After a long bumpy ride on the high-speed train, Kagura and her group finally arrived in Niigata.
Rudolph Symbol was said to have already arrived here yesterday to prepare. Kagura finally realized that the event held today was Rudolph Symbol's debut race, which explained why Speed Symbol had traveled all this way.
'Such a huge Racecourse... Can a sports event really draw this many people? Is a big celebrity holding a concert here!?'
Kagura, who had just put away her luggage and was rushing to the Racecourse, saw the enormous building in the distance. Its size far exceeded that of an ordinary sports stadium, and the black crowd surrounding it, packed so tightly that not even water could seep through, gave her a small idol-like shock.
At least on Earth, for a viewing scale like this, Kagura could only think of a certain celebrity's commemorative concert. She had never really seen so many people gather for a sports event.
Still on the outer perimeter, not yet close, Kagura could already hear people nearby discussing the same name in scattered whispers—Rudolph Symbol. Just by the frequency of that name, she knew that this large crowd had clearly gathered for Rudolph Symbol.
"Are all these people... the Young Miss's Fans?"
To prevent Kagura, a Little Horse Girls, from getting lost in the crowd, Speed Symbol and Trainer Tojo were holding her tightly. Speed Symbol had initially wanted to just pick Kagura up and carry her, but Kagura had desperately refused the suggestion.
"Yes... While not necessarily all, most of them probably are. After all, that new star, already the focus of attention before her debut, is taking her first step on her journey today."
Trainer Tojo said with a sigh of emotion. It seemed she had great confidence in Rudolph Symbol's abilities.
Kagura was originally wondering how long she would have to queue to squeeze in, but before she stood there for long, she was dragged away by Speed Symbol and Trainer Tojo. It was only when she was pulled into an empty passage leading into the Racecourse that Kagura remembered that a prominent family like the Symboli Family surely had some privileges; at least they wouldn't need to jostle at the main gate at a time like this.
Following the red-carpeted corridor deeper into the Racecourse, Kagura silently marveled at how nice it was to be rich, while observing the exquisitely decorated backstage area, which was comparable to a Hotel. It felt less like a viewing area and more like a small private room in a Hotel. If one had the leisure, they could even brew a cup of tea and watch the race from here.
However, to Kagura's surprise, when they arrived at the private room, someone was already waiting inside. One of them was Maruzensky, the familiar Uma Musume Kagura had met not long ago. Leaning on a lounge chair some distance away from her was an Orange-hair girl in a white dress with a white hat on her head. A cat was perched on the girl's hat.
"You came so fast, Akikawa. I hope we didn't keep you waiting?"
Speed Symbol walked towards the Orange-hair girl with the tone of an old friend meeting, casually stroking the cat on the girl's head twice, eliciting a comfortable purr from the kitten.
"Not at all! Maruzen-san and I just sat down! Old Symboli, you all shouldn't stand either, come and sit with us."
The Little Horse Girls' tone and voice left a deep impression on Kagura. There was a distinct rise and fall, reminding Kagura of old Japanese elders from the last century she had seen in certain ancient Japanese dramas.
Although she didn't know the identity of this Little Horse Girls, judging by how naturally she invited Speed Symbol to sit down, her status must not be simple. After all, looking at the other side, Maruzensky and Trainer Tojo seemed a bit reserved, and only that girl was still chatting with Speed Symbol.
Despite her observations, Kagura didn't forget her main job. While the others were sitting down, she quickly used the tea set and tea leaves in the private room to brew tea, serving a cup to everyone.
"Thank you~ A diligent Little Horse Girls is also very cute, come here and let Big Sister give you a hug~"
Saying that, Maruzensky reached out her hand, looking eager. Kagura felt as if all these Uma Musume around her particularly liked to hug her for no reason, which made her a bit frustrated. Did she feel that good to hug?
"Don't tease me... Maruzen-san, who is that girl chatting with the Head of the Family?"
However, Kagura did have a question she wanted to ask Maruzensky. As she passed Maruzensky after serving the tea, she lowered her voice and asked. After all, Maruzensky was a Tracen student, so she definitely knew more than Kagura, who was an unregistered person.
"You mean Chairwoman Akikawa? That's the Chairwoman of Tracen. Tracen is also concerned about Rudolph's race, so she came along today."
Seeing Kagura ask in a lowered voice, Maruzensky also lowered her voice to reply.
'Huh?? Such a young Little Horse Girls is actually the Chairwoman!?'
Looking at the Little Horse Girls who was only a little taller than her, Kagura found it somewhat incredible.
'Don't think too deeply about things from a two-dimensional world... Maybe she looks young but is actually very old... Yes, that must be it.'
Gently grabbing and removing Maruzensky's hand, which had somehow found its way onto her head, Kagura was about to return to the window to wait and observe the Racecourse when that youthful voice, full of intonation, suddenly called out to her:
"Wait a moment! That Little Horse Girls over there! Can you come here for a second?"
Turning around, Kagura saw the Chairwoman looking at her with great curiosity. Speed Symbol, sitting to her left, smiled and nodded at her, seemingly indicating that she shouldn't be nervous.
"Hello, Chairwoman Akikawa, do you have any requests?"
Walking up to the Chairwoman, Kagura, who didn't yet know what the other party wanted, inquired with a standard professional response.
But the Chairwoman didn't speak immediately. She just kept staring at Kagura, as if studying or observing something, which made Kagura feel a bit uneasy. She subconsciously looked at Speed Symbol, who was still in the same state, nodding to signal her not to be nervous.
"Familiar! The Little Horse Girls reminds me of an old friend, so I couldn't help but look for a while."
Kagura's face still maintained a professional smile. Chairwoman Akikawa's words surprised her. She didn't know that her face could resemble any old senior.
"Curious! I heard from Maruzen-san and Trainer Tojo that your talent is very good, is that true?"
"This... I apologize, I'm not entirely sure."
Kagura wasn't confident in her own abilities, so she didn't dare to easily agree with such a statement.
"Recently, this Little Horse Girls ran 1600 meters with me, and on the grass, using the Great Escape running style, she pulled 12 lengths ahead of me to the finish line... I really tried my best, Akikawa, don't look at me like that. You know I've never neglected training, and it's not that easy to shake me off. Trainer Tojo saw that Little Horse Girls run the Great Escape a few days ago, if you don't believe me, you can ask her."
Before Kagura could finish speaking, Speed Symbol suddenly interjected. After her understated words fell, the entire private room immediately fell into a terrifying silence. Kagura felt all eyes in the private room instantly focus on her.
'Head of the Family!!'
Kagura, who suddenly felt immense pressure, tried to maintain her professional smile, letting out a silent wail in her heart.
She didn't know what it meant to outrun Speed Symbol, that Old Symboli, but the others around her understood. A Little Horse Girls so young, and not yet fully developed, managing to shake off Speed Symbol and even create a significant gap in a confrontation with a former professional racer—even if Speed Symbol was aging, her abilities were by no means something an ordinary Little Horse Girls could easily overcome. That was already a talent worth looking forward to.
"Little Horse Girls is so amazing... Do you have a Trainer training you?"
Eventually, Maruzensky was the first to break the silence.
"No, that Little Horse Girls doesn't have a Trainer yet, at least I haven't arranged anyone to train her."
Speed Symbol immediately added another sentence.
"Oh..."
There was another small gasp, and Kagura felt the gazes directed at her become even more intense.
"Heh heh... Her age is not enough to stand on the Racecourse yet, no need to rush. Our purpose for being here today is not to discuss my maid's talent, is it? Don't forget to watch the entrance ceremony, everyone."
Speed Symbol very timely ended the topic, naturally bringing the subject back to today's race. Like fishing, she had now cast out the bait. Everyone present, after learning this information, would surely have some thoughts. This part was their time to freely express themselves.
This was information released by her, the Head of the Symboli Family, and it carried considerable weight. From her understanding of these old acquaintances at Central Tracen, no one present could remain indifferent after receiving such news. Telling them this information in advance would save Kagura a lot of trouble if she were to step onto the Racecourse in the future... The gazes on her finally lessened, and Kagura, who had been nervous, finally relaxed. She returned to her position by the window to wait, while observing downstairs.
After the entrance ceremony, which had a runway show atmosphere, began, the contestants for this race walked out one by one. Kagura felt it was a bit like the trash-talk segment before an esports match that her best friend used to watch, where everyone walks out to show off and then trash-talks each other.
When the imposing Chestnut-haired Uma Musume walked out, the entire Racecourse erupted in enthusiastic cheers, and the host passionately announced her appearance.
—Most Popular, Rudolph Symbol!
The enormous cheers from the entire Racecourse almost drowned out Kagura's ears. She once again felt what fanaticism was. Rudolph Symbol's influence far exceeded her imagination. Even though today was her debut race, her first step on her journey, countless Fans were already anticipating it.
'How amazing...'
Rudolph Symbol responded to the cheers from the entire Racecourse unhurriedly, showing no signs of nervousness at all. This truly earned Kagura's heartfelt admiration; she couldn't imagine what state she'd be in if she were up there, probably melting away under all the gazes and cheers.
"How about it? Isn't Rudolph very cool?"
As Kagura heard the voice by her ear, she felt her head being gently stroked. She realized Maruzensky had moved closer at some point.
"The Young Lady is truly amazing. If I were standing there, I'd probably melt into a puddle by now..."
"Mhm~ After all, she's always been the one standing in the spotlight."
"Speaking of which, Maruzen-san and the Young Lady are classmates, right? Is Maruzen-san also preparing to debut in races?"
"Although we're both in the higher division, I'm a bit older than Rudolph... But as for races..."
For some reason, Kagura felt that Maruzensky seemed reluctant to talk about participating in races, so she quickly added:
"I was just curious. If Maruzen-san isn't comfortable sharing, you don't have to tell me, it's fine! The privacy of professional athletes is very important!"
"Oh, my... Little sister, you're so understanding, thank you~"
Maruzensky happily hugged Kagura and rubbed against her, nearly submerging Kagura between Maruzensky's ample chest. Kagura quickly struggled free, narrowly avoiding a 'chest murder' incident.
'Damn it... This is a class enemy!!'
Looking at her own flat chest, which showed no hint of undulation, and then looking up at the rolling mountains over there, Kagura could only sigh inwardly.