Uma Musume: Your Uma Has A Problem! [20]

“By my count, it should be just about time, right?”

A few days later, Kagura’s enrollment procedures were finally complete. With the notice in hand, she brought her luggage to the gates of Tracen Academy the very next morning.

When she’d gone to tutor Nice Nature a few days back, she had also exchanged contact information with her. Nature had arranged to meet her at eight o’clock this morning so they could enter together, and asked Kagura to show her around. Now it was 7:45. Kagura, who always preferred to arrive at least half an hour early, had been waiting since 7:30.

“Kagura~! Have you been waiting long?”

A few minutes later, she heard quick footsteps coming from the street. Looking up, Kagura saw the red-haired Uma running toward her, burdened with bags piled high on her back.

Since she could now move into Tracen’s dorms, Nature didn’t need her old apartment anymore. Today she was carrying all her luggage and had said goodbye to her friendly landlord with some reluctance.

“You’ve got everything? Didn’t forget anything?”

“Haa… haa! Got it all! I even went to say goodbye to the landlord and everyone at the shopping street. They were all so happy, they gave me loads of snacks to bring with me. That’s why I’m a little late. After all, I’ve lived with them so long—it’s hard to leave…”

Panting from sprinting with so much baggage, Nature leaned on her suitcase, catching her breath. Kagura wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but in the few days since she last saw her, Nature seemed a little taller, her figure just a little sharper.

“That’s wonderful~ To have so many people caring for you, even after coming to a strange city like Tokyo—you’re really lucky, Nature.”

“Hehe… yeah. When I first moved here, I worried I wouldn’t fit in, that people would bully me for being from the countryside… But just like back home, everyone at the shopping street here was so kind and warm. I’m glad…”

“See? That’s why you shouldn’t always be so insecure. You’re a very lovable girl.”

Kagura reached out and patted Nature’s head. Nature didn’t shy away, just smiled sheepishly, as if enjoying the touch.

“Of course I have times when I think, ‘Maybe I really can do it!’ Otherwise I wouldn’t be here at Tracen!”

“Since you’re ready… shall we go?”

One thing Kagura found uncanny—no matter when she came, rain or shine, the “green onee-san” at the school gate was always there. Even now, in the middle of summer break, she stood at her post.

“Ah, are you two here to register?”

“Yes—ah, excuse me, Tazuna-san, could you please let us in?”

Because of the break, the gates weren’t left wide open. Kagura had to ask Tazuna to unlock them.

“Of course. Inari Kagura, and this one… I believe you’re Nice Nature?”

What surprised Kagura more was how Tazuna seemed to know every single student, even those not in uniform. Even Nature, who hadn’t officially enrolled yet, she recognized. It made Kagura wonder—did she really memorize every student name and face in the academy?

“Eh? You know me?”

“I’ve seen you in the student registry. Among this year’s entrants, you scored the highest in the theory exam. Just like your name, Nature—you were excellent. Congratulations. Your effort and talent earned you this place.”

“A-ahaha…”

Embarrassed, Nature scratched her cheek. She knew her results had Kagura’s tutoring to thank.

“Kagura-chan, this is your second time at Tracen, isn’t it? This time you’re officially enrolling?”

“Yes. Please take care of me, Tazuna-san.”

“Mm~ and I’ll be in your care too. For registration, head to the main building atrium. Maruzensky and Rudolf should be there to guide you.”

“Got it, thank you, Tazuna-san~”

The gates swung open. With a parting bow to the ever-smiling green lady, they finally entered Tracen Academy.

For Nature, her first time inside, everything was dazzling. Her ears flicked nonstop, her tail swished wildly as she looked all around and peppered Kagura with questions. Kagura could see how ecstatic she was.

Kagura wanted to show her around, but their luggage came first. They’d need to drop it at the dorms before any exploring.

“Good morning, Kagura-chan… oh? And this must be your friend?”

Sure enough, in the atrium, Maruzensky was waiting.

“Yes. She’s a new student too—Nice Nature.”

“Ehehe~ I’m Maruzensky. Nice to meet you, Kagura-chan’s friend.”

“H-hello! I-I’m Nice Nature!”

Meeting her first Tracen senpai made Nature nervous, words tumbling awkwardly from her mouth.

“Haha, relax. We’re all friends here.”

Hearing the voices, Rudolf also came over to the entrance.

“Good morning, ojou-sama.”

“Morning, Kagura. And this must be the friend you met at the shopping street, yes? If I recall correctly—Nice Nature, the top scorer in this year’s theory exams? Just as your name says, excellent. I hope you’ll continue to run forward here at Tracen and find your shining path. I am Symboli Rudolf, student council president. Pleased to meet you.”

Formal, as always. Even when greeting a freshman, Rudolf’s tone carried that dignified weight. Kagura thought—no wonder other students found her intimidating.

“Y-yes! I still have so much to learn, but I’ll do my best!”

So imposing… worthy of being the Symboli heiress.

Nature bowed deeply. She had realized from Kagura’s greeting—this must be the “ojou-sama” who had helped Kagura enter Tracen.

“You’ve come to the atrium for registration and dorm assignments, yes?”

They both nodded.

“The process is nearly complete already. Just sign here on the list. As for dorms—here, your keys. The numbers are on them. Be careful not to mistake your rooms and disturb others still in residence.”

She handed them their welcome bags and keys. Nature checked hers, then peeked curiously at Kagura’s.

“Ah… what a shame. We’re not in the same dorm. I thought we’d be roommates…”

Her ears drooped, disappointed to see Kagura’s key showed a room one floor above her own.

“It’s fine. I’m in the same dorm building, Suigashima Dorm. Just one flight of stairs away~”

“Mmh… President, can I apply to switch?”

“No, Nature. Dorms are assigned by the school, not by us. Don’t be disheartened. Meeting a new roommate is also part of campus life. Encounters with the unknown are what make it colorful.”

Both Rudolf and Kagura could tell Nature wanted to stay with someone familiar. But Tracen wouldn’t arrange rooms around personal friendships. And meeting new roommates might not be a bad thing.

“Come on, Nature. More students are coming to register. Let’s not keep the council president. Besides, aren’t your bags heavy?”

“Alright… Kagura, you’ll lead the way, okay? I don’t know the dorms yet.”

She perked up quickly enough, regaining her energy.

“Sure. Just don’t lag behind. Careful not to lose me.”

“Lose you? No way—I could never lose sight of someone like you!!”

—

T/N: woahh its weird not seeing Teio simp for prez (LMAO ITS NICE NATURE BTW)

This is a fan translation of 你这后勤马娘有问题啊 by 惰性大发 All 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!