(A/N: IM SO SORRY FOR THE SPOILER!!!! I set the auto upload date wrong on those chapters and luckily I checked it today, once again IM SO SORRY!!!)
The day after Urara's JBC Sprint victory.
Normally, I'd be leisurely sipping coffee and reading the sports paper I bought at the convenience store—I wish I could have done that.
"Urara's next race? We haven't decided yet. Yes, yes. No, I'm not hiding anything. We just haven't decided yet... An interview? I'm sorry, but my schedule is full for the foreseeable future. What? A joint interview with other reporters? I'm sorry, but prior appointments take precedence... Yes. If you can convince the other parties, I don't mind at all."
I hung up the office landline, sighed, and reached for my coffee. The phone rang again.
"Hello, this is Team Kitalpha's... An interview with King the day after tomorrow? That day is full. Yes, the next available day is..."
I hung up again. Okay, this time for sure, I'll have my coffee...
"Hello, Team Kitalpha's trainer. What? You want to interview Urara, Rice, and King all at once? No, that's impossible. All three of them have a lot of interview requests. Yes, I'm sorry. When are they free? All three of them have training, so they don't have that much time every day. Their interview schedules are also full."
Phew... The calls have finally stopped. The coffee's cold, but oh well...
Since coming to work this morning, I've been swamped with phone calls.
The interviews that Ms. Tadena had been holding off on had been pouring in. Not just for Rice, who had won back-to-back Tenno Sho races in the spring and autumn, but also for Urara, who won the JBC Sprint yesterday, and for King, who won the Sprinters Stakes and then placed third in the Kikuka Sho. There were requests for individual and group interviews.
Ms. Tadena had already turned down requests from clearly dubious publishers, shows, and reporters. The calls coming to me this morning were from publishers and TV stations that the Tracen Academy and Ms. Tadena had deemed acceptable.
Whether to accept them was up to me, the trainer. Today, all the work assigned to me by the Tracen Academy had been canceled.
I've been declining most of them with the reason that my schedule is full, and it's not a lie. It's really full. At least for the next two weeks. I've accepted all the requests from fast-acting reporters, publishers with a good relationship with Tracen Academy, and un-declinable interviews related to the URA, but if I accepted all of them, I wouldn't have enough time.
(If interviews take up time, I'll extend training by 30 minutes... but that's still less than usual, so maybe I should increase the load a little... but I also need to let them recover from fatigue...)
While thinking about such things, my hand was writing down my immediate schedule in my planner.
This must be what they call a "happy problem." Yeah, I think so. I'm genuinely happy. So happy...
"Hello, Team Kitalpha's... Oh, Ms. Tadena? A call from you is rare. What's up?"
While I was thinking and writing, the phone rang. I answered, and this time it was Ms. Tadena, which surprised me.
Ms. Tadena often comes to the clubroom if she has something to say, so it was surprisingly rare for her to call the office landline like this.
I braced myself, wondering if it was bad news. Then, Ms. Tadena on the other end of the line began to speak with a slightly troubled tone.
"Well... Trainer, we've received an offer for merchandise sales for Haru Urara and King Halo, just like with Rice Shower..."
Bang, I stood up so quickly I almost kicked my chair over.
"Huh, wait, isn't that a bit soon? Ah, but Urara and King both won G1s, so I guess it's to be expected... right?"
"Actually, Haru Urara had a high fan base even before she won the G1, so there had already been talks about this. Because of that, things are already somewhat in place... And for King Halo's, after some things, we've gotten the go-ahead..."
"...'After some things'?"
Ms. Tadena, I'm really busy, so please don't bring me any weird cases. I felt a little down, but to wake myself up, I ungracefully drank my coffee. It's cold and bitter, but that bitterness is what I need to clear my head...
"No... I don't have all the detailed information, but it seems there was a strong recommendation from some of the URA upper management..."
"Is that... going to be okay?"
"King Halo won a G1 and is very popular, so there shouldn't be any problems. However, the final decision on sales depends on the intentions of the trainer and the uma musume themselves."
(Hmm... Urara and King's popularity will increase, so there's no reason to refuse... I mean, is there any trainer or uma musume who would say no to this?)
I heard about it when Rice's merchandise was being made, but the URA is in charge of sales. I'd refuse if there was a good reason to, but there's no need to refuse when it's also for Urara and King's sake.
But, well, I should check with Urara and King first. After telling Ms. Tadena I'd call her back later, I hung up.
The current time is... right in the middle of a class, during a break. I'll open my messaging app and type away.
'Urara, we got an offer for merchandise sales like Rice's. What do you think? Should we accept?'
First, I'll ask Urara... Wait, did I just hear a distant "Yay!" from Urara? I want to believe it's my imagination. The classroom is far away, so I shouldn't be able to hear her, right? Yeah.
'Let's do it! I want a plushie of myself, too!'
Hmm? A message in the Team Kitalpha group chat...
'Urara-san, what are you shouting about?! I could hear you all the way in my classroom!'
'I heard it in my classroom, too?'
...Well, maybe I should have just waited for Urara to come to the clubroom and asked her in person? But after school, I have interviews to deal with.
'I just asked Urara about the merchandise sales... And King, there's also an offer for you. What do you think? Should we accept?'
I sent the message to King, following the flow of the conversation. Now, what will King's reply be?
'Whoa, I heard King-chan's voice!'
'I didn't hear it in my classroom, though?'
Oh, King got surprised and yelled, too, though not as loudly as Urara. When it was Rice's turn... she cried tears of joy, and when Hishi Amazon saw that, she got angry and called me. Those were the days.
'Of course, I'll accept! After all, I am King!'
'Alright. I'll tell them we accept then. We'll talk about the details after school.'
I don't know what logic leads to "because I am King," but it seems she's overjoyed.
I typed the message and put my smartphone in my pocket. If the merchandise is the same as Rice's, then there will probably be keychains, plushies, phone straps, calendars, and bromide cards for sale.
I looked at a corner of the clubroom. There was a shelf to display the trophies Urara and the others had won in G1 and above races, and Rice's various goods were lined up right next to the trophies she'd won.
(Urara and King's stuff will be added there, too... Hmm, maybe I should buy a bigger shelf...)
I thought about that as I called Ms. Tadena back.
And that afternoon.
I explained the merchandise sales to Urara and King, including when they would be sold and how they'd receive royalties. After that, I dealt with the reporters' interview requests for the day and the cameramen's requests to film training. We finished training 30 minutes earlier than usual today. While Urara and the others were changing, I compiled a report on the interviews I'd conducted today on my computer.
The interviews I had today were the easy kind, just for newspapers and magazines. TV shoots are an immense hassle, and I'd like to decline all of them. But, since the URA gave the green light, I had to accept a few.
(I have to keep it within a range that doesn't affect their races too much. It'll also boost Urara and the others' popularity... Anyway, when the URA is involved, not even the chairman or Ms. Tadena can refuse... What a terrible life as an official.)
It's not just about popularity; it'll also affect how well the merchandise sells. Rice's prize money is already incredible, but with the merchandise sales, it's gotten even more insane.
I wouldn't say she can live a life of luxury, but she's earned enough to live a modest life without worry. Urara and King might also not have to worry about money in the future if their merchandise sells well.
(Urara's races are all on dirt, so her prize money is less than Rice's and King's... even so, she's already earned millions. Should I also include lessons on how to manage money and how to spot fraud?)
King comes from a good family and is responsible, so she's probably fine. But I have a feeling Urara and Rice are at risk. What if they get involved with a bad guy in the future?
Especially Rice, if things continue this way, she might earn more than a salaryman's lifetime earnings and even more than a trainer's lifetime salary, excluding prize money...
"Trainer, do you have a minute?"
As I was writing the report and thinking about such things, King called out to me. She had already changed into her uniform and looked serious.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
I turned to look at King, and she opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. After looking at my face, her eyes darted around, and then she shook her head.
"...No, it's nothing."
Oh, okay... I didn't just let it go. Her face clearly said it wasn't "nothing."
"Is it about the merchandise? Or is there something you want to talk about?"
I stopped what I was doing and turned to face King. I spread my arms as if to say, "You can tell me anything."
King looked down, her eyes full of hesitation. But I could see a strong emotion in her eyes, and I tilted my head. What in the world was she going to say?
"I have one request... Yes, can I be a little selfish?"
This was an unusual opening for King. It wasn't like the usual confident or dignified King. While I was thinking that, I nodded, and King hesitantly began to speak.
"For my next race... I want to try the Mile Championship."
"...Hmm."
We had been talking about her next race. But I didn't expect her to want to enter the Mile Championship, so I slightly tilted my head.
"The Mile Championship, huh... What's the reason?"
The Mile Championship is, as the name suggests, a race to decide the champion of mile races. It can be called the pinnacle of mile races, on par with the Yasuda Kinen, a G1 mile race held in the first half of the year, open to both Classic and Senior classes.
The race is, of course, a G1. It's a 1600-meter race held at Kyoto Racecourse in late November.
King's eyes shone with a fiery passion as she answered my question.
"After watching Urara-san's race, I wanted to stand on the G1 stage again. Our goal is to win graded races at all distances... I've already won a G3 in a mile race, the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, but if I'm going to challenge, I want to aim higher and for a better result."
"..."
I was silent at King's answer. Not because I was going to object, but because her words and eyes made something stir in my chest.
I think the current King can win a G2... no, a G3 with a high probability, whether it's a mile, middle, or long-distance race. Unless she's up against an incredibly strong opponent or some accident happens, she'll probably win.
King should also understand her own abilities, having placed third in the Kikuka Sho. She knows she's become strong enough to compete even at the distance she's worst at.
Even so, when it comes to a G1, powerful rival uma musume are almost guaranteed to appear, and her chances of winning will drop significantly.
But even so, King is saying she wants to challenge a G1 and win.
"But, if I race too often, it'll be a burden on you... That's why I thought it was selfish."
King's eyes wavered, perhaps misunderstanding my silence. Seeing that, I stood up from my chair and stood in front of King.
"What are you talking about? The burden you should be worried about isn't mine. It's yours, King. Your fatigue is recovering, but how is your body feeling?"
"I'm fine... No, I'm feeling even better than usual."
"Is that so... So you want to challenge it, right? Then don't hold back. I'd be happy, actually. If that's what you want, it's my job to make it happen... No, that's not it. It's not because it's my job that I want to make it happen."
Honestly, why do all the uma musume on my team say things that make my heart burn? Do they want to make me cry while they're at it?
But still, my answer to King's words is one thing.
"I want to do it, too, so we'll do it. Let's challenge the Mile Championship."
I even laughed, thinking that we might as well aim for winning all graded races at all distances in G1s. The original goal was already pretty big, but if we could achieve it in G1s, how great would that be?
I wouldn't say or think something like this for anyone but King, but this girl has the talent, the ability, and the dedication to make it possible.
The Mile Championship is about a month after the Kikuka Sho, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue.
However, with a flow like the Sprinters Stakes, Kikuka Sho, and then the Mile Championship, this will probably be the last race of the year. Going back and forth between G1 short-distance, long-distance, and mile races would put too much of a strain on King's body.
The Japan Cup, which Rice is scheduled to race in, is at the end of November, and the Mile Championship is a week before that, so they won't overlap. And Urara... if she's aiming for the Champions Cup or the Tokyo Daishoten next, they won't overlap either.
Just as I told Ms. Tadena, it might be tough for the rest of the year... But I've realized that over-researching races is counterproductive. I mean, it might not work, as with Seiun Sky or Twin Turbo, so researching the last two or three races in addition to the information I've already gathered should be fine.
Also... yeah, I'm probably at my physical limit soon. I have to put on the brakes, or I'll collapse, and then there won't be any races to train for.
King blinked in surprise at my words. After a moment, she gave a relaxed smile and gently tapped my chest with her small fist for some reason.
"That's... what I'm talking about with you."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
I've always been like this, I think... huh? Did I say something weird? All I did was say okay because King wanted to challenge a G1, and I thought she could win.
When I looked confused, King tapped my chest again lightly.
"Honestly... you're such a fool."
"Whaaat... I just said okay because I thought King could win, though..."
She's being so harsh after arousing my interest by saying she was inspired by Urara's run and wanted to challenge an even more difficult G1. As if I could say no to that.
"Mmm..."
While I was talking to King, Rice suddenly slid in between us. What's with the sudden appearance?
"Onii-sama, we're going to celebrate Urara-chan's G1 win today, right? We're going to run out of time."
"Hmm? Oh, is it that late already? Then, let's go to the shopping district and get some groceries."
This was the reason we finished training 30 minutes early today. To celebrate Urara, I'm going to make her favorite carrot hamburger steaks.
It's just before 6 p.m., so if we go to the shopping district to buy groceries and then cook, we should be able to get Urara and the others back to the dorm before curfew.
The race was late yesterday, so we couldn't celebrate. It's not just for Urara; Rice hasn't had much time since the Autumn Tenno Sho, and King since the Kikuka Sho, so I hope this will be a good break for them.
So, for my own sake, I also decided to take a break for the day and headed to the shopping district with Urara and the others, but—
"Huh? Urara-chan? Hey, everyone! Urara-chan is here!"
As soon as we arrived at the shopping district, a nearby man suddenly yelled out. And then people, both customers and shopkeepers, poked their heads out from nearby shops and buildings.
"Whoa! It's Urara-chan!"
"I saw your race yesterday! Congratulations!"
"Congratulations, Urara-chan! You're finally a G1 uma musume!"
People, people, and more people swarmed toward us. It was a literal human wave.
"Oh, Rice-chan is with you today, too!"
"Congratulations to you, too, Rice-chan, for winning the Autumn Tenno Sho the other day!"
"And congratulations on winning both the spring and autumn races!"
"I've kept the newspaper, and I've recorded the news! Congratulations, Rice-chan!"
It wasn't just Urara who received congratulations. Rice was also celebrated for her victory in the Autumn Tenno Sho, which was three days ago.
"King-chan, the Kikuka Sho was a close one, huh?"
"Well, you can't help it when you're up against a world record."
"I know, right... But placing third after going from the Sprinters Stakes to the Kikuka Sho is a great achievement."
"What's your next race? I know you can win next time, King-chan!"
And King was also being cheered on with smiles from the people around her. Urara and Rice were purely being celebrated... I see. Although she's being praised, I can understand why King would want to challenge a G1 again.
But if it were because of impatience, I'd stop her, but in King's case, she wants to challenge something more difficult, so it's hard for me to stop her.
This part probably depends on the trainer. It's also an option to have them race in G2 or G3 races, which are easier to win than G1s, to increase their number of wins and get results. But I want to let King challenge a race she's satisfied with.
"Yes, thank you. Next time, I'll show you this King's victory. The victory of King Halo of Team Kitalpha."
King declared with a fearless smile to the voices around her. Hmm... this "King Quality" is something else. I really like this girl's personality.
While I was listening to King for just a few seconds, Urara and Rice were swallowed up by the wave of people and disappeared from view. Urara, but also Rice, is the idol of the shopping district, so it's to be expected.
I could hear things like, "Urara-chan and Rice-chan, take this with you!", "This is a celebration! Eat it later, okay?", and "Can I have your autograph!".
I watched Urara and Rice from afar as they were being mobbed. I watched Urara and Rice smiling happily at the congratulations from the people around them.
I feel it right after a race victory or when I watch them perform in the Winning Live, but when days have passed and people around me congratulate them, or I read newspaper articles, or see it on the news, I think, "Ah, they really won."
Rice won four G1s and a long-distance G1, and she's getting titles she wasn't even aware of, like winning both the spring and autumn Tenno Sho.
Urara also won the JBC Sprint, and King won the Sprinters Stakes, making them G1 uma musume.
Of course, I'm happy when they win any race, even if it's not a G1, and seeing them happy makes me happy, too. Still, their victories are the result of their hard work.
"Trainer! Look, look! I got so many things!"
"O-Onii-sama... Rice is getting dizzy..."
While I was lost in my thoughts, Urara and Rice were finally released after more than ten minutes. Urara was carrying many plastic bags in both arms, and Rice was swaying and looked dizzy, probably from being petted by the old ladies in the shopping district.
"Wow... you got a lot... Did you thank them properly?"
"Yep! Of course, I did!"
The carrots alone... one, two, three... hahaha, I can't even count them all. There are a lot of other vegetables, too. The vegetables are all things I usually use when I make hamburger steaks for them, like onions, carrots, and green peppers. They even threw in things like bread crumbs and milk.
I looked at the people in the shopping district who were satisfied after doting on Urara and Rice. When I tried to bow my head, they smiled and gestured for me not to worry about it.
I'm grateful for their kindness. I have to come back and buy more things from them next time...
"Alright, let's buy the minced meat and head back to the Tracen Academy. How many hamburger steaks do you all want?"
"A lot!"
"Rice wants to eat a lot, too."
"I'll have a moderate amount."
Urara and Rice want a lot, and King wants a moderate amount. By the way, a "moderate" amount for an uma musume like King is several times what an adult male like me would eat. For Urara and Rice... yeah, it's probably over ten times.
In that case, I'll have to put my heart and soul into making them. I'll have to use multiple frying pans at the same time and pay close attention to make sure they're not undercooked...
I picked up the minced meat I had ordered from the butcher shop, and I also bought all the remaining minced meat, and we headed back to the Tracen Academy with Urara and the others.
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