment was only held once a year.
Missing it was troublesome—unless you had a recommendation from a famous Uma Musume to take a special assessment.
All things considered, the final result was only about one or two hundred candidates for Central Tracen's assessment. But without exception, they were all geniuses brimming with confidence.
And a few among them were geniuses among geniuses.
"Grass Wonder, passed!"
The moment a brown-furred Uma Musume crossed the finish line, the trainers erupted into excitement.
They whispered among themselves, praising this rare "little monster."
This scene was naturally seen by Special Week and her group, waiting for their turn.
--+--
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.