Umamusume: My Umamusume Is a Ghost! [14]

Having a friend like Variation really was wonderful. Warmth filled Rei Sumikawa’s heart as he said goodbye to her. After washing his face, the heat in his body subsided considerably.

“Trainer Sumikawa, there you are.”

The moment he stepped out, a woman in a green office uniform called to him.

“Tazuna? What is it?”

“The Director is asking for you. She probably has something she’d like to discuss.”

“I see. All right, I’ll head to her office now.”

“By the way, how are you feeling, Trainer Sumikawa? Are you doing better?”

“Yeah. I’m fine now.”

“That’s good. You gave me quite a fright, Trainer Sumikawa. Should anything like that happen again, I hope you won’t put yourself in danger.”

Tazuna Hayakawa took Rei’s hand and gazed straight into his face, her emerald eyes fixed on him without blinking.

“Promise me, all right?”

“I-I understand. I’m sorry I worried you, Tazuna-san.”

“Good. Now hurry along, Trainer Sumikawa. The Director is still waiting for you.”

“Right.”

Maybe it was only his imagination, but ever since Silence had crashed into him, everyone seemed unusually affectionate toward him.

Could Silence actually be my Cupid?

Rei made his way to the room at the center of the fifth floor. After knocking, he entered and saw an orange-haired girl in a round white hat sitting atop the desk.

Yayoi Akikawa, Director of Tracen Academy—and Rei’s immediate superior.

Despite being the Director, she was extremely petite. No one would have thought it strange to call her a “girl.” Dressed in a white dress, a pale-purple jacket, and a round hat adorned with a light-blue rose, she hardly looked like the director of a school.

When Rei entered, she raised her head. Her long orange hair swayed gently, and a long white lock at her temple fell to her chest.

“You wanted to see me, Director?”

“Rei.” The girl beckoned him over. Once he had walked around the desk and reached her side, she spoke. “A word! How are you feeling?”

Whenever the Director spoke, she habitually began with a brief exclamation. Perhaps because she was so small that people tended to overlook her, she had started loudly emphasizing her opening word to catch their attention. Over time, it had simply become a habit.

“Pretty good. I’m not having any problems.”

“That’s good. You needn’t worry about the medical expenses. Tracen will reimburse you in full. Should you feel unwell, go to the hospital and get checked. No matter what it costs, as long as it helps you recover, money is no object!”

“Director…”

Rei was deeply moved.

Ever since he arrived at Tracen, the Director had taken especially good care of him. When she learned about his amnesia, she had spent a great deal of money having him examined, then helped him find out who he was. Every so often, she would take him out for a meal. She had even arranged for Rei to receive a full physical every month.

She cared for him almost like a mother.

That was why Rei had resolved to do even more for Tracen and win even more races.

Of course, his affection for the Director was the respectful kind, not that sort of—

Hmm?

Rei stared at Yayoi Akikawa’s petite, delicate face.

“What’s wrong, Trainer Sumikawa? Why are you staring off into space?”

“N-nothing. Maybe I’ve been under too much pressure lately. Strange thoughts keep popping into my head.”

Rei turned his gaze away, refusing to look at Yayoi Akikawa’s adorable face.

At this point, looking at anyone made him think lewd thoughts! Not even the Director was safe!

Have I really been repressing myself that badly?

“Too much pressure? That won’t do. You’re one of Tracen’s most promising Trainers. You must take proper care of yourself. Come to think of it, your body seems even sturdier than before.”

Without making it obvious, Yayoi Akikawa examined the way his uniform stretched across his solid physique.

“That’s because you’re always telling me to look after myself, Director. King and the others keep urging me to work out too, so I’m in excellent shape now.”

“Excellent.” Yayoi Akikawa nodded in satisfaction. “There are two main reasons I called you here. Before long, the first Triple Crown winner will be coming to help train the Umamusume. I would like you to welcome her when she arrives.”

“The first Triple Crown winner?”

“Saint Lite. She was an Umamusume from my mother’s era. It was thanks to her presence that Tracen was able to develop into what it is today.”

“Why would someone that important suddenly come back?”

“Central is preparing several events. They want Saint Lite and the others to return early and help train Tracen’s students.”

“Them? Someone else is coming besides the Triple Crown winner?”

“Yes. Speed Symboli, the first Umamusume to go on an overseas expedition, and Haiseiko, our national idol, will be coming as well.”

“That many important figures?” Rei’s eyes widened. “Is Central planning something big, Director?”

Yayoi Akikawa picked up her fan and tapped it several times.

“This was originally confidential, so it cannot be announced yet. But I’ll tell you in advance.”

She had Rei bend down and crouch beside her, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Central is preparing to launch a campaign in the United States and compete in an extremely prestigious race. Everything happening now is merely preparation.”

“The United States?”

“Yes. Central is determined to win this time, so make sure you perform well, Rei. I’m having you welcome Saint Lite and the others because I want you to build a closer relationship with them. That way, they may look after you when the time comes.”

“I understand. I’ll give it everything I have. I, Rei Sumikawa, belong to you in life, Director, and in death, I’ll be your ghost.”

“…”

“Director?”

Rei turned his head and found Yayoi Akikawa’s face flushed bright red. She hid behind her fan, her eyes darting about in confusion.

“…Excellent! Keep up that spirit, Rei. Continue bringing honor to Tracen.”

“Yes!”

Rei stood.

“Was there anything else, Director?”

“The registration forms for the Umamusume debuting this year have arrived. Go fill one out.”

“All right. Then I’ll be going.”

“Yes. You may go.”

Yayoi Akikawa watched Rei leave, then let out a long breath.

I belong to you in life, Director, and in death, I’ll be your ghost.

His voice echoed in her ears. Yayoi Akikawa swallowed.

Before she knew it, Rei had become so exceptional. He had gone from an unknown nobody to one of the pillars supporting Tracen.

How wonderful. His abilities impressed her, and his looks delighted her just as much.

Come to think of it, Rei and I have known each other for years. Although we’re superior and subordinate, we must be closer than almost anyone else at Tracen, aren’t we? We’re both adults and old enough to discuss marriage. It’s only natural to have certain… needs.

Despite her lofty position as Director, she did not have a single reliable man by her side.

To Yayoi Akikawa, Rei was nearly perfect. He was handsome and highly capable, but most importantly…

He listened to everything she said!

Should I find an opportunity to be honest with Rei? Perhaps tell him that superiors and subordinates can date too… or something like that.

Gently rubbing her stomach, Yayoi Akikawa recalled how Rei obeyed her every word like an obedient little puppy. Her body trembled faintly, and she could not resist slipping a hand beneath her skirt…

T/N: OUGH I JUST REALIZED THAT IVE BEEN USING FIRST NAME FIRST HERE TOOOOO!!!! ill just do a vote later sigh

This is a fan translation of 赛马娘，我的马娘是幽灵 by 风与林 Rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!