"I understand the situation now. So, let us see the truth behind all of this~"
Under Starlight's expectant gaze, Matikane Fukutaru gently picked up the crystal ball with both hands and placed it on its stand.
She began chanting an unknown incantation.
A strange light flickered, and the two of them stared wide-eyed at the ball for a long time.
Finally, Matikane Fukutaru's brow furrowed. She shook her head, it seemed the results weren't great.
"W-What is it, Sage...?"
"McQueen-san is doing very well lately. As for you, Starlight-san... it's hard to say."
'Oh no, has the foul spirit really jumped onto me?'
"Is there any way to save me? I don't want to die yet, Sage..."
Matikane Fukutaru blinked, looking a bit dazed.
'What's going on...? Didn't the recommendation letter say to divine her future fortune? How did we get to life and death?'
'Could Starlight-san have some kind of psychological issue?'
"Well, I believe the solution to this predicament doesn't lie here. You could go to the infirmary to see the school doctor, or consult a psychiatrist."
"Will that really work?"
"Mm... it should solve most of your problems."
'So the foul spirit attached to me needs a psychiatrist to perform an exorcism? As expected of a Sage— her insights are so unique.'
Although her suggestion made it sound like she had a mental illness, Starlight figured these kinds of things couldn't be viewed with common logic anyway.
Nodding, Starlight agreed.
Taking advantage of the remaining time, she hurried to the school infirmary.
The female school doctor, wearing glasses, said with a smile, "Is something bothering you, Uma Musume-san?"
"Um, sensei... I feel like I've been possessed by some 'foul thing.' I keep feeling like I'm being watched."
At these words, the school doctor immediately turned serious.
Adjusting her long blonde hair, she asked sternly, "Are you sure? How long has this symptom lasted?"
"Yes, it's been going on for two weeks. I'm getting a bit paranoid because of it."
Nodding, the doctor reached out and stroked Starlight's head.
"I understand. Don't panic yet. I happen to have a friend. Let me make an appointment for you."
Hearing this, Starlight felt a great deal of relief.
'I see. The school doctor actually knows people in the underworld who handle exorcisms.'
"This is medicine to calm the nerves. You can try taking this first while I contact them..."
"Alright, thank you so much."
Holding the medicine, Starlight breathed a sigh of relief and left the infirmary.
Afterward, our school doctor picked up her phone and opened her contacts.
Psychiatrist, Dr. Tanaka...
"The pressure on Uma Musume these days is getting heavier and heavier. It starts with psychological issues, and now... sigh."
The next day, Starlight stared blankly at the kindly old man in front of her.
After some simple questioning, she looked at the psychiatric hospital intake form in her hand and was instantly dumbfounded.
"No way! Why am I being sent here?!!"
"Do you have any questions, young lady?"
"I'm not mentally ill! I really feel like there's something 'unclean'..."
"Yes, we understand. Don't worry, it's just a simple hospitalization. You'll be fine after a few days of recuperation."
By this point, Starlight wasn't listening anymore. She hurriedly threw the form aside, turned around, and bolted.
"What should we do, Dr. Tanaka... Should we try that new sedative I recently developed on her?"
"Ahem, let's not. Little Uma Musume still need gentle treatment. Since it's come to this, let's take it slow. I'll go contact the Student Council President."
Student Council Office.
Symboli Rudolf was meticulously reviewing documents in her hand. Air Groove, beside her, was helping with the auditing.
As her pen slowly came to a stop and she closed the final folder, Rudolf began to stretch her fingers.
"I say, Air Groove. Starlight-san rejected my invitation. What should I do?"
"Uh... I don't know. That is your private business, President."
"I'm not talking about that. I mean, how should I get 'revenge' on her?"
"Huh? Revenge? I think getting revenge just because someone rejected you is beneath your dignity."
"How could that be? As the Student Council President, I would never get revenge just because she rejected me. There must be... underlying circumstances."
"Such as?"
"That little Uma Musume actually used Teio as a shield when I invited her, and then she had the nerve to provoke me..."
Watching Rudolf rest her head in her hands while plotting a countermeasure, Air Groove was completely speechless.
"I need to think of a reason to transfer her to my side. Give me an idea too, Air Groove..."
"Respectfully, Madam President, I think you'll have a hard time winning against her."
Rudolf was instantly displeased. She slapped the desk and questioned, "What do you mean by that? Are you starting to doubt me too?"
"No, it's just that Starlight's surname is 'Divine', while you are merely the 'Emperor.' She naturally suppresses you by birthright."
"Th-that joke isn't funny."
"Just like every other joke you tell."
"Ahem. Regardless, the fact that she provoked me cannot be ignored. If I let this slide, what will happen in the future? How will I maintain my prestige?"
Nodding, Air Groove finished auditing the file on Rudolf's desk and set it aside.
"I have already requested leave for you from Trainer Tojo Hana. Tasks have been heavy since the start of the term. You've worked hard, Madam President."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the office door.
"Who is it?"
"Hello, President. I am the psychiatrist on standby for Tracen Academy."
"A psychiatrist? What is he doing here...?"
After exchanging a glance with Rudolf, Air Groove walked over to the door.
"Hello, I am the Vice President. May I ask what brings you here?"
"Oh, it's like this. There is an Uma Musume in the academy who has been having some mental health struggles lately and needs rest. However, she wasn't very cooperative and ran away."
Air Groove took the form, and her pupils suddenly constricted.
The name on the paper was none other than the very person she and Rudolf had been discussing: Divine Starlight.
"I'll have to trouble the Student Council. Once you find her, you can tell her she doesn't need to come to the hospital, her symptoms are currently very mild. She just needs someone to guide her, and she'll recover quickly."
"My words might have been a bit too serious earlier and scared the poor girl."
Nodding, Air Groove kept the form and extended her hand to the doctor.
"Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Tanaka. Leave this matter to the Student Council."
"Alright, it's no trouble at all. For the sake of the Uma Musume's safety and health, it's no trouble at all."
After the doctor left, Air Groove returned to Rudolf's side.
"Well? What minor task are they asking us to handle now?"
Air Groove didn't say a word, simply handing the diagnostic form to Rudolf.
As she read the contents, our Madam President's brow gradually unfurled, and a smile curled at the corners of her mouth.
"Air Groove, do you know something?"
"What?"
"Pies don't just fall from the sky... but as soon as I open my mouth, one will fall right in."
"Sigh... if you say so. Do you want me to go find her now?"
Swiveling her chair, Rudolf slid directly to the window, looking out at the training grounds.
"No rush. It won't be too late to handle it tomorrow. To think a mere little Ash-hair Uma Musume thought she could provoke me..."
The next morning.
An oblivious Starlight finished her morning practice and ran toward the teaching building carrying her prepared breakfast.
As usual, she slipped into class just in the nick of time and returned to her seat.
She was just about to imitate Oguri Cap and crouch over her desk to sneak some food when the broadcast rang out with Air Groove's flat voice.
"Would Divine Starlight of the High School division please come to the Student Council office? The President has a matter to discuss with you."
Stunned, Starlight looked up, stuffing a peeled egg into her mouth.
"Huh? I have a bad feeling about this..."
Swallowing the egg with difficulty, Starlight caught a glimpse of Oguri Cap watching her from nearby.
She understood instantly—
'Right, I have to take my breakfast with me this time. Otherwise, she'll have it all eaten by the time I get back.'