I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 165 164: Awards and Admiration

Air Groove's POV

It's been a year since last December… Ti flies. We're now in the URA's grand hall for the year-end awards ceremony. Back then, I was a Classic-class Uma Musu with a Triple Crown; this year, I'm here for the Senior Autumn Triple Crown. This achievent is all thanks to Hachiman's and my hard work. I truly feel I was chosen by an incredible partner. If the from when I was scouted saw now, she'd probably call soft. But I'd counter that she was too high-strung, and I have the confidence to back it up. Well, if I could et my past self, that is.

Hachiman: "What's up, zoning out in a place like this?"

Air Groove: "Just reflecting on the past. Since you scouted ."

Fuji: "Ooh, sounds interesting~ I can guess most of it, though."

Hachiman: "You're a far cry from the Air Groove back then. Not just your deanor—you're softer all around. Know what they called you among the students? The Ice-Cold Empress Vice-President."

Air Groove: "Heh, probably before I won the Tenno Sho."

Hachiman: "Wait, you knew?"

Air Groove: "It was true, so I didn't bother making a fuss. Besides, you wouldn't leave over sothing like that, would you?"

Hachiman: "…No way."

Fuji: "Oh? That sounds loaded~"

Hachiman: "Think Air Groove would ever ditch as her trainer?"

Fuji: "Hmm, gotcha. Not a chance. Sa goes for —I'd never dream of breaking my contract with you, Trainer Hachiman."

Hachiman: "That's good to hear."

Hachiman and I are keeping our engagent a secret at the academy. I don't want to disrupt the school's discipline. It's fine outside the academy on rest days—like at Hachiman's place or sowhere private. Holding hands or clinging to his arm in public as the vice-president would definitely cause a scandal.

Note: It's probably best not to ntion clinging to his arm even in private.

Host: "Are you all enjoying yourselves? Now, let's begin the class-specific awards! First, the Junior class! The Uma Musu who shone the brightest is… Fuji Kiseki-san!! An unbeaten supernova with three wins in three races this year!! Her debut race was a staggering 15-length victory!! We expect great things from her in next year's Classic races!!"

Fuji: "Haha… It's kinda embarrassing hearing about myself."

Hachiman: "Well, duh. Winning every race with a margin? That's just expected."

Air Groove: "Things are about to get busier for you."

Host: "Next, the Classic class. The standout is… the Tiara Double Crown winner who opened a 37-year-old door, the jiro family's lady, jiro Dober-san!! With a record of four wins in six races this year! She fell short of the Tiara Triple Crown, but she broke open a dream sealed for 37 years! She's sure to light up the Senior class next! And in the Classic class category, jiro Dober was the unanimous choice!!"

Air Groove: "Heh, as expected."

Hachiman: "Yup. She pushed us to the limit. It'd be weird if she wasn't chosen."

Fuji: "Her Arima Kinen run was unreal. No wonder people call her a true jiro Uma Musu."

Air Groove: "Still… Dober taking the Classic MVP. Next year's going to be interesting."

Hachiman: "More rivals, huh? That's a good thing."

Air Groove: "I can't afford to lose."

Host: "And now, the Senior class. The brightest star is… once again making history, the undefeated Senior Autumn Triple Crown winner, Air Groove-san!! An impeccable seven wins in seven races!! Her head-to-head with jiro Dober at the Arima Kinen was a match race for the ages!! And in the Senior class category, Air Groove was the unanimous choice!!"

Air Groove: "Another flash barrage…"

Fuji: "Haha, still not used to it, huh?"

Air Groove: "If I could get used to it that easily, I wouldn't struggle."

Hachiman: "Pretty sure there's one more round coming, so brace yourself."

Air Groove: "…Right."

…So many flashes. I'll never get used to this.

Host: "Now, the three awardees, please step down… And finally, the Horse of the Year! The Uma Musu who dominated this year is… from the Senior class, Air Groove-san!!"

…Hachiman was right. I thought Dober might've had a shot, though?

Next is the trainer category. Hachiman's bound to be called up. I'll send him off with a smile when he is.

After the Awards Ceremony

Hachiman: "Ugh… Finally over."

Air Groove: "Don't be so sloppy. I get how you feel, but save it for ho."

Fuji: "Now, now. Trainer-san, there might be people around, so keep it down a bit, okay?"

Hachiman: "Yeah, but… you guys didn't expect to be called up that many tis either, right? Two years in a row is one thing, but this feels excessive. Plus, all the Uma Musu I train got awards."

Air Groove: "The URA has its pride. Just go with it. Besides, I was happy. I got to take a picture with you."

And that photo's being printed as we speak, so no complaints.

Air Groove: "Alright, let's head ho."

Hachiman: "Yeah—'Um, excuse !!' Hm?"

Air Groove: "Hm?"

Fuji: "Oh?"

A young Uma Musu, probably from the elentary division, stood before us. Her eyes sparkled brighter than the night sky.

???: "Y-You're Air Groove-san, right!? The one who won the Triple Tiara and Senior Autumn Triple Crown undefeated!?"

Air Groove: "Yes, I'm Air Groove."

???: "Wow, it's really you!! Um, um!! I want to be an Uma Musu like you soday!! I went to the Arima Kinen, and I was so moved!! I want to race like that!!"

Fuji: "Looks like you've got a passionate fan, Air Groove."

Air Groove: "I see… Then never forget that feeling. The stronger your passion, the more certain that bud will bloom into a magnificent flower. It's just a sprout now, but if you hold onto that dream, I believe you'll stand on that stage one day."

???: "Yes!!"

Air Groove: "I'd like to know the na of an Uma Musu who might make it big. What's your na?"

???: "Y-Yes!! I'm Lis Gra Shoe!!"

Lis Gra Shoe… What a fine na.

Air Groove: "That's a great na. I've etched it into my heart. I look forward to seeing you race."

Gra Shoe: "Y-Yes!!"

Lis Gra Shoe returned to her family, bowing to us before leaving.

Air Groove: "Lis Gra Shoe, huh. A really good na. She might just make it big."

Hachiman: "? Why's that?"

Air Groove: "'Lis' ans lily in French, and 'Gra Shoe' ans clear or elegant. It's a fitting na."

Fuji: "Wow, that is a nice na. But what makes you think she'll make it big?"

Air Groove: "Just a hunch."

Hachiman: "Oi, that's the vaguest answer ever."

Air Groove: "But now you can't ignore her, can you?"

Hachiman: "You saying I should train her?"

Fuji: "If that happens, you'll be even busier, Trainer Hachiman. Nothing but promising Uma Musu!"

Air Groove: "If you keep being a trainer, that is. Co on, let's go."

Lis Gra Shoe, huh. I'll keep her in mind.

Afterword

Air Groove's reflection on her journey, the awards sweep, and eting Lis Gra Shoe—a nod to a beloved racehorse—make this chapter shine! Fuji's inclusion adds warmth, and the Yahari crossover keeps Hachiman's dynamic with Air Groove heartfelt. Lis Gra Shoe's introduction is a perfect touch, tying her na's aning to Air Groove's love for flowers and their shared lineage through Tony Bin.

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