After the Satsuki Sho, Dream Weaver's name echoed across the land.
With a victory margin so vast it felt like a chasm, she had defeated champion Uma Musume candidates from around the world, proving one undeniable truth to all.
Even without relying on the European racing circuit, Uma Musume could seize their own glory.
Joining Europe wasn't a necessity.
That idea was still just a tiny seed, but it had already sunk deep roots into the hearts of everyone who yearned to see their own region break free from Europe's shadow.
With the news media within Symboli Rudolf's team adding fuel to the fire, Dream Weaver's fame was no longer confined to this nation alone.
Eyes from every corner of the globe had turned toward her, waiting for the day she might truly fulfill the declaration she'd made during the selection trials.
And they wouldn't have to wait long, for everyone knew Dream Weaver's aim was the Triple Crown. Her next race would inevitably be the Japanese Derby.
On May 29th, Dream Weaver would draw the world's gaze upon the Tokyo Racecourse.
But before that, apart from her daily training, there was one more thing she absolutely had to do.
"Pop the champagne!"
Mr. C.B. stood atop a precarious mountain of stacked chairs, waving a bottle wildly over her head as she cheered.
Beside her, members of Symboli Rudolf's team—who she'd somehow already gotten on famously with—joined in the chaotic chorus, shaking their own drink bottles and sending sprays flying everywhere.
Dream Weaver licked a drop of golden liquid from the corner of her mouth. Tart.
"Apple cider vinegar, seriously…?"
She gave the celebrating crowd a thoroughly unimpressed look. Even in their frenzy, they'd remembered she was underage and couldn't drink.
"Well, we're all good girls at heart," Symboli Rudolf said, swaying her wine glass gracefully before raising it toward Dream Weaver with a smile.
Even though Dream Weaver knew perfectly well it was just vinegar, the scene still gave her the strange illusion of some high-society banquet, where the liquid in Rudolf's glass must be some exquisite vintage.
Not that she'd ever been to such an event.
"Weren't the adults supposed to be here too? Where are they?" Dream Weaver glanced around.
Sure, many tasks at Tracen could be handled by the Uma Musume themselves, but some things truly required professional expertise.
Rudolf's team was full of such talents—media reporters, analysts who measured Dream Weaver's data and crafted her training plans—all true elites.
It seemed odd that none of these key support staff, the ones behind her spectacular Satsuki Sho victory, had shown up to the party.
"Dream Weaver… do you know what the best reward is for proper, working adults?" Rudolf asked, watching her puzzled expression with an amused smile as she swirled her glass.
"It's time off. And bonuses."
"Rather than team-building games or parties, what hard-working adults really want is paid leave and extra cash. So, I sent them home to rest."
Though not an adult herself, Dream Weaver felt a sudden, profound sense of agreement with Rudolf's statement.
She stared at Rudolf with intense focus, until even Rudolf began to look confused. Then Dream Weaver gave her a firm thumbs-up and patted her shoulder.
"Well done. Seriously, well done!"
Unsure why she was suddenly being praised, Rudolf blinked a few times before laughing softly. "Well, I have been growing up, after all."
Compared to the sharp, almost overwhelming presence she'd had during their first meeting, this version of Symboli Rudolf felt closer to reality.
She'd been working behind the scenes since last year. Maybe this was how the real Rudolf had gradually softened too.
Before Dream Weaver could muse further, Rudolf narrowed her eyes, a cold glint flashing briefly within them as she murmured to herself, "If I didn't learn these things… how could I ever overthrow the European racing world and the Symboli family?"
"Heh heh heh heh…let them enjoy their celebrations atop their ivory tower for now. When the time is ripe—"
Watching Rudolf chuckle darkly for no apparent reason, Dream Weaver could only conclude her chuunibyou phase wasn't quite over.
Then again, Rudolf was still only a third-year in junior high.
Compared to the mature, steady president from the real world, a touch of delusional grandiosity probably felt more natural at her age.
Her demeanor suddenly reminded Dream Weaver of another famous character—a figure who, much like Symboli Rudolf, had sought to rebel against her own family and the world.
Come to think of it, they were both student council leaders. Dream Weaver studied Rudolf's violet eyes, and the more she thought about it, the more the comparison seemed to fit.
Not wanting to interrupt the future emperor's grand visions, Dream Weaver quietly slipped away from the softly laughing Rudolf and retreated to a quiet corner.
But before she could even catch her breath, a familiar voice spoke up beside her.
"It's been a long time since I've seen everyone this happy."
Dream Weaver turned to see Shiragawa standing nearby.
Noticing Dream Weaver's gaze, she offered a gentle smile before continuing, "I think… for the past few months, everyone kept their stress bottled up inside."
Dream Weaver understood then.
She hadn't been born into this scripted world, so she couldn't fully grasp what openly defying the European circuit truly meant to everyone here.
For those who'd grown up in an atmosphere where Europe was synonymous with absolute supremacy, challenging them head-on must have been a tremendous psychological burden.
Especially since they couldn't even confide in those closest to them—family or friends. Telling anyone their team aimed to topple Europe's reign would only earn them strange, disbelieving looks.
And then, just before the race, they'd learned their opponents were former triple crown candidates from around the world.
That only deepened the unease in everyone's hearts.
They knew Dream Weaver was strong, truly strong. But the combined weight of "European racing world" and "triple crown candidates" was crushing. Even if logic said they wouldn't lose, their hearts couldn't help but waver.
But now, thankfully, months of effort had finally borne fruit—and such a dazzling victory at that. How could they possibly contain their excitement? Of course they had to let it all out.
Leaning against the wall, Dream Weaver watched Mr. C.B. flinging apple cider vinegar and Symboli Rudolf lost in her low, triumphant laughter. Unconsciously, a smile touched her own lips.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 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!
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If you guys wanna check it out.