Chapter 23
Seeing that Rudolph Symbol still looked ready to keep going tomorrow, Kagura, Akikawa Yayoi, and the others hurriedly stopped her.
Watching the people seated there eat and pause repeatedly as they struggled through the food Rudolph Symbol had made, Kagura felt that the expressions on their faces were all more or less falling apart. Even Rudolph Symbol herself wore a bitter look as she ate. Kagura suddenly felt fortunate that she had listened to Eclipse and bought two bread rolls on the way to tide herself over.
"Little girl, you have to make me a meal tomorrow so I can recover..."
With the thought of setting a good example for the children and not wasting food, Akikawa Yayoi still forced herself to keep moving her chopsticks. The fact that even her verbal tic had disappeared showed how torturous the meal was.
"Well..."
Kagura scratched her head. She suddenly remembered that she had left something in the kitchen that might be able to help with the current situation.
She went to the kitchen and rummaged through the refrigerator, eventually pulling out a small food container. Not long ago, Kagura had seen a batch of unused radishes in the cafeteria. The staff had been wondering how to deal with them, so, in the spirit of not wasting anything, Kagura had simply cut up the radishes, added sugar, ginger, garlic, chili peppers, vinegar, and soy sauce, and pickled them. By her calculations, they should be ready to eat today.
"Kagura... what did you go get?"
Nice Nature saw Kagura emerge from the kitchen with a sealed food container. Her instincts told her that Kagura must have some sort of backup plan.
Look! A Logistics Uma Musume! The situation is turning in our favor!
That was what the several Uma Musume present were thinking. They all watched expectantly as Kagura brought the container over.
"Don't look at me like that! I didn't hide any good food! It's just some sour pickled radishes. They should at least make it possible for you to finish your meals today."
As she spoke, Kagura opened the container and set it on the table.
Maruzensky curiously picked up a slice of radish and put it in her mouth. After chewing a few times, she quickly revealed an astonished expression, then picked several more pieces into her bowl and began wolfing them down. Seeing Maruzensky's reaction, the others who had been waiting to see how it tasted also picked up their chopsticks and began adding radishes to their bowls.
Before long, several Uma Musume left the cafeteria with round, bulging bellies, looking thoroughly unsatisfied only in the sense that they still wanted more.
"Miss, you've exceeded your intake today..."
Although they had been acting on the principle of not wasting food, Kagura carefully calculated the breakfast and lunch she had given Rudolph Symbol, along with the meal Rudolph Symbol had made herself. Rudolph Symbol had probably eaten a little too much today.
"Sorry, sorry... It's just... the sweet and sour flavor really whetted my appetite... Before I knew it, I'd eaten too much..."
After coming to her senses, Rudolph Symbol suddenly realized that she had overeaten. To be honest, the dishes she had made did not taste very good, but Kagura's pickled vegetables had taken the rather extreme approach of using stronger flavors to completely overwhelm the original taste of the ingredients.
"Question! Little girl, where do you usually keep the pickled radishes?"
"They're in the refrigerator in the student kitchen. Chairwoman, I really think you shouldn't get any ideas about these radishes. Eating too many pickled foods isn't healthy."
Seeing Akikawa Yayoi ask where she kept her radishes, Kagura knew without even thinking that she wanted to come over and mooch some whenever she had nothing better to do. And Akikawa Yayoi definitely wasn't the only one with that idea, because Kagura noticed that Maruzensky, though silent, had also perked up her ears and was watching her curiously.
"Rest assured! I only want to eat some when I have no appetite in the future!"
"Don't let me catch you sneaking pickled radishes again..."
Kagura sighed helplessly. She really didn't want this group of Uma Musume coming over to eat pickled vegetables whenever they had nothing to do. Her instincts told her that this batch of radishes probably wouldn't survive the month.
38. Rudolph Symbol Gave Up Struggling
On the main road between the dormitory building and the track, Rudolph Symbol said she wanted to take a walk and help her food settle. Maruzensky, who had been tossed around for half the day, said she wanted to go home and rest, while Akikawa Yayoi said she was going to check the classroom buildings for students who had stayed out past curfew. Thus, everyone parted ways there.
Rudolph Symbol specifically added that Kagura should come with her for a moment. Nice Nature guessed that Rudolph Symbol had some private business to discuss with Kagura, so she did not follow them and returned to Ritto Dormitory ahead of them.
"What's wrong? You specifically called me over, Miss. Is something the matter?"
Kagura followed Rudolph Symbol as they strolled leisurely around the track at night. It was already past the time when exercise was allowed, and the lights around the track had been turned off, leaving the entire place pitch-black.
Kagura was rather curious about why Rudolph Symbol had called her over. After all, it was late at night, and Rudolph Symbol had not worked overtime today, so Kagura did not need to drag her back to the dormitory.
"Well..."
Rudolph Symbol, walking on Kagura's right, hesitated for several seconds, seemingly engaged in some sort of internal struggle. By the time they had gone around an entire bend, Kagura finally heard what came next.
"...Could you hug me?"
"Huh?"
Kagura had originally thought Rudolph Symbol had some important matter to discuss, so she couldn't help making a puzzled sound like an MC villager.
"It's just... I've had a little trouble sleeping these past few days... I have something important to do tomorrow, and I want to sleep well tonight."
The last time Kagura had done this, Rudolph Symbol had slept exceptionally well that night and been in excellent condition the next day. Rudolph Symbol had wanted to test what was going on for quite some time. Whether it was a coincidence or whether there really was something to it, trying couldn't hurt—so long as Kagura did not mind doing such a thing.
"Uh... what does that have to do with a hug?"
"I can't really explain it, but your hugs make me feel safe. They help me sleep well at night."
This was something Rudolph Symbol had been curious about for a long time as well. She had discovered that Kagura possessed a certain soothing, reassuring aura that made people easily lose themselves in her gentleness if they were not careful.
Although she did not understand what Rudolph Symbol meant, Kagura obediently agreed.
Because of their difference in height, Rudolph Symbol had to crouch down or pick Kagura up for Kagura to be able to hug her. After thinking it over, Rudolph Symbol chose to crouch down.
Kagura slowly stepped forward, opened her arms, and hugged Rudolph Symbol like she was embracing a child, letting her lean against her chest. Then she raised a hand and gently stroked her head.
"Kagura... you don't mind doing this, do you?"
Even after leaning against Kagura's chest, Rudolph Symbol still had some reservations. She was afraid that her strange-sounding request would make Kagura uncomfortable.
"It's fine, it's fine. You work so hard every day, Miss. You need somewhere to release your stress too. Right now, I'm the only one by your side... the only one who can see you like this. Don't worry about it. Just rest."
After saying that, Kagura gently stroked Rudolph Symbol's hair while humming a soft melody.
Wrapped in that warm, comfortable aura and accompanied by Kagura's gentle singing, Rudolph Symbol felt as if her consciousness had cut out for a moment. Her entire body felt light and buoyant. She did not know how much time had passed before Kagura's quiet call brought her back to herself, and she came to as if awakening from a dream.
"Do you feel a little more relaxed now, Miss?"
"Thank you... I feel much better. Sorry for the trouble again. I'm always asking you to do these strange things."
"It's nothing. If your work puts you under that much pressure, you really do need somewhere to let it out. I understand."
Kagura did not mind at all. She understood why Rudolph Symbol had done this. After all, she was busy with work every day and under tremendous pressure, so she naturally needed some way to release it. If a hug or two from Kagura could help her let go of that stress, Kagura would not object no matter how long Rudolph Symbol needed her to hold her.
After all, Rudolph Symbol was a proud, strong-willed person. Showing her vulnerable side as she had just done was certainly something she would never do under normal circumstances. Only in a situation like this, when the two of them were alone, would she have the courage to reveal that side to someone she trusted.
Before I knew it... have I come to trust Kagura enough to ask her to do something like this...?
It had only been three weeks since Kagura became her Logistics Uma Musume, yet Rudolph Symbol was surprised that she had dared to ask Kagura to do something like this.
She felt that Kagura was a very hard-to-understand child. Kagura already understood her quite well and showed her considerable tolerance and understanding, while Rudolph Symbol still felt that she could hardly claim to understand Kagura. Sometimes, she even felt that Kagura did not seem like a child at all, but rather like an elder who was older than she was.
"Come to think of it, you have to prepare for races and handle student council affairs. Are you always this busy, Miss? Don't you ever get a chance to rest properly?"
"I do occasionally get time off. When I'm free by myself, I shoot some arrows or play a game of chess... Haha, do those sound like strange hobbies?"
Rudolph Symbol knew that her hobbies might be somewhat unusual. After all, most girls her age were more interested in modern hobbies, which made her seem a little like someone from ancient times.
"There's nothing strange about them, is there? Hobbies are supposed to come in all sorts of varieties~ Besides, what's wrong with archery and chess? They're both good hobbies that help you train yourself."
"Oh, honestly... Why does it feel as if you support me no matter what I say, Kagura?"
"I do not! I just think those are good hobbies. If you asked whether you could eat another bowl of rice today, I'd definitely stop you."
"You really are full of surprises and unexpected twists, child... Whew... If you have time next time, would you like me to take you to see the school's Archery Club?"
"Sure. Then... I'm looking forward to it."
39. You Have Another Uma Musume Outside? (Not Really)
"Miss, I think using your strength this way on the uphill will save you some energy..."
As she spoke, Kagura slightly adjusted her posture and ran up the uphill track.
There were only a little over ten days left before Rudolph Symbol's scheduled race, so Kagura had also stepped up her preparations. In addition to handling Rudolph Symbol's daily needs, Kagura had begun trying to offer some suggestions regarding Rudolph Symbol's running style.
This was a decision Kagura and Toujou Hana had made after discussing it and thinking it through carefully. Toujou Hana believed that, as an Uma Musume, Kagura understood running styles better than a human did, so she allowed Kagura to offer some suggestions.
In mid-September, Kagura had also met Eclipse for the second time in a dream. With Eclipse's abilities, she had been able to set foot on Tokyo Racecourse and run several laps against Eclipse. She had also used the replica track inside Tracen Academy to conduct extensive practical verification of the experience she had gained.
While Kagura summarized and revised her running-style plan, Eclipse had also used her own experience to help Kagura improve it. Kagura was still somewhat lacking in confidence, but Eclipse could swear that this method would definitely allow Rudolph Symbol to get up the slopes at Tokyo Racecourse with less effort.
"...Mm. Rudolph, you've already seen Kagura's uphill running method. Do you want to give it a try?"
Toujou Hana, Rudolph Symbol, and Maruzensky were all standing beside the track and watching. Toujou Hana thought Kagura's uphill running style looked quite good, but whether it was actually effective would depend on Rudolph Symbol's feedback.
"I think it's worth trying. Kagura, that's enough. Come back and explain carefully how to run that way."
Rudolph Symbol had become interested in Kagura's running style. It did indeed look more efficient, and she was curious as well. She had heard that Kagura had gone to Tokyo Racecourse to familiarize herself with it.
But logically speaking, the racecourse authorities should not have allowed Kagura to run directly on the track. Yet it would have been impossible to figure out this running style without spending some time running there. Kagura's entire method perfectly responded to every rise and dip at Tokyo Racecourse, clearly constituting a strategy designed specifically for the course. Rudolph Symbol herself had no experience developing such a strategy, much less Kagura, who had never even been on the racecourse.
Kagura ran partway around the track before jogging back, and Rudolph Symbol also returned to the track.
"Come to think of it, Kagura, how did you discover this running style? The racecourse authorities shouldn't have allowed other Uma Musume to run there during maintenance, right?"
"I worked it out on the replica track at school."
Kagura naturally had no intention of telling them about Eclipse. Although Eclipse had played a major role, Kagura had even written down the experience and lessons from this time in a notebook to keep herself from forgetting them.
Rudolph Symbol nodded and did not press further. She caught up with Kagura and began training with the new running style.
"Trainer~ What are you thinking about? You look rather puzzled."
Maruzensky noticed that Toujou Hana was staring intently at Rudolph Symbol while also looking at the tablet in her hand, a hint of confusion on her face, and asked curiously.
"Kagura's running style... is remarkably comprehensive. And this morning, she gave me this as well."
Toujou Hana tapped the tablet and opened a document. It was an illustrated article containing quite a few images. Maruzensky glanced at it and saw that the title was "Tokyo Racecourse Guide (First Edition)."
The contents fit the title perfectly. The guide covered practically every major and minor area of the racecourse, including the slopes, straights, and curves. It even thoughtfully included color pictures corresponding to each location. It was obvious that the author had put considerable effort into writing it.
"Oh... Little girl's article is so detailed. Trainer, could I have a copy too?"
"I was indeed planning to give you one, and Kagura agreed as well. You just asked why I looked so puzzled, didn't you?"
"Yeah. The countermeasures in this guide are so thorough. It even explains how to fight other Uma Musume for the track after falling behind, and where it's best to slip through gaps and break out... Do you think there's something wrong with it?"
"No, there's nothing wrong with the guide itself. If anything, it contains too much valuable information. Without exaggerating, I could print and package this document, sell it at school, and get a good price. But think about it. The author is Kagura, a child who has never even been on a racecourse. She only walked around outside the course, yet she somehow knows the details of track battles and breakouts so thoroughly?"
At this point, Maruzensky understood what Toujou Hana meant. Tokyo Racecourse was currently under maintenance, so Kagura could not possibly have been allowed to conduct practical training there. Besides, even if practical training had been necessary, experience with competing for position and breaking through could not have been gained just by watching recordings. Another Uma Musume would have had to help her. Yet Maruzensky had no recollection of seeing Kagura ask anyone to train with her.
"The person who wrote this guide is an old hand—an old hand who's been through countless battles. Kagura might not have completed it alone, but does she really have an Uma Musume that strong by her side?"
"Could Speed Symbol have helped her?"
"I asked her this morning. Madam Speed Symbol knew nothing about it. Besides, Madam Speed Symbol hasn't set foot on Tokyo Racecourse in decades. There's no way she could know it this well. Kagura usually stays at school and rarely goes out. The only person she often acts with is Nice Nature, and during this period, whenever I saw her training and experimenting on the track, she was always alone."
It wasn't that there was anything wrong with it. Toujou Hana was simply curious about the Uma Musume who had helped Kagura. To write something this detailed, she had to be an experienced veteran even if she was not an expert. Yet among Kagura's demonstrated social connections at Tracen Academy, there did not seem to be anyone like that.
If she could find the person, Toujou Hana wanted to talk to that Uma Musume's trainer about borrowing her for a friendly race or having her provide some guidance. Her team members badly needed practical experience, but Tracen Academy was currently in an awkward gap between generations, and they simply could not find a suitable opponent for practical training.
"Why don't you ask Kagura?"
"Kagura keeps insisting that she completed it herself. In other words, she doesn't intend to reveal that person. You know Kagura is a humble, innocent child. She isn't the kind of person who would casually take credit for someone else's work, so the only possibility is that the other person asked her to keep it secret..."
"...They asked Little girl to hide their identity, right?"
Seeing Maruzensky nod, Toujou Hana knew that she understood what she meant, so she did not continue.
"I'm really curious... Who could that helper Kagura knows be?"
"By the way, Miss, Toujou Hana and I have already investigated the opponents in your race."
"Oh? How are they? Are there any troublesome opponents?"
After training, Rudolph Symbol took the towel Kagura handed her and asked while drinking water.
"If our judgment is correct, there's no one here who can pose a threat. You only need to run according to your instincts, Miss."
Kagura and Toujou Hana had watched recordings of the opponents Rudolph Symbol would face in this race. To make sure her assessment was reliable, Kagura had also had Eclipse watch them with her and offer her opinions.
Based on the performance data Rudolph Symbol had displayed when running alongside Kagura previously, Eclipse judged that these opponents could not even threaten Kagura, much less Rudolph Symbol.
Toujou Hana's assessment was much the same. She had not found any threatening opponents either, so after studying them, the tactics they decided on for Rudolph Symbol were simply to let her run according to her instincts.
"Is that so... You really do believe in me. There are no absolutes in a race, though. What if something happens?"
Rudolph Symbol had great confidence in her own ability, but she also knew that the track was full of surprises. Underestimating her opponents was out of the question.
"Then that's when you rely on your racing instincts, Miss~ I believe you can definitely do it. Don't put any pressure on yourself. And if you start feeling nervous again and want a hug like that night, I don't mind."