Dream Weaver turned toward the voice and saw not just Artisan Bell, but all the Uma Musu gathered together, waving at her. Though completely puzzled, she walked over—only to be pulled into a sprint before she could even ask a question.
"Is it really alright to let them carry on like this?"
Kitahara Jo watched as Oguri Roman mingled among them, stroking his chin with a hint of concern.
"It's New Year's! Let the young ones sort out their own fun. We just need to watch over them with warm smiles!"
Beside him, Koutarou Haibara let out a hearty laugh and clapped Kitahara Jo on the shoulder with bold enthusiasm.
Kitahara Jo hissed in pain and instinctively took a step back. He glanced around and noticed only the principal and Chizuru Haibara were still nearby.
"Where's Satou? Did he get lost?"
"He went ahead to find the car. The parking lot's packed—it won't be easy to get out."
"I see... Well, since we've got a mont, let's discuss next year's race schedule."
Hearing this, Chizuru Haibara stiffened. The two had long held differing views on next year's racing plan.
"There's no question about entering the Kyodo Tsushin Hai. A win would secure a spot in the Classic Triple Crown races. Even if she loses, there's still the Wakaba Stakes and the Yayoi Sho to compete for a qualification."
After speaking, Kitahara Jo glanced at Chizuru. Seeing no objection, he nodded and continued.
"But I don't understand why you insist on having Dream Weaver jump straight into the Japanese Derby."
"Wouldn't it be better to start from the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Satsuki Sho? She might even have a shot at becoming a Triple Crown Uma Musu. Why rule that out completely?"
Chizuru Haibara fell silent for a long mont. She looked toward Koutarou Haibara, but he rely shrugged and spread his hands, signaling that as a non-trainer, he shouldn't interfere. With a sigh, she finally replied:
"Orfevre will definitely compete in the Classic Triple Crown."
"And she's highly likely to achieve the Triple Crown. You can't deny that, can you?"
Kitahara Jo nodded. Orfevre was widely considered the strongest Uma Musu of her generation. If she was entering the Triple Crown races, she would be an opponent impossible to ignore.
"I believe…"
Chizuru paused, hesitating for a long ti before speaking slowly.
"Dream Weaver has only one chance to defeat Orfevre."
"If she runs in the Satsuki Sho first... I'm afraid she'll lose any chance of winning after that."
"But what's your basis for saying that? It can't just be a 'hunch.' Anything can happen on the track. We can't let Dream Weaver skip races just because of a feeling."
Faced with Kitahara's skepticism, Chizuru found herself at a loss for words. She truly couldn't give him a concrete answer—no explanation would satisfy a central trainer.
"Sorry..."
Seeing Chizuru bow her head in silence, Kitahara could only sigh. He couldn't push too hard, so he simply said:
"Then we'll have to ask Little Dream herself later. Let the Uma Musu decide."
And just like that, their discussion about next year's races ended inconclusively once again.
Seeing the two finish talking, Koutarou Haibara let out a relieved breath and quickly stepped in to smooth things over. Slinging an arm around each of their shoulders, he said cheerfully:
"Hey now, no need for you youngsters to stress over work! It's New Year's—lighten up a little!"
"The kids are off doing their thing. We adults ought to celebrate too. I've got a couple of nice bottles back at Kasamatsu Tracen. Let's share a drink later."
Unable to refuse the principal's invitation, Kitahara Jo agreed with a smile.
"I'll pass. I need to get back to watch ani."
Watching Chizuru Haibara walk alone toward the shrine entrance, the two n could only exchange a glance and shrug.
While the two trainers were deep in debate, Dream Weaver had already been led by the Uma Musu to a platform behind the shrine.
Overlooking almost the entire city from this vantage point, Dream Weaver tilted her head curiously at the visibly nervous group of Uma Musu before her.
But her confusion didn't last long. Soon, Artisan Bell pulled out a gift box wrapped with a red ribbon and handed it to Dream Weaver.
"This is a horseshoe we all picked out together! We hope you can use it to make a na for yourself in the central circuit!"
Accepting the gift sowhat awkwardly, Dream Weaver smiled wryly.
"So all those tis you sneaked off were for this? But isn't it a bit late? I noticed you guys were up to sothing back in early October—why'd it take till January to give it to ?"
In response to Dream Weaver's question, Nanno Sumire rapped Artisan Bell lightly on the head and grumbled:
"Bla this one! She kept comparing and nitpicking, and every ti a new product ca in, she had to start all over again. No way it was gonna be done fast."
Gold Ship suddenly popped her head out from the crowd and added:
" too, too! I helped pick a lot of faults too!"
"You actually know about this kind of equipnt…?"
"The Gold family education isn't just for show, you know!"
But before Gold Ship could bask in her pride too long, Nanno Sumire gave her a light tap on the head as well.
"If it weren't for all your nitpicking, we could've given this gift by Christmas."
"It's only a few days late!"
Watching everyone laugh and bicker, Dream Weaver suddenly began to chuckle. Hearing her laughter, all the Uma Musu turned their eyes toward her.
"Usually, when everyone gets together to give a gift, it's supposed to be all warm and heartfelt, right? But you guys still manage to turn it into chaos."
Hearing this, Oguri Roman grinned and spread her hands helplessly.
"What can we do? That's just how we Uma Musu from Kasamatsu Tracen are."
"If you want to watch so emotional drama, wait till we're back at the dorm. We're not cut out for that stuff."
"Speaking of going back, I brought so mochi from my grandparents' place yesterday. Let's head back to the dorm and grill it!"
"Yay! Little Gold Ship is gonna eat it all!"
"No way, you greedy ship! You're not eating all of it alone!"
"New Year's Day has co, Mochi tastes so sweet, The dorm calls ho."
Watching the Uma Musu burst into cheerful noise again, Dream Weaver could no longer hold back her smile.
With such supportive friends by her side, whether it was the Japanese Derby or Orfevre, she had no reason to be afraid.
Holding the gift box in her hands, Dream Weaver silently thought to herself:
A new chapter is about to begin.
-- --
[Main Objective: Gain the Audience's Recognition]
[Current Recognition: (30/100)]
[Evaluation: A top-tier local Uma Musu. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the day she steps onto the central stage.]
-- --
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 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.
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