The office was in chaos, everyone making final checks on their equipment.
"Digital recorder OK, camera… also OK, notepad and pens all ready to go."
After organizing the things they needed to bring, the reporters wasted no more time and hurried off toward a certain building.
—The Autumn [Tenno Sho] Uma Musume Press Conference Venue.
Held every year, this venue served to reveal all the participants for the [Tenno Sho] and allowed reporters to ask pre-race questions. It was a special pre-race segment dedicated to media coverage.
The entire hall could hold hundreds of people, basically covering reporters from all major central news media outlets.
But even so, every year there were people who couldn't find seats and had to stand in the back to take pictures.
"Tama-chan, it's about time."
In the competitors' lounge, Komiyama Masumi, having shed her sloppy work clothes and changed into formal attire, spoke up.
Seated beside her, Tamamo Cross scratched her head.
"It's time for the most troublesome part again…"
Traveling all the way to a press conference just to answer questions and have her picture taken.
If only she had the ability to avoid being photographed, how much trouble that would save…
She suddenly felt a pang of envy for a certain ghost.
"No helping it, it's part of the race procedure," Komiyama said, pulling at her snug-fitting clothes, equally resigned.
She much preferred loose, comfortable clothing—easy to take on and off, and no fear of getting them dirty.
But to maintain her image as a strict Central Tracen Academy trainer, she couldn't appear in front of the cameras like that.
It would be too easy for people to criticize her for disrespecting the solemn occasion!
"Hey… Komiya, to save some energy, I didn't prepare anything at all before going on stage this time."
Oh…
Nothing at all?
How could you go on stage without preparing anything!?
"What about the list I gave you? Those polite, formal responses?"
"Too long. Made my head spin just reading it once, so I tossed it."
"What—?"
That was something she'd spent hours carefully writing, just so Tamamo Cross could say something proper and authoritative in front of the media, and she just threw it away like it was nothing!
"My hard work…" Komiyama clutched her chest.
This is bad, suddenly I don't want to go on stage anymore.
Maybe I should just give up and let it all fall apart.
"You're getting too worked up, Komiya," Tamamo Cross comforted her from the side. "On occasions like this, you should just say whatever comes to mind. Pre-prepared speeches always feel kinda fake to me."
Just like in a race, victory is victory, defeat is defeat. No need to dress it up with extra words.
And certainly no need to twist the truth.
"Tama-chan…"
Looking into the girl's sky-blue eyes that sparkled with conviction, Trainer Komiyama Masumi understood her feelings.
"If that's the case, then let's do it Tamamo's way. At the press conference, speak your true feelings."
"Haha, Komiya, I knew it." Tamamo Cross broke into a smile. "You get me."
--+--
"Now, let's welcome all the participating competitors to enter the hall in turn."
A massive URA backdrop was erected in the center of the conference room. The host responsible for the event spoke from beside the podium.
"First to appear is the Derby Uma Musume who returned from abroad, Sirius Symboli, and her trainer, Miss Nase Fumino."
A chorus of click-clicks from cameras filled the venue, accompanied by the constant flash of blinding lights. Sirius Symboli, wearing a jacket, trousers, a neckband with a star pendant, and a belt, entered the room alongside Nase Fumino, who was also dressed in formal attire.
After nodding to the crowd, Nase Fumino took her place near the podium.
This press conference was primarily for the participating Uma Musume; unless absolutely necessary, the trainers wouldn't interrupt the dialogue.
"Is this Sirius's first time participating in the Autumn Tenno Sho?"
"I heard she had to attend a race overseas last time, so she had no choice but to cancel that year's [Tenno Sho]."
"I see…" whispers circulated around the room.
"Although Sirius Symboli narrowly placed second in the [Mainichi Okan], her strength still shouldn't be underestimated. Especially with the assistance of her genius trainer, she's sure to shine brilliantly in this competition."
The host's voice rang out again, recounting various details about Sirius Symboli.
"No need to bring up that 'narrowly second' thing…" Sirius Symboli couldn't help but grumble internally.
"And the second participant is the dual-class winner Uma Musume who has captured everyone's attention, Narita Brian, and her trainer, Toujou Hana."
Under the gaze of hundreds in the room, the door slid open again, and Narita Brian, clad in a wild white coat, strode in. Behind her, Trainer Toujou Hana wore an expression of grim determination.
"On her path to conquer the Triple Crown, Narita Brian wishes to first clear this formidable hurdle. Her bravery is truly moving…"
With every word the host spoke, a twitch developed at the corner of Toujou Hana's eye. Within minutes, cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Here."
Nase Fumino, standing beside her, offered a handkerchief.
As fellow Tracen trainers, they'd met quite often and were fairly familiar with each other.
"Thanks…"
Toujou Hana took it and wiped away the cold sweat.
But immediately after, a reporter's question caused fresh sweat to break out on Toujou Hana's brow.
"May I ask, Miss Narita Brian, why did you choose to participate in this [Tenno Sho]?"
Damn it, why did they have to bring that up!
Narita Brian's yellow eyes found the questioning reporter. "Because I felt it was a race I couldn't afford to miss, so I came."
Her words left the conference room in stunned silence.
"...Is that all?"
"Yes, that's all."
Soft murmurs rose from the audience. Seizing the moment before the situation spiraled, the host quickly moved on to the next stage.
"Now, let's welcome the next competitor, the record-breaker of the Central circuit, winner of six consecutive major prizes, Oguri Cap! And her trainer, Musaka Ginjirou."
Indeed, the weight of a rising star's name was substantial. Upon hearing Oguri Cap's name, everyone immediately quieted down.
Clip-clop, clip-clop—
Clear, crisp footsteps sounded. The dapple-gray girl stepped up to the front, wearing a red tie, a white top, a blue skirt, and soft black tights covering her legs.
"This is Oguri Cap's first appearance in a G1 race, and her victory outfit is also being revealed for the first time. It's based on a sailor suit overall, a design full of power."
Full of power…
It's true. Wearing this outfit, my mood gets excited too.
Just as Trainer Musaka said, the feeling a victory outfit gives a competitor is completely different from training clothes.
"It seems Oguri Cap is determined to win this race."
"Hmm…"
It's not exactly that I'm determined to win.
I just want to cross this high mountain and advance to greater heights.
"Until I climb to the very peak of the world—"
An unyielding voice echoed through the conference room.
"Heh, an interesting thought," Sirius Symboli beside her revealed her usual, slightly mocking smile.
Narita Brian lifted her eyelids slightly but said nothing.
"What incredible resolve. Now then, next up, let's welcome our highly anticipated next competitor, the winner of the Spring [Tenno Sho], Tamamo Cross, and her trainer, Komiyama Masumi!"
After the host finished speaking, she looked toward the door.
Everyone's gaze also shifted to the entrance.
"…"
"…"
Ah, ah-are?
Did they not hear?
"Let's welcome the next competitor, Tamamo Cross!"
The host called out again.
"They're already calling for me, that's enough! This outfit wasn't even supposed to be buttoned up in the first place!"
"Ara? It wasn't?"
"It's meant to be open! Don't treat me like a kid who can't even work a zipper! Really, I'm going in now…"
Muffled voices came from outside the door. With a thud, Tamamo Cross walked in, looking thoroughly displeased.
Beside her, Maruzensky wore an expression of concern.
As the door opened, both were simultaneously exposed to all the reporters.
"Um, well…"
The host looked flustered. Seeing Maruzensky about to close the door with an apologetic expression, she immediately cried out, "And Maruzensky as well! Let's welcome Tamamo Cross and Maruzensky!"
If you've already been seen, don't try to formally go back out!
Have you considered the schedule!?
Screaming internally, Maruzensky blinked, then followed Tamamo Cross in, standing beside her.
"First off, I want to make one thing clear. I'm a mature adult now, I can take care of myself."
"'Can take care of myself,' did you hear that? Tamamo Cross can take care of herself. Is she planning to live alone, perhaps?"
"Very likely…" Rustling whispers rose from the audience.
Tamaaamo!!
Is this what you meant by 'true feelings'?
I thought you were going to say something heartfelt, and this is it?
If I'd known this would happen, I'd have rather died back in the competitors' lounge!
Under the gentle gazes of her colleagues, Komiyama just wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
"I-I see," the host wiped sweat from her brow and continued, "Then, may I ask if Miss Tamamo Cross has anything she'd like to say?"
"Something I wanna say?" Tamamo Cross narrowed her eyes.
"I'm gonna take all three Autumn G1 races, every single one of them!"
The three autumn G1s were the [Tenno Sho], the [Arima Kinen], and the [Japan Cup].
So Tamamo Cross was aiming for all three?
This was huge news!
Just as the reporters were thinking how to spin this story, it was finally time for the last competitor.
Maruzensky gently touched her cheek.
"Well then, to save time, I'll keep it brief."
Her blue-green eyes swept over the crowd.
"Whether it's the [Tenno Sho] or any other race, as of now, I have no intention of losing." Though she was smiling, her tone brooked no argument.
If anyone wants to win, they'll have to get past me first.
That applies to everyone.
Yes, that includes you too, my dear miss ghost.
Blending into the scene, sitting in a corner of the room, wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, a girl with snow-white skin rested her cheek on her hand as if watching a show. Casually, her gaze met Maruzensky's.
The other girl smiled sweetly.
Hooh…?
Golden eyes glinted faintly in the shadows.
How interesting.
--+--
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.