There's Something Wrong With Your Logistics Uma Musume

Seeing Rudolph Symbol looking like she was planning to keep at it tomorrow, Kagura and Akikawa Yayoi quickly stopped her.

Watching the others at the table picking at Rudolph Symbol's cooking, Kagura felt that their expressions were all strained to some extent. Even Rudolph Symbol herself was eating with a pained look. Kagura suddenly felt grateful that she had listened to Eclipse and bought two loaves of bread to line her stomach on the way.

"Little sister, you absolutely have to make me a meal tomorrow to help me recover..."

With the idea of setting a good example for the children and not wasting food, Akikawa Yayoi was still diligently moving her chopsticks. The fact that her verbal tic was gone showed how much she was suffering.

"Well..."

Kagura scratched her head, remembering that she seemed to have left something in the kitchen that could help with the current situation.

Walking into the kitchen and rummaging through the refrigerator, Kagura found a small lunch box. Not long ago, Kagura had seen a batch of leftover radishes in the cafeteria. The staff were wondering how to deal with them, but Kagura, wanting to avoid waste, simply cut them up, added sugar, ginger, garlic, chili, vinegar, and soy sauce to marinate them. Calculating the time, they should be ready to eat today.

"Kagura... what did you go and get?"

Nice Nature saw Kagura coming out of the kitchen with a sealed lunch box, and her intuition told her that Kagura must have some backup plan.

Look! A Logistics Uma Musume, the situation is in our favor!

The Uma Musume present were all thinking this, looking expectantly as Kagura brought the lunch box to the table.

"Don't look at me like that! I'm not hiding anything delicious! It's just some pickled radishes. I can help you finish your meals today."

As she spoke, Kagura opened the lid of the lunch box and placed it on the table.

Maruzensky curiously picked up a slice of radish, chewed it, and quickly showed a surprised expression. Then, she picked up a few more pieces and started gobbling them down. Seeing the effect on Maruzensky, the others who were waiting for the results also picked up their chopsticks and started putting radishes into their bowls.

Before long, several Uma Musume walked out of the cafeteria with full bellies, looking like they hadn't had enough.

"Your Ladyship, you've exceeded your intake for today..."

Although it was based on the principle of not wasting food, Kagura carefully calculated the breakfast and lunch she had given, plus the meal Rudolph Symbol had made herself. Rudolph Symbol had probably eaten a little too much today.

"Sorry, sorry... it's just... it was really sweet and sour and appetizing... I ate too much without realizing it..."

Rudolph Symbol came to her senses and suddenly realized that she had eaten too much. To be honest, the food she made didn't taste very good, but Kagura's kimchi was a bit of a brute force solution, completely suppressing the original taste of the ingredients with a stronger flavor.

"Question! Little sister, where do you usually keep the pickled radishes?"

"In the refrigerator in the student kitchen. I don't think you should be eyeing these radishes, Director. Eating too many pickles isn't healthy."

Seeing Akikawa Yayoi asking where she hid her radishes, Kagura knew that she probably wanted to come and mooch some when she had nothing to do. And she was sure that Akikawa Yayoi wasn't the only one with this idea, because she saw Maruzensky listening curiously, although she didn't say anything.

"Don't worry! I just want to have some when I don't have an appetite in the future!"

"Don't let me catch you guys stealing pickled radishes in the future..."

Kagura sighed helplessly. She didn't want these Uma Musume to come looking for pickles whenever they had nothing to do. Her intuition told her that this batch of radishes probably wouldn't survive the month.

38. Rudolph Symbol Gives Up the Struggle

Walking along the road between the dormitory building and the training grounds, Rudolph Symbol said she wanted to take a walk to digest. Maruzensky, who had been messed around with for half a day, said she wanted to go home and rest. Akikawa Yayoi said she was going to the teaching building to see if there were any children who hadn't returned for the night, so the group separated there.

Rudolph Symbol specifically added that she wanted Kagura to go with her. Nice Nature guessed that Rudolph Symbol probably had some private matter to discuss with Kagura, so she didn't follow and returned to Ritto Dormitory first.

"What's wrong? Your Ladyship specifically asked me to come with you. Is there something you want to talk about?"

Following Rudolph Symbol, Kagura walked slowly on the training grounds at night. It was past the time for exercise, and the lights around the training grounds were turned off, making the whole place dark.

Kagura was curious about what Rudolph Symbol wanted to talk to her about, especially since it was so late at night. She hadn't seen her working overtime today, so she didn't need to drag her back to the dormitory.

"This..."

Rudolph Symbol, walking on Kagura's right, paused for a few seconds, seeming to be struggling with something. After a long time, after they had walked past an entire bend, Kagura heard Rudolph Symbol's words:

"...Can you hug me?"

"Huh?"

Kagura, who had thought that Rudolph Symbol had something important to discuss with her, couldn't help but make a sound of confusion, like an MC villager.

"It's just... I've been having trouble sleeping these past few days... I have something very important to do tomorrow, and I want to get a good night's sleep tonight."

The last time Kagura did this, Rudolph Symbol had slept particularly well that night, and her condition was excellent the next day. Rudolph Symbol had long wanted to test what was going on, whether it was a coincidence or a real thing. There was no harm in trying, as long as Kagura didn't mind doing this kind of thing.

"Uh... what does that have to do with a hug?"

"I can't explain it, but I feel that Kagura's hug is very reassuring and can help me sleep well at night."

This was also something that Rudolph Symbol had been curious about for a long time. She had discovered that Kagura had some kind of reassuring and calming aura, which made it easy for people to indulge in her gentleness without realizing it.

Although she didn't understand what Rudolph Symbol was saying, Kagura obediently agreed.

Because of the height difference, Rudolph Symbol had to squat down or pick Kagura up herself in order for Kagura to hug her. After thinking for a moment, Rudolph Symbol chose to squat down herself.

Kagura slowly walked forward, opened her arms, and hugged Rudolph Symbol like hugging a child, letting her lean against her chest, and then raised her hand to gently pat her head.

"Kagura... you don't mind doing this, do you?"

Leaning against Kagura's chest, Rudolph Symbol was still a little worried, afraid that her seemingly inexplicable request would make Kagura feel uncomfortable.

"It's okay, it's okay. Your Ladyship has already worked very hard, and you need to release your own stress. Now, only I am by your side... only I can see this side of Your Ladyship. Don't worry, rest well."

After saying that, Kagura gently stroked Rudolph Symbol's hair while humming a gentle tune.

Enveloped in that warm and comforting aura, accompanied by Kagura's gentle singing, Rudolph Symbol felt her consciousness flicker for a moment, her entire being floating lightly. She didn't know how much time had passed before Kagura's soft call brought her back to her senses, and she awoke as if from a dream.

"Feeling a little better now, milady?"

"Thank you… I feel much better. I'm sorry for troubling you with such a strange thing again."

"It's nothing. Milady has so much work pressure, it's understandable that you need a place to release it. I understand."

Kagura didn't mind it at all. She understood Rudolph Symbol's reasons for doing this. After all, she was busy with work every day, and when the pressure got too much, she needed a way to release it. If hugging her once or twice could help her release that pressure, she wouldn't mind hugging her for as long as it took.

After all, Rudolph Symbol had a strong personality, and showing her weak side like she just did would normally be impossible for her. Only in situations like that, only when the two of them were alone, would she dare to muster the courage to show that side to someone she trusted.

Unknowingly… have I come to trust Kagura to the point where I can ask her to do something like this…?

It had only been three weeks since Kagura became her Logistics Uma Musume, and Rudolph Symbol was surprised that she dared to ask Kagura to do such a thing.

She felt that Kagura was a very unfathomable child. Kagura already understood her quite well and showed her considerable tolerance and understanding, but she, on the other hand, still felt that she didn't understand Kagura very well. Sometimes she even felt that Kagura didn't seem like a child, but rather like an elder who was older than her.

"Speaking of which, you're busy with race preparations and student council affairs. Milady, are you always so busy? Is there ever a time when you can properly rest?"

"I do rest occasionally. I spend time alone, shooting arrows, or playing a game of shogi… Haha, does that sound like strange hobbies?"

Rudolph Symbol also knew that her hobbies might be a bit unusual. After all, most girls her age were more interested in modern hobbies, which made her seem a bit like an ancient person.

"There's nothing strange about it, is there? Hobbies are hobbies because they're all different! Besides, what's wrong with archery and shogi? They're good hobbies that can train you."

"Oh my… really… I feel like no matter what I say, you always support me, Kagura?"

"I don't! I really think these hobbies are good. If milady asked me if she could have another bowl of rice today, I would definitely stop you."

"You child… Haa… you're full of surprises and unexpected things. If you have time next time, should I take you to see the school's archery club?"

"Okay, then… I'm looking forward to it."

39. Do you have another Uma Musume outside? (bushi)

"Milady, I think it's easier to exert force this way when going uphill…"

As she spoke, Kagura slightly changed her posture and ran up the uphill track.

With only a dozen days left until Rudolph Symbol's scheduled race, Kagura was stepping up her preparations. In addition to her daily life, Kagura also began to try to provide some reference opinions on Rudolph Symbol's running style.

This was a decision made after Kagura and Toujou Hana discussed and thought about it carefully. Toujou Hana believed that Kagura, as an Uma Musume, had a better understanding of running styles than humans, so she allowed her to offer some reference opinions.

Kagura also had a second meeting with Eclipse in her dream in mid-September. With Eclipse's ability, she was able to set foot on the grounds of the Tokyo Racecourse and spar with Eclipse for a few laps, and used the Tracen Academy's replica field to conduct a large number of practical verifications of the experience gained.

While Kagura was summarizing and modifying her running plan, Eclipse also used her experience to assist Kagura in making improvements. Although Kagura was still a little unsure, Eclipse could pat her chest and say that this method would definitely allow Rudolph Symbol to pass the slopes of the Tokyo Racecourse more easily.

"...Well, Rudolph, you've already seen Kagura's climbing method. Are you going to try it?"

Toujou Hana, Rudolph Symbol, and Maruzensky were all standing next to the track watching. Toujou Hana felt that Kagura's climbing running style looked pretty good, but whether it was useful or not depended on Rudolph Symbol's feedback.

"I think I can try it. Kagura, that's enough, come back and explain in detail how to run it."

Rudolph Symbol was interested in Kagura's running style. Her running style did seem easier, and she was also curious. She had indeed heard that Kagura had gone to the Tokyo Racecourse to scout the location.

But logically speaking, the racecourse should not have allowed Kagura to run directly on the track. But this running style could not be figured out without running on it for a while. Kagura's entire running style perfectly responded to every undulation of the Tokyo Racecourse, and was obviously a countermeasure tailored to the venue, but Rudolph Symbol herself did not have such countermeasure experience, let alone Kagura, who had not even been to the racecourse.

Kagura ran a section of the track and slipped back, and Rudolph Symbol also returned to the track.

"Speaking of which, Kagura, how did you discover this running style? The racecourse shouldn't allow other Uma Musume to run in it during maintenance, right?"

"I tried it out on the replica field at school."

Kagura naturally didn't plan to talk about Eclipse. Although Eclipse had helped a lot in this, in order to prevent herself from forgetting it all at once, Kagura also took a notebook and wrote down this experience and lessons learned.

Rudolph Symbol nodded and didn't continue to ask. She caught up with Kagura and started training with the new running style.

"Trainer~ what are you thinking about? Why do you look so puzzled?"

Maruzensky saw Toujou Hana staring at Rudolph Symbol while looking at the tablet in her hand, with a slightly puzzled look on her face, and asked curiously.

"Kagura's running style… is quite complete, and she gave me this thing this morning."

Toujou Hana picked up the tablet and opened a document. It was a graphic article with many pictures in it. Maruzensky glanced at it. The title of the document was "Tokyo Racecourse Guide (First Edition)".

The content of the article was also very consistent with the title. The countermeasures in this guide basically covered all the large and small areas of the entire racecourse, slopes, straight lines, curves, and it also thoughtfully included color pictures of the corresponding locations of the racecourse. It could be seen that the author was very attentive when writing this document.

"Oh… the little girl's article is written in such detail, Trainer, can I have a copy too?"

"I was indeed planning to give you a copy, and Kagura agreed. Did you just ask me why I seem so puzzled?"

"Yes, the countermeasures in this guide are very complete. There are even instructions on how to compete with other Uma Musume for the track when you are behind, and where it is suitable to break through the encirclement… Does the Trainer think there is something wrong?"

"No, there is nothing wrong with the guide itself. Rather, it is too valuable. It is no exaggeration to say that I can package this document, print it out, and sell it at school for a good price. But think about it, the author of this document is Kagura, that child who has never even been to the racecourse. She only took a walk outside the venue, but she was able to know the details of track competition and breakthrough so clearly?"

Speaking of this, Maruzensky also understood what Toujou Hana wanted to express. The Tokyo Racecourse was currently under maintenance, and Kagura would not be allowed to practice there. Moreover, even if she needed to practice, gaining experience in track competition and so on could not be seen just by watching videos. There must be another Uma Musume to help, but she did not remember seeing Kagura ask anyone to assist her in training.

"The person who wrote this guide is a veteran, or a battle-hardened veteran. It may not have been completed by Kagura alone, but does she have such a strong Uma Musume around her?"

"Did Speed Symbol Grandma help her?"

"I went to ask this morning, and Speed Symbol doesn't know about this. Besides, Speed Symbol hasn't set foot on the grounds of the Tokyo Racecourse for decades, so she couldn't possibly know so clearly. Kagura usually only moves around at school and rarely goes out. The only one who often moves with her is Nice Nature. During this time, I have only seen her training and exploring alone on the playground."

It wasn't that there was anything wrong with it, Toujou Hana was just curious about the Uma Musume who assisted Kagura. After all, the other party could write in such detail, even if she wasn't an expert, she must be a veteran. But in Tracen Academy, in the circle of interpersonal relationships that Kagura showed, there didn't seem to be such a person.

If she could find her, Toujou Hana also wanted to talk to that Uma Musume's Trainer about borrowing her for a friendly match or some guidance. Her team desperately needed practical experience, but Tracen Academy was experiencing a talent drought, making it difficult to find suitable sparring partners.

"Why not ask Kagura?"

"Kagura insists that she completed it, meaning she doesn't intend to reveal the person's identity. You know Kagura—she's a very modest and simple girl, not the type to take credit for someone else's accomplishments. That can only mean the other party asked her to…"

"...Asked the little sister to conceal their identity, is that it?"

Seeing Maruzensky nod, Toujou Hana knew she understood her meaning, so she didn't continue.

"I'm really curious... who exactly is Kagura's acquaintance, this assistant?"

"By the way, Miss Rudolph Symbol, Miss Toujou and I have investigated your opponents for that race."

"Oh? How did it go? Are there any troublesome opponents?"

Rudolph Symbol, fresh from training, took the towel Kagura offered and asked while drinking water.

"If our assessment is correct, none of them pose a threat. Miss Rudolph Symbol, you just need to run according to your instincts."

Kagura and Toujou Hana had watched recordings of Rudolph Symbol's upcoming opponents' previous races. To ensure the authority of her judgment, Kagura even had Eclipse watch with her to provide reference opinions.

Based on the data of Rudolph Symbol's performance during their previous run with Kagura, Eclipse judged that these opponents couldn't even threaten Kagura, let alone Rudolph Symbol.

Toujou Hana's assessment was similar. She didn't find any threatening opponents either, so after their research, their tactical decision for Rudolph Symbol was to let her run according to her own instincts.

"Is that so… you really trust me. There are no absolutes in racing, what if something happens?"

Rudolph Symbol was confident in her abilities, but she also believed that the racetrack was a place full of surprises, and complacency was unacceptable.

"That's when you need to rely on your racing instincts, Miss Rudolph Symbol~ I believe you can definitely do it. Don't feel pressured. If you feel nervous again and want a hug like that night, I wouldn't mind, you know."