'How should I answer this?'
Faced with the staff member's eagerly anticipated question, the faint smile on the girl known as Margaret Nearl's delicate features tightened slightly as she pondered internally.
What would be the most appropriate response?
Rivals?
Or perhaps friends?
Those were the first two options that came to Nearl's mind.
But... both were the most standard, common answers, and neither would come as much of a surprise to the public.
After all, the relationships between Uma Musume were, for the most part, limited to just three types: rivals, friends, or teammates.
But if she chose any of these, the public would undoubtedly latch onto it, eagerly anticipating their future encounters—or even a showdown.
The problem was, Nearl and Platinum... were actually both creations of a certain unscrupulous young doctor!
He'd gone off-script, adding drama without a director or a pay raise!
As for calling each other archrivals? Childhood friends?
Those were just upgraded versions of the rival and friend options—sure to draw even more public attention and thus even riskier responses.
Setting those aside, what other suitable answers were left...
She couldn't possibly say something cold and ruthless like, "Platinum? Who's that?" could she?
By status, Platinum was her senior, having debuted earlier.
What's more, almost a year ago, Platinum had publicly praised the "The Radiant Knight" as "the most impressive" she'd ever seen.
If Nearl responded so dismissively, it would show neither knightly virtue nor the courtesy expected of the Nearl family.
After turning it over in her mind...
The serious golden-haired girl suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
Uncle!!
Once the act began, on the surface, Margaret Nearl was the niece of a certain unscrupulous young doctor!
Calmly, Nearl gave her response.
"She's my uncle's exclusively contracted Uma Musume."
As soon as she spoke, the staff member in front of her was stunned.
Not friends? Not sworn rivals or opponents?
But... uncle?? Her uncle's contracted horse girl?
"Huh?"
"But if I remember correctly... Miss Platinum doesn't have a trainer, does she?"
The staff member conducting the interview was a so-called "stats fanatic"!
She was both a Secretariat fan and a Platinum fan!
So, while most Americans who didn't follow turf racing were unaware of Platinum's past comments about Margaret Nearl during her Japanese turf racing days...
This staff member found it familiar, quickly recalled the details, and suspected that Nearl and Platinum must have a significant connection.
But even this stats-obsessed Platinum fan never expected... to hear that Platinum was the exclusively contracted Uma Musume of Margaret Nearl's uncle?!
Because one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the winged Platinum was that she hadn't joined any prestigious academy or signed a contract with any trainer!
"No, my uncle is a doctor. He just arrived in America."
"He's an excellent, highly renowned young doctor who was very famous in Japan."
When Nearl mentioned "uncle," she emphasized the word with slight discomfort.
Was this...a way to boost his popularity and drum up business?
Her original self was indeed hugely famous in Japan's Uma Musume circles.
And even in Europe, where turf racing had closer ties to Japan, she still held considerable renown.
But America was all about dirt racing—they didn't pay much attention to Europe, let alone Japan, which was considered a second-tier turf racing and third-tier dirt racing region.
So, Lin Anran's current fame in America wasn't widespread, but he was exceptionally well-known among certain horse girls, like Secretariat, Sunday Silence, Flightline, and even the latest, Sham...
But the unscrupulous young doctor felt it wasn't enough, far from enough!!
He needed clients!
Lots of clients, lots of revenue from American fillies!
Thus, Nearl's response was perfect.
It not only explained their relationship flawlessly but also immediately sparked public curiosity about [Dr. Lin] and [Margaret Nearl's Uncle] among those interested in her and Platinum.
Hearing this, the staff member had a sudden realization.
[Exclusive Contract], to audiences outside Uma Musume circles, almost always pointed to a trainer.
But in reality, doctors were also crucial professionals—so much so that star Uma Musume would seek out excellent doctors to sign contracts with.
Who would've thought that this golden-haired girl from Poland, as her profile stated... not only possessed incredible talent but also had an uncle so skilled as a doctor that even the world-famous winged Platinum acknowledged him!
And such an outstanding uncle and niece, from a family that had remained unknown until today?
Without a doubt, after today!
Margaret Nearl and her mysterious uncle, the genius doctor recognized by the winged Platinum, were sure to become famous across America!
This Golden Radiant Knight, acknowledged by the Silver Platinum, would instantly become known to audiences.
And that uncle of Nearl's, the young doctor, would rapidly gain fame in horse girl circles.
This uncle-niece duo would undoubtedly make the [Nearl family] as renowned as Europe's [Sea family]!
"Thank you for the interview!"
"Wishing you all the best in your future races!"
Finally, the stats-obsessed staff member signaled that the interview was over.
After turning off the camera and ending the live broadcast, she even pulled out a small notebook from her pocket.
That's right, she was a Pegasus fan.
And who says a Golden Pegasus isn't a Pegasus?
So, as a Pegasus fan, wasn't it perfectly reasonable for her to support Nearl from today—no, from birth?
Pegasus Platinum, Pegasus Nearl! Both were Pegasi, and she supported them both!!
"Miss Nearl, could I trouble you for an autograph...?"
Nearl, gave a slight nod.
The golden-haired girl, with her heroic bearing and warm, charm-filled smile, resembled an idol, a knight—radiant and dazzling!
And this... was only Nearl's debut race as a "rookie"!
--+--
At the same time.
In a luxurious villa.
Inside, there was even a small, personal training ground.
A tall, crimson-haired girl had just finished training. Sweat glistened on her upper body, yet her scarlet eyes remained cool and imposing, without losing the aura of a King.
Yes, this was the newest American Triple Crown winner, who had just hours earlier clinched the Belmont Stakes and ascended to legendary status in a single race!
After an easy victory, a win so overwhelming it left Sham despairing and with a fracture, she still had the energy to train upon returning home!
Any horse girl, after such an intense race or even a training session, would need at least a day or two of rest, if not more, to avoid overexertion.
But Secretariat, after achieving an extraordinary, super-dominant victory—one that would be remembered for half a century or more—seemed unsatisfied and continued training!
If the talented horse girls who had just lost in the Belmont Stakes witnessed this, they would likely be utterly despairing.
More talented than them!
More powerful than them!
And even more hardworking, borderline insane—able to jump straight into training right after a race!
What kind of terrifying monster was this?
If Sham hadn't fractured so quickly and could've faced Secretariat head-on a bit longer, perhaps this big red monster would've been spurred to even greater heights of intensity and power!!
Thirty-eight lengths might not have been Secretariat's limit!
Now, this absolute dirt track overlord, this tall and aloof Triple Crown winner, was in a somewhat sour mood.
Unable to shake it off, she chose to keep training.
"Dr. Lin... actually left with Sham."
"Even though I was the one who won the race."
Secretariat couldn't help but recall hours earlier, when she crossed the finish line as champion and wanted to find Dr. Lin to share that rare joy.
But when she looked back... she saw her former rival Sham, collapsing after the race and falling right into her Dr. Lin's arms!!
"I was the first one—whether it was receiving his treatment or inviting him to watch the race, so why..."
Secretariat knew deep down that as an Uma Musume Doctor, it was completely reasonable, even highly professional and admirable, for him to immediately tend to an injured horse girl.
Lin Anran was, after all, a great doctor renowned for healing with miraculous skill!
But... for some reason, seeing that scene made Secretariat feel an uncontrollable displeasure.
"...Whatever, I shouldn't dwell on it. I'll rest a bit and then continue training."
"Since Dr. Lin has already left Japan, he must be planning to stay in America long-term. There'll be plenty of time to find him."
What's hers won't be taken away by anyone else!
With that thought, Secretariat came to a stop.
She looked down at the phone placed on a nearby bench and started watching something.
It was a promotional piece on the official American racing website that caught her eye as soon as she opened it.
Why did it stand out?
Because out of the top ten trending news stories, nine were about her winning the American Triple Crown and achieving legendary status.
The only exception was: [Pegasus Platinum Personally Attends Supernova Margaret Nearl's Record-Breaking Debut Race!!].
A few minutes later—!
Playing on Secretariat's phone was the moment Margaret Nearl crossed the finish line.
"Hm? Thirty... nine lengths?"
"One length more than me?"
Even Secretariat raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her eyes as she processed the absurd margin.
1200 meters, debut race, thirty-nine lengths.
2400 meters, the Belmont Stakes—the final, despairing wall of the Triple Crown—thirty-eight lengths.
While the prestige of these two races couldn't be compared, the sheer shock value of this debut and the potential it represented were enough to impress even Secretariat.
The competition level in the Belmont Stakes was far beyond any debut race; any talented contender could easily dominate debut runners by a significant margin.
But thirty-nine lengths? That was nearly impossible to achieve!
More importantly, Nearl had only just debuted!
Typically, debutante horse girls were about halfway through their Maturation, or just past it. Compared to those challenging the American Triple Crown, who were mostly finished or fully developed, they were practically still green.
To win so spectacularly with only half her Maturation complete—Secretariat had to acknowledge that potential!
In the future, she would undoubtedly be a contender challenging Secretariat in the Breeders' Cup.
Where did this little monster come from?
So-called geniuses, when they saw Secretariat, regarded her as the genius.
But now, out of nowhere... emerged a monster akin to that silver-white Pegasus, guaranteed to be at least historic and potentially aiming for the position of The Strongest?
Among the many prestigious American families Secretariat knew of, any with such talent would've already poured resources into promoting them aggressively.
After all, greater fame brought greater influence and income. Plus, it allowed them to qualify early to compete against top contemporaries, accelerating their growth.
So, for an Uma Musume, gaining fame early had no downsides—only benefits.
Well, except if their skill didn't live up to their reputation!
But clearly, from the Silver Pegasus Platinum to the Golden Pegasus Nearl, Secretariat didn't believe either was all hype without substance.
They were monsters that made Secretariat want to crush them herself!
She'd been a bit worried that her future dirt track races might become boring.
Without rivals, she'd have considered switching to turf racing for a new challenge.
But Margaret Nearl's debut race piqued Secretariat's interest—here was a future star that could make her own blood pump with excitement!
"Next year's classic races are looking to be quite thrilling."
Her interest sufficiently hooked, Secretariat rarely bothered to watch post-race interviews, but this time she did.
Not long after...
"May I ask, Miss Nearl, after winning your first race, what are your future goals..."
"My goal is—to first win the [American Triple Crown]."
The first question didn't surprise Secretariat much.
The true strong always had arrogance, even audacity.
But suddenly, Secretariat remembered something.
She thought of a similarly immensely talented friend who was expected to challenge next year's American Triple Tiara.
A girl named [Ruffian], with a terrifying will to win, who'd also been under Dr. Lin's care alongside her in the past.
"I remember Ruffian saying..."
"After she wins the American Triple Tiara, she'll issue a challenge to that year's American Classic Triple Crown winner!"
"If there are three winners, she'll take them all on. If there's one dominant champion, she'll challenge them without backing down."
Timing-wise, Nearl's participation in next year's races would perfectly align with [Ruffian]'s.
And Secretariat had no doubt that Nearl would win at least one of the Triple Crown races.
So, it seemed a future clash with Ruffian was inevitable!
Secretariat was curious: Nearl or Ruffian... who would be next generation's top champion?
Her interest and competitive spirit stirred, Secretariat calmly continued watching.
The second question and response from the interview played.
"Then may I ask, Miss Nearl, what is your relationship with the world-renowned Platinum?"
"She's my uncle's exclusively contracted Uma Musume."
After watching the interview, Secretariat couldn't stay seated.
She already knew about the contractual relationship between Lin Anran and Platinum from past texts.
What made her stare blankly was that last part about the uncle!
Secretariat's cool, battle-ready expression completely froze.
Huh huh huh???
That tall and majestic, yet dignified, knightly, Golden Pegasus, in Secretariat's eyes...suddenly seemed much cuter! As sweet and tempting as a little cookie!
"No wonder... she looks more and more pleasing to the eye."
"So she's my future little niece."
Secretariat nodded, her fighting spirit melting into a look of affection for a junior.
Dr. Lin would be hers sooner or later.
So Dr. Lin's niece was also her niece.
"But what's interesting is... [the Nearl Family]?"
"I've never heard Dr. Lin mention it. I'll have to ask him about it next time."
--+--
Japan, within Tracen Academy.
In Japan's Uma Musume circles right now, anything related to [Platinum] was incredibly hot.
It's safe to say that the current winged Platinum's influence in Japan far surpassed even that of Symboli Rudolf and the Super Star Oguri Cap combined.
And currently, in Japan... countless people were watching an American dirt track debut race!
This was absolutely unbelievable!
After all, Japan focused on turf racing. Even internationally renowned dirt G1 races, like the Dubai World Cup from a few years before Platinum's time, or the Breeders' Cup Classic...
Those heavyweight dirt G1s hardly generated any buzz in Japan.
Let alone some random debut race.
But now—!
"Who would've thought that the Pegasus senior didn't go straight to Europe but went to America first to watch a dirt debut race?"
"Right, totally unexpected. I don't know much about dirt racing, but even I can tell that Nearl is terrifying."
"She's practically [Platinum Reborn] or [The Second Pegasus]!!"
"Never imagined that Dr. Lin, who treated me a few months ago, has such a super talented niece!"
"Wah, Dr. Lin, my Dr. Lin, why did you have to leave?"
"Gwaa, Dr. Lin's family bloodline must be amazing! If he married some outstanding horse girl, their offspring would be absolutely monstrous!"
Even within Tracen Academy, discussions about that race were everywhere!
The [Nearl Family] and [Margaret Nearl] were gaining traction and name recognition in Japan too!
--+--
And in the student council office...
Even the retired senior Uma Musume were stunned.
"What a terrifying dirt track monster, truly unheard of. If she had red hair, she'd be the third-generation Big Red, right?"
"Nearl?! Even Platinum personally attended her race."
"Who knew that besides being a brilliant doctor, Dr. Lin comes from a prestigious family!"
"I found some records; it's an Uma Musume family from Poland, but they apparently fell into obscurity years ago due to some misfortune."
"But with Dr. Lin's exceptional medical skills and super talent Margaret Nearl's successful debut, they're bound to rise again."
Even Symboli Rudolf showed a hint of surprise.
"But a family's resurgence... isn't just about one generation."
"Take the Sea family, for example: first the mother, Urban Sea, won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, then the eldest daughter, Galileo, won the Irish Derby, and now the younger daughter, Sea the Stars, is making waves in Europe!"
"Ultimately, Dr. Lin and Margaret Nearl basically represent one generation's impact."
"There are countless families that rose to fame rapidly within a few years, with Uma Musume from the same family, but then faded away when the next generation failed to carry on the legacy."
"So... Dr. Lin should probably consider marrying an outstanding Uma Musume to ensure the family's continuity."
After all... do beauties not belong to the strong?
Extremely popular, amazing medical skills, handsome, virtuous, having healed countless Uma Musume and saved many fillies' racing dreams—wasn't Dr. Lin the very definition of a [beauty] in horse girls' eyes?!
"It seems Dr. Lin will have to shoulder the heavy responsibility of revitalizing his family."
"I wonder... if his health can handle it?"
--+--
A few days later...
America, in a room.
"Sham?"
Lin Anran, through some means, got a message from the legendary senior Seabiscuit.
"She wants to schedule treatment with me? Great, great, no problem."
"Let's set it for tomorrow..."
A few minutes later, the call ended.
The unscrupulous young doctor was very pleased—this was his first injured filly since returning to America!
"Well... time to sort out the racing uniform first."
"Then, go treat Sham."
Lin Anran made his decision.
The next second—
"Margaret Nearl, activate!"
A shimmering golden light appeared!
Then, Nearl materialized!
Her orange eyes held a trace of curiosity.
Right now, Nearl's target was... her own racing uniform!
--+--
T/N: bro needs to aura farm asap
--+--
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.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.