The question posed by the Uma Musume across from her was far too specific.
Dream Weaver couldn't possibly find a perfect answer from the books at hand. Frowning, she couldn't help but mutter in her mind:
Miscalculation… I thought the Uma Musume who'd come to a strange astrology class like this would at most have problems like poor grades or not running fast enough.
I never expected such a tangled, complicated emotional issue right off the bat.
Since things had come to this, she'd have to rely on her own remarkable wisdom for now.
Dream Weaver solemnly closed her book. The fact that she'd been completely outclassed by Sakura Bakushin O in their academic scores a few days ago still gnawed at her.
To avoid losing to the number one idiot in her mind, she had to prove her intelligence here and now.
Yes, her own poor grades were absolutely because she hadn't studied properly. If she buckled down and applied her mind in the right place, she could stage a comeback in just one holiday!
Though proving it over a whole holiday was still a bit long. Now was the perfect chance to show that her smarts were definitely above Sakura Bakushin O's.
She cleared her throat lightly, prepared her wording in her mind, and then put on an act as she spoke.
"Hmm…"
"Through the guidance of the stars, I have already seen the answer you seek."
Even though she didn't have a crystal ball, her very name contained the character for "star."
Asking herself surely counted as consulting the stars, right? Dream Weaver shamelessly borrowed Sakura Bakushin O's line.
"No matter how bright a star may be, it can appear ordinary amidst a starry night."
"Are you saying we need to find a night without stars? That's impossible. She's always surrounded by…"
Before the Uma Musume could even finish, Dream Weaver cut her off.
"No, I mean we just need to deal with all the other stars."
"Just like in a race, there's only one spot that shines the brightest. To seize the glory of victory, you must first become the sole winner!"
Speed controlled her brain; running replaced thinking. Even when trying to prove her intelligence, Dream Weaver truly wasn't cut out for this emotional stuff, so she simply drew on her track experience instead.
Hearing her answer, the Uma Musume behind the curtain fell silent at once. Only after a long pause did she finally reply with a bitter laugh.
"Taking on everyone alone… can I really do that?"
Perhaps Dream Weaver's answer was too outrageous. Even someone as optimistic as her couldn't help feeling lost.
"Uma Musume are beings who can create miracles. Young maiden, for the sake of hope and victory, go and train!"
"As long as you raise your speed to a height no one else can reach, you'll be able to break through the encirclement with that kouhai and create a space just for the two of you!"
Gradually settling into her comfort zone, Dream Weaver even forgot the placeholder names, slapping the table excitedly as she spoke to the Uma Musume behind the curtain.
"Believe in yourself! Not the you who believes in me, nor the me who believes in you—believe in the you who believes in yourself!"
"If I'm just fast enough… then I can be alone with her…"
Seemingly shaken by Dream Weaver's intensity, the Uma Musume's tone gradually shifted from uncertainty to resolve. Clenching her fists, she lowered her head and murmured to herself.
"Right, that's what T.M. Opera O did last time. Only by running fast enough can you become number one in Dream's heart."
"I get it now, I understand completely. The battlefield of love… is the racetrack!"
"How can I slack off just because I've become a 'current' Uma Musume? Only by becoming world-class like my mother would I deserve to stand by Dream's side!"
As if enlightened, she stood up and called out to Dream Weaver behind the curtain.
"I'll become the world's number one Uma Musume. Until then, please wait for me!"
With that, she dashed out of the classroom in a flash.
Listening to the fading footsteps, Dream Weaver finally let out a sigh of relief and slumped into her chair.
She wasn't actually stupid. Even if she were, her ears still worked perfectly fine.
She'd already realized the Uma Musume behind the curtain was King Halo.
"Battlefield of love, battlefield of love… This is bad… Has my ego inflated again? Why do I feel like Halo might actually like me?"
She patted her slightly flushed cheeks, thinking this might be the first time someone had expressed affection for her so directly.
"Good thing I used the running analogy to gloss over it earlier. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have known what to do."
"But what do I do now? If Halo confesses to me, should I accept? It's still too early, isn't it? That's not how the little stories in hollow tree trunks go. To reach a special relationship, you need to go through a few special story events first, right?"
"Ah, but speaking of special events, T.M. Opera O is probably ahead right now… Could it be that she likes me too?!"
Lost in a wave of narcissistic thoughts, Dream Weaver cupped her cheeks and sat there, muttering frantically to herself.
But before she could figure out whether King Halo really liked her, Sakura Bakushin O ushered in yet another Uma Musume.
"Oh court astrologer, We have a question."
An authoritative voice came from beyond the curtain. This time, she didn't even need to recognize the voice—the royal "We" alone told Dream Weaver exactly who it was.
(T/N: The Royal "We" references to how old kings refered to themselves in plural form to signify them and the entire nation behind them)
Seriously? Orfevre would come to a place like this?
Dream Weaver pinched her cheek, knowing now wasn't the time for wild speculation.
Clearing her throat, she deliberately lowered her voice and spoke.
"Ahem… What does Your Majesty wish to ask?"
Her intention was simply not to reveal her identity in front of Orfevre, but the deep voice seemed to fit Orfevre's image of an astrologer perfectly. Nodding in approval, Orfevre promptly stated:
"As a monarch, We naturally require a Queen worthy of Our station."
Orfevre actually has romantic troubles too?
Dream Weaver's jaw nearly dropped in surprise.
She always assumed Uma Musume like Orfevre—who went around spouting "We" this and "We" that, calling themselves royalty—were the type with no room for romance in their hearts, naturally fast on the track.
"Does Your Majesty wish for this old subject to divine the location of Your Queen? Forgive my bluntness, but astrology is not so convenient a tool."
Having started with the deep voice, Dream Weaver decided to keep up the roleplay.
However, there was no way she could fabricate an answer about Orfevre seeking a lover, so she cut her off preemptively.
"There is no need for divination in this matter. We have already found Our destined one."
"The only one who can stand by Our side, who can race alongside Us on the track, is her."
To think Orfevre already had someone she liked, and so quietly too! A surge of gossipy curiosity welled up in Dream Weaver's heart.
Without thinking, she adjusted her posture and leaned forward slightly.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 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.