Mizuki was currently in the middle of writing her log at Spica when a knock sounded at the door.
"Hmm? Someone's looking for me? At this hour, it shouldn't be a student, aren't they in class?"
Though puzzled, Mizuki opened the door.
"Greetings, Trainer Mizuki. I am a butler for the Mejiro family. Miss Mejiro Ramonu requests your presence for a conversation at 'The Towers'."
Standing at the door was a female butler dressed in a sharp suit. She spoke very politely. Befitting a butler of the prestigious Mejiro family, she had an excellent figure and was quite beautiful.
"The Towers" was the most luxurious restaurant in the area surrounding Tracen. However, Mizuki usually ate at the academy cafeteria, so she didn't realize how high-end it was.
"Mejiro Ramonu? What does she want with me?"
Mizuki found it strange. She wasn't familiar with Mejiro Ramonu. Ramanu was the star of the Mejiro house, aiming for the Triple Tiara. She wondered why she was looking for her again— she had been acting rather hesitant last time.
That said, Ramonu's running style was truly captivating. Even Agnes Tachyon had mentioned that watching Ramonu run was always rewarding because her technique was so exquisite.
"To put it briefly, Miss Mejiro Ramonu has invited you because she wishes for you to become the exclusive trainer for the Mejiro family," the butler said efficiently.
"...Eh?! Why?!"
In reality, Mizuki didn't know that the pillar of the Mejiro family— Mejiro McQueen's grandmother, Mrs. Kitano— was behind this. Although she wasn't an Uma herself, other Uma Musume could see the diary and read it to her. Thus, she had learned of Mizuki's uniqueness.
As a matriarch of many years, she had keenly sensed that the secret hidden within Trainer Mizuki was of immense value. Perhaps the Mejiro family could even use her power to ensure their continued prosperity.
Even though she was still a rookie trainer, her diary was far too extraordinary.
First, this diary system could be seen by everyone. Second, it could grant training rewards and even boost the abilities of real-life horses. Such a thing was unheard of. Mrs. Kitano even felt that this authority was a sign of blessing from the Three Goddesses— it had to be.
Nobody except the Three Goddesses could influence the world like this!
Even though she was currently abroad, she knew Taiki Shuttle had received a reward yesterday and immediately instructed Mejiro Ramonu to invite Mizuki.
"Trainer Mizuki, the grandmother of our Mejiro family, Matriarch Kitano, thinks very highly of you. If you join us, you will surely achieve great things. You may request anything you desire." The butler bowed deeply, her tone incredibly sincere.
"The terms sound great, but I'm sorry— I refuse."
Mizuki didn't hesitate. With the diary system, she had no reason to join the Mejiro family.
"...May I ask why? You can name any condition," the butler said, surprised.
"I'm used to my freedom. Besides, I already have several outstanding. Trainees under me. Joining the Mejiro family would mean abandoning them. These girls have decided to put their trust in me, as their Trainer, and it'd be cruel of me to abuse that trust."
"Furthermore, if you truly want me to assist the Mejiro family's Uma Musume with their training..."
"The Mejiro girls are welcome to join Spica. I'm sure they'd match up well with my lovely Trainees here."
"So I will not leave Spica for the Mejiro estate."
"Unless you have something else to say, then this is goodbye."
Mizuki's attitude was firm. If she went to the Mejiro house, she'd lose her freedom, and once she left Tracen, she'd have much less to write about.
There were thousands of Umas here providing endless content every day. If she went to the Mejiros, she'd just be living a boring "rich girl" life and would have to split her prize money with the family.
Why bother?
"Please reconsider. Joining the Mejiro family is something you surely won't regret..."
The butler wanted to say more, but Mizuki didn't listen for more than a few moments before showing her out. She felt a bit of regret, they should have acted the moment the diary appeared. Now that Taiki Shuttle had already claimed a reward and they had waited for confirmation to act, it was indeed a bit late.
However, she found Mizuki to be a decent person. She was pretty, tall, and clearly cared more about the girls at Spica than money— a temptation few could refuse. But she wasn't ready to give up yet, she wanted to see if any hesitation appeared in she diary. If there was an opening, they had to take it.
If all else failed, they would just send the Mejiro girls to Spica. Mejiro Ardan was already planning to join— first as an pre-debut Uma, and then as an actual Trainee once she was old enough.
Just as the butler got into her car, she saw the diary update again. But as she read the new content, she became utterly bewildered.
[I was just writing my log when the Mejiro family tried to hire me as an exclusive Trainer.]
[I rejected them quite decisively, though.]
[The reason is simple: they kept talking about "high conditions" and "satisfying any request," but I stood there for ages and they didn't show me a single thing. If they hadn't come empty-handed, I might have actually sat down to negotiate.]
[That Mejiro Ramonu girl looks elegant, but she really doesn't know how to handle business. You invite me like that?]
[That little lady has zero social awareness!]
[Mrs. Kitano needs to sit her down and teach her a bit.]
[You're trying to test a Trainer with just words? What Trainer couldn't pass a test like that?]
[Could you not just throw a stack of cash in my face?]
[Could you not show up with a property deed or car keys and lay it all out for me?]
[If that's too much, you could at least arrange for a couple of beautiful maids to look after me. Like some black-stocking succubus types?]
[Didn't you notice I was talking more than usual on purpose?]
[Didn't you see me dragging out the conversation and giving you hints?]
[Don't you dare think I'm not that kind of person— I totally am!]
[Please, give me another chance.]
[I really want to challenge my own weaknesses!]
Mizuki's writing was so impassioned that it left everyone stunned. The female butler, in particular, was so angry she felt like she was going crazy.
"This girl... she spent ages praising the girls at Spica! I thought she was truly passionate about her career, but she was actually just waiting for me to pull out a gift!"
The butler was speechless. She put her hands on her hips, huffing with rage.
How was she supposed to know?!
'Why didn't you just say so?! All you do is complain about me here, but didn't I tell you that you could name any condition?!'
'If you had just opened your mouth, whether it was a house, a car, or... or even a maid in black stockings, we could have arranged it! I would have even dressed up and served you myself!'
'But you... you...'
'You didn't even ask for anything!'
'And now you're blaming others? Are you even human?'
The butler finally understood why Mejiro Ramonu told her to remain as calm as possible when inviting Mizuki. It turned out this Trainer was shameless to a legendary degree.
"Challenge her weaknesses," indeed.
'All you think about are black stockings and long legs! Bah! What a total loudmouth!'
Still, she didn't know what to do now and had to contact Mejiro Ramonu.
Little did she know, Ramonu had just finished class, and after seeing the diary, she was already livid.
"Little lady? She really has a knack for nicknames..."
Ramonu gritted her teeth. Her whole life, people had described her as elegant, refined, and beautiful. But since meeting Mizuki, everything had changed.
First, she was a "bad woman," and now a "little lady." She didn't even want to imagine what would come next.
"Heh, calling me incompetent? Worry about yourself first."
Ramonu's teeth were practically grinding, but as annoyed as she was, she wouldn't act on her anger— no matter how much she wanted to.
She was still fuming, but the worst part was that she'd have to act like nothing happened later, go pick out gifts, and try to invite Mizuki again. It was Mrs. Kitano's mission, after all, and she would do her best to fulfill it.
Meanwhile, it wasn't just Mizuki— the other Uma Musume were also baffled.
"?"
When Tokai Teio saw it, her CPU practically fried.
'Trainer Mizuki, I thought you couldn't be swayed by money, but you were actually just playing hard to get!'
Teio could perfectly imagine the look on Mizuki's face as she waited for the butler to produce a gift. She couldn't stop laughing.
"Haha, this is too funny!"
Just then, Symboli Rudolf returned. Tokai Teio hopped over and waved energetically.
"President~~~"
Rudolf said gently, "Oh, Teio, you're here."
Teio said, "President, did you see Trainer Mizuki's diary? She got invited to be the Mejiro Family's exclusive Trainer!"
Rudolf gave a tender smile. "Is that so? I didn't have time to look just now. But judging by your expression, it looks like she refused?"
"Mhm! You should invite her to the Student Council Office and give her a reward! You can even read the diary while waiting for her!"
Although Teio looked overjoyed on the surface, she felt even happier inside as she made this suggestion.
'You thought you could put my embarrassing history in your diary and get away with it?! Now it's time for the Great Tokai Teio to have her revenge!'
Morning at Tracen Academy.
The school day was nearing its end, with only one period left. Everyone was gossiping during the break. Because of the diary, many Uma Musume had completed their training rewards, and everyone was starting to exchange experiences.
Suddenly, the sharp crack of a whip echoed out, followed by a crowd cheering. It turned out the person cracking the whip was Wonder Acute.
"Acute-san, did you get a reward yesterday like Taiki Shuttle? Did you and your real-horse self both get it?"
Copano Rickey was very curious and envious. She wanted a reward too— preferably something related to Feng Shui.
"Yeah, the reward my real-horse counterpart received seems to be a 15% reduction in pain from being whipped during a race. As for the reward I received personally, it's this health-boosting technique."
"The name is: The Lightning Five-Consecutive-Whips— the legendary finishing move of the otherworldly supreme martial artist, Master Ma!"
"I just tried it out, and it feels very helpful for strengthening the body."
Wonder Acute explained. For a high-school grandma like her, this exercise was quite effective for staying fit, she felt refreshed after performing it.
However, Copano Rickey was surprised: "Why is it all related to whips? And why does that reward for the real horse feel a bit useless? After all, real horses don't get whipped during races, do they?"
Rickey found it strange, and Hokko Tarumae was equally puzzled. In their minds, a race was just a race— what did whips have to do with it?
However, the vision of Copano Rickey and Hokko Tarumae was still too narrow.
In the dirt races where Wonder Acute's real-life counterpart competed, the way Jockey Wada swung that whip was truly terrifying. Given the chance in a single race, he could dish out over 46 lashes.
He whipped Acute's hindquarters so hard they practically lost their color— an act later dubbed "Fighting Spirit Injection" by fans.
Even more ridiculous was that despite taking the most hits, Wonder Acute didn't even win that race.
"Can you show me that Lightning Five-Consecutive-Whips again?" Copano Rickey asked curiously.
Wonder Acute nodded. She picked up her whip, her expression shifting into a combat state. She first took a deep breath, then took a step forward, instantly unleashing the Lightning Five-Consecutive-Whips.
The force of the whip was powerful. As an Uma Musume, Acute was naturally much stronger than a human, and the sheer power of the strike was evident.
Truly an Uma associated with Jockey Wada, those whips were full of "spirit."
Yaono Muteki was also shocked upon seeing this, wondering who this "Supreme Martial Artist Master Ma" from another world was to create such a powerful technique. She wondered if the move would be even stronger if she were the one performing it.
Seeing everyone getting rewards, Tokai Teio wanted one too. She wondered what kind of reward she could bring to her real-horse self. Could she achieve the Undefeated Triple Crown? This year's Satsuki Sho, Japan Derby, and Kikuka Sho— she would take them all!
Silence Suzuka was also curious. The final race of her training target was the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Unlike many others whose final race was the Arima Kinen, this race perhaps held a special significance for her.
Nakayama Festa felt the same, her final race was actually the Takarazuka Kinen.
"Just watch me, teacher. I'll prove to you that I am living life to the fullest."
Nakayama Festa looked into the distance with a confident smile, her heart pounding. However, she found it odd that her old teacher had been a bit passive lately, to the point where she had to guide her instead.
Was this what growing up felt like?
She was worried sick about her teacher— honestly, she was getting a bit ahead of herself. For her reward, she hoped for two plane tickets to Paris, preferably with room and board included, so she could take her teacher on a trip.
Meanwhile, in Italy.
"The diary has updated again, but I can't see it."
Laghat was a blind Uma Musume. Ordinarily, she shouldn't have been able to compete, but she had overcome all obstacles to become a racer because she refused to believe in a cruel fate, believing instead that an Uma's will can triumph over anything.
"I'll read it to you, Laghat. Did you sign with a Trainer today?" another Italian Horse Girl asked.
"No, because of my eyes. It's a pity, I can't see what he looks like, and I won't be able to see the look of regret on his face later," Laghat said firmly.
"Pfft, you're too optimistic. I can't even find the words to comfort you now."
"Stay humble, stay humble. I am Laghat , after all."
Laghat was blind, but she remained optimistic at heart. She didn't truly hold a grudge against those Trainers, she knew she wouldn't take the risk of signing a blind Uma Musume either if she were in their shoes. She had probably been influenced by Trainer Mizuki recently, leading her to talk a bit of trash.
"Impressive, Little Lag. Let me read today's diary to you."
The Italian Horse Girl smiled, hoping that perhaps through the diary, Laghat might regain her sight.
"Honestly, we're the same age, don't call me 'Little Lag."
Laghat also cared about her age.
"Got it, Little Lag." She teased Laghat on purpose, making Laghat grit her teeth and swear that the day she regained her sight, she'd take her out first.
At that moment, Mizuki's diary began to update again.
[Just stepped out and unexpectedly ran into Mejiro Ramonu.]
[She actually talked to me about becoming a Mejiro family Trainer again, saying they could give me a year's salary plus bonuses upfront. She promised me wealth, honor, and everything I could ever want.]
[The amount was indeed huge, but I still refused.]
[I still prefer an easy life. Is wealth and honor necessarily good?]
[Well yes, it is, but if I were truly someone who craved money, I'd be better off dressing up and just clinging to a sugar mommy's leg.]
[Now that's how you broaden your horizons!]
[Look at 'Old Auntie' Maruzensky, she drives a supercar.]
[Age is not an issue.]
[As the saying goes: If she's three years older, you've hit a gold mine, if she's thirty years older, she'll give you a kingdom.]
[If she's three hundred years older, she'll give you an elixir of immortality, if she's three thousand years older, you'll join the celestial ranks!]
[Damn, wait, how old are the Three Goddesses? At least three thousand, right? If I can cling to that leg, I'm going straight to the celestial ranks.]
[Mejiro Ramonu is a rich woman, too.]
[If I dressed myself up a bit, I'd have her head over heels for me, hahaha.]
At this, Mejiro Ramonu was left speechless. She had indeed heard the "three years older, hit a gold mine" saying before.
'To think she was even eyeing the Three Goddesses...'
She felt a headache coming on, her brow throbbing.
How could this girl have so much internal monologue? She really wanted to kick her in the head to see just how thick her skin was.
In the Tracen Academy cafeteria, Maruzensky saw the diary and huffed, looking quite adorable.
"Trainer Mizuki... calling me 'Maruzen-san' to my face and 'Old Auntie' behind my back...? What a terrible woman."
Maruzensky was angry, but she maintained her smile. She already felt like inviting Trainer Mizuki for a drive.
If she wanted to cling to her leg, she'd at least have to handle being in the passenger seat at 200 km/h. A rich woman's "free meal" isn't that easy to eat.
[By the way, what's strange is that after Taiki Shuttle, Wonder Acute, and Fuji Kiseki completed their URA goals, I suddenly got a lot of information about their real-horse counterparts.]
[Honestly, the real Fuji Kiseki's experience was even funnier than I thought. He took the gate test five times in total. Every time, he entered the gate successfully, but once it opened, he just stood there on the spot. Hahaha! No wonder Dorm Leader Fuji Kiseki performs magic, she always chooses the running style that gets the most comments.]
[Here they come, so much real-horse news. I won't have to worry about running out of things to write now.]
[Oh my god... did some of the real horses actually have such tragic fates?!?!]
Mizuki wrote the interesting real-horse facts she saw into the diary. Seeing this, the eyes of many Uma Musume widened.
Tragic fates? What does that mean? Does it mean some real horses didn't have a peaceful end?
Once they realized this, the Umas' eyes lit up, and they gathered around to gossip. Mejiro Ramonu was the same.
She huffed— 'You narcissistic pervert, stop being a tease and just say it. Do I really have to kick you first?'
Rice Shower was also very nervous. Tragic fate... Rice always had bad luck. Could it be about her...?