"Understood. I'm quite familiar with Ardan, so having me take charge of her would indeed be more convenient than someone else starting from scratch."
Nearl had no objections. Everyone present was on good terms with her, and she'd be fine with taking responsibility for any of them.
Besides, compared to Tachyon and Oguri Cap, Ardan was more mature and reasonable, which would make things easier for her.
"Urgh..."
A dissatisfied Tachyon tugged at her large white coat.
That momentary hesitation had led to this now irreversible outcome, leaving her rather annoyed.
If she had to compare it to something, it was like stepping out for a walk only to be caught in a sudden downpour, leaving her soaked and feeling exceptionally irritated and gloomy.
'Next time, I'll definitely be the first. This time doesn't count—I just hesitated a little, that's all.'
Tachyon thought to herself, nodding as if affirming her own idea. This bit of self-consolation made her feel slightly better.
Though, of course, it didn't change the frustrating reality that was causing her chagrin.
In contrast to Tachyon, who clearly showed some regret, Oguri Cap's reaction was utterly placid. Her expression was no different from usual, her clear blue eyes empty and reflecting nothing at all.
Yet, as she watched Ardan suppress her excitement and move closer to Nearl to help clear the dishes, she felt a sudden chill in her chest.
An indescribable emotion, like icy river water, seemed to rush through her body.
She instinctively pressed a hand to her chest.
"Why... does it feel so cold here..."
Oguri Cap didn't understand. There were so many things she didn't understand.
--+--
Lunchtime ended, and under Symboli Rudolf's guidance, the various Uma Musume dispersed to their own activities.
Oguri Cap strolled off toward the forest.
She had recently developed a keen interest in tree climbing and was even seriously considering the possibility of building a treehouse.
Tachyon, looking none too pleased, pulled out a small hammer and a toolbox and headed toward the riverbank, muttering under her breath all the while.
"Why do I have to do such menial work? It's a complete waste of my talents. But if I don't rig up a simple water diversion system, fetching water every day is such a hassle..."
It seemed Tachyon wasn't particularly fond of this camping-like lifestyle. However, judging by how she'd rather modify the camp herself than quit, she didn't plan on leaving in a huff anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Symboli Rudolf slipped away quietly after announcing the dispersal, moving with an almost stealthy, tiptoeing gait toward the lodging area.
If anyone saw her, her formidable reputation would be shattered in an instant.
She still had Maruzensky tied up, after all. Who knew if the lunchbox she was carrying would be enough to make her senior go easy on her.
And so, in ones and twos, everyone scattered, leaving only the newly paired Ardan and Nearl behind.
"We still have a bit of time before training starts. Trainer, what do you plan to do? I'm quite looking forward to it."
Ardan blinked, her beautiful purple eyes seeming to sparkle as she looked at Nearl, filled with an indescribable, lovely sentiment.
The way she said "Trainer" was light and casual, as if it were just an offhand remark.
But anyone familiar with this lady, regarded as the true representative of the current Mejiro family, would know that Mejiro Ardan never spoke thoughtlessly.
What seemed like a playful nickname between friends carried within it a clear acknowledgment of status.
Never mind the future; for the duration of this training camp, even in front of everyone, Ardan would call Nearl her trainer without a moment's hesitation.
Nearl felt something was off.
"Trainer? Is it alright to joke like that? For an Uma Musume, a trainer is a very important person, isn't she?"
Nearl found it strange. Even as a joke, Ardan's wording felt a bit over the line, unlike something she would normally say.
Different Uma Musume viewed their trainers differently: some as elders, some as friends, and closer relationships were hardly uncommon.
Nearl just didn't know much about it. In places she wasn't aware of, who knew how many Uma Musume dragged their trainers away for secret outings every day.
Nearl herself fell into the more reserved category, but even so, she considered Kitahara an important friend.
If nothing had happened to Kitahara, Nearl wouldn't want to call anyone else her trainer.
So, it should be the same for Ardan, shouldn't it? She wasn't the careless or indifferent type of Uma Musume.
Faced with Nearl's puzzled look, Ardan couldn't help but let out a soft "hoho" as she covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"You're right. A trainer is very important to an Uma Musume, and that goes doubly for the Mejiro family. After all, we take 'Two Hearts, One Body' as the ultimate goal in our relationship with our trainers."
"But in that case, the one training you..."
Nearl's voice trailed off. She felt she was beginning to understand something, a sense of dawning realization.
"So, you're saying you believe you don't have a trainer, Ardan?"
Nearl deliberately emphasized the word "believe."
"Hehe, full marks for quick thinking."
Ardan clapped her hands in an encouraging manner, smiling as she nodded.
"Not just me, none of my currently active sisters have a trainer in the true sense. The Mejiro Uma Musume have rather high standards, you see, so it's hard to find a trainer we genuinely approve of."
As she spoke, Ardan pointed at herself, clearly using herself as an example.
"For instance, me. Although my instructor guided me through almost my entire career, he was actually employed by the Mejiro family. To me, that's ultimately different from having a trainer I chose myself."
"There are two terms that perfectly illustrate this difference: 'teacher' and 'master.'"
These two words were incredibly precise. Nearl perfectly grasped what Ardan meant to convey. That difference could make the closeness of the relationship so distinct.
"I suddenly feel a bit sorry for that gentleman."
"Don't say that. If the spark isn't there, it just isn't. Mr. XX is indeed talented, brilliant, and humorous, but chemistry is an elusive thing."
Ardan pivoted on her toes, spinning halfway to face Nearl, then began walking backward with light, graceful steps.
"I hope the one for me gives me that feeling of 'it has to be her.'"
"Such a vague standard is really tough. The Mejiro family's requirements might be unexpectedly difficult—far higher than mere knowledge or skill."
Nearl crossed her arms, her index finger unconsciously tapping lightly on her sleeve. "But I suppose that's normal. It's not really my business, though."
"So?"
Ardan looked at Nearl expectantly. This was the first step in her grand operation—she couldn't possibly be rejected right at the start.
As long as Nearl accepted being called "Trainer," then she could find ways to get closer from there.
'Nearl is just too strict with herself. It's hard to even find an excuse to ask her out.'
It wasn't that she was worried about being rejected. Ardan knew if she asked, the other would surely be willing to put aside her own matters to accompany her.
But precisely because of that, she felt even more embarrassed.
It was like having a friend who disciplined herself rigorously every day, busy with studying, training, part-time work, striving hard to better herself.
And then you, just because you felt like hanging out, kept interrupting her schedule. And she, in turn, understood you and happily played along.
Who could feel at ease with that? It made asking her out downright awkward!
But Ardan didn't want to give up.
If asking her out for fun was hard, then forget fun.
Couldn't she just accompany her in her efforts instead?
Love surely required mutual adjustment and compromise. If the steel was hard to forge, then the gentle water would just have to try changing its approach.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.