Today, the already congested traffic in the city center had worsened, teetering on the brink of total gridlock.
People had simply abandoned their vehicles and taken to walking—it was faster that way.
"Well, can't say I don't get it. After all, it's the day of the Japan Cup," remarked Dicta Striker, hands resting behind her head as she casually observed the bustling crowd, shrugging in understanding.
"Even so, there are just way too many people!"
Sakura Chiyono O emerged from the packed crowd, her face a picture of misery.
"There is no countermeasure—we must endure," said the chestnut-haired Yaeno Muteki, gently patting her clothes straight and smoothing out the wrinkles from being jostled.
Yaeno Muteki had originally planned to do special training today, but her trainer, having caught wind of the event, insisted she come to watch.
As soon as she finished, Yaeno Muteki felt a gaze so intense it seemed about to burn a hole through her.
"An enemy!"
Whipping around in alarm, she realized the look came from someone familiar.
"Super Creek."
She relaxed, letting her guard down, and offered a friendly greeting instead.
"Well met, Super Creek. Have you also come to witness this grand event?"
"Ah, yes. My trainer decided not to enter me in this Japan Cup, so I'm feeling a little down about it."
At this point in her life, Super Creek's maternal instincts weren't as overwhelming as they would become after retirement, so she replied to Yaeno Muteki quite normally.
"Trusting one's trainer is the only path to growth."
"I understand. No one trusts Nase more than I do."
Super Creek smiled gently.
Unlike these students, the privileged elite of the Tracen Academy student council had their own exclusive private box.
At that moment, the three council members were waiting inside.
"This Japan Cup is so lively—seems even more packed than during your time, Rudolf," Mr. C.B. remarked, leaning back in her chair and poking Symboli Rudolf's cheek playfully.
Even while being teased like this, Symboli Rudolf remained calm. Or perhaps "ignoring it" was more accurate.
"But wasn't that the first defeat for the undefeated emperor? Maybe that one left a bigger impact on the spectators."
Symboli Rudolf's ears began to tilt backward, and her calm expression started to waver.
"Say something, junior! Tell us how you felt about that Japan Cup?"
Seeing that Symboli Rudolf still wasn't responding, Mr. C.B. cranked up the mischief, even pressing her face against Rudolf's and rubbing cheeks.
"!"
A visible mark of irritation appeared on her forehead as Symboli Rudolf's patience finally snapped.
"Mr. C.B.!"
In one swift motion, the emperor wrapped her arms around Mr. C.B.'s waist, lifted her, and slammed her down into the chair.
"Guh!!"
"Don't think you're getting away that easily!"
They wrestled, neither willing to yield.
"Hmm…"
Standing some distance away, Maruzensky watched the two Triple Crown winners completely lose their composure, a hollow feeling washing over her.
A short while later, Symboli Rudolf—hair disheveled and uniform askew—was catching her breath while trying to straighten her appearance.
At the same time, she kept a firm pressure on the squirming Mr. C.B. trapped beneath her.
"Are you two children?"
Maruzensky looked at them with resignation.
"Senpai, you saw how she was harassing me—why didn't you step in to help?"
"Ahaha, well…"
Maruzensky averted her eyes guiltily, unable to meet Symboli Rudolf's gaze.
Ever since that day she'd eavesdropped, she'd unconsciously been keeping her distance from Rudolf.
"I've been feeling like you've been acting a bit strange lately, Maruzensky-senpai."
Rudolf muttered it under her breath but didn't dwell on it.
"Maruzensky-senpai, what do you think will happen in today's race? Who among all these top contenders will seize the final victory?"
"It's hard to say. Without a doubt, every Uma Musume racing here is among the absolute best of the best. At this level, even if there are gaps in ability, no one is completely outmatched. Victory will come down to timing and strategy on the field."
Leaning against the wall, Maruzensky shared her perspective.
"Even against a Domain owner like Tamamo Cross?"
Symboli Rudolf said it quietly, though her expression suggested she was mostly speaking to herself.
"Mmmpgh!!"
"It's difficult to say. Leaving others aside, Tony Bianca, as this year's Arc de Triomphe winner, definitely possesses a domain. Barring any surprises, this race will likely come down to her and Tamamo Cross."
Maruzensky wasn't overly optimistic about the outcome.
She knew all too well the gap between Japan and the international scene—both in terms of training and innate talent.
"Mmmph!!"
"Sigh."
Symboli Rudolf understood this perfectly well herself. Yet, somewhere deep down, she still clung to a sliver of hope.
'Oguri Cap… I hope you can surpass your limits.'
Thinking of that dappled-gray figure carrying so many expectations, even the emperor couldn't help but offer a silent prayer.
She, too, had pinned her hopes for reform on Oguri Cap.
"Mmmph!!"
Mr. C.B. was still struggling.
--+--
Meanwhile, Obey Your Master was alone in her preparation room, once again disguised in her trendy persona.
But since she was by herself now, she didn't have to maintain that ridiculous act.
"These past few days have been so rewarding. I can feel my foundations becoming much more solid."
She squeezed her well-toned legs, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
"Nearl is truly amazing. Not only is she incredibly skilled herself, but she can explain things so clearly—honestly, she seems more professional than my own trainer."
Indeed, Obey Your Master had been waiting for Nearl every morning, absorbing as much knowledge from her as possible.
She had built a mental model of Nearl's capabilities over these days, which only made the prospect of facing her more daunting.
"What kind of all-round warrior is she?!"
She had grumbled to herself at the time.
In any case, a clear path to victory still seemed out of reach, but the possibility of her own breakthrough felt more tangible than ever.
"Totally worth it! Even if I don't win this Japan Cup, I'll still feel from the bottom of my heart that I made the right choice."
The thought filled her with a sense of fulfillment.
"But someone like Nearl… she's just so dazzling. Her character, her knowledge, her talent—I can't even imagine how far she'll go in the future."
"My gains have been indescribable—I've even expanded my understanding of how to use my domain. This is a huge win! After I return home, I'm going to propose a European campaign to my trainer."
"But before I leave, I need to say a proper goodbye to Nearl. At the very least, I want her to see the real me. No matter how she sees me afterward, I want—just for a moment—to stand before her without any disguise."
--+--
T/N: Mihoyo x Multiverse Fanfic Up!
--+--
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.