Uma Musume: Your Uma Has A Problem! [23]

“So, the trainer turnover rate is actually this high…?”

Not much different from the technical seminars Kagura had attended in her previous life, this lecture gave her a clearer idea of what trainers actually did on a daily basis—and the current shortage of trainers at Tracen.

Every year, a significant number of trainers were hired, yet there was still a shortage. The reason wasn’t danger—at least Kagura didn’t hear of anything she would consider truly dangerous. To her, the reason sounded more like a “happy problem.”

After all, according to the host, many trainers resigned each year because they got married to their Uma. Although Kagura’s intuition suggested it probably wasn’t that simple, she lacked deeper insight into the matter, so she didn’t dwell on it too much.

Male trainers really have it tough, huh…

If they didn’t want to be taken home by their trainees after finishing their training, they needed to carefully maintain distance. But then again, when you consider it—spending several years day and night with a cute, beautiful girl, enduring hardships together—refusing her feelings would inevitably cause serious internal conflict.

Thinking about this, Kagura suddenly felt lucky that she was a girl, and an Uma Musume at that. These “happy troubles” had nothing to do with her. Thus, she didn’t pay too much attention to the part about “trainer self-protection.”

In other words, that elderly trainer giving the lecture must be amazing in many ways…

The speaker was an older trainer named Roppē, already advanced in age—old enough to be her father even back in her previous life. If what she had heard was true, this old trainer must’ve already raised many successful Uma, yet showed no sign of retiring… a feat worthy of admiration in its own right.

Kagura overheard some trainers quietly discussing amongst themselves. They spoke of how their Uma had recently become more proactive, even aggressive, and shared strange strategies for preventative measures. Kagura hadn’t experienced anything like this, but as an Uma herself, overhearing these discussions felt rather… complicated.

I think I understand why Tazuna-san asked me to keep this confidential now…

…

After the lecture ended, Kagura stayed seated for a bit, sorting out some key notes she’d taken. Most of the attendees had already dispersed; Tojo Hana and Nishizaki Ryu had also stood up to leave. Seeing this, Kagura packed up her things as well. It was almost noon, and soon she’d have to drag Rudolf ojou-sama out for lunch.

I forgot to check on Nature-chan this morning… I wonder if she ate properly. Maybe I should cook something and take it to her at lunchtime.

Grabbing an unopened bottle of water from the seminar table, Kagura quietly exited the hall, holding her notebook pressed lightly against her ear as she slipped out to the outdoor sports field.

It was nearing midday, the fierce summer sun blazing mercilessly overhead. Even Uma wouldn’t normally be found on the field at this hour—or at least, they shouldn’t. Yet, as Kagura passed by, she saw someone out there.

Who’s crazy enough to run in this blazing heat?

Stopping by the edge of the track, Kagura grew curious about who would choose to run at this time.

On the track was a girl with sky-blue hair. Her steps were weak, visibly frail even from afar. She didn’t have the proud, healthy posture of someone like Rudolf ojou-sama. Instead, she seemed like a delicate flower on the verge of collapse, barely holding herself up against the wind.

This girl’s condition is definitely off!!

Watching the blue-haired Uma swaying unsteadily on the track, anyone—even those without medical knowledge—could see something was terribly wrong. The blazing heat alone was enough to affect even Uma Musume severely.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Kagura instantly dropped what she was holding and launched herself into a full-speed dash. It was easy for her to catch up—the girl ahead was already faltering, about to collapse onto the scorching track.

“Got you!!”

Just as the blue-haired girl tilted dangerously forward, about to hit the ground, Kagura caught up, quickly positioning herself underneath the taller girl. She swiftly adjusted her grip, carefully shifting the Uma Musume onto her back, and hurriedly carried her to the shade beneath nearby trees.

She definitely has heatstroke! Why is she training at noon anyway? Where’s her trainer??

Kagura gently placed the girl onto the shaded grass, arranging her in a comfortable position before uncapping the water she’d taken from the seminar room, carefully bringing it to the girl’s lips.

Logically, no trainer would arrange training at this hour—at least Tojo-sensei and the others never would. Kagura looked around but didn’t see a single trainer nearby.

No supervision at all?

Without a trainer present, this girl must’ve been running alone. Either her trainer was absent, or worse, had abandoned her, which Kagura felt should be immediately reported to Rudolf if true.

The blue-haired girl’s breathing was rapid and shallow, unresponsive to Kagura’s actions. Clearly, she was unconscious.

Kagura quickly pulled a towel from her pocket, dampened it with water, and gently placed it on the girl’s forehead. Thankfully, her clothing was thin and breathable, making her heatstroke symptoms relatively mild. From experience, Kagura estimated the girl would soon regain consciousness.

“What a silly child… Why push yourself so hard?”

Seeing the girl’s complexion gradually improve, Kagura finally relaxed slightly.

Just then, Kagura noticed a familiar-looking man hurriedly running toward them from the direction of the dormitory, frantically searching the area before locking eyes on Kagura and the unconscious Uma Musume under the tree.

“I remember you—you’re from the Mejiro family, aren’t you? What’s wrong? Are you looking for someone?”

“…I apologize deeply for my rude behavior during our previous meeting, Kagura-san.”

“No need—I wasn’t particularly bothered by it. But more importantly, this Uma is from your family, right? What exactly were you thinking, making her run at this hour? Even if your family is desperate for results, pushing an Uma like this is unacceptable! If I hadn’t passed by, this young lady would have collapsed on the fifty-degree track!”

Recognizing the Mejiro trainer, Kagura straightened her expression, her voice turning stern.

“I’m very sorry! It’s our oversight! Thank you very much for saving Ojou-sama! Actually, we discovered Ardan-san missing this morning and have been searching everywhere until now…”

The trainer rapidly bowed in apology while urgently checking on the unconscious Uma—whose identity Kagura finally realized.

She had heard Speed-sama mention this name: Mejiro Ardan, the frail Uma of the Mejiro family.

Apparently, the Mejiro family’s trainers were entirely unaware of Ardan’s whereabouts, meaning Ardan had chosen to train at this dangerous time on her own, without permission.

Isn’t this girl supposed to be weak? Why would she push herself so hard in the blazing sun?

Kagura wondered quietly to herself.

Soon after, doctors, maids, and other staff hurriedly arrived, carrying various medical supplies. Kagura knew her role here was done.

“You all can handle this from here, correct? Then I won’t stay any longer.”

She gently lifted her hand from Ardan’s forehead and stood up to leave. Ardan stirred slightly, subconsciously raising her head as if wanting to nuzzle Kagura’s palm—but unfortunately, Kagura’s hand had already withdrawn.

“Kagura-san, thank you again for your timely help. Our family would like to invite you for a meal to show our gratitude. Might you have time?”

Seeing Ardan improving visibly, those present quickly extended an invitation to Kagura.

“Never turn away from someone in need—that’s my principle. There’s no need for thanks. Besides, I still have work today, so please allow me to decline.”

“…We understand. Should Kagura-san ever have time, the Mejiro family will always welcome you. And we wish you success in your work.”

“Thank you. Same to you.”

Already walking away, Kagura didn’t turn around, merely waving her hand casually to the Mejiro family behind her, returning their warm wishes.

—

T/N: even in this universe… the basement calls

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!