Lin Anran was a bit surprised that Galileo had come to find him at a time like this.
As a renowned European noble lady, shouldn't she have hurried back to Europe right after the Japan Cup ended?
If she wasn't busy packing for her flight, but had specifically sought out him, a doctor on duty, in the medical office, that meant after her check-up, she'd be staying in Japan for at least another ten days to half a month.
For an Uma Musume, wasn't time equivalent to money and the very lifespan of her career?
Staying this much longer was something even this scheming young doctor hadn't anticipated.
But in his view, it was definitely a good thing—at the very least, it meant more money to be made. Certainly not bad.
Thinking that, Lin Anran immediately stood up, reassembling his gentle smile as he walked toward the door to welcome her.
--+--
At the door stood a stunning black-haired beauty, not in training gear, but wearing Lolita fashion that accentuated her charm all the more.
It didn't make her seem overly petite; instead, it outlined Galileo's figure perfectly, adding an extra touch of adorable appeal.
She lifted her head slightly, a faint curve at the corner of her lips, an inexplicable sense of anticipation rising within her.
As for the race she'd lost yesterday… it hadn't dampened her mood at this moment. After all, she wasn't the only world-class Uma Musume to lose to the Pegasus known as Platinum.
There was another world-class runner, an even more seasoned champion—Fantastic Light should be the one feeling miserable right now.
Besides, yesterday was yesterday, and today was today.
If Mission One couldn't be completed smoothly, then she'd relax and focus fully on preparing for Mission Two: winning over Dr. Lin and making him her personal physician.
In Galileo's view, the importance of Mission Two far surpassed that of Mission One!
'The Japan Cup doesn't really matter. What holds value isn't the Japan Cup itself—it's Platinum.'
The black-haired girl knew very well that whenever the current Pegasus Platinum entered any international G1 race, world-class Uma Musume would inevitably show up to challenge her.
It wasn't that the Japan Cup had prestige—it was that defeating Platinum carried prestige.
After all, that dominant, record-breaking victory at the origin of the world's Derbies—the Epsom Derby in England—was something more than one or two world-class Uma Musume had striven for over a long time yet failed to achieve.
But Platinum hadn't just won it; she'd taken it with a record-breaking margin and a solo victory dance on the Winner's Stage! That made her a huge topic of discussion across Europe and the entire world.
Platinum, in peak condition and likely to grow even stronger in the future, would absolutely not retire now.
So there would be plenty of chances to face Platinum again later. Why regret or grieve over a single loss at the Japan Cup?
Besides...
"Even if in the future, I still can't beat you."
"Do you really think my little sister won't be able to take you down?!"
When it came to her own talent and strength compared to the pegasus Platinum, Galileo wasn't all that confident.
But regarding her terrifyingly powerful, almost demon-like little sister, Galileo had absolute faith.
If she couldn't win, couldn't she just call in her little sister?!
Galileo refused to believe that Platinum, who had reached world-class level and possibly beyond, would just stay cooped up in Japan and never campaign in Europe.
If that really happened, it would be a pity for Japan and the entire Uma Musume racing world.
No doubt, Platinum's fans in Japan and overseas would fiercely attack Japan's racing authority, the URA, demanding to know why Platinum wasn't running in international races.
No matter what, Platinum could never be at fault—the URA would always be the one to blame!
Galileo was certain that next year, or at the latest the year after, she would see that even more mature, even stronger silver-white pegasus reigning over the turf courses of Europe.
So, Galileo didn't feel too much regret.
Anyway, she couldn't outrun Platinum. So what if she'd been outrun twice in races? The Sea family had other, even more monstrous talents!
Gah, there's no way both sisters would get overtaken by that same Pegasus, right?
That kind of thing… absolutely impossible!
Anyway, just believe in Little Star! Believe first!
"For now, let's go see Dr. Lin again~"
"The Dr. Lin that my little sister is looking forward to… I hope he can come to Europe!"
Having already spent a full month at Tracen Academy, with her outstanding charm and powerful ability, Galileo had naturally managed to train alongside and befriend quite a few Japanese Uma Musume during that time.
So, she had specifically asked many of them for information about Dr. Lin.
And she had learned even more about Lin Anran's incredible medical skills!
'Tokai Teio's fracture, and then Agnes Tachyon's critical tendonitis… Not to mention several other Uma Musume with serious injuries that could have ended their careers.'
'All those patients—each with conditions most doctors couldn't perfectly treat—without exception, were completely healed by Dr. Lin!'
'Even across Europe, you hardly ever hear of a miraculous doctor like that.'
Why stay at little old Tracen Academy as a school doctor instead of going to Europe to make a name for himself?
Galileo hoped to successfully invite Lin Anran to come to Europe!
If possible, it'd be best if he became her personal physician.
Then, she could visit Dr. Lin every few days, and it'd be perfectly natural to spend more time with him.
Her little sister wanted her to protect Dr. Lin—wouldn't becoming his "exclusive" client allow for high-intensity contact and close, personal protection?
That makes perfect sense, right?!
In a cheerful mood, filled with anticipation, the young lady of the Sea family smiled brightly as she heard footsteps approaching the door from inside the medical office.
--+--
A short while later, inside the medical office.
The scheming young doctor expertly examined Galileo's condition.
Finally, he released her, ending the examination, and let go of the black-haired Uma Musume's delicate foot.
"Everything looks good, perfectly healthy."
"Yesterday's race was very intense, so just reduce your training load for the short term."
After giving the standard advice, Lin Anran saw the black-haired girl in front of him nod gently, still sitting as steady as Mount Tai, with no intention of getting up to leave.
Moreover, Galileo wasn't wearing training clothes, so she clearly wasn't planning to train for now.
Did she have something to say to him?
"Dr. Lin, your medical skills are truly amazing."
"Even my mother, who's been in Europe for so long, has never met a doctor as skilled as you."
Then, the scheming young doctor heard Galileo's praise.
Shrewd as he was, he knew this wasn't the main point—the real substance was yet to come.
"You flatter me."
"But Dr. Lin, with medical skills this superb, you're undoubtedly world-class."
"It's just like…"
As she prepared to praise Dr. Lin and pivot to her invitation, Galileo paused.
Then, she thought of a suitable comparison.
"Just like the current Pegasus Platinum's dominance in horse girl racing."
"Dr. Lin, you're basically the 'Pegasus' of the medical world! In both rarity and skill, you absolutely qualify."
"And even Platinum made her name across Europe and the world through two international G1s—the Epsom Derby and the Japan Cup!"
"Dr. Lin, someone as outstanding as you, who's perfectly treated fractures—the kind of severe injury most doctors can't handle—not just once, but multiple times… yet you remain unknown outside of Japan…"
In a tone both earnest and convincing, Galileo continued speaking to the scheming young doctor before her.
"Your ability is on par with top doctors in Europe and America, yet you lack recognition… Doesn't that bother you?"
Her words made Lin Anran freeze for a moment.
How could a real man stay discontent in a lesser position forever?
In principle, it made sense. The combined countries of Europe were far larger than Japan, and the number of noble Uma Musume and wealthy young ladies there was countless!
In terms of value, Europe and America were definitely more lucrative than Japan.
But what Galileo didn't know was that Lin Anran had higher aspirations.
Currently, his [Mid-Distance Campaign]—the long stretch of races that Platinum was undertaking—was nearly half complete.
[Kikuka Sho — Japan Cup — Arima Kinen — Spring Tenno Sho — Takarazuka Kinen]
Once he finished these, he would receive a very handsome reward!
[Reward: Advanced Healing Ability, Unlock Kuranta Character (One-Time Only)]
The scheming young doctor had been eyeing the rewards for this [Mid-Distance Campaign] for a long, long time.
Just by treating fractures—injuries within the "Intermediate Healing Ability" range—he'd already squeezed plenty of gold out of those adorable, wealthy little fillies!
Lin Anran could hardly imagine how much gold those "revived" fillies would shower him with once he started regularly treating career-threatening illnesses like Agnes Tachyon's tendonitis!
If he could eventually treat fractures, tendonitis, and other severe or fatal injuries stably and long-term, then going to Europe later would be fine.
The scheming young doctor knew how to do the math—he would never give up the [Mid-Distance Campaign], the advanced healing ability, or the chance to unlock a second (and final) Kuranta character just for short-term monetary gains!
Slow and steady wins the race!
It was precisely because the scheming young doctor could keep his cool and play the long game that, even after initially misjudging those European and American fillies as small fry, he could still maintain a gentle attitude and continue caring for them.
Having poor judgment… was one thing.
But having the patience to treat "small fry" with kindness was another—at the very least, it proved Lin Anran truly had foresight.
So, he wouldn't give up this precious chance to advance his medical skills just to cash in early on European fillies!
It wasn't like he couldn't go to Europe later—it was just a matter of timing!
'Not only will I be able to squeeze out more gold after improving my skills…'
'When the time comes, after transforming into another Kuranta character, I'll also be able to run on dirt!'
The greedy, scheming young doctor wasn't foolish enough to compete against himself.
When the time came, Platinum would dominate the turf courses in Europe and Japan, while the other Kuranta filly would reap victories on the American dirt tracks!
One charging toward becoming the strongest on turf, the other storming toward the top on dirt—both had bright futures ahead!
That way, he'd maximize his gold extraction!
So, until after the Takarazuka Kinen, the scheming young doctor had no intention of leaving Japan.
However, Galileo wasn't aware of this.
In the black-haired beauty's perception, Europe and America were the world's Tier 1—the equivalent of holy grounds for Uma Musume racing!
Anyone with real talent would inevitably seek to develop their career there.
And Lin Anran wasn't just "talented"—his skills were so high that any Uma Musume would feel reassured under his care. With abilities like that, it was truly a shame for him not to come to Europe or America.
"So, Dr. Lin, do you have any plans to come to Europe?"
The black-haired beauty finally revealed her true purpose.
She was inviting Lin Anran to come to Europe!
When Lin Anran actually decided to go, she could take on the role of a guide, reasonably and kindly helping him adjust to Europe.
A doctor's fame usually didn't spread as quickly as an Uma Musume's—it took time.
Galileo was confident that in the future, she'd have plenty of alone time with Dr. Lin!
With this combination of moves, how could she worry about not growing close enough to Dr. Lin?!
If she succeeded, she'd most likely be able to bring Dr. Lin back to meet her little sister and mother!
"Yes."
Lin Anran calmly gave his answer.
For a moment, Galileo almost broke into a joyful smile, but his next words made her delight freeze in its tracks.
"However, the earliest would be the second half of next year."
"Huh? Wh-why?"
The black-haired girl trembled slightly, filled with confusion.
"I… signed an exclusive contract with Platinum. It's set to last until after next year's Takarazuka Kinen."
Lin Anran said leisurely.
If he stayed silent and didn't explain, the young Sea family Uma Musume in front of him would probably try to persuade him further.
He was sure that just mentioning "Platinum" would have a strong effect!
The next second, Galileo's pupils sharply contracted, as if she hadn't expected that answer.
Wait, how is Platinum involved here too? Isn't she supposed to be away from Tracen Academy?
First, she showed up at the most important Epsom Derby, giving Galileo a huge shock.
Then, at the Japan Cup, she defeated Galileo again, outrunning her twice and making Mission One fail—that was already enough!
But now, for Mission Two, Platinum is here too??
'She's like some lingering ghost!'
'Damn that Platinum!'
'This grudge… I'll remember it.'
Galileo immediately labeled Platinum as a terrifying, lingering ghost!
Why was Platinum everywhere??
Wasn't she supposed to be away from Tracen Academy? How did she manage to snatch away the top doctor at Tracen so early?
"I see… Thank you, Dr. Lin."
Then, Galileo regained her composure. She stood up and thanked Lin Anran.
Before leaving, she spoke with solemn seriousness.
"Then, when the time comes, please be sure to contact me first."
"When that happens, please allow me to properly welcome you, Dr. Lin."
She could find excuses to extend her stay by a month, but she couldn't delay for another half year!
A world-class Uma Musume from Europe had no reason to stay in Japan for that long, especially during the first half of next year when there were no international G1 races.
If she really tried, even her little sister Sea the Stars wouldn't understand, and her mother Urban Sea would likely drag her back to Europe.
What made Galileo vaguely uneasy was…
By the second half of next year, wouldn't Platinum most likely also begin her campaign, heading to Europe to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?
Would Platinum renew her contract with Lin Anran?
'I hope next year, Platinum won't come and fight me over Dr. Lin.'
The scheming young doctor didn't refuse Galileo's enthusiasm and kindness. Facing this girl who had left a very good impression on him, he nodded gently.
After all, she was a wealthy young lady from a prestigious family with great value and potential to become his benefactor!
Even if she didn't become a future patron, he could still meet other promising European noble young ladies through Galileo!
Anyway, who wouldn't like an enthusiastic, charming, wealthy succubus of a girl?
"Alright, I'll trouble you then."
"See you in Europe in the future!"
Finally, Galileo waved at Lin Anran with a hint of regret.
Before leaving the medical office, the quick-witted girl was already thinking about…
"The Stray Cat Investigation Report: Version 1.1"!
It looked like the version needed updating!
The more it updated, the worse it seemed—it meant more stray cats or higher levels of danger.
She hoped that in this next month, before she left Japan, the version wouldn't need too many updates…
--+--
At the same time.
Elsewhere on Tracen Academy's training grounds.
Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet were engaged in an intensely fierce training match.
A black-haired teenage Uma Musume was racing neck and neck with a curvaceous red-haired teenage horse girl in the final stretch.
They were evenly matched, almost stride for stride, but as they dueled down the final straight…
Something happened that made the black-haired girl's eyes widen—Daiwa Scarlet beside her flashed a confident smile and surged ahead!
Then, she extended the lead from a neck to half a length, then a full length!
Gritting her teeth, Vodka pushed with all her might, but in the end, she could only watch as Daiwa Scarlet crossed the finish line two lengths ahead!
A few seconds later, Vodka, having crossed the line later, stood panting heavily past the finish. She stared at Daiwa Scarlet before her with an expression of disbelief and shock.
'How did she… get so strong??'
Vodka and Daiwa Scarlet had faced off many times before.
Most of the time, the difference between them was negligible—sometimes one would win by a tiny margin, only to be overtaken in the next match.
They could be considered "rivals."
But Vodka never expected that now, Daiwa Scarlet seemed to have improved significantly in a short time, enough to lead her by two full lengths?!
That was almost half a level—or more—of difference.
Daiwa Scarlet, who had crossed the finish line first and won the training match, turned her head and saw the incredulous look on Vodka's face. She couldn't help but break into a pleased, triumphant smile.
Yes, this was exactly what she wanted to see!
Over the past month, Daiwa Scarlet had faced off in training matches against two powerhouses: Galileo and Tokai Teio.
Although the results were both coincidentally five-length defeats… which seemed miserable—like she was being crushed by superior opponents.
But in reality, countless Uma Musume dreamed of being "crushed" like that and didn't get the chance.
After all, Galileo was widely recognized as world-class, even if she wasn't in peak condition right after arriving.
And Tokai Teio, a few days before her race, was in blazing form, at the height of her abilities—it wasn't surprising she could win by the same margin as Galileo.
One was a young world-class runner, the other nearly world-class and in top form—there weren't many Uma Musume in all of Japan who could compete with such excellent, powerful seniors.
The improvement from dozens of matches against peers might not compare to the growth from being crushed by such monstrous seniors once.
Daiwa Scarlet, having grown rapidly from those defeats, now reaped the results of her improvement by soundly defeating Vodka!
'Hah…'
'Those losses weren't in vain!'
The frustration from being swept by Galileo and Tokai Teio was now completely washed away by this decisive victory over Vodka!
After all, Daiwa Scarlet could see her own growth reflected in her win against Vodka.
In short, she was happy, very happy!
'Heh, looks like training matches against strong seniors are really beneficial.'
'Even if I have to do it again, the more the merrier!'
Just as she thought that, Daiwa Scarlet noticed her phone, placed on a nearby bench, ringing.
So, she walked over and picked it up.
"Hello, this is Daiwa Scarlet… Huh, President? What's up?"
After answering, Daiwa Scarlet sounded puzzled.
"It's like this: Fantastic Light hasn't left Japan immediately."
"She wants to have a training match with you on the training grounds in a few days. What do you think?"
"If you agree, we can set it up directly."
The explanation from President Symboli Rudolf made Daiwa Scarlet's pleased smile instantly stiffen.
Suddenly, neither Vodka—who had just lost—nor Daiwa Scarlet—who had won the training match—were smiling.
'Hah? Again??'
Wait… another world-class runner?
Daiwa Scarlet never expected that Fantastic Light, a bona fide world-class Uma Musume, would also seek her out?
First, there was Platinum in her debut race, then Galileo and Tokai Teio in the past month.
And now, in a few days, Fantastic Light!
That meant the "F4" of the Japan Cup—the four most popular Uma Musume—would all… all have faced her?
Quick to react, Daiwa Scarlet gritted her teeth slightly and thought,
'The Japan Cup was a heavy track, and the intensity was so high. Fantastic Light definitely isn't in her best condition now.'
'She clearly didn't adapt well to the Japan Cup, and I've gotten stronger now!'
Moreover…
Daiwa Scarlet stealthily glanced at Vodka, who hadn't yet snapped out of the shock of her crushing defeat—looking much like how she herself had felt after losing her debut race and training matches.
Right, facing off against such monsters was really effective.
Even if she lost this time, she could always regain her confidence next time by beating Vodka again—and by an even larger margin!
Besides, she might not necessarily lose to Fantastic Light, who was in poor form and seemingly not well-adapted to Japanese tracks!
'In short—the advantage is mine!!'
Thinking that, Daiwa Scarlet regained her confidence. She tilted her head slightly and swept a hand through her fiery red hair.
"Alright, I accept."
"President, please tell Fantastic Light-senpai to bring it on!"
She wasn't some soft persimmon to be squeezed at will!
Daiwa Scarlet wanted to prove that Japanese Uma Musume weren't as simple as foreign monsters thought!
--+--
A few days later.
On the same training grounds, the match between Fantastic Light and Daiwa Scarlet was about to begin!
And when Lin Anran happened to come by to watch the drama, he was pulled in to serve as referee for the training match.
After all, as a doctor, he was relatively older than the other fillies, and currently, Lin Anran had an excellent reputation within Tracen Academy. It wasn't strange for him to be invited.
Fantastic Light, in particular, looked extremely serious. Before leaving Japan, she wanted to test how well she could adapt to Japanese turf.
Her crushing defeat in the Japan Cup a few days ago had almost kept her up at night.
If she didn't prove herself, she feared she wouldn't be able to eat or sleep in peace! If she could adapt—if it was just the heavy track she couldn't handle—then that would be fine. Maybe she could challenge the Japan Cup again next year.
So, she sought out Daiwa Scarlet, who had considerable fame in Europe.
The confident crimson-haired girl Daiwa Scarlet and the solemn, ice-cold Fantastic Light, now on a firm track, waited for the start.
"Begin!"
--+--
A few minutes later!
The scheming young doctor blinked and announced the result of the training match.
"Fantastic Light crosses the finish line."
"Wins by… five lengths."
Especially when he mentioned the final margin, even Lin Anran couldn't quite keep a straight face.
That number… seemed familiar?
And Daiwa Scarlet was left staring blankly, utterly stunned!
Was the legend of Daiwa Scarlet's five-length defeats still continuing?
Sighing to himself, Lin Anran opened his system panel to collect the rewards from the treatment log.
[Treated: Tokai Teio (Minor Injury)]
[Treatment Reward: Horse Mint +3%, Platinum's Maturation +1%]
[Note: Horse Mint has now reached its peak. Subsequent rewards will be adjusted.]
[Adjustment: Host's Base Stamina +1%, Platinum's Visual Effects Slightly Enhanced]
??
Lin Anran froze.
Huh?
So that seemingly useless Horse Mint was finally maxed out?
And the adjusted rewards… still looked pretty ordinary.
Instead of boosting Platinum's stamina, it boosted his own base stamina? What was the point of that?
It couldn't be that he was supposed to "activate his base form" and step onto the track himself, could he?
--+--
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.