Ten minutes before Platinum picked up the call.
Japan, inside the URA headquarters.
A tense and critical meeting was underway in one of the conference rooms.
"The Osaka Cup… a total disaster!!"
"This is a painful lesson that will be etched into the history of URA-sponsored events!"
"Just after the previous G1, the Arima Kinen, broke records to unprecedented heights, the very next race—the Osaka Cup—plummeted to the lowest point since its upgrade to G1 status years ago!"
"The Pegasus, the Pegasus! We must find a way—whatever it takes—to bring Platinum back to race in Japan!"
"We absolutely cannot let the Spring Tennō Shō become a repeat of the Osaka Cup. The URA cannot afford it."
Amid the heated discussions, worries and regrets over the Osaka Cup's failure were palpable.
Right now, all they felt was regret—deep, gut-wrenching regret.
Within Japan's racing scene, the most attention was always on middle and long-distance G1 races. The Osaka Cup had been upgraded from G2 to G1 just a few years ago, making it especially important to the URA.
But after that Silver-White Pegasus coldly declared at the awards banquet, "The URA has no right to award me," and announced her expedition to Dubai—
Coupled with the fractures suffered by Agnes Tachyon and Tokai Teio—the Osaka Cup completely crashed, becoming the least discussed race since its upgrade.
It formed the most extreme, stark contrast with the record-breaking Arima Kinen that had concluded not long before.
With the Osaka Cup's failure now a done deal, the URA's top priority was to prevent the Spring Tennō Shō from repeating the same disaster.
The Spring Tennō Shō was a heavyweight race that surpassed the Osaka Cup in value, significance, and influence. If it turned into another Osaka Cup… they would truly be finished!!
One poorly performing race could be explained away—most of the star Uma Musume were unexpectedly absent, like the injured Tachyon and Teio, or Platinum racing overseas.
But two in a row? And the other being a long-distance race with a different course, featuring a top-tier star like Mejiro McQueen?
If the Spring Tennō Shō also ended up with low buzz and zero discussion, it would set the URA's progress back by years. That would hurt ten times more than losing some prize money!
"The trouble is, the Spring Tennō Shō really doesn't seem to be getting much outside attention right now."
"Even though we've been promoting it as [a historic battle] and [an unprecedented three-peat of the Spring Tennō Shō], the response is nowhere near as strong as we expected."
"This is getting serious."
Among the documents on the table were surveys on how racing enthusiasts currently felt about the upcoming Spring Tennō Shō.
Ticket pre-sales hadn't even started yet, but the URA, deeply concerned, had already launched opinion polls.
Many loyal Uma Musume fans who had bought tickets in previous years now expressed disinterest.
The survey forms were filled with detailed comments:
[Spring Tennō Shō? Platinum probably won't be there, right? Not interested.]
[A historic battle? Sorry, but I've seen too many historic moments from the Pegasus already. McQueen's triple crown attempt just doesn't compare.]
[No Platinum? Not even my dog would watch!]
[Congrats to McQueen on her three-peat in advance. As long as the Pegasus isn't there, it's a pointless race with no suspense… Actually, even if she were there, it'd be predictable in another way. But I'd never miss a race with Platinum!]
[Just got back from Dubai after watching Platinum's insane come-from-behind and front-running wins. And now you're giving me some ordinary long-distance race? Even if it's a G1, it's just not interesting.]
[I've been spoiled by Miss Platinum's races. My standards have been raised too high. Even though Ms. McQueen used to be my idol… I'm just not that excited. But I'll still go support her—who knows, maybe Platinum will show up after all?]
Most comments expressed pessimism and lack of enthusiasm for the Spring Tennō Shō. The words "Pegasus" and "Platinum" appeared over and over.
Clearly, after watching several of Platinum's races in a row, these Japanese fans couldn't bring themselves to get excited about ordinary domestic middle- and long-distance races, at least for now.
In a way, they were… in a "refractory period"!
Many Japanese fans, after watching the Arima Kinen and the Dubai World Cup, then comparing them to the replay of the recently concluded Osaka Cup, felt relieved they hadn't bothered to watch the Osaka Cup.
And the Spring Tennō Shō, coming right after, also felt… like a bland dish you didn't want to eat but didn't want to throw away either.
Sure, the idea of the elite young lady Mejiro McQueen going for a third straight Spring Tennō Shō sounded interesting—a potential historic moment.
But—how many historic moments had the Pegasus, Platinum, already created?
First, during her classic year, she won the Epsom Derby—something no Asian horse girl had ever achieved. That was one for the history books.
Then, there was the unprecedented Irregular Quadruple Crown, followed by the Arima Kinen where she displayed special effects visible to the entire world—a first in history!
And this year's Dubai World Cup? She surpassed Dubai Millennium, sweeping two international G1s in a single day—on turf and dirt!
With so many records already under her belt, how could a mere Spring Tennō Shō triple crown hype compare?
Not to mention… long-distance races were often… kind of boring.
In terms of watchability, middle-distance races were the most exciting—testing both endurance and burst power, never dull.
By comparison, long-distance races were indeed less thrilling. And now, the Spring Tennō Shō had run straight into the audience's heightened standards.
As a result, the promotional efforts for this year's Spring Tennō Shō were falling flat, far below the URA's initial expectations. Viewer interest had actually dropped compared to last year.
"Even with Mejiro McQueen aiming for an unprecedented [Spring Tennō Shō Three-peat], we can't save this year's Spring Tennō Shō."
"The Osaka Cup had no star Uma Musume—its failure was understandable. But the Spring Tennō Shō has not only the elite Mejiro McQueen, but also the highly skilled Manhattan Cafe!"
"This Spring Tennō Shō should definitely be more exciting, more anticipated, and more suspenseful than the Osaka Cup. Yet the attention it's getting is barely better. This is terrible."
Mejiro McQueen and Manhattan Cafe—either one of them, in any previous year, would have been enough to make the Spring Tennō Shō a hotly discussed, highly anticipated race just by being named as a top contender.
But now, even with both confirmed to run, the impact was minimal!
From the URA's internal perspective, the situation was close to… hopeless!!
Danger!!
Several high-ranking members spoke through gritted teeth, their vibe heavy.
"Look at the buzz around the Dubai World Cup—it shot up just like our Arima Kinen did, as if it had advanced several years in one go."
"And all of that was thanks to… [The Pegasus Platinum]!"
"We must apologize to Platinum. We must bow our heads and show our remorse."
"Even if the Pegasus won't stay in Japan long-term and will definitely race overseas, just having her come back to run one or two races a year would be a huge boost for URA events."
"If Platinum, after the Arima Kinen and her statement [The URA has no right to award me], remains overseas until retirement… then all of Japan—those tens of millions of viewers—will blame us entirely. We'll be nailed to the pillar of shame!"
A barely second-tier racing nation finally produces a Super Talent who surpasses international standards and challenges legend status—only to be driven away to race independently overseas by the local racing authority…
That's exactly the kind of story the international media loves. They'd endlessly broadcast and spread tales like [The Lonely Pegasus and the Short-Sighted URA].
And the increasingly fanatical Pegasus fans in Japan? They'd tear the URA apart!!
Platinum's achievements wouldn't stop here. The better she performed in the future, the more the URA would be mocked worldwide!
The URA was completely panicking!!
From the upcoming Spring Tennō Shō to the distant future, everything looked bleak. They collectively felt a wave of dizziness.
We don't want that!!
Faced with the historically low attention of the Osaka Cup, the record-breaking Arima Kinen, and the Dubai World Cup, they had no choice but to bow their arrogant heads.
"I'm begging you, Pegasus. I'll do anything if she just runs in the Spring Tennō Shō in Japan."
"Japanese racing without Platinum? It's just barely surviving!"
"Our stupidly conceived [Spring Triple Crown Benefits] already angered the Pegasus. A simple apology won't cut it now. To show enough remorse and sincerity, I think we should follow the example of the Dubai racing authority."
"For instance, also add a [Promotion and Marketing Fee]—when an Uma Musume drives enough external attention, give an additional bonus share, like Dubai's 50% to 70%."
"No, that's not enough. Our G1 prizes aren't as high as Dubai's. To show sufficient sincerity… we should add another benefit."
"For example, Triple Crown Uma Musume get an additional 30% bonus share. Combined, the only recent Triple Crown winner, Platinum, would effectively double her race earnings."
Finally, the executives nodded in agreement.
Even the most stubborn old-timers knew—it wasn't that Platinum needed the URA to prove herself anymore.
It was—the URA needed the Pegasus, Platinum, to race and prove the glory and value of Japanese racing.
For that… even significantly increasing the race budget was worth it. Better than watching the attention for G1 races, built up over so many years, dwindling away.
"I second."
"What have we done? Without the Pegasus, how can we compete with the popularity of foreign races!"
"We have to do this."
"And we should hold a press conference, bow, and formally apologize to Miss Platinum."
The painful lessons of the Osaka Cup and the impending Spring Tennō Shō had finally cleared the vision of the URA executives.
At last…
The URA's race budget was significantly increased.
The race budget was seized by the URA and instantly mobilized!
"Good. Let's organize the apology press conference while simultaneously contacting Platinum to apologize and announce the new benefits, inviting her to the Spring Tennō Shō."
"Overtime tonight. Let's move!"
--+--
The silver-haired girl was on the phone.
She listened to the apology from the Japanese URA—not from some low or mid-level employee, but from the vice president himself.
Where was the president?
Platinum tilted her head, listening to the Vice President's explanation and reminder, while her other hand fiddled with the remote to turn on the TV.
The moment it turned on—
"Sumimasen! We deeply apologize!"
"Due to our carelessness and arrogant attitude, we failed to show sufficient respect to the Pegasus, Platinum…"
The president was leading a large group of executives in a deep, collective bow at a press conference.
Instantly, the silver-haired girl's expression turned subtly complex.
"In addition, the URA will introduce new benefits for outstanding Uma Musume."
"Specifically…"
When she heard about the new benefits—up to 70% promotion share for high-popularity Uma Musume, plus an additional 30% for Triple Crown winners—
Platinum's eyes immediately lit up!
Huh? Directly double?
Yay!
Who doesn't love double the overtime pay?
Especially when it's for a job she'd already decided to take on, now with a last-minute bonus!
Had the URA finally regained their brains?
"So, regarding the upcoming Spring Tennō Shō…"
"Miss Platinum, would you be willing to enter?"
The Vice President's voice was filled with nervousness.
The silver-haired girl waited a few seconds…
Letting the tension on the other end of the line build to a fever pitch before delivering her calm reply.
"Yeah, sign me up."
The moment her words landed…
An uncontrollable cry of joy erupted from the other end of the phone.
"Yes!!!"
As if afraid she might change her mind, the person on the phone hurriedly continued.
"We'll register your entry immediately."
"We wish you a pleasant race, Miss Platinum!!"
--+--
One month later.
The date of the Spring Tennō Shō drew closer.
At the prestigious Mejiro estate, Mejiro McQueen was training on the practice track, putting in her pre-race work.
Not far away, a few figures watched.
Among them, a mature, elegant older sister stood at the forefront, quietly observing McQueen's running form, calculating her stamina expenditure.
Within the Mejiro family, this mature woman held a very high status; she was once famous throughout the Japanese horse girl racing world.
She was Japan's first-ever [Classic Triple Tiara] winner, a contemporary of Symboli Rudolf, the Triple Crown Empress—Mejiro Ramonu.
"Alright, take a break now."
Mejiro Ramonu suggested McQueen slow down and not push too hard.
As a family elder and a Triple Tiara winner, Ramonu wasn't actually specialized in [long-distance] races.
But as an observer, her experienced eye could see that McQueen was under immense pressure, hence the relentless increase in training intensity.
This wasn't a good strategy, so she didn't hesitate to speak up.
"You're a senior runner in your older years now. Improving requires steady accumulation. Rushing will only increase the risk of injury."
"Maintaining condition and choosing the right tactics are what matter most."
"I believe someone of your caliber can put up a fight against the Pegasus."
The current Mejiro McQueen was already exceptional—among the decades of Japanese racing history, she was easily top three, arguably number one, in long distance.
Why 'top three, arguably one'?
Because the Pegasus had arrived…
Before Platinum's sudden rise, McQueen had famously defeated the Undefeated Dual-Crown winner Tokai Teio head-on in the Spring Tennō Shō, cementing her name across Japan.
She had also achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Kikuka Shō, the Spring Tennō Shō, and another Spring Tennō Shō—a long-distance triple crown.
In Japan, where long-distance races were rare, this triple crown was a historically rare achievement, once leading many to call Mejiro McQueen [Japan's Greatest Long-Distance Uma Musume].
However…
After the Pegasus, with her Irregular Quadruple Crown, won the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen, the number of fans calling McQueen the best decreased significantly.
After the Pegasus's Dubai feat—[Two Crowns in One Day]!
Few people still called Mejiro McQueen Japan's greatest long-distance Uma Musume anymore. She was downgraded to "top three, arguably one."
The reason was obvious.
Many of her fans had switched to being Pegasus fans!
For Mejiro McQueen… Damn it, there's a hacker!!!
And not long ago, the URA had announced the entry list for the Spring Tennō Shō—the Pegasus, Platinum, was confirmed to run.
This instantly multiplied the pressure on McQueen. These past few days, she had been maintaining an intense training regimen, preparing to face Platinum in the Spring Tennō Shō.
"I… I understand…"
Hearing Ramonu's advice, the running McQueen gradually slowed her pace and finally stopped.
Drenched in sweat, the silver-haired girl, Mejiro McQueen, appeared calm and composed on the surface, but inside, she couldn't fully settle.
After all, her opponents were the Pegasus, Platinum, and Manhattan Cafe.
Manhattan Cafe alone had the potential to threaten her, let alone the Pegasus, who had once beaten Cafe by 31 lengths!
If she suffered a crushing defeat, she might end up in the [Pegasus Hall of Fame] just like Manhattan Cafe.
How could the pressure not be immense?
She was sweating buckets!
Mejiro Ramonu, standing nearby, crossed her arms and sighed.
"That [Triple Crown Winner Benefits] and [URA Popularity Promotion Benefits], and that live broadcast bowing apology…"
"The URA, known for its stubbornness, arrogance, and rigid pride, actually bowed its head to the Pegasus."
"This is a first in all these years."
So now, it was McQueen's turn to feel the pressure max out.
She was the two-time defending champion, going for a third straight win—a super champion rare in Japanese Uma Musume history.
Yet, in the current entry list, the two-time winner was only… the second favorite!
The top favorite spot was taken by a certain rookie running the Spring Tennō Shō for the first time.
Conversely, if McQueen could win, the honor would be unprecedented—more shocking than her past wins in the Kikuka Shō and even her two Spring Tennō Shō victories combined!
A victory in this Spring Tennō Shō would irrevocably cement Mejiro McQueen's name as Japan's greatest long-distance runner and propel her to worldwide fame.
But the prerequisite was… she had to win!
McQueen spoke to her family elder, Ramonu, asking the question she needed answered.
"Ramonu-nee, in my last G1, the Arima Kinen, I experienced Platinum's Zone. You saw my performance."
"Any advice?"
After her question, Ramonu lowered her head in thought for a moment.
Then, the elegant, lady-like mature woman looked up and gave her opinion.
"Why didn't you go all out?"
"During the Arima Kinen, you activated your Zone too late. Even with your strong finishing kick, you activated slower than Teio, whose stamina is clearly inferior to yours."
"Back then, you knew nothing about Platinum and wanted to maintain a normal race pace. But Teio was different—she'd already lost to Platinum in the previous Japan Cup. She didn't dare accelerate at a normal rhythm."
This was the key point Ramonu believed needed attention.
"So your rhythm was disrupted, your acceleration came too late, and you didn't even make top three."
"And don't forget, the third favorite was another long-distance powerhouse, Manhattan Cafe, who was once left 31 lengths behind by the Pegasus in the Kikuka Shō."
"That Cafe might be as nervous as Teio was in the Arima Kinen and accelerate early!"
"In the Spring Tennō Shō in a few days, as long as you don't repeat your Arima Kinen mistake, don't stick to a conventional rhythm based on your past two Spring Tennō Shō experiences… you have a chance!"
"In terms of stamina, you are the pride of the Mejiro family. You won't lose to anyone. Believe in yourself."
These words made McQueen lower her head slightly, pondering seriously.
It was a valuable piece of advice. She then nodded in firm agreement.
She needed to prepare more aggressively, accept a faster pace, to have a chance of defeating the Pegasus.
"I understand. Then I'll try…"
"A front-running strategy! To give the Pegasus a surprise!!"
The girl aiming for a third straight Spring Tennō Shō crown, Mejiro McQueen, absolutely did not want to lose!
--+--
Time flew.
The day of the Spring Tennō Shō arrived.
The silver-haired girl slung her bow case over her shoulder and lazily pulled on her long boots.
"After winning this Spring Tennō Shō, only the Takarazuka Kinen remains."
"Soon, I'll be able to activate my transformation and unlock my alternate form!"
"Now—let's go!"
--+--
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.