After listening to Fujimaru Ritsuka's explanation, Maruzensky was half-convinced she had encountered a terminal case of Chunibyo. She couldn't help but think that Ritsuka might, quite unexpectedly, get along famously with a certain "Miss Hahaha."
However, she said nothing of the sort. Instead, she fell into deep thought.
The relationship between Uma Musume and humans had always been a tangled, inseparable web. Things that an Uma Musume couldn't wrap her head around might be perfectly clear to a "special" person using a "special" method.
Fujimaru Ritsuka was closely linked to those who had awakened their Domains. Perhaps his methods could not only help them awaken but also reduce the physical strain and burden that the Domain placed on their bodies?
"Fujimaru-kun, to be honest, I don't quite understand," Maruzensky said, her expression turning serious. She rested her chin on one hand and supported her elbow with the other, seemingly lost in deep contemplation.
In this posture, she leaned forward slightly. The softness of her chest pressed against her forearm, instantly creating a stunningly curvaceous silhouette.
Was it a vision of radiant spring, or was it as soft as pudding?
Witnessing this picturesque sight, Fujimaru Ritsuka immediately thought of sweet, fluffy marshmallows. However, he discreetly suppressed the association, attempting to explain himself using simple, accessible terms.
Unfortunately, after a lengthy exchange, they still couldn't reach a common ground. Fujimaru Ritsuka could only summarize it as: Just like in a battle anime, you have to believe in the power of belief.
Because Ritsuka had accurately described the appearance of Le Glorieux's Domain and had "called out" the flickering black flames in the depths of Oguri Cap's eyes, Maruzensky was reasonably certain of his ability. He could help Uma Musume awaken their Domains through daily guidance, and he truly could see the Domains that were otherwise invisible to everyone but the racers themselves.
How could such a talent be left to wander the regional circuits? Previously, they hadn't known of Ritsuka's ability and had let him roam the world without a word. Now, things were different.
Maruzensky decisively extended an invitation, hoping Ritsuka would transfer to Central Tracen. She even promised: "Fujimaru-kun, you are a special talent, after all. We can provide certain... small conveniences. For instance, Oguri Cap could transfer to Central with you and gain access to far more resources."
Fujimaru Ritsuka politely declined her kindness. He had laid out two paths for Oguri Cap, and she had chosen the harder one. As a trainer who naturally bore the responsibility of educating and nurturing, how could he undermine the girl's resolve?
Moreover, he had gone to the regional circuits specifically to change the harsh, restrictive rules governing the sport. If he simply went to Central, his efforts would be meaningless.
"I hope that all Uma Musume can participate in the Twinkle Series, rather than being shut out by rigid regulations. If it's you, Miss Maruzen, I'm sure you can understand my perspective."
Fujimaru Ritsuka looked directly at Maruzensky. Both his words and his gaze were exceptionally earnest. Maruzensky could even see a spark of conviction in those sapphire eyes—a conviction so steady it made her, the Vice President, feel a twinge of shame.
Hoping that more Uma Musume can participate in the Twinkle Series? Of course Maruzensky understood. She was one of the most prominent victims of those very rules. In her era, she was one of the strongest Uma Musume alive, yet because she was classified as "foreign-bred," she was restricted from many races. She had fought hard for change back then, but the Board of Directors had remained unmoved, leading to her broken dreams in Tokyo.
Even after her retirement, she had proposed suggestions to the Board, hoping they would loosen the restrictions and allow more Japanese Uma Musume to compete.
She thought that even if she couldn't race, she could at least benefit the new generation and fight for their rights. Unfortunately, the Board remained as indifferent as ever, nearly citing "the laws of the ancestors" to brush her off.
Looking at the Ritsuka before her, Maruzensky was reminded of her younger self—the girl who ran for the sake of the new generation, and the secret dream she shared with no one.
She sighed inwardly: Perhaps... on that day, I saw the 'idealist' in Fujimaru-kun, and that's why I felt compelled to talk to him?
But at the same time, she found him incomprehensible. Doing this offered Ritsuka no personal benefit. He could have easily relied on his special talent to secure a high-ranking position within the URA and achieve effortless social mobility, yet he refused without a moment's hesitation.
What kind of person is he? Clearly, he was a virtuous young man with ideals, ambition, and a complete lack of vulgar interests!
At that thought, a faint smile played on Maruzensky's lips. She almost wanted to tease, "Fujimaru-kun, you really are a 'good man,' aren't you?~"
The thought startled her, but her smile only grew more radiant. She decided to play a little joke on this earnest man.
"Fujimaru-kun, if I may ask... if Central wished to hire you as an off-site trainer, would you be willing to accept? And what 'type' of Uma Musume would you prefer to coach?"
"A more mature, 'big sister' type? Or perhaps a girl caught between maturity and innocence? Or... is it the 'petite foreign fillies' like Miss Le Glorieux and Miss Mtoto?"
As she spoke, Maruzensky's tone became much lighter, bordering on playful.
What was a "petite foreign filly"? It was the opposite of a "tall Western mare," of course. It referred to the type that was small and sweet—the kind that could provide both a refreshing treat and a rich chocolatey delight.
The girl leaned in further, tilting her snow-white chin up slightly. In this position, she was looking up at Fujimaru Ritsuka from a near-supplicant angle.
Le Glorieux and Mtoto were both diminutive Uma Musume; the former stood at 141cm, and the latter at 140cm. Compared to the "Western mares" who were often 170, 180, or even 190cm tall, they were standard petite fillies.
Speaking of which, Maruzensky suddenly remembered that Inari One, who also debuted at Ohi, was a classic "petite horse" at 139cm. In terms of being "small," the Japanese Uma Musume certainly weren't losing out to the foreigners~
"?" Fujimaru Ritsuka frowned, sensing that something was amiss.
Was she really asking about his coaching preference, or was she asking about his type?
And wasn't the nature of this question a bit off? Central Tracen was supposed to be a place of education and growth. Why did this conversation suddenly sound like it was coming from a matchmaking agency?
Maruzensky's full lips curled into a mischievous, wavy line. She said softly, "Central, of course, encourages 'free love'."
What Maruzensky really meant was: A human who can take a head-on collision from an Uma Musume and remain unscathed—or even go toe-to-toe with one in a feat of strength—is exceptionally rare. It's only natural for the girls to set their sights on you~
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