I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

Chapter 503 - 502 A Sisterly Warning, A Final Vow

Ramonu's Perspective

"Goodnight to you, Lady Ramonu."

"Yes, goodnight."

[Click]

The door closed softly behind the servant.

"...Haaah."

I let out a long, slow sigh. Today had been a most productive day. I had known of my trainer's impending resignation for some time, but it was thanks to that departure that my transfer to Brother's care was finally secured.

The joint training sessions and the constant questions about his menus had all been part of a long-term strategy. My former trainer had coordinated with me to ensure my transition would be as seamless as possible when the time came. It had been decided months ago. I wouldn't go so far as to say I had deceived anyone, but I suppose to an outside observer, it might look a bit calculated.

"Now then," I murmured to the empty room. "I wonder how my little sister is faring?"

Prrr… prrr… prr—

"Hello? Sister?" Ardan's voice came through the receiver.

"Good evening, Ardan. It's a bit late, but do you have a moment?"

"...Yes, of course. What is it?"

"Have you decided on a trainer yet?"

"...No, not yet. Why do you ask?"

"I see. In that case, you'd best make your decision quickly. Time is a luxury you no longer possess."

"—!" I heard her breath hitch on the other end. "Are you saying… that Mother, Father, or Grandmother are telling me to step away from the track?"

"No, it's nothing like that. I am simply saying that at this rate, you won't be able to debut in the manner you've dreamed of. That is all."

"...What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Well… let's put it this way," I said, my voice dropping to a smooth, melodic hum. "Think about what I just told you, and then find the one thing you need most. If you can figure that out, everything will fall into place."

"The one thing… I need most."

I had practically handed her the answer, but I knew she would solve it easily enough. After all, she was infatuated with Brother long before I was. It would be more unnatural for her not to notice.

"By the way," I added playfully, "I've already secured mine."

"The thing you have, that I don't… Sister, I feel as though there are many such things."

"Oh? Is that so? I personally think you possess many things that I lack."

"..."

"I've given you fair warning. I'll say it one last time: time is running out."

I wonder if she'll truly realize it in time? It's already decided that Brother is forming a team, but Ardan doesn't know how many slots are left. Now that I've taken one, there are—at most—one or two spots remaining. Certainly no more than three. I hope you aren't too late, Ardan.

I'm not trying to toy with my sister, per se… but I must admit, I'm looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.

Ardan's Perspective

"..."

What was the meaning of that call from Sister? The thing I "need most"… based on the context of our conversation, it's almost certainly a trainer. But if that's the case, her other words—"Time is running out" and "You won't be able to debut in the manner you've dreamed of"—are what truly worry me.

My ideal debut… the only thing required for that is the right trainer. And when I think of a trainer, there is no one who comes to mind but Brother. I have no intention of running for anyone else.

"But that only makes it more confusing," I whispered to myself. "Time is running out? I won't be able to debut as I wish? What is Sister's true intention here?"

Wait…! Could it be that Brother's roster has increased? Last year, Symboli Rudolf and Mr. C.B. were his only students. If his capacity for student contracts has increased this year, then Sister's warning makes perfect sense!

"Time is running out" means that, for some reason, Brother's available slots are about to be filled. And since Sister was the one to call me, she must be involved.

My "ideal debut" must mean debuting under Brother's guidance. I refuse to sign with anyone else, so if I miss this chance, my next opportunity wouldn't be until next year… or perhaps there wouldn't be a next time at all. Is that why Sister used such roundabout phrasing? To spur me into action?

"...In that case, I must move immediately!"

The places Brother is guaranteed to be… the club room, the trainer's office, or the cafeteria. I often see him there. Other than that… we often cross paths on the track during early morning practice.

"It's decided. I'll start with morning practice tomorrow. I won't let it be too late!"

"Mnn… Ardan-san? Is something wrong?" Chiyonoo muttered sleepily from her bed. "You sounded like you were planning something for tomorrow…"

"Ah, Chiyonoo-san! I'm so sorry, did I wake you? I must have been speaking too loudly. My apologies."

"N-No, it's okay! It's just… it's rare to see you so fired up. Is something happening?"

"...Yes. Tomorrow, I face a choice that will be a major turning point in my life."

"I see! That sounds important! Then you'd better get some sleep so you're ready for tomorrow!"

"Yes, you're right."

I closed my eyes, offering a small prayer that Brother would be at the track tomorrow morning.

Ardan seems to have decoded Ramonu's message perfectly. What will happen next?!

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