"This is already a gap of at least fifteen lengths. What a terrifying one-sided crush..."
Rudolph Symbol could imagine how much pressure Nice Nature was under on the track. Clearly, Nice Nature had given it everything she had to catch up, but Kagura's speed was simply far too fast. She had no chance to fight back. The moment she was overtaken after the second turn, the race was already over.
"It was the same with you, Rudolph. In your debut race, those girls behind you were in just as miserable a state."
"...I know. I hope this won't upset Nature too much. She really did run very well, but Kagura was just too... sigh."
Being mercilessly crushed by her good friend, Nice Nature was obviously feeling terrible. Rudolph Symbol hoped this defeat would not affect the young Nice Nature too badly.
26. Winning Something Besides the Race()
"Uwaa... Kagura's speed is way too ridiculous!"
After finishing their training on the track and coming down, Nice Nature immediately let out a frustrated groan. She had thought that, as a senior, she would show Kagura a good example, but instead she had ended up being fished and fried by Kagura.
"Nice Nature's steps are very powerful, and her stamina is excellent too. She only performed poorly because Kagura threw off her rhythm just now."
Toujou Hana walked over and patted Nice Nature, who was beginning to doubt herself. She could tell that Nice Nature was a rare good prospect as well; it was just that she had been paired with a monster who completely defied common sense.
"Nature... um... are you all right?"
It was Kagura's first time encountering something like this, and she suddenly had no idea what to say. She cast a pleading look at Toujou Hana, who merely shrugged helplessly and returned a look that said she was powerless too.
"I'm fine... sigh... I knew it. An ordinary girl like me really can't compare with a genius..."
Nice Nature said she was fine, but with her ears drooping, Kagura could easily guess how she felt.
Still, Nice Nature knew this was not worth being so depressed over. She shook her head, then saw Kagura watching her worriedly, unsure how to speak. She took the initiative, opened her arms, and leaned toward Kagura.
"Kagura, let me hug you~~"
"You really are something... Fine. I'll let you have your way today."
Kagura smiled helplessly, then leaned forward and nestled into Nice Nature's arms, allowing her to hold her.
Holding Kagura close and inhaling deeply twice, Nice Nature was immediately enveloped by a warm, gentle, mysterious aura. Her dejected mood improved considerably. She discovered that Kagura's hugs seemed to possess some unique magic; whenever she hugged Kagura, she always felt incredibly comfortable.
"You two have such a good relationship."
Seeing Nice Nature recover so quickly that she even had the energy to playfully hug Kagura, Toujou Hana finally relaxed.
"Well... we're friends, after all. Nature, I'll cook dinner for you tonight. What do you want to eat? Any ideas?"
"Yes! Turnip cake!"
"Can you think of something besides turnip cake for once...?"
For some reason, Nice Nature was especially enthusiastic about all kinds of turnip cake Kagura made. Kagura had tried letting her sample various other dishes, but turnip cake remained the most appealing thing to her.
"Oh~ Did I hear that little sister is cooking tonight?"
Hearing that Kagura was going to cook, Maruzensky, who had come over to learn the two contestants' post-race thoughts, suddenly perked up.
"I was planning to cook anyway. Miss Toujou said the young lady often forgets to eat dinner. Would you and Miss Toujou like to come over and eat?"
"I have something to do tonight, so I'll pass." "If there's enough, I'd love to come! You have no idea! Ever since I ate the food you made last time, I haven't been able to get used to my own cooking! Big sister has been suffering terribly!"
Unlike Maruzensky, who agreed immediately, Toujou Hana could only refuse because she still had some trainer work to do.
Since Maruzensky lived alone off campus, she handled all her daily needs herself. Before, she had not minded eating her own cooking; she could simply make do and get by.
But after attending Rudolph Symbol's debut-race celebration banquet that day, Maruzensky found that she could no longer forget those flavors once she returned home. She began to feel uncomfortable and dissatisfied with the heap of food she made herself. Naturally, she was thrilled at the prospect of getting a meal from Kagura.
"Then... I'll borrow the school kitchen tonight. I'll start cooking around six. Come over if you want to eat."
Although Kagura had agreed, she had still underestimated how much work it would take to serve so many people. After all, she was only one person.
The Tracen Academy cafeteria staff felt just as overwhelmed as Kagura. There was no other reason: shortly after six that afternoon, the chairwoman, Akikawa Yayoi, the student council president, Rudolph Symbol, the already-famous Maruzensky, and the legendary new Uma Musume who had ranked first in this year's theoretical exam all gathered in one section of the cafeteria.
Anyone with eyes could see that they had all come for the same reason. The cafeteria normally never attracted so many influential figures, so clearly the little Uma Musume borrowing the kitchen and working herself to the bone inside was their target.
Fortunately, that little Uma Musume truly had the ability to entertain the group of big shots she had brought along. That evening, Kagura practically stood alone among the kitchen stoves, handling work meant for five people and giving Tracen's cafeteria a harsh lesson in efficiency while perfectly demonstrating what it meant to remain calm in a crisis.
"Ugh..."
Of course, everyone else had eaten to their heart's content, while Kagura, who had worked herself half to death, was not having such a good time. She had already run a training race that afternoon, then endured another round of high-intensity torment that evening. She felt as if she were about to fall apart.
In the end, Nice Nature took Kagura back to her dormitory. Exhausted numb, Kagura only wanted to take a quick shower, collapse, and sleep.
" K agura, do you want me to massage you? I taught myself a little..."
Seeing Kagura lying face-down on the bed in her pajamas after her shower, looking completely worn out, Nice Nature finally asked hesitantly.
Kagura answered weakly. Already drowsy, she did not really care whether she was agreeing to it anymore.
Having received permission, Nice Nature carefully climbed onto Kagura's bed and sat on her legs. She reached out and gently grasped Kagura's shoulders, slowly increasing the pressure according to the massage techniques she remembered learning from her family.
"Mmm... ah~!?"
Kagura, who had still been somewhat dazed, was immediately jolted awake by the pressure and let out an adorable sound that invited all sorts of misunderstandings. Realizing what had happened, she hurriedly lowered her voice.
"Nature... be... be gentler!!"
"Sorry! I haven't massaged anyone in a long time, so I didn't control my strength properly. Are you all right?"
Nice Nature apologized profusely. She had forgotten that it had been a long time since she had done this, and her technique was still somewhat rusty.
"I'm fine... Nature, you can start with a little less pressure."
"All right. I'll be careful."
After that first mistake, Nice Nature's movements became much more cautious. Kagura's young body could not withstand the strength needed by an older Uma Musume.
Carefully gripping Kagura's fair, tender thighs and massaging them lightly, Nice Nature adjusted her technique while constantly asking how Kagura felt. Only when Kagura's voice gradually changed from clear words into indistinct murmurs did she determine the pressure best suited to Kagura.
The reason Kagura had stopped making any clear sounds was that she had buried her face in her arms. Once the pressure was adjusted, even she, who had learned massage from the Head Maid for a while, had to admit that Nice Nature's technique was genuinely excellent.
Nice Nature also had enough strength to make the massage effective. The relaxing comfort nearly made Kagura cry out in a way that could be misunderstood. To avoid humiliating herself, she covered her mouth with her arm, leaving only her swishing tail and the pair of ears that occasionally stood straight up to reveal how much she was enjoying it.
Why does it hurt so much when it hurts, but feel so good when it feels good too?! Are Uma Musume more sensitive than humans? Is this really not some kind of succubus!?
Kagura's face flushed red as she unconsciously made faint murmuring sounds and complained furiously in her mind.
"Uma Musume have more nerves in their legs, so they can be somewhat sensitive. That reaction is perfectly normal. Besides, you're still young. If you can't hold it in, it's fine to make a sound. You don't have to suffer so much."
Why does a setting straight out of an erotic game have a scientific explanation?! And how do you know what I'm thinking?!
As for crying out... she would pass. Even during summer break, there were still other Uma Musume at school, and she had no idea how well soundproofed the dormitory was. If someone heard those embarrassing noises, her academy life would be over.
Fortunately, the massage did not last long. Kagura, already tired from running that afternoon, drifted into a daze and dreamed for a while. Then she felt Nice Nature poke her a few times, lift her up, and turn her over so that she was lying on her back in bed.
"How do you feel?"
"Your technique is pretty good, Nature. It feels great..."
"Hmph, hmph~ This is a skill even my family praised!"
Seeing that Kagura was so tired she could barely open her eyes and was speaking indistinctly, Nice Nature did not say much more. She merely reached out and gently rubbed Kagura's soft cheek before climbing down from her.
"Well then, good night, Kagura."
"Good night... zzz..."
Kagura replied instinctively. She heard Nice Nature turn off the lights and close the door as she left. After that, the dormitory fell completely silent, and her consciousness soon sank into darkness.
27. Is It Wrong to Cook Gourmet Food in a Sports Anime?
Because she had been excessively tired the previous night, Kagura's sleep was surprisingly restful.
What Kagura found unbelievable was that, despite sleeping so deeply, she still woke up at her usual time. After checking the clock, she realized she even had time to go to the cafeteria and make breakfast for Rudolph Symbol.
"Why...? Oh, right..."
When Rudolph Symbol opened her eyes again and saw Kagura standing beside her bed, she was stunned for a moment. Then she remembered that she had given Kagura her key two days ago and still had not asked for it back. It was perfectly normal for Kagura to be there that morning.
Sitting up, Rudolph Symbol instinctively scanned the room. As expected, the clothes she needed to change into had already been taken out and hung on the wardrobe door. The room was also filled with a fresh aroma, somewhat like fish. Just smelling it made her swallow.
"...Kagura, I smell fish. Did you make breakfast?"
There was obviously no such dish at Tracen, so Kagura must have made it herself.
"Yes~ Breakfast is fish-slice porridge, young lady. Get up and wash and change. It won't taste good once it gets cold."
As she spoke, Kagura gently pulled Rudolph Symbol out of bed.
Half-pushed and half-pulled into the washroom, Rudolph Symbol brushed her teeth while taking some time to reboot her mind.
...Wasn't this child exhausted yesterday and carried back by Nature? Is it really all right for her to get up so early today?
In fact, Rudolph Symbol had not slept very well the previous night, so she was still somewhat sleepy.
She suddenly missed the high-quality sleep she had enjoyed two nights before. The refreshed feeling afterward had been incredibly comfortable, and her work efficiency had practically doubled the next day. She simply had no idea why she had slept so well then.
Did I do something special that night?
Rudolph Symbol tried hard to recall what had happened. After washing up, she walked out of the bathroom with a head full of questions and saw Kagura cleaning the floor and organizing various small objects in the dormitory. She felt as if she had remembered what special thing she had done two nights before.
"Kagura."
"Yes?"
Kagura, who was sweeping the floor, stopped and looked over when she heard Rudolph Symbol call her.
Rudolph Symbol guessed that Kagura was probably the reason she had slept so well that night. Unsure whether that was really the cause, she wanted Kagura to help her conduct an experiment, but when the words reached her lips, she had no idea how to phrase them. If she told Kagura, Could you stay in my dormitory and sleep with me tonight...?
Hey, that sounds weird no matter how you put it!
Never mind whether Kagura would agree; it would be a miracle if she did not turn around and run away in fright!
"What is it? Did you need something, young lady?"
Seeing Rudolph Symbol freeze for so long, Kagura, who had been waiting patiently, prompted her in confusion.
"No... um... it's just that if I work too late tonight, remember to drag me back."
"Even if you didn't tell me, I would. Miss Toujou specifically instructed me to drag you out of the office when the time came."
After studying Kagura's innocent face for a long while, Rudolph Symbol ultimately failed to summon the courage to say what she had really wanted to. She hurried out and began that day's work.
Kagura felt that Rudolph Symbol had seemed strange just now, but she ultimately found nothing wrong and did not dwell on it. After quickly cleaning Rudolph Symbol's dormitory, she left.
With more free time available, Kagura planned to buy some ingredients and make something impressive. Of course, before leaving school to shop, she first prepared and delivered Nice Nature's breakfast, then detoured to the track to check whether any Mejiro family Uma Musume who should not be there had appeared.
Mejiro Ardan was nowhere to be seen on the track that morning. Kagura guessed that, after being carried away in that condition yesterday, Ardan probably would not be able to come out again for a while. It was normal not to see her today.
"Little sister~! Good morning~!"
She had not found a Mejiro family Uma Musume, but she had found another Uma Musume who made Kagura instinctively retreat two steps whenever she saw her. She heard the other girl's voice from far away.
However, Maruzensky did not look as if she were running or exercising. She seemed to have just eaten breakfast and come to the track for a stroll and digestion. After all, she was wearing her school uniform rather than sportswear, and there was not a trace of sweat on her.
"Good morning, Miss Maruzensky. I was just worried that certain students might ignore their physical condition and train themselves into collapse, so I came to check."
"Ah, you mean little Ardan, right? I heard about yesterday too. It was really frightening. Luckily, you were there."
"I was frightened too. It was the middle of the day, the weather was so hot, and the track must have been at least fifty degrees. If she had collapsed, she would have been barbecued... I don't understand. Mejiro Ardan's health is already so poor, so why does she insist on torturing herself like this?"
Kagura had heard a little about Mejiro Ardan's health. Honestly, she truly could not understand why Ardan insisted on running even in that condition, going so far as to hide it from her family and trainer.
"Little Ardan is just that stubborn... Sigh. Everyone knows she can't run, but she really loves running. She truly wants to bring honor to her family. Sadly, fate hasn't been very kind to her."
"That really is a shame..."
The two sighed together when Ardan came up. Maruzensky seemed quite familiar with Ardan, probably because of Rudolph Symbol.
"By the way, little sister, now that you've confirmed Ardan isn't here, what are you planning to do next?"
"I want to make a dish, but the ingredients need to be fresh and high-quality. Tracen's kitchen can't provide what I need for now, so I got up early to go outside and buy them."
Kagura intended to make a very troublesome hometown dish, one with an extremely difficult preparation process that nobody would make in everyday life. She had come up with the idea partly because she wanted to prepare a delicious meal for her friends, and partly because she had settled on the direction of her videos. She had decided to become a food blogger, so this dish would also serve as video material.
"Really~? I'm looking forward to it! Since little sister is going shopping for ingredients, why don't you let big sister come along?"
Hearing that Kagura was going shopping for ingredients again, Maruzensky immediately became eager. It was hard to say whether she genuinely wanted to help or was simply hungry.
"If you want to come, Miss Maruzensky, I don't mind. Thank you in advance for your help."
28. Mejiro Takamine
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