There's Something Wrong with You, Logistics Uma Musume

"I'm terribly sorry to trouble you, Kagura, making you run with McQueen and even personally preparing her food. It's really..."

In the evening, outside the banquet hall, Old Mejiro watched Mejiro McQueen, who had regained her energy and was happily eating sweets at the table. Old Mejiro gratefully thanked Kagura.

"It's alright. The best thing is that McQueen has cheered up. Besides, I didn't put in too much effort."

"I've always heard your Old Symbol tell me how good you are with your hands and how well you take care of people. Today, this old woman has finally seen it for herself..."

Old Mejiro couldn't help but feel envious of Speed Symbol. She had heard about Kagura's background. Even though Kagura's shrine was about the same distance from both the Mejiro family and the Symbol family, how did she end up collapsing at the Symbol family's doorstep?

The Mejiro family had been looking for a suitable person to take care of their Uma Musume for a long time. Whether it was a Logistics Uma Musume or a Trainer, Old Mejiro and Mejiro Takamine had been searching within Tracen Academy ever since their children, especially the frail Ardan, entered the school. But until now, the Mejiro family hadn't found a truly satisfactory candidate.

After all, there were very few Logistics Uma Musume in Tracen, and most of the few were at the student level. Old Mejiro was really worried about entrusting the fragile Ardan to these children. After so many years, she finally waited for a reliable Logistics Uma Musume, but the Symbol family snatched her up first.

"Kagura, do you have any spare time to look after another Uma Musume?"

Although she didn't have much hope that Kagura would agree, Old Mejiro still tried to ask.

"What are you trying to do, Old Mejiro?"

Speed Symbol, who was nearby, immediately perked up her ears when she heard this and glared over with narrowed eyes.

"Kagura is already busy enough as it is. She's lost weight these past few months. Today, she ran with your family's child and personally helped with the cooking. Do you want to add more burden to her?"

"I know that... but there really isn't another reliable Logistics Uma Musume in Tracen. I don't need her to take care of her in such detail, just keep an eye on her and prevent her from doing anything scary."

Although she knew she was in the wrong, Old Mejiro still said it with a straight face. Ardan had always wanted to go back to school, and Old Mejiro couldn't bear to keep her locked up at home all the time. But if the weak Ardan went to school, there had to be someone watching over her. The Trainer couldn't run to the Uma Musume dormitory. If something happened to her in the dormitory, her roommates might not even be able to help.

Kagura also guessed who Old Mejiro wanted her to take care of. Mejiro Takamine, that mature young lady, certainly didn't need her to watch over her. So the only one left who was still in Tracen was Mejiro Ardan.

"If it's just supervision, why not try asking Miss Ardan's roommates for help?"

Hearing that the supervision requirements were so low, Kagura tilted her head. This didn't require a dedicated Logistics Uma Musume at all. Any Uma Musume could do it.

"I've thought about it, but Ardan has never said where her dormitory is or who her roommates are. Besides, she hasn't been to school for a long time. We're only preparing to send her back recently. I heard that because she hasn't been back to school for too long, they've even adjusted her dormitory location. When she goes back in a while, she might have to trouble someone to move her stuff... Sigh, just thinking about it gives me a headache."

"This is really..."

It seemed that Mejiro Ardan wasn't as docile and obedient as she looked. In some ways, she seemed to have a bit of rebellion. Kagura guessed that this might be because Old Mejiro always kept her locked up at home and didn't let her go out.

"The Mejiro family can hire you. We will pay you on time, Kagura. You don't need to focus too much on our family's Uma Musume, just deal with any dangerous situations as soon as they arise."

"...Kagura, what do you think?"

Speed Symbol estimated that if it was just this level of requirement, it might not create too much of a workload. However, what was more important here was Kagura's personal willingness. Although she didn't want Kagura to be tired, if Kagura was willing, she couldn't really stop her.

"If it's just simple care, I don't have any problem with it... However, when she goes back, Miss Ardan needs to contact me. I need to at least know where she lives."

After thinking for a moment, Kagura nodded and accepted Old Mejiro's request. Seeing Kagura nod in agreement, Old Mejiro, who had already given up hope, first showed a surprised expression, and then her entire brow relaxed and smoothed out:

"Good, good... Thank you, child. I'll go and communicate with Ardan right away. I'm really sorry, you're already so busy and I still have to take up your time to do these things."

Old Mejiro hurriedly thanked her and then slipped into the banquet hall to find her granddaughter.

"Kagura, are you alright?"

After Old Mejiro walked away, Speed Symbol raised her hand and touched Kagura's little head. Although Kagura had agreed to this matter as she had expected, she knew that Kagura always acted within her means and wouldn't do things that exceeded her capabilities. But she was still worried that Kagura would be too busy.

After all, to her, Kagura was no longer just a simple maid or Logistics Uma Musume. She now treated Kagura as her own child.

"It's fine. If it's just a simple look, anyone can do it, it's not a difficult thing."

"That's what you say... Sigh, I hope you still don't force yourself. I heard Trainer Toujou say that you even personally helped Rudolph test track countermeasures, and you usually take care of her daily life. Won't you really get exhausted?"

"It's really alright. If I can't handle it, I won't take on this kind of request. Don't worry, Head of the Family."

Kagura smiled and waved her hand, indicating that Speed Symbol didn't need to worry.

Speed Symbol sighed. Thinking about it carefully, Kagura's work ability had already surpassed that of her own maids, and she was still so young. It made Speed Symbol feel that it was unbelievable.

"Kagura-neechan~ What are you doing outside? Come in and eat something together!"

Mejiro McQueen's childish voice came from inside the banquet hall, and Kagura immediately turned her head and responded.

"McQueen is calling me, Head of the Family, I'll go in first."

"Go, go, eat more and get back the weight you've lost."

"Okay~"

After Kagura agreed, she trotted inside.

Speed Symbol stood outside, watching Kagura's departing figure, and pondered for a while before letting out a long sigh.

"I have to give this child more pocket money when I get back... Sigh, that Old Mejiro is really a worry."

55. Is she really a genius?

--Are you working two jobs at once?

The next day, after Kagura returned to Tracen and woke up from her afternoon nap, she glanced at her phone and found that there was another significant deposit in her bank account. The note below read, Please take care of our child.

"...It's true that I'm getting paid for two jobs... but I feel like I'm becoming a full-time nanny, how did this happen?"

Kagura sighed. She vaguely remembered that her position should be Rudolph Symbol's Logistics Uma Musume, but why did it seem like she was doing more and more work now?

Although Kagura was still on the vacation that Rudolph Symbol had given her today, she didn't plan to be idle. After helping Rudolph Symbol solve the food problem for the day, she went to Toujou Hana to find out when the recent school selection race was. The reply she got was next week.

'So soon... should I skip this one and let Nice Nature prepare?'

Kagura naturally asked this question for Nice Nature's sake. After all, she hadn't yet reached her peak, while Nice Nature's growth process had already begun. It wouldn't be long before Nice Nature completed her development, and by then, Nice Nature could start professional training. Therefore, it would be best for her to find a good Trainer in advance.

Because she usually consulted with Toujou Hana and occasionally disguised herself as an ordinary person to sneak into Trainer lectures, Kagura had accumulated a lot of Trainer knowledge. This time, directing Nice Nature's training was a small test of her abilities. Kagura knew that although she wasn't as professional as a Trainer, she could give Nice Nature some guidance so she could find a good Trainer, and then Kagura wouldn't have to bother with this kind of unprofessional training herself.

"Kagura, are you going to participate in this school selection race?"

Toujou Hana passed by the track in the afternoon and saw Kagura running on the selection race grounds. She couldn't help but find it a bit strange. Although it wasn't forbidden for Uma Musume who hadn't reached their peak to participate in the school selection race, it was generally uncommon.

"I don't plan to participate. I'm just checking the track conditions to judge how to run."

"Oh? You seemed to be doing something similar before Rudolph's race. Are you writing a strategy guide for someone?"

Toujou Hana had also seen Kagura running alone on the training grounds before. At that time, Kagura was writing a strategy guide for Rudolph Symbol. Usually, if there wasn't such a need, Toujou Hana rarely saw Kagura training alone.

"Yes, my friend has reached her peak, and she's also preparing to participate in the school selection race to find a good Trainer… Speaking of which, does Toujou-san have any recommended candidates? Someone relatively gentle, willing to accept children who are a bit introverted and insecure."

"Let me think… I do know such a colleague. We call him Nanban's Trainer. I just don't know if he'll be on the same wavelength as your friend."

"I'll make her show her best side and try to make the Trainers find her impeccable."

Kagura also understood that she couldn't force other Trainers to accept Nice Nature. All she could do was make Nice Nature show her best self, impress the other Trainers, and give her the right to choose.

"Really… Speaking of which, Kagura, your knowledge of Trainers seems pretty good. You don't really want to become a Trainer, do you?"

Toujou Hana felt that Kagura was becoming more and more like a Trainer, and she couldn't help but worry. If Kagura really planned to become a Trainer, then she would have to consider whether to ask Akikawa Yayoi to come and give Kagura some guidance.

"No, I don't have that idea for the time being. Maybe in the future, but not now."

Kagura had no plans to become a Trainer in the short term. She still wanted to fulfill some promises with Eclipse and personally step onto the track to run. At least until she completed her career, she had no such plans.

Watching Kagura go up and down the slope, Toujou Hana suddenly remembered something. Before, she and Akikawa Yayoi had both judged that Kagura must have sought help from a master to complete her strategy guide writing. This time, she happened to run into Kagura writing a strategy guide. Did this mean there was a chance to meet that master?

Thinking of this, Toujou Hana immediately picked up her phone and sent a message to Akikawa Yayoi. Akikawa Yayoi had been curious about this matter for a long time. It just so happened that all of Toujou Hana's Uma Musume were resting today, and she had no training tasks. This time, she might be able to find some clues.

[Akikawa Yayoi: Question! Toujou Trainer! Are there any other people around the little girl right now?]

[Toujou Hana: No, she's exploring on her own.]

[Akikawa Yayoi: Patience! We might as well go a little further away, or simply not pay attention to her for now. It's already past noon, and the little girl probably won't be able to complete her exploration of the track conditions. Then she has to go cook for Rudolph. You also know that the little girl doesn't like to stop halfway through things. She might come back tonight, and then she might ask that master for guidance.]

Akikawa Yayoi's suggestion seemed very strategic. Although Toujou Hana didn't know if it was reliable, Kagura probably wouldn't be able to complete the detailed strategy guide she wanted in just half an afternoon. If Kagura didn't want to delay until tomorrow, then she might indeed come tonight.

Night, dinner time has passed for almost two hours.

It was now past eight o'clock in the evening, and there were few Uma Musume active on Tracen's track. On the outer stands of the track, two figures, one large and one small, sat far away.

"Director, do you think Kagura will really come tonight?"

These two people were naturally Toujou Hana and Akikawa Yayoi, who had come to stake out the place early. To ensure the smooth progress of the observation plan, Toujou Hana also contacted Rudolph Symbol and Maruzensky to confirm Kagura's whereabouts from multiple angles.

"Certain! The little girl is very particular about finishing what she starts today. If she hasn't finished it, she'll probably come back to continue!"

This could be considered an impression gained from hanging out with Kagura for a few months. Kagura had high execution and was relatively planned in her work. If she slacked off halfway, it meant that slacking off was originally part of her plan. If there wasn't this part, Kagura would work overtime to solve today's task.

However, the two had been squatting here since Kagura left the training ground to cook for Rudolph Symbol. According to Rudolph Symbol's message, Kagura left the student council more than ten minutes ago, and according to Maruzensky's information, who was strolling in the atrium of the teaching building, Kagura did not choose to detour to other places to find like-minded people, but came directly to the track.

In order to avoid directly exposing their whereabouts, the two still tried to shrink their bodies as much as possible, so that Kagura wouldn't see them at a glance when she came over later.

Soon, Kagura's figure appeared near the track. Toujou Hana and Akikawa Yayoi, who noticed the movement, stared at the direction Kagura entered, wanting to see who Kagura was consulting.

"Alone?"

No one else appeared beside Kagura. She still returned to the track alone, but changed into a Shrine Maiden Outfit that looked very inconvenient for running.

Kagura, who returned to the track, didn't make any sound. She just quietly ran back and forth on the track to experiment, and would occasionally make a record in a small notebook.

If there was anything wrong, it was that Kagura's error correction speed was too fast and the efficiency was too high. Toujou Hana could still see that Kagura's handling of various positions in the afternoon was not very appropriate, but tonight when Kagura ran through those places again, there were no problems at all.

Obviously, even if there was a master to guide her, it was impossible to complete the problem correction without being on the track. Kagura had also been busy with work before, and had no time to go out to contact a master to experiment with error correction.

Although it felt unbelievable, judging from the current situation, it seemed that only one conclusion could be drawn:

"Doubt, could it be that the little girl is a genius in this aspect as well??"

56. Finally, she also has roommates! ()

Kagura, who was concentrating on running on the track, didn't think so much. She kept trying various possible ways to deal with problems. The reason why she ran so crookedly on the track in the afternoon was also because she deliberately tried to make mistakes on the track.

If there was anything she couldn't handle herself, she would take the initiative to ask Eclipse for advice. The purpose of her changing clothes was precisely to be able to communicate with Eclipse at any time. Of course, this process would not produce any sound. To outsiders, Kagura was just training silently on the track alone.

"That child should be participating in the 1600-meter race. As for physical strength, as long as she doesn't go all out, it should be fine. Organize what I said, and as long as she is willing to work hard, this child should be able to train within a week."

Eclipse's light voice came from Kagura's ear. It felt like Eclipse liked to stick to other people's ears when she spoke. Every time, Kagura's ears were tickled by her breath.

'Yes, tomorrow I should start pulling her to train, while I still have vacation.'

Before Nice Nature found a Trainer, Kagura decided to act as a half-baked Trainer for a while. As long as Quality could run well in the selection race, there would definitely be no shortage of Trainers looking for her. Asking Toujou Hana to help recommend Nice Nature to her colleagues would definitely be more confident.

'Today's progress is almost done. Tomorrow, I'll go find Gold Ship and ask her to help make a graphic strategy guide.'

Estimating that the points to pay attention to were almost handled, Kagura also prepared to rest and return to the dormitory. Kagura could handle making a document herself, but since she discovered last time when writing a strategy guide that Gold Ship, that little clever girl, could do graphic design and document layout at a young age, Kagura decisively decided to entrust this work to Gold Ship. Gold Ship also took it very readily, just asking Kagura to leave her a backup of the strategy guide, and by the way, mooch a meal as a reward.

'Speaking of which, what are the Director and Trainer Toujou doing sitting in the stands so late at night? They've been sitting there without moving… If they're not chatting, are they watching me try to make mistakes?'

As for Toujou Hana and Akikawa Yayoi, who were squatting in the back row of the stands, Kagura actually noticed them sitting there as soon as she came here, but she thought that the two of them must have something to talk about to be sitting here so late at night, so she didn't bother them.

"Don't worry too much about it. Those adults probably have something to talk about to sit for so long. Never mind them. Hurry up and grab your young lady and get her back to sleep. Then you should hurry back, take a shower, and go to sleep. Get enough sleep, and tomorrow you can go catch Little Nice Nature for training!"

That's right, I heard that the student dormitory relocation issue today has the young lady swamped. I wonder if she's finished yet.

Kagura gave up on going to ask and left directly from the entrance to the training field where she had come from.

By the time Kagura finished Rudolph Symbol's affairs and returned to the dormitory, it was almost curfew. The dorm manager was already used to Kagura coming back late every night and only reminded Kagura to pay attention to rest before saying anything more.

Back at her own dormitory door, Kagura took out her key and opened the door. She found that the light in her dormitory was on. She always had a habit of turning off the lights when she went out, so the dormitory light would never be on when she left. She looked inside suspiciously—

"Uh…"

She saw a blue-haired Uma Musume whom she had just seen at the Mejiro family a few days ago. The other party was only wrapped in a bath towel, not knowing whether she was about to take a bath or had just come out of the bath. The other party was also looking at her, and then smiled at her.

Feeling that she might have opened it in the wrong way, Kagura took two steps back and looked up at the dormitory door number, but the number above accurately told her that this was her dormitory.

"Uh… Miss Ardan? Why are you in my room?"

After confirming that she hadn't gone to the wrong place, Kagura asked.

"Good evening, Kagura-san. The reason I'm here… is because this dormitory room was originally for two people."

"So Miss Ardan is the roommate who never came back!?"

Kagura was completely stunned. Thinking of the high-class cake she had received before, plus the bed that she had tidied up neatly when she first arrived, it did match Mejiro Ardan's characteristics.

"Yes, the school originally wanted to transfer me to the Miho Dormitory because I hadn't been back for too long, but after Old Mejiro knew where I lived today, she explained it to the school and asked them to withdraw the decision."

"So the young lady was busy with your affairs today…"

"Mm~ pretty much. From now on, please take care of me, Kagura-san."