Umamusume's days are numbered

And then...

"Have you heard? The president's sister is coming to visit us."

"Really? Is this even possible?"

"I heard she just came back from abroad, which is why she chose this time to enroll. She seems to be an exceptionally cute pure white horse girl..."

"That's a lie. We don't have any horses of that color at home."

"Well... I'm not quite sure about that."

at last···

"Do you guys remember the day before yesterday when the president wasn't at school but went out to give a lecture? Actually, she went to pick up her illegitimate child."

"Oh, such a thing really happened? I can't believe it, the student council president is so upright and kind..."

"Have you forgotten the East Sea Emperor and Little Chestnut Hat? I heard that the student council president secretly treats this academy as her own backyard, and she chooses her consorts every night..."

"Then why have I never found my page?"

"Don't interrupt. Anyway, it's probably true... because I really saw that horse girl in the dorm. She was wearing pajamas, looking like she hadn't woken up yet, wandering around on the upper floors. She was a pure white horse, and she looked like a foreigner."

"Foreign horses?"

"Perhaps it was a ill-fated relationship that arose during one of the emperor's overseas expeditions..."

"But... but if that's the case... what about Emperor?"

"Alas...the fate of large families..."

"Alas...the fate of large families..."

In short, both Platinum and Rudolph somewhat overlooked the boundless curiosity and imagination of these ponies. Platinum, who had been completely isolated from the world for the past two days, was surprised to find that his half-asleep grogginess as he searched for his room in the corridor was not only seen by the Golden Ship, but also treated as a tourist attraction.

Rudolph is a symbol of even greater importance. How could you be such a student council president? How did your reputation among the students become like this, Rudolph!

Unbeknownst to either of them, one was labeled Rudolph's symbol of his second illegitimate child; and the other gained another name in the legend of her tyranny at the academy...

However, the Emperor of the East Sea was not very happy.

Everyone's enjoying the gossip, and even the Emperor of the East Sea loves it. But getting caught up in the gossip himself can be a real headache.

Why do people pat me on the shoulder and tell me to be strong when I'm walking down the street?

Don't take those rumors as truth!

That being said...

The Emperor of the East Sea tossed his bangs in front of the mirror, his azure eyes as serene and beautiful as Walden Pond.

Alright—today, I am also the fully armed and ready-to-go Emperor of the East China Sea!

The night mist had gradually dissipated, and although the sun had not yet risen, the sky was already a bright azure. The East Sea Emperor's roommate, Maya Heavy Cannon, was curled up in bed, fast asleep.

But... do you think there wasn't even a tiny bit of wavering...? Yes, there was.

After all, rumors can spread like wildfire, and even Zeng's mother couldn't resist their power. How could the Emperor of the East Sea possibly escape disaster?

What if, what if it's true?

The Emperor of the East Sea wasn't the kind of person to mince words. If he had doubts, why didn't he just ask directly?

Thinking this, the Emperor of the East Sea blinked and took out his phone.

[President~ I heard there's going to be a new transfer student?]

[I heard she's an adorable, pure white child personally brought here by the president. Could the president give us a sneak peek? I want to be friends with her!]

A true emperor dares to confront the chairman's authority!

Be upright and speak frankly!

If it were the president I've always trusted, he would never beat around the bush; he would answer my question directly!

After a while, my phone vibrated to indicate that a message had come in.

[Your Majesty, where did you learn this from?]

The smiling Emperor of the East Sea nearly collapsed upon seeing this news.

What's going on? This sentence sounds so much like... something from the TV series I watched last night.

When a husband is caught cheating on his wife with his lover... he stammers out these words with a panicked expression.

President, you can't let those TV dramas lead you astray!

Fortunately, the phone started vibrating again soon.

[The documents concerning transfer students should have only just been handled by the student council.]

So that's what it meant... The Emperor of the East Sea breathed a sigh of relief.

Yes, that's right. A sentence can have different meanings depending on the context, occasion, and tone of voice.

Concerned about the confidentiality of student council documents is very much in line with the president's personality; there's no problem at all.

The president is still the same handsome president, open-minded and upright!

[Students have their own little channels for passing messages.] The Emperor of the East Sea sent the message in this way.

[You're making it sound like I'm not a student... By the way, since you want to get to know the transfer student, could you please do me a favor?]

I've been wanting to take that child to visit different schools and show her around Teresen College. But I've been so busy with work these days...

The Emperor of the East Sea's eyes lit up.

Isn't this the opportunity?

The Emperor of the East Sea had long wanted to meet the transfer student who was at the center of public opinion, but he had never had the opportunity.

She can't just skip elective courses like the Golden Ship, can she?

We can't just rush up to a high floor with great enthusiasm and take a look around like we're visiting a tourist attraction, can we?

She lacked an opportunity, a chance to meet the transfer students face-to-face.

Here it comes! It's like a pillow being delivered when you're sleepy. I love you so much, President!

Excitedly, the Emperor of the East Sea stepped out of his bedroom. Maya Heavy Cannon poked its little head out and stared blankly at the door, then shrank back into the blankets, changed its position, and continued to sleep soundly.

Episode 25: The Emperor of the East Sea, a Clash on a Narrow Path!

"Anyway, that's it. The president asked me to show you around the school." The East Sea Emperor stood in front of Platinum and made a peace sign with his hand.

"Yeah~"

"···"

Instead of nodding or shaking her head immediately, Bai Jin reached out to block her eyes.

—Wow, so dazzling! That natural familiarity, that innate affability... This is comparable to Kita Ikuyo's sassiness!

A guy like the Emperor of the East Blue probably has ten friends accompanying him to and from school every day. Even going to the bathroom together after class could easily turn into a Holy Grail War.

Sorry, I'm allergic to angular corners.

I've hated guys like that since my past life!

"Please wait a moment... Let me confirm with the president."

Platinum lowered her head and covered her face, hurriedly pulling out her phone to hide her allergy symptoms.

A clean social media interface, clean contacts. Only one Rudolph symbol hangs high above—because only Rudolph symbolizes one contact.

Are you awake yet?

The East Sea Emperor volunteered to show you around the school; she'll be waiting for you downstairs in the dormitory.

The emperor is a good child; you will like him. Please get along well with him.

Please come to the student council office later. There are some things I need to tell you.

This reportage-like tone... President, is this how you usually chat with people? Platinum felt a chill run down her spine.

As expected of President Rudolf, he can still make people feel cold even through a phone screen and without telling any lame jokes.

Upon seeing the message from Rudolf, Platinum sighed sadly. It seemed his good days were over.

"How is it?" Before she knew it, the East Sea Emperor's head peeked out from behind Bai Jin's shoulder. She ran behind Bai Jin and stood on tiptoe.

Did the president say anything?

Please don't get so close, I might have an allergic reaction.

Platinum subtly took two steps away and put his phone back in his pocket.

So, what should we do now...? I didn't expect to face such a difficult problem right from the start.

How should we approach the Emperor of the East Sea?

Bai Jin certainly hadn't forgotten his purpose in entering this academy—to train hard, compete in the Yayoi Prize, and unlock the system's level two shop.

In addition, all unnecessary contact should be refused.

In other words, Platinum has decided to be invisible at school, the kind of person who won't even notice if she misses class.

This isn't because Platinum is aloof. Her requests, including wanting a separate dorm room and not joining any teams, are all for one purpose: to minimize her impact on others.

In this world, one person suffering from soul dissolution syndrome is enough.

But how do we deal with the East Sea Emperor who is forcibly clinging to us?

Of course, I don't mean the kind of solution where you knock someone out, drag them into the woods, change their clothes, and then sneak in openly... How should I deflect the friend request sent by Yangjiao?

If you refuse firmly, the Emperor of the East Sea might start crying, and Platinum can't stand a child crying. We've seen enough of that in the hospital already.

And what if the Emperor of the East Sea reports Rudolf to the Symbol... his life would still be in Rudolf's hands.

Wait and see!

Forbearance!

Platinum decided to yield.

In short, it's best to play it by ear for now. Once the Emperor of the East Sea loses interest in me, I can continue with my plan to remain inconspicuous.

"Uh... um, the president said... I should follow you..." Platinum stammered.

Seeing Bai Jin's appearance, the Emperor of the East Sea couldn't help but cover his face.

"Pfft—why the expression? I don't look like I'd eat people!"

Zhi, why did you show your fear first?

If I were to show weakness before the Emperor of the East Sea, my life as a transmigrator would be over.

I've got it! Let's just cover it up with a loud voice!

Platinum reached out and slapped his cheek hard, instantly turning his face bright red.

While the Emperor of the East Sea was stunned, Bai Jin calmly extended his hand to her.

"Sorry for making you laugh."

"I am Platinum. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will be living in this academy for the next few years. Please take care of me."

Look, look!

If you want to do it, you can definitely do it!

That mere sunny corner? Let me take back that glory!

"He's quite an interesting person..." The Emperor of the East Sea muttered to himself as he looked at Bai Jin.

Is it because I don't see outsiders often? I was a little timid when I first met them.

But she quickly adjusted her demeanor and spoke to people politely... she was just like the student council president.

Although the exact relationship between Platinum and Rudolf has not yet been clarified, the Emperor of the East Sea would certainly believe it if we said that Platinum is a distant relative of the symbol of home.

If Bai Jin were to hear the thoughts of the Emperor of the East Sea, he would definitely roll his eyes.

Of course it's similar, because this way of speaking was learned from the chairman.