"A shimmering platinum star drifted across the sunlit sky…"
The moving vocals flowed alongside lively dance steps. Under the spotlight, the beautiful Uma Musume radiated their unique charms.
Pretty little dresses, swinging arms, fluttering strands of hair and tails, adorable voices chiming by their ears—the Uma Musume dancing on stage now truly embodied what it meant to be everyone's idol.
The audience below was, of course, captivated by their presence. Most had voluntarily bought glow sticks, waving them high in the air.
They were savoring this joy.
Naturally, among these spectators were several familiar faces.
Like the group around Symboli Rudolf, or the one with Dicta Striker.
"President! You came too?"
Dicta Striker accidentally bumped into someone next to her. As she turned to apologize, she realized it was none other than Symboli Rudolf.
"Given how important the Japan Cup is, my decision to attend in person isn't exactly surprising, is it?"
Usually so dignified and proper in front of the students, Rudolf was now uncharacteristically holding two glow sticks, waving them just like any ordinary fan.
Dicta felt her image of the Emperor shatter into pieces.
"Did this Japan Cup leave you awestruck, Dicta?"
Without turning, still watching the smiling, chattering horse girls on stage, Rudolf posed the question to Dicta beside her.
"Oh, absolutely awestruck. I've never seen such an incredible race."
Dicta nodded without hesitation, her eyes fixed on Oguri Cap leaping across the stage.
"Oguri Cap has already reached legendary status. How can I afford to fall behind? I'm no worse than her! We haven't raced even once yet. It's downright agonizing."
Gritting her teeth with a soft grind, Dicta's aura sharpened, fierce as a lone wolf.
"Hearing you say that, it seems you already have your next race in mind."
Sensing this intensity, a smile tugged at the corner of Symboli Rudolf's mouth.
She greatly admired Uma Musume like Dicta Striker—talented, confident, and full of fire.
"Let me guess… the pinnacle of the Twinkle Series, the final leg of the Autumn Triple Crown, one of the Eight Major Races—the Arima Kinen."
"You guessed right. My next target is the Arima Kinen."
Dicta Striker nodded.
"After this race, Oguri Cap's popularity domestically is now on par with Tamamo Cross. She'll undoubtedly be selected for this year's Arima Kinen."
Noticing the performers on stage bowing in thanks, signaling the end of the Winners' Stage, Symboli Rudolf put away her glow sticks and turned calmly to look at her junior.
She knew: before Oguri Cap appeared, before Tamamo Cross's winning streak, it was Dicta Striker—renowned for her explosive late speed—who had most captured the audience's anticipation.
Even Oguri Cap's famed closing rush couldn't guarantee being faster than hers.
"Two consecutive dominant victories: one set a course record for 2000 meters on all turf, the other a runaway win by a large margin. With results like that, you're guaranteed a spot in this Arima Kinen."
"I don't care about the Arima Kinen itself."
As the crowd began dispersing, Dicta also turned to leave.
"My goal is just one thing: to compete against Oguri Cap. I'll take my leave now, President."
Watching Dicta Striker swagger away, Symboli Rudolf didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Doesn't care about the Arima Kinen? She really dares to say that."
"But this year's Arima Kinen will probably be a frenzy, a gathering of monsters."
Just as the Emperor sighed with this thought, Maruzensky's voice came from behind.
"Rudolf, let's go too. I'll give you a ride."
The moment these words were spoken, Symboli Rudolf's face visibly paled, her legs even trembling slightly.
"No, I just remembered I have something to take care of! Please go on ahead, Senpai!"
Without even looking back, Rudolf made a swift escape.
This left the two behind her utterly bewildered.
"What's gotten into Rudolf?"
An annoyed Maruzensky twitched her ears but made no move to chase. Huffing, she turned and called out to the other.
"Chiyono O, come on. I'll make a special trip to take you back."
"Really? Thank you, Senpai!" Sakura Chiyono O's eyes sparkled as if filled with little stars, her tail wagging so fast it nearly became a blur.
--+--
Backstage, Obey Your Master, all alone, packed up her things and prepared to leave in solitude.
No friends, no trainer, not even a rival.
She did pause for a moment outside the doors of Oguri Cap and Tamamo Cross, but soon continued on her way.
'Never mind,' she thought. 'From what I've gathered, Tamamo Cross just lost to Oguri Cap for the first time. Her feelings must be complicated right now. Better not disturb her.'
Holding this thought, Obey Your Master decided to leave alone.
Her heart was a tangled mess of emotions—joy, resentment, and hope all knotted together into a ball of yarn with no end to unravel.
"I fly back to America the day after tomorrow. I must meet with Nearl tomorrow without fail."
Muttering to herself as she walked, she was completely absorbed.
"Why wait until tomorrow? Whatever you wish to say, I'm ready to listen anytime."
But from the corridor's corner, a figure leaning against the wall suddenly spoke, freezing Obey Your Master in her tracks.
Even the foot she had just lifted hung stiffly in midair.
That familiar tone made her brain instantly overload.
She had wanted Nearl to see her true self, but this kind of ambush was too much to handle!
"Heh, you look so silly like this. Where's all that fierceness you usually carry?"
Nearl let out a soft laugh, then walked over to stand facing Obey Your Master, carefully examining her exaggerated, comical getup.
"You... figured it out."
Obey Your Master's tension deflated. She wasn't a fool.
It was clear now that Nearl had known all along about her deliberate attempts to get close.
"Can you tell me where I slipped up? I went through all that trouble with the disguise."
She reached back, grabbed the hair tie, and pulled. Smooth locks cascaded down.
A deep breath, a shift in her facial expression.
Now, standing before Nearl, Obey Your Master differed from her usual morning self only in clothing and contact lenses.
"Your makeup was truly impressive. But we have someone on our side who's even sharper at spotting details."
Nearl thought for a moment, then decisively threw Platinum under the bus.
After all, explaining her ability to see through essence was far too troublesome. Most would probably think she was just being evasive.
--+--
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.