Uma Musume Pretty Derby: To The Basement Chapter 122 122: Uma Musume Pretty Derby: To The Basement [1

Symboli Rudolf carried Mizuno Sora on her shoulder, happily running along the Uma-only path toward Tracen Academy.

Even though plenty of Rudolf fans spotted her along the way, Mizuno's sense of presence was so low they only saw Symboli Rudolf alone. They just assud she was passing through, and so no rumors of "Rudolf abducting a civilian man" were stirred up.

Of course, being able to carry Mizuno back to Tracen without hindrance was a blessing. But the fact that it went so smoothly only made Symboli Rudolf suspicious.

"Trainer Mizuno, why aren't you crying for help anymore?" Rudolf asked the man slung over her shoulder.

Back in the police station, his cries had shaken the heavens and wept the ghosts, as if he were about to be Uma Pyoi'd right there, frantically begging the police to save him.

Symboli Rudolf understood well enough. Mizuno was normally terrified of Uma, afraid she would turn out just like the others, hopelessly love-brained and capable of doing sothing excessive to him.

That's why Trainer Mizuno usually hid his entire self away, doing everything possible to avoid contact with Uma. Even when he helped soone, it was always done in secret. Not like other trainers who, after doing sothing good, couldn't help bragging to their Uma—only to get Uma Pyoi'd in the end.

If not for that call from the police, she might never have learned that Mizuno had secretly done sothing so important for her.

Ever since she found out, Symboli Rudolf's heart had been carrying a strange, unnaable feeling.

She had always stood as the Academy's upperclassman, Student Council President, and idol, guiding and caring for others. This was her first ti being protected—not by her parents, but by soone else...

That feeling... was strange... vexing... yet joyful too...

So at the police station, she hadn't reasoned gently with Mizuno at all. Instead she had just hauled him off, rough and simple. If asked why, she wouldn't be able to answer. She could only call it instinct...

But in her own heart, she was sure she wasn't like other Uma with their love-addled brains. The reason she carried Trainer Mizuno away was only to bring him to safety quickly, nothing more! Absolutely nothing shaful!

If Mizuno had cried out loudly now, he could easily draw people's attention. The mont Rudolf put him down to explain, he'd have the perfect chance to slip away. Rudolf wouldn't chase him if he ran—he'd succeed in escaping.

Rudolf had already braced herself for the misunderstanding that might co if passersby saw her like this.

But to her surprise, ever since leaving the police station, Mizuno had stopped struggling altogether. His arms and legs hung limp, his body lifeless on her shoulder, moving only with a faint tremor that proved he was still alive.

So why didn't Trainer Mizuno try that?

"If I did that, it would give your anti-fans ammunition to attack you." Mizuno's weak voice drifted out.

"Eh?" Rudolf was stunned by the answer.

Even at a ti like this, he was thinking of her...?

She pressed a hand to her chest—it burned a little hotter.

"As I thought, Trainer Mizuno is very gentle..." Rudolf smiled softly.

If she herself was the Emperor ruling under the sun's brilliance, then Trainer Mizuno was the Dark Knight quietly protecting others beneath the moonlight.

But this knight always chose to sacrifice himself for the sake of others, and that made her heart ache unbearably. She wanted to shut him away—no, draw him close, so she could protect him properly.

At that thought, the domineering majesty that made others want to kneel in worship seed to dissolve from her completely.

In its place, she grew approachable, every glance and smile suffused with warmth, like a gentle onee-san next door.

Simply put, the Majestic Emperor had turned into cute Luna-chan...

But instead of easing Mizuno's suffering, that shift only made him feel worse.

Hey hey hey! What's with showing a side you'd only show soone close to you! Hurry up and turn back to normal!

"Guh..." Mizuno shivered in fear.

Sensing his trembling, Rudolf set him down, standing before him.

"Trainer Mizuno, you can rest assured." She pressed a hand to her chest, looking straight into his eyes.

"Since you protected , then as repaynt, I will guarantee your safety. I will never do anything that oversteps the rules."

"Is that so..." Mizuno's mouth twitched as he lowered his head stiffly.

Because in truth, his legs were already wrapped three tis over by Rudolf's tail.

"Eh?!" Rudolf finally noticed as well, and quickly yanked her tail back.

"Forgive , Trainer Mizuno. That wasn't my intention—it seems to have acted on its own..." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled awkwardly.

"..." Mizuno folded his arms, stepping back a few paces.

You'd better be telling the truth. And it had better be only your tail losing control...

Seeing his wary retreat, Rudolf hurried to explain:

"Trainer Mizuno, it was just an accident! Please believe !"

"Is that so?" Mizuno eyed her with deep suspicion, then tried edging a little closer.

But the mont he did, her tail whipped out again like a snake sighting prey, coiling straight around his thigh.

"..." The two fell silent.

This was really an accident?!

"Cough, cough... um..." Mizuno gave a few awkward coughs.

"Ugh!" Rudolf's face reddened as she yanked her tail back again, clutching it tightly to keep it from moving.

"Sorry, I must be too tired today... my ntal state's not great, so the tail isn't listening well..."

Mizuno: "..."

Yeah, sure... those twitching ears of yours look plenty energetic to ...

But Mizuno didn't call her out directly. Instead he said:

"Since President Rudolf is feeling tired, I won't bother you anymore. I'll head off now. Please rest early, President Rudolf. See you tomorrow."

With that, he turned at once, preparing to leave.

"Trainer Mizuno, wait!" Rudolf called after him.

"What is it?" Mizuno stopped, turning back stiffly.

"Ahem..." Rudolf cleared her throat as though about to make so grave announcent.

"Trainer Mizuno, since we're already friends, you don't have to call so formally. You can call Luna~" She smiled, her gaze holding a trace of expectation.

"Eh..." Mizuno shuddered.

Wasn't that na only used by those close to Symboli Rudolf? If he called her that, wouldn't it an he was acknowledging himself as one of those close people?!

No no no! Absolutely not!

"No. I don't think it's appropriate. I'll keep calling you President Rudolf." Mizuno refused flatly, and without giving her the chance to say more, turned and left.

"All right..." Outwardly Rudolf's expression barely changed, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointnt.

Trainer Mizuno was still afraid of her, afraid because she was an Uma...

This couldn't go on. If Trainer Mizuno always lived with this fear of Uma, then not only would it sadden whichever Uma he was in charge of—it would also trap him in pain forever.

"I have to help Trainer Mizuno overco this fear. Make him realize the good in Uma!" Rudolf watched his retreating back, like a man running for his life, and ford her resolve.

As for who should be the one to show Mizuno that Uma aren't so terrifying...

Perhaps... she herself could be the one to try...