Uma Musume: Your Uma Has A Problem! [10]

The sudden appearance of that trainer had completely disrupted Inari Kagura’s original plan. She stood under the bulletin board, thinking for quite a while, so absorbed in her thoughts she didn’t even notice someone coming up behind her.

Only when she felt a hand pat her head, fingers gently stroking, did she snap back to herself—and saw Symboli Rudolf standing behind her, sweat still clinging to her, clearly just finished with intense training.

“Kagura? Weren’t you going to look around the classrooms? Why are you standing here? Or… did you already finish?”

“…I just thought the notices here looked interesting, so I stopped to take a look.”

Kagura considered whether to tell her about meeting the Mejiro family’s trainer who wanted to adopt her. In the end, she chose not to. She wanted to sort her thoughts out first, and then—maybe—seek Symboli family’s counsel.

Rudolf also stopped in front of the board, still idly stroking Kagura’s sleek black hair as she said:

“Oh? You think so too? These boards are always full of students’ strange little ideas, or sometimes trainer teams posting recruitment notices. Whenever I feel too much pressure, coming here to look always relaxes me.”

“That’s true. Though… some of these posters are just a little too powerful visually…”

Kagura laughed faintly, doing her best not to stare at one particular poster—some Uma stuck into the ground like radishes. Maybe Rudolf was right. The students here really did have some wild imaginations.

“…By the way. Come with me to the student council office. There’s something for you.”

She stopped ruffling Kagura’s head, speaking as though she’d just remembered.

“…Something? For me?”

“Hard to explain here. Easier if I just show you directly.”

Rudolf didn’t elaborate. Kagura blinked, confused, but quickly followed after her.

The office wasn’t far. With Uma speed, it was only a short walk. Entering the school building again, Kagura was struck—hard—by Tracen’s wealth. Not only was the interior beautifully furnished, but the facilities were complete: classrooms, clubrooms, a pool, a library.

…So rich. And the students here… they all look so well-off too…

Even if not all wealthy, clearly none of them lived like her old university days—scraping through at month’s end, worrying about rent.

Yet… something unsettled her. Walking down the hallway, she could feel the glances. Far too many. So many turning heads that she flushed, bowing her head slightly, doing her best to ignore them.

Under all those curious eyes, she finally reached the student council office. At this time, it was empty.

Rudolf went straight to her desk, sat down, and pulled a chair over for Kagura, even poured her tea before rummaging through the drawers.

Watching her dig around, Kagura felt strangely awkward—like being summoned to a boss’s office, while the boss shuffled papers and she just sat, useless. Thankfully, Rudolf didn’t take long. Soon she pulled out a stamped document, handing it over with a heavy paper bag.

Kagura took it curiously—and found it was an official letter of appointment, followed by a thick contract.

“This contract is from grandmother, for you. Inari Kagura—starting today, you are officially a maid of the Symboli family. Inside this bag are your identity papers, a bank card, your work badge, and a phone. Guard them well—don’t lose them.”

“…Wow…”

The sheer information hit Kagura like a hammer. She forced herself calm, first scanning the contract. It was formal proof of her position. What shocked her—Symboli family was actually giving her proper maid wages. Not much, but… a steady income.

This… this must be Speed-sama’s decision again…

There were no traps in the clauses. She was listed simply as an orphan. No phantom relatives, no strings. And really—what would a powerful house like the Symboli gain by tricking a penniless child like her?

Honestly, Kagura had always been grateful to Speed-sama for saving her. But she never imagined the Symboli family would go this far—giving her not just food and shelter, but material support, now even identity and income.

Speed-sama is too kind… how could I ever repay this debt…?

Though overjoyed, Kagura didn’t treat it as natural. In her heart, she decided: no matter if Speed-sama expected repayment or not, one day she would find a way to do something for the Symboli.

Her thoughts returned to the Mejiro trainer. She had hesitated before, unsure how to respond. But now—her biggest worries solved—her heart already had its answer.

“…I didn’t expect this… Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Kagura bowed deeply before Rudolf. Words alone felt insufficient, but they were all she had.

“Grandmother likes you very much. And these past weeks, you’ve proven yourself an excellent maid. You earned this.”

Rudolf smiled faintly, lifting Kagura up by the shoulders and giving them a reassuring pat.

Truthfully, though she’d only really met her today, Rudolf liked this quiet little Uma too. Because—unlike Tracen students who looked at her with too much awe—Kagura spoke with her naturally. No fear, no stiffness. Mature beyond her age, like a peer, not just a junior.

“So—after wandering the school, what do you think? Do you like it here?”

“…It’d be hard not to like it, wouldn’t it? The environment is so good… I can’t help being a little envious of the students here.”

After thinking, Kagura answered with a smile.

And it was true. She did envy them, though she herself was indifferent about schooling. The daily life here… imagining it, it was impossible not to.

“I see.”

Rudolf nodded. She had wanted to test Kagura’s attitude before speaking to Speed-sama. Kagura hadn’t said she wanted to enroll, but Rudolf had sensed something else: she lacked a clear goal. Even when running, she showed little hunger for victory.

…She’s missing a target. Probably because she hasn’t really mingled with other Uma yet.

As an Uma, Kagura was gifted. But she lacked knowledge. And she treated everything with a casual, detached air. If she could be placed among others, exposed to ambition, perhaps that spark would awaken. That was why Tojo’s suggestion earlier had pleased Rudolf.

Because—even if amnesia had stolen her past—Uma instinct for competition shouldn’t vanish with memory. Rudolf refused to let such talent go to waste.

“…Um, ojou-sama. Is there anything else? If not, I shouldn’t intrude further.”

Pulled from her thoughts by Kagura’s soft voice, Rudolf blinked, then nodded.

“…Ah—no. That’s all. Do you still want to see anywhere else?”

“…Not really. No. I’d like to return to the Symboli estate. I should still make it back in time to cook lunch.”

She had already seen everything she wanted. And she had her answer about her future. The only thing left was her worry for Speed-sama back home.

She had noticed: Speed-sama had been lightening her workload before, even rotating kitchen duties every other day. But in the end, her cooking had won out. Now shopping and meals were her responsibility.

The reason was simple. Besides her willingness, Speed-sama had laughed and admitted it—she’d spoiled her palate. Couldn’t go back to the old maid’s cooking anymore.

“…Still want to go back and cook? You really take your work seriously.”

“Well… Speed-sama likes my cooking. If there’s a chance, ojou-sama, would you like to come home for a meal too?”

“…If I have the chance, I’ll definitely come. But today… I still have work to do.”

Rudolf smiled wryly. She wanted to linger, to show this adorable maid around more—but her schedule didn’t allow it. She had a guest waiting outside. She couldn’t leave them.

“Then—I’ll head off. If you need me, ojou-sama, just call.”

Kagura bowed and excused herself, leaving the office.

Silence lingered for a moment. Then—gentle knocking at the door.

Rudolf looked up. She had a good guess who it was. The timing fit exactly.

“…Standing outside so long, only now knocking. What are you hesitating over, Mejiro Takamine?”

—

T/N: standby takamine might be the wrong translation! hehe

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!