"I never expected Trainer Wada to be the first one to find an Uma Musume… and it wasn't T.M. Opera O, but Meisho Doto..."
Some time later, during the evening, the three new Trainers, led by Imanami, finally finished touring the majority of Tracen Academy. The three then returned to the Student Council to reunite with Symboli Rudolf.
When Imanami returned, and Trainer Wada arrived with a timid Meisho Doto, they found that Trainer Ikezoe was already waiting for them inside. His face was bruised and swollen, covered in iodine and ointments as if he had been beaten black and blue by thugs.
In contrast, inside the Student Council room, there was another Uma Musume crying and whimpering behind a mask while carrying two buckets filled with water. It was Orfevre, being punished for beating up Ikezoe.
"Ugh… President, I'm sorry, my arms are so sore~, can you please let me off…?"
"No, Orfevre, you need to be punished. How could you beat up someone without understanding the situation just because you felt like it? Not to mention a Trainer, too. Now, apologize to Trainer Ikezoe."
However, Symboli Rudolf, as the "Emperor," clearly had enough authority to control Orfevre. The current Orfevre was just an ordinary Tracen student, not yet debuted and without a Trainer. Faced with the authoritative Student Council President of Tracen Academy, she had no option but to timidly back down.
Trainer Ikezoe, on the other hand, knowing her identity and having already suffered at her hands, looked at Orfevre with a particularly subtle expression, feeling somewhat surprised.
Is this really the Orfevre I know? You actually know fear? — These were Trainer Ikezoe's truest thoughts. He had never seen a scared Orfevre before.
After all, he was originally just a Jockey, not a horse Trainer or stablehand. In the few years he fought alongside Orfevre, he didn't visit the stable where Orfevre was housed often, as he was very busy.
It wasn't until Orfevre retired that he occasionally had a few chances to see her. However, he still didn't know much about Orfevre's daily behavior in the stable — he and Orfevre were more like comrades-in-arms than family.
Therefore, seeing Orfevre "suffer" didn't just make him feel better; he was actually feeling quite joyful.
"Ugh… I'm sorry, alright?"
Orfevre ultimately couldn't win against Symboli Rudolf and reluctantly apologized to Trainer Ikezoe, clearly still unwilling to be punished for this incident.
"Knock, knock, knock." Just then, another knock came from the Student Council office door. The door quickly opened, revealing a gray-haired Uma Musume's cheerful voice:
"President, I'm here to take Big Sis Orfevre bac— Ah! Old man! You're here too!"
"…Gold Ship?"
Everyone in the Student Council was slightly surprised by the newcomer. When the Uma Musume uttered the name "Gold Ship," even Ikezoe and Wada couldn't help but look at her twice.
The name Gold Ship was impossible for them, as Jockeys, to be unfamiliar with. She could be said to be the youngest Uma Musume they had seen so far.
Moreover, Gold Ship's words, clearly directed at Imanami, made the two present a little nervous — had the old man Imanami told Gold Ship about them being transmigrators?
Fortunately, Imanami also seemed to notice their concerns and actively shook his head, indicating that he had not revealed anything, which put the two at ease.
"Gold Ship, you and Trainer Imanami… know each other?" Symboli Rudolf and Air Groove, on the side, were surprised that Gold Ship was so familiar with Imanami, who had just arrived. Clearly, the two women were also well aware of Gold Ship's chaotic nature.
Gold Ship was a very special existence in Tracen Academy. Few people knew when Gold Ship even enrolled. Many Uma Musume even remembered Gold Ship being there when they first came to Tracen Academy, and still being there when they left.
As for Gold Ship's file… to be honest, even Symboli Rudolf herself wasn't very clear on the situation. Although the Chairwoman had given her the student file on Gold Ship, it contained… a large amount of missing entries, with only vague and unclear descriptions.
Moreover, Gold Ship's personality was incredibly queer; she didn't cause any large incidents, but she never stopped causing small ones. The Student Council members had no way to deal with her, and eventually, they just gave up.
But what in the world were they seeing now!? That Gold Ship actually acted so… normal in front of Trainer Imanami?
Although the word 'normal' was strange to use regarding Gold Ship, Symboli Rudolf, Air Groove, and even Gold Ship's older sister, Orfevre, all found it incredibly strange — Gold Ship actually became obedient?
"No, we met this morning. We hit it off right away~"
Gold Ship stated as if it were a matter of fact. She then completely disregarded the gazes of the others, asking Imanami, "Old man, I'm here to take Big Sis Orfevre back. Have you found someone to be your Uma Musume yet?"
"If you haven't found one, Big Sis Orfevre is not bad. Her troublemaking level is on par with mine. If anyone becomes Big Sis Orfevre's Trainer, their days will become very interesting~"
Gold Ship also took this opportunity to recommend Orfevre to Imanami, but her method of recommendation was a bit strange… troublemaking levels on par with Gold Ship? Who in the hell would be enticed by that?
Among the group, only Trainer Ikezoe's eyes lit up after hearing this, and he desperately tried to signal to Imanami with his eyes, urging him to accept this proposal.
This way, he could be rid of Orfevre forever. Plus, old man Imanami's experience and ability were stronger than his own, not weaker. Orfevre would not only achieve better results than before, giving him a proper reason for recommending Orfevre to Imanami, but he also wouldn't have to risk his life every day to train Orfevre anymore!
Surely, with the old man's technique, which could even soothe Gold Ship, dealing with Orfevre would be a piece of cake, right?
However, just as Trainer Ikezoe was thinking this, he saw Imanami smile faintly and politely decline,
"Hahaha, I'm not worthy of such a good talent. I'm also not a very passionate Trainer. This opportunity should be given to other more passionate young people."
"—And, if I were to accept, one young person here wouldn't be happy."
As he spoke, Imanami did not forget to look at Trainer Ikezoe, indicating that he was the "young person." For a moment, everyone "understood" the meaning of Imanami's words and secretly nodded.
As for Trainer Ikezoe, his face was darkening at a rapid rate.
Old man! You can't scheme against me like this! Do you really think partnering with an Uma Musume like Orfevre is a comfortable thing? I would fear for my life e v e r y single day!
Also, President Symboli Rudolf, please don't look at me with such expectant eyes, okay? Do you really think I want to train Orfevre? I only want to train Curren Chan, okay!
"Cough, cough. In that case, Trainer Wada, among the three of you, only you have found an Uma Musume you wish to be your trainee. So, I will finalize the details."
Symboli Rudolf also temporarily suppressed her thoughts. Neither Gold Ship's nor Orfevre's matters could be rushed, especially since one of them clearly had resistance and needed to be persuaded.
At this moment, the agreement between Trainer Wada and Meisho Doto was handed to the two by Symboli Rudolf, who said calmly: "I hope you can act as an excellent Trainer, diligently teach your Uma Musume, and let her become a shining new star on the racetrack."
"I will," Trainer Wada nodded with determination. The timid Meisho Doto also nodded sheepishly, not daring to respond to the Emperor's words.
However, she seemed very happy; her tail was wagging non-stop. Clearly, she was deeply delighted by Trainer Wada's confident belief in her.
Even she, who was so untalented and weak, had found a Trainer who appreciated her…
"In that case, Air Groove, please take the three Trainers to the Trainers' exclusive dormitories." Symboli Rudolf also clearly noticed Doto's joy and, with a slight smile, spoke to Air Groove beside her.
"No problem, President." Air Groove nodded, and as she led the three out, she explained:
"Trainers, I will take you to the Trainers' exclusive dormitory building. All facilities at Tracen Academy, except for the student dormitories, are open for you to explore and use. And again, I cannot stress this enough: Please do not approach the student dormitory area."
"Additionally, Tracen Academy provides free meal services and dormitory equipment for Trainers. Your three individual suites have already been arranged. If there is any damage or equipment that needs replacement, just inform Ms. Tazuna."
"And finally— Gold Ship, stop following them! Even you cannot stay overnight in Trainer Imanami's dormitory!"
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Bro, what's even is going on with Gold Ship.
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.