"Hey, wanna be my Personal Doctor?"
"High monthly salary plus a cut of the prize money—it won't be low."
The horse girl named Agnes Tachyon chuckled lightly as she extended her hand towards Lin Anran, who stood before her.
Personal doctor!
Top-tier Uma Musume Doctors often have numerous career paths.
Some become family doctors exclusively serving prestigious horse girl lineages, providing check-ups, treatments, and even custom training plans for all horse girls of that family name—for instance, the Mejiro and Symboli families both have their own in-house doctors.
Others work as regular doctors in hospitals or school clinics within horse girl academies.
Additionally, there's the option to take on part-time roles as Personal Doctors for specific Uma Musume.
Though called "exclusive," it doesn't mean being tied to just one horse girl, as that would be impractical.
After all, whether in Europe, America, or Japan, doctors' salaries are notoriously high, and most ordinary horse girls simply can't afford that.
Even if the horse girl is a star capable of winning G1 races, how could she possibly pay such exorbitant fees when facing a top doctor whose earnings might rival her own?
So, this so-called "Personal Doctor" arrangement is more like a side gig—the doctor maintains their primary job while dedicating some time to regularly check, maintain, and treat their patron Uma Musume, adjusting or even designing training regimens suited to her intensity.
Agnes Tachyon's offer of a monthly salary plus a share of prize money shows she's both generous and sincere!
She believes Dr. Lin is absolutely worth every penny—if he's willing to agree, they could sign the contract today.
After all, every horse girl's adaptability, preferred running style, and optimal distance vary greatly. Determining the right training load to maintain health isn't something just any doctor can instantly figure out.
This kind of part-time personal doctor role is kinda like finishing your own account in a game, then logging into your sugar mommy's account every few days to check the stats, adjust gear, playstyle, and strategy.
For Uma Musume eager to improve and willing to spend, rather than booking regular check-ups, it's better to pay more for a doctor who proactively comes to you.
This saves time and ensures regular contact with a trusted, excellent doctor—safer all around. And the doctor isn't hindered in their main job while earning extra on the side.
Call it a true win-win situation.
Of course, a doctor could choose to be the "Personal Doctor" for five or even eight Uma Musume simultaneously—there's historical precedent. But that's extremely rare; usually, it's just for one or two.
Tachyon knows someone as outstanding and in-demand as Dr. Lin likely has no shortage of G1 Champion Uma Musume willing to offer heavy salaries or even prize money shares to secure a contract with him.
If she doesn't act fast, those slots might fill up, and Lin Anran could sign with someone else!
'Dr. Lin has seemed pretty free since coming to Japan, not that busy.'
'So there's no reason he'd turn down a lucrative side gig like this.'
Tachyon had been keeping an eye on this young doctor.
Since Lin Anran left the U.S. for Japan, he must not have signed with those monstrous horse girls he knew in Europe and America—or perhaps the contracts ended.
And this vacancy!
Currently, the popular monster Secretariat and the turf empress Dahlia haven't signed with him yet, and they're too focused on training and races to come to Japan. This is a heaven-sent opportunity!
Not only would this allow her to recover optimally and safely without worrying about her body, but it also satisfies her interest in studying the enigmatic and fascinating Dr. Lin. Two birds with one stone, really.
So, Tachyon didn't hesitate to extend the contract invitation.
Her beautiful eyes fixed deeply on the young doctor who had stopped in his tracks.
Faced with such an enthusiastic offer from the famous horse girl scientist on campus, Lin Anran paused.
His first reaction was delight—this was a golden chance to profit from a G1 Champion!
But then, the cunning young doctor quickly sobered up and started analyzing.
'Wait?!'
In terms of achievements, Agnes Tachyon is indeed excellent, with theoretically extremely high potential.
From major pre-Satsuki Sho races to the Satsuki Sho itself, she swept almost all opponents of her generation, living up to the high expectations placed on her.
But no matter how high her monthly offer is, it can't compare to a share of prize money.
'Thing is, Agnes Tachyon isn't some battle-hardened Uma Musume who can grind through races for prizes—she's got glass legs...'
Lately, Lin Anran has frequently examined Tachyon's delicate feet, running tests and evaluations.
He might not gauge her innate talent, but he can definitely assess her health potential.
The talented Tachyon... is somewhat fragile—maintaining intense training and frequent high-stakes races would significantly increase her injury risk, making it hard to avoid crises.
Natural aptitude is one thing; leg durability is another.
Lin Anran recalls a young filly named Flightline he knew back in the U.S.
That girl Flightline also had glass legs.
Her ceiling was unknown, but she couldn't handle frequent races. Once that was confirmed, a certain heartless doctor ruthlessly dropped her.
Compared to Flightline, the current Tachyon has at least won the Satsuki Sho, but after treatment, she definitely can't participate in the Kikuka Sho.
So the lucrative classic triple crown? No gold to mine there!
And future races? She likely can't handle frequent campaigns, especially facing seniors like Tokai Teio or his own transformed self, Platinum...
'Before the classic triple crown, Tachyon might've been worth contracting.'
'Now, her value isn't as high.'
The cold-hearted, calculating doctor coolly finished his assessment.
After his trip to Europe and Platinum's Irregular Triple Crown, Lin Anran's standards had risen.
Typically, he only has one or two slots, reserved for one or two big spenders.
So his choice must be cautious—it has to be an Uma Musume who can race frequently and yield prizes. While Tachyon can win G1s, her efficiency was too low.
If she wins one G1 and rests for two or three months, she might earn less than a battle-hardened Uma Musume who consistently places second or third in G1 races.
It's not uncommon for Uma Musume who win but race less to earn less in prizes than those who don't win but race frequently.
'Not to mention—'
'Right now, Tachyon already owes me more than one race's prize share!'
The injured Tokai Teio has already agreed to give him a high percentage of her next G1 race's prize money.
After all, his perfect treatment saved her months of recovery time and rescued a part of her career—a high prize share is more than justified.
In comparison, Tachyon's case is more severe—one required intermediate healing skills, the other advanced...
So, definitely no less than two or three races with high percentage shares.
That's enough for now. Better to keep that personal doctor slot open for other, more valuable fillies!
Don't interrupt my money-making!
Agnes Tachyon? PASS!
Having made his decision, the ruthless, calculating doctor turned his attention back to Tachyon.
A hint of helplessness flickered across the handsome features of the black-haired young man. He frowned slightly, looking like he wanted to agree but couldn't.
He even hesitated over how to phrase the rejection.
Should he reuse an old line, like, "When you become the strongest, I'll..."?
But that might not fit—forcing a formula could lead to mismatches and trouble.
If Tachyon really became the strongest, why would she need him as a personal doctor? This isn't some marriage or promise flag.
So...
"Sorry... I've already signed a contract with another Uma Musume."
"I don't have the energy to take on another exclusive arrangement."
"Her name is—Platinum."
Simply put, a fragile Uma Musume who can't battle frequently and yield prizes isn't worthy of being his cherished contracted Uma Musume!
Agnes Tachyon? She's just the breadwinner... well, the gold source, hardly the long-term contract partner the cunning doctor covets!
With only one or two lucrative slots, they can't be wasted like this.
Hearing Lin Anran's refusal, Tachyon was stunned.
'It's... Platinum?'
The sharp and mad young scientist, who had already been studying the mysterious Pegasus Platinum—her innate talent, speed, even her identity—had no idea Platinum and Lin Anran were this close!
'Wait, come to think of it... Platinum is a foreign Uma Musume, right?'
Previously, during a livestream, Platinum mentioned that the horse girl who left the deepest impression on her was [Nearl the Radiant Knight], but sadly, she would never come to Japan.
Clearly, that Radiant Knight is a foreign horse girl. And the hitherto unknown Platinum, being so certain of that foreign Uma Musume's strength, must have come to Japan from overseas.
It's even possible Platinum and Dr. Lin knew each other early on, perhaps even came to Japan together, so they might have had a contract from the start!
At this thought, Tachyon's surprise and regret subtly shifted into... unease and complexity.
If it really is Platinum, then things might be a bit difficult.
'Could it be—'
'Try defeating Platinum?'
Surely she couldn't just beat Platinum and say, "Beauty belongs to the strong!"
'Dr. Lin is the Beauty.'
Then steal Dr. Lin from Platinum?
The mad young scientist actually pondered the feasibility of this.
Given Platinum's expedition to Europe, snatching the Derby crown from Galileo and performing a solo dance with such formidable strength...
'Honestly, it'd be tough.'
But the possibility isn't zero!
It seems she needs to carefully consider her future race choices.
After recovering and resuming training, she must witness Platinum's full power.
"Platinum... She beat me to it. What a pity."
"Regardless, thank you for your treatment, Dr. Lin. I'm deeply grateful."
Tachyon stopped, tucking her hands back into her wide sleeves.
"If you ever have time to contract with another Uma Musume in the future..."
"Feel free to come find me. My slot will always be open for you, Dr. Lin."
With that, Tachyon turned and gradually disappeared from Lin Anran's view.
"Phew..."
After successfully using "Platinum" as an excuse and seeing Tachyon off, a flicker of pain crossed Lin Anran's calm expression.
But alas... his standards have risen! His requirements are higher now!
From a normal perspective, Tachyon would be a decent choice—talented and strong.
But as a fragile horse girl who can't battle frequently, her prize-yielding potential is lower. He had to tearfully give her up and hope for a better gold source.
"That exclusive slot needs careful consideration."
After all, Lin Anran has always been a gambling addict who goes all-in! From the U.S. to Japan!
"I hope the next gold source is a super monster who can battle frequently and win consecutively!"
"If I can't find one, I can always go back to Tachyon."
If he really can't find anyone in a few months... then signing with Tachyon later isn't out of the question.
A good horse doesn't turn back to old grass?
But he's not a good person—just a decent doctor who's a bit greedy for money!
Then it'd be... Tachyon, Love Me Once More?
If possible, this money-grubbing, cunning doctor would prefer a filly who can yield more prizes.
Agnes Tachyon? Just a backup!
--+--
Tracen Academy is a top-tier super school in Japan, even in Asia.
While its training standards might still lag behind Europe's and America's elite institutions, it's widely acknowledged that its dedication and resource investment are nearly on par with those Western schools.
For instance, training grounds for horse girls are everywhere. Currently, Manhattan Cafe was diligently working on endurance training at one such ground.
For this dark-haired girl, even though the Kikuka Sho might lack monsters like Agnes Tachyon and Platinum from the Satsuki Sho and Japanese Derby, she still needed to improve herself as much as possible to prevent new dark horses from emerging.
One true dark horse—her—is enough; there's no room for a second!
As Manhattan Cafe continued running... her pupils suddenly constricted, as if she'd seen someone who shouldn't be there.
It was—Agnes Tachyon?
Since being diagnosed with tendonitis, which made even running painful and harmful, Tachyon hadn't set foot on a training ground.
This was the first time Cafe had seen her here since then.
Instantly, Cafe recalled that two days ago, Tachyon had received a text from Dr. Lin saying he was confident of a perfect treatment...
The dark-haired girl gradually slowed down, coming to a stop before her friend Tachyon.
"Tachyon, how was the treatment?"
Tachyon used just two words to describe Lin Anran's treatment.
"Smooth. Perfect."
For a research enthusiast, these were extremely positive terms, and the joy on Tachyon's face was unmistakable.
Tachyon first rose on her toes, then, to Cafe's astonishment, began moving at a slightly accelerated pace—not fast, just testing the pain level.
After a few seconds, she stopped again.
"Compared to before... it's much reduced."
"Dr. Lin's medical skills are truly unheard of."
According to Dr. Lin, with further treatment over about a month, she should fully recover!
Just one more month!
First, resume training; then think about defeating Platinum and winning back Dr. Lin.
"Congratulations, Tachyon."
"It seems we can train together again soon."
Manhattan Cafe smiled slightly, feeling pleased.
Besides being happy for her limited number of friends recovering, she was also somewhat relieved.
Maybe Tachyon's research would decrease now, and she'd stop producing those strange potions?
Tachyon stood up, tucking her hands back into her sleeves and waving.
"Don't worry about me for now. Focus on your training and prepare to face that monster."
Her words and wary expression made the dark-haired girl pause.
"Huh?"
Her next race was the Kikuka Sho.
With Tachyon out, Kurofune and Jungle Pocket unsuited, and Platinum having achieved an Irregular Triple Crown, what other monster was there?
Another expert? Who?
The usually calm and composed dark-haired girl was rarely bewildered.
"Haven't you seen the article URA published today or the current entry list?"
"Here..."
Tachyon pulled out her phone, quickly opening the official article she hadn't closed yet.
When Manhattan Cafe took the phone and looked at the screen…
--+--
The article's title alone wasn't eye-catching or shocking.
Its content was brief, just a few lines.
Special Prize Increase for Classic Races
[After discussion and research, the association has decided to add a new welfare clause for classic races starting this year.]
[When achieving a mixed crown in the Classic Triple Crown or Classic Triple Tiara!]
[Upon winning the third crown, i.e., achieving a "Mixed Triple Crown," the winner's prize for the Third Crown Race will be doubled!]
Manhattan Cafe: ???
She instantly made the "Subway Elder Looking at Phone" face.
URA's intentions are obvious to all!
Isn't URA just... begging their ancestor to come back for the Kikuka Sho?
Wasn't the current Pegasus Platinum exactly the one who'd achieved a Mixed Triple Crown with the Oaks, Japanese Derby, and Epsom Derby?
And right before the Kikuka Sho, URA suddenly urgently adds a welfare clause: winning a Mixed Triple Crown where the Third Crown is a Japanese classic race doubles the prize...
Wasn't this blatantly offering benefits specifically for Platinum?
This was absolutely begging Platinum to participate in the Kikuka Sho!
If she comes and wins, the prize doubles—winning one race equals winning two!
"This..."
After staring in shock for a while, Manhattan Cafe was filled with astonishment.
"Since when is URA's efficiency this high?"
In the past, when Oguri Cap, who rose from local races to Central Races, missed early registration for classic races despite immense popularity...
URA back then was arrogant and rigid. Despite countless fans and even senior horse girls and Tracen Academy pleading, they refused to let Oguri Cap participate in the prestigious classic races.
Even when they later modified the rules to allow late registration, it was only announced after the classic races of Oguri Cap's year had ended, still preventing the ultra-popular Oguri Cap from competing...
So it's no wonder many horse girls and outside viewers have a stereotypical view of URA—if anything, that view is based on fact.
But now, URA is worried that Platinum, having won the Epsom Derby overseas, might not come for the Kikuka Sho. They specifically added a welfare clause to attract her and published it overnight.
Senior Oguri Cap would probably be eating non-stop while crying if she saw this.
Manhattan Cafe gritted her teeth, scrolling to the comments.
As expected, many comments said...
[New "Classic Race Welfare Clause" ×]
[New "Platinum Clause" √]
[Hooray! URA finally did something decent! We might get to see Miss Platinum!]
[Does this mean Platinum might become the first "Triple Crown Uma Musume" to participate in the Kikuka Sho?]
[Hard to say about the Kikuka Sho. Long distance and middle distance are different. There might be some mysterious dark horse. Anything can happen in long-distance races!]
[Mixed Triple Crown (crossed out), might become a Mixed Quadruple Crown after this race!!]
Is Platinum coming...
No matter what, the Kikuka Sho won't be easily won by Platinum.
In the dark-haired girl Manhattan Cafe's cold, beast-like eyes, a chilling intensity reignited.
Mixed Quadruple Crown?
Not that easy!
"Cafe, if it's you..."
Tachyon lightly stroked her chin, seemingly pondering and calculating.
"Can you win?"
Manhattan Cafe asked for Tachyon's opinion.
"From a normal perspective... difficult, very difficult."
"But if you can create a miracle like Dai Yusaku did back then, you might turn the tables."
From Tachyon's mouth came a name.
"Dai Yusaku"—a name long obscure, truly an underdog.
Even in her older years, her best achievement was only a G3 race win. When she participated in the year-end prestigious Arima Kinen, she entered with the second-lowest popularity.
But ultimately, that race shocked Japan! The unknown Dai Yusaku became an unprecedented super dark horse, breaking the Arima Kinen time record and defeating the favorite Mejiro McQueen to win!
Thus, that race is known as the biggest upset in Japanese history.
After that race, however, Dai Yusaku couldn't maintain that formidable strength, returning to obscurity—a fleeting bloom...
"Back then, Dai Yusaku indeed created a miracle."
"As an ordinary Uma Musume, she temporarily mastered the Zone!"
"Even if it was just a fleeting moment, lasting only that one race, it was enough to be proud. How many G2 or even G1 Champion Uma Musume spend their entire careers without mastering the Zone."
Tachyon calmly marveled at the reason behind Dai Yusaku's miracle.
Namely, a temporary Zone!
But that short-lived, fleeting temporary Zone doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior to a normal Zone!
Didn't the long-distance powerhouse Mejiro McQueen, who possessed a Zone, still lose to Dai Yusaku in the long-distance but unsuitable Arima Kinen?
The current Manhattan Cafe doesn't possess a Zone yet, but if she can emulate Dai Yusaku... then she truly has a chance against Platinum!
"I... understand."
The dark-haired girl nodded firmly.
"I'll strive towards mastering the Zone."
"There's still time before the Kikuka Sho. The outcome... is still unknown!"
--+--
Student Council Office.
President Symboli Rudolf interlocked her fingers on the desk, speaking seriously to the other Student Council Uma Musume.
"Not long ago, after the Epsom Derby concluded, an earth-shattering event shook the entire Japanese Uma Musume world—a Triple Crown Uma Musume emerged!"
"Following [The First Triple Crown · St. Lite], [The Strongest Warrior · Shinzan], [The Common Sense-Defying Triple Crown · Mr. C.B.], [The Emperor · Symboli Rudolf], and [The Blindfolded Monster · Narita Brian], the sixth Triple Crown Uma Musume has finally appeared!"
"And it's... an unprecedented Irregular Triple Crown! Achieved on the prestigious, most glorious Epsom Derby itself!"
Even Symboli Rudolf felt awe.
She knew perfectly well that her own Undefeated Triple Crown plus the Arima Kinen in her debut year established her as the strongest.
But the current Pegasus Platinum has already achieved a Triple Crown before even the Kikuka Sho and Arima Kinen!
Theoretically, Platinum could achieve an Irregular Triple Crown plus the Kikuka Sho and Arima Kinen! Five Crowns in a year, breaking her record!
So... that little Pegasus is terrifyingly unprecedented, capable of achieving five Crowns in a year.
In terms of G1 wins, Triple Crown Uma Musume usually have four or five victories. Only the Emperor Symboli Rudolf surpassed the "5" mark, reaching "7."
The record for most G1 wins in a single year is jointly held by Symboli Rudolf and Narita Brian at "4."
If Platinum can win the Kikuka Sho and Arima Kinen...
That would mean the Pegasus Platinum could reach—or even surpass—the total career G1 wins of other Triple Crown Uma Musume in just one year!
How domineering and powerful is that?
"After the Kikuka Sho concludes, I intend to..."
"Invite Platinum again, and have her serve as the next Student Council President of Tracen Academy."
"Air Groove, Narita Brian, Mr. C.B., what do you think?"
Symboli Rudolf revealed her thoughts.
Remember, even the Apex of a single generation—the so-called strongest active Uma Musume in Japan—upon entering Tracen Academy's Student Council, can only be a regular member or at most Vice President.
The President role Symboli Rudolf holds is almost implicitly reserved for—[The Historically Strongest]!
In other words, the Emperor acknowledges that Platinum could surpass her—or perhaps... already has.
In Symboli Rudolf's mind, she recalled Platinum's words after the Epsom Derby.
"Japanese Uma Musume have never had a world-class Uma Musume. If possible, I can fill that void."
Winning the Epsom Derby by a huge margin—that alone qualifies as world-class!
The President position belongs to Platinum and no one else!
Her words left even the serious Air Groove slightly surprised.
Not Vice President, but becoming the President directly?!
"That little Pegasus's talent is indeed fearsome. She could indeed become the next Historically Strongest."
"Agreed."
Meanwhile, the free-spirited Triple Crown Uma Musume Mr. C.B. chuckled, crossing her legs.
"No, the question isn't whether the little Pegasus can surpass Rudolf. In my opinion, that's not a question—it's a fact."
"The real question is—whether she's willing to join Tracen Academy, willing to join the Student Council."
"I have a feeling... it's unlikely!"
She's a Pegasus who can fly off to Europe to compete—freer than even me.
The next second, the Student Council fell into brief silence.
Even Symboli Rudolf was momentarily speechless.
The Emperor admits that Platinum is indeed mysterious and powerful, and seemingly doesn't care much for Tracen Academy's excellent training resources and superior facilities.
After painstakingly adding Platinum's LINE account, she'd initiated conversation a few times but received little response.
It seems honors and achievements don't matter much to the aloof pegasus?
Getting the distant Platinum into Tracen Academy would be hard enough, let alone making her Student Council President!
--+--
Time flew by.
The Japanese Classic Triple Crown, with its immense influence, reached its final chapter—the Kikuka Sho.
Outside the racecourse hosting the Kikuka Sho, endless lines of spectators formed, with tents everywhere!
Clearly, fans had likely started queuing since early morning, even midnight, for this long-distance classic.
--+--
Nearby Street.
Platinum, wearing her Victory Uniform and carrying a long case, walked lazily down the road, yawning.
'Sigh, this break was finally a bit longer, but... still gotta work.'
'Didn't expect URA to offer double prizes. Had to make the trip.'
What interested Platinum this time was...
The [Collectible · Knight's Vows] she'd acquired earlier—that item which reduced fatigue from frequent racing and enhanced race effects the higher the prize money...
What effect would it enhance this time?
If the effects stayed the same, they'd eventually get boring. Don't many players in games prepare several skin sets to switch between?
So Platinum was extremely satisfied and eager for that upgraded collectible, the Knight's Vow.
Looking cool is a lifetime matter!
Facing the long-distance monster Manhattan Cafe, tempted by the double prize money for the Irregular Triple Crown Winner, Platinum also grew serious.
Can't be careless, can't lose to Manhattan Cafe!
So this time, she couldn't stay a Closer. She needed to surprise Cafe.
This Pegasus is Clearly Super Strong But Overly Cautious.
"Finally, time to try my Great Escape!"
Kikuka Sho, time to break away!!!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.