The "Best Uma Musume Idol Selection" competition came to an end.
First place was a foregone conclusion. While Starlight herself possessed no small amount of talent, she also had two Uma Musume by her side whose backgrounds and skills were equally impressive.
It was just like the rankings of that essay competition she had seen a few months ago. In every sense of the word, the "value" of the winners was very high.
"Starlight-chan~ Starlight-chan! Can you be my model for art class in a bit?"
"No way, we have to go to lab class later."
"Wait, why are you taking Starlight-chan to your lab class?"
"We're in the same class! By the way, are you even in our class?"
A large crowd of chattering Uma Musume swarmed around her, leaving Starlight in a daze, unsure of whom to answer.
Being the type of Uma Musume who naturally radiated a bit of sunshine, her popularity was, safe to say, sky-high.
Finally, having endured the morning lessons, Starlight sprawled across her desk to enjoy a rare moment of peace.
"Starlight is certainly popular..."
Because the previous exams had ended, the seating chart had changed. Next to her was Super Creek, who spoke with a smile as she packed her school bag.
"Yeah... I'm happy about it, but it's also so exhausting—"
Stopping what she was doing, Super Creek reached out and gently stroked Starlight's head.
"Starlight is already amazing... being able to respond to everyone so patiently even after morning practice."
"Creek~ As I thought, I still need you at times like this to nourish my spirits."
Starlight leaned in to hug Super Creek, acting much like a spoiled daughter.
"...Honestly. It's time for lunch now, let's get moving."
"True. Since the Chairwoman moved Oguri Cap to the front row, she can only sleep or sit upright. Having not eaten all morning, her stomach's power is now comparable to a black hole."
The afternoon training was ordinary, and in the evening, she went for a stroll by the river with Rice Shower.
"I haven't seen much of you at the academy lately, Rice-chan..."
"Rice has been camping these past few days, so I rarely show up at the academy in the afternoons."
"Camping? That sounds nice... Rice, you're so impressive, being able to camp all by yourself."
Subconsciously reaching up to tidy her bangs, Rice Shower turned her head away shyly.
"N-No, not at all. I bet Starlight-chan could also camp by herself."
"Ai~ Pitching a tent and all that seems like such a hassle... If Rice were by my side, I probably wouldn't have to do a thing. I could just lean back comfortably in a lounge chair and enjoy the scenery."
"T-Then, would Starlight-chan like to go camping with me? W-We could even go buy the equipment on the way."
Rice Shower looked at Starlight beside her with a glimmer of anticipation.
"Sure, but winter is almost here. How about I go camping with Rice next spring instead?"
"Mm, okay. Rice... Rice will remember that!"
Starlight returned to her dormitory before curfew.
After washing up, she prepared herself to enjoy a lovely sleep-in the next day. In such cold weather, nothing felt better than sleeping in on the weekend.
Except, early the next morning...
Starlight stood at the very front of the pack, her face half-hidden by her collar, wearing a temporary racing uniform.
"Good! Today is a sudden little idea from this Chairwoman! We are organizing an Autumn Marathon!"
"The full course is forty-two kilometers. Everyone, do your best~!"
Standing behind the starting line drawn outside the school gates, Starlight was already world-weary.
'Chairwoman, please... no more of your "little ideas"...'
With a sigh, the whistle blew, and all the Uma Musume surged forward.
Due to Tracen's immense influence, the relevant authorities had already been notified to clear a route. At this moment, the sidewalks on both sides were packed with crowds and fans.
Trailing at the very end of the pack, Starlight began the legendary "zombie shuffle" with a soul-dead expression.
"Yo, Starlight-chan. Good morning..."
Trotting beside her was Oguri Cap, who looked equally haggard.
"Eh! H-Hello... Oguri-chan, what happened to you?"
"I wanted to go get breakfast, b-but I think I was too late. The cafeteria was closed."
"What time did you go? They shouldn't have closed that early."
"Half an hour ago..."
"I have half a pack of crackers left. Do you want to have a bite to tide you over, Oguri-chan?"
"Thank you, Starlight-chan..."
"Ahem! Everyone, keep it up! The supply station ahead has carrot-sauce Salisbury steaks and sandwiches!"
Whoosh.
The moment those words were uttered, Oguri Cap, who had been right next to Starlight, vanished into thin air.
"This... now the supply station is just going to become Oguri Cap's personal buffet."
Suddenly remembering something, Starlight shouted toward the front:
"If you don't leave any supplies for me, at least give me back my half-pack of crackers—!"
'Why did I let her eat them?!'
Now, Starlight had done the most desperate thing at her most desperate moment, and to top it off, she had lost her only beacon of hope.
"I'm not playing anymore, I'm going home—"
Turning around, she was just about to give up when she saw Rudolf looking over with a gentle, beaming smile.
"Starlight-san, where do you think you're going?"
"Ah, haha. I, uh... I think I dropped something. I'm going back to pick it up."
"Is that so? But I've been following right behind you, and I didn't see you drop anything."
'Tsk, this salty little—!!!'
"Yah! What? Does that mean the President has been stalking me this whole time? How could you do such a thing!"
"Hehe, I am merely conducting a patrol at the very tail end of the formation."
"..."
Lowering her head, Starlight turned back around and resumed her leisurely jog.
"Starlight-san, watch your attitude. Take this seriously."
"Madam Preside~nt—"
That voice...
Rudolf was momentarily dazed. Starlight's listless, coquettish whine felt like an invisible little hand scratching at the itch in Rudolf's heart.
"It's the weekend, isn't it... Why on earth do we have to run this marathon?"
"I don't know, but you'll feel very relaxed-lax once you finish."
"Hehe, how about you pull me along then? Maybe that would be even more 'relaxing'."
Raising an eyebrow, Rudolf actually reached out and grabbed Starlight's hand.
"Fine. Then I'll pull you along as we run..."
"Eh! W-Wait a second. President, I was just kidding. Can you let go?"
Caught off guard, Starlight nearly tripped.
"I took it seriously, so I'm not letting go."
And so, Starlight and Rudolf began jogging hand-in-hand.
At a crossroad, Air Groove, who was out on patrol, saw this scene and instantly reached her breaking point.
'Wait, why does Starlight look like that? President, you actually...'
"Ahem... Madam President, the supply station at the very front needs someone to oversee it. Oguri Cap is almost there, please head over immediately."
'Don't be afraid, little Starlight. Your Air Groove-onee-san is here to save you.'
"Tsk... Understood."
Reluctantly releasing Starlight's hand, Rudolf turned and said:
"Don't even think about slacking off..."
After patting Starlight on the head, Rudolf turned and walked toward a nearby car. Following the official route, Rudolf probably wouldn't be able to catch up to Oguri Cap even in a car.
But she could take a shortcut...
Watching the other depart, Starlight finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Air Groove-onee-san!"
"Ahem. It is currently working hours. Starlight, your progress is a bit lacking. Hurry up and catch up."
"Okay, I'll do my best."
Waving her hand, Starlight bid farewell to Air Groove and set off once more.
After rounding a bend, she saw a short-haired Uma Musume not far ahead, also leisurely strolling along.
"Sky-chan~"
"Starlight-chan, how nice to run into you. It seems we are kindred spirits. Let's go together."
Rubbing her bleary, sleepy eyes, Seiun Sky spoke in a lazy tone.
"Mm, sure..."