Air Groove's work was simple if described simply, and complicated if described in detail. It meant guiding juniors in training and helping students who were in trouble, but the scope covered the whole of Tracen Academy.
Shirayuki followed behind her as they patrolled Tracen. Thinking about it, the first time Shirayuki had met Air Groove was near the flowerbeds. That place was quite far from the school building, yet Air Groove really had not overlooked even such a remote corner.
Very quickly, Shirayuki witnessed the difficulty of Air Groove's work. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a display of popularity.
"Air Groove-senpai, we don't have enough props for the next stage performance."
An Uma Musume with a ponytail ran over and reported to Air Groove. Air Groove took the form, looked over it a few times, and said,
"Dismantle the props used in the last Harvest Festival event. Take what you need and place the rest in the warehouse. If there are props that need special production, give me a list."
"Yes!"
"Air Groove-senpai, about the document organization—"
"Let me see. First, divide them by content into three main categories: events, study, and training. Then subdivide them. Write down the standards you used for classification and arrange them alphabetically."
"Understood."
Just like that, before they had even walked far, people kept coming to Air Groove for help. When no one came to her, Air Groove would actively look for students who seemed to need assistance. Her efficiency in solving problems was also extremely high. Basically, she gave everyone a fairly good answer.
If Air Groove did this every day, then at least half of Tracen's stability was thanks to her.
"Did you see that, Shirayuki?"
Air Groove spoke to the white-haired girl following behind her.
"This is Student Council work. More precisely, this is the work of an 'Empress.' Today, I'm demonstrating it for you. In the future, these tasks will gradually be shared with you too... What do you think, Shirayuki?"
"Me?"
"If you think it's too difficult, you can say so now. The Student Council has the right of voluntary choice. If you don't want to do it, you may refuse."
"No, let me do it, Air Groove-senpai."
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Mm. Because understanding Uma Musume is the meaning behind me becoming an Uma Musume."
Looking at Shirayuki's firm expression, Air Groove smiled. As expected, she had not misjudged her. Shirayuki had the qualities to become a guide.
After dealing with the issues in the school building, the two went to the training ground. There were quite a few Uma Musume doing self-training there, and Shirayuki saw a familiar figure.
Mejiro Dober was practising her start.
After seeing the two of them, Mejiro Dober jogged over.
"Air Groove-senpai, and Shirayuki. Are you two..."
"I'm doing Student Council work with Air Groove-senpai. Is something troubling you, Dober-oneechan? I saw that you seemed to be having some difficulty with your start."
"You already noticed...? Yes. My start just won't improve. What should I do...?"
"Your stride is too slow, and your step frequency is too low. The main issue is insufficient ankle strength. I suggest Dober-oneechan first practise lifting dumbbells with your feet. After improving your ankle strength, then practise starts again."
"I see."
Air Groove listened beside them and glanced at Shirayuki.
"You know where Dober's problem is?"
"Mm. I understand training-related matters fairly well."
"My training is handled by Shirayuki."
Whether she was showing off or not, Mejiro Dober added that sentence.
"Shirayuki? Then what about your trainer?"
"As for my trainer... he first gives the content to me, then I pass it on to Dober-oneechan."
Shirayuki answered in Mejiro Dober's place.
"Eh? Why?"
"How should I put it? It might be a habit that formed without us noticing, or maybe there are other reasons..."
Fujiwara Shirayuki hesitated, not knowing how to explain it. Air Groove seemed to realize something.
Dober's trainer was Shirayuki's elder brother, and Dober was extremely bad at dealing with men. Air Groove knew this too. At first, Dober had trained under a male instructor, but because communication was difficult, her results had remained unsatisfactory. Air Groove had noticed Mejiro Dober's psychological issue, so whenever she had time, she would guide Dober's training.
It could be said that Mejiro Dober's early training had been carried out with Air Groove's help, until she changed instructors.
And now, that role had shifted to Shirayuki.
First, the trainer gave the content to Shirayuki, then Shirayuki relayed it to Dober. It was indeed a good method. It avoided Mejiro Dober's problem. However, wasn't this burden a little too heavy for Shirayuki? She was still only a junior division student.
Air Groove could not help feeling worried, while her evaluation of Shirayuki also rose greatly.
"Maybe it's because I've been influenced by Trainer Chiya, but Shirayuki can already guide me freely."
Mejiro Dober smiled. It was the first time Air Groove had seen her look so happy.
Influenced by her trainer, huh.
In other words, Shirayuki's sceptre as an Empress was Trainer Chiya.
She should meet him sometime.
The rest of the guidance completely exceeded Air Groove's expectations. Shirayuki accurately solved the training problems of those Uma Musume. The things she said were already no less professional than a real trainer's. Even Air Groove found them quite enlightening.
After solving everyone's problems, the two of them were done with their work.
It was one hour earlier than Air Groove had expected.
"Shirayuki, did you memorize everything your trainer taught you?"
"Most of it."
Air Groove was secretly shocked. Shirayuki could actually remember such complicated knowledge. Could Shirayuki be a genius? Come to think of it, Shirayuki was also in the top three of the junior division.
This child... was far too excellent.
As an Uma Musume and as a student, even with a critical eye, it was difficult to find flaws in Shirayuki. As expected, this child had to become the next "Empress."
"How was Shirayuki's performance, Air Groove?"
Back in the Student Council room, Symboli Rudolf asked.
"Without exaggeration, very perfect."
"Oh? This is the first time I've heard such words from you."
"Yes, President. But there is no exaggeration in what I said. Shirayuki is a natural-born guide."
Symboli Rudolf looked at her.
"In that case, let's leave student affairs to her. That child should be able to handle it."
"I believe in Shirayuki. There will be absolutely no problem."
Air Groove guaranteed it.
"President~"
A childish voice came from outside the door. Tokai Teio ran into the room and, without much concern for manners, threw herself onto Symboli Rudolf.
"Train with me, President!"
"Teio, I'm working right now."
"You're always working. Every time I come to find President, you're working. I want to train with President! Train!"
Air Groove silently watched the little foal clinging to Symboli Rudolf and acting spoiled.
Compared with her, Shirayuki was far cuter.
"Air Groove-senpai, the dance classroom has already been handled."
Shirayuki walked in, holding a completed form in her hands.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Air Groove looked at the white-haired girl in front of her and could not help reaching out to stroke her head. Shirayuki's ears moved lightly, making affection rise in Air Groove's heart.
"Shirayuki, go train with Teio."
"Understood."
"See? Shirayuki has already agreed. You two go."
Tokai Teio raised her head, looked at Shirayuki, then at Symboli Rudolf. After weighing things for a moment, she jumped down.
"Next time! Next time, train with me!"
"Mm, next time for sure."
After the two of them left the Student Council room, Symboli Rudolf said,
"Those two children are very well matched, aren't they?"
If it had been before, Air Groove would definitely have agreed with Symboli Rudolf's words.
But now, Air Groove shook her head.
"I think Teio still needs to work harder before she is worthy of Shirayuki."