"And they're at the finish, approaching the line—"
"Tokai Teio, it's Tokai Teio who takes the victory. A brilliant and utterly unquestionable performance, putting a perfect end to her debut race, and also marking the start of her brand new journey."
"Congratulations, Tokai Teio. Carry the emperor's legacy and soar ever higher. The vast future that belongs to you has only just unfolded before your eyes."
The commentator's voice came from the phone screen. Tokai Teio, having crossed the finish line, was waving her arm at the camera.
"President, did you see that?" Tokai Teio pointed at the phone screen, her face glowing with excitement.
"For someone of my caliber, a debut race is a piece of cake."
"I've got a feeling I can run even better, even faster!"
Behind the desk, holding a gel pen, Symboli Rudolf gazed at the noisy Tokai Teio with an indulgent smile.
Let the kid have her fun. A bit of pride might lead to overconfidence, but crushing her spirit too much wouldn't help her future development.
Beside them, Air Groove set down a freshly brewed, steaming pot of tea near the president.
A faint smile touched her usually cool face.
"Teio, you don't need to keep showing these to the president. She's already contributed plenty to the view count under that video over the past couple of days."
"Air Groove, you—" Symboli Rudolf shot her a look of mock annoyance.
Seeing this, Tokai Teio covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. She looked utterly delighted, as if she'd just eaten a spoonful of honey.
Truth be told, Symboli Rudolf wasn't really that embarrassed.
Watching race replays wasn't anything to be ashamed of. But based on her recently acquired 'child-rearing' experience, showing a slightly less imposing side in front of a junior might help build rapport.
Giving positive feedback to a junior... letting them think they've gotten away with a little cleverness was forgivable, wasn't it?
"President, just you watch." Tokai Teio held up three fingers. "I'll definitely achieve the same honors as you. I'll become an Uma Musume worthy of you."
The Undefeated Triple Crown—here I come!
Watching this radiant, shining Tokai Teio, Symboli Rudolf felt an unexpected swell of pride.
It's true what they say: comparisons are odious. But having a certain other someone as a point of reference really made her appreciate just how sensible Teio was.
The mere thought of that individual—the one who practically radiated laziness, seemed to live day and night in reverse, and utterly lacked common sense—made Symboli Rudolf's teeth ache.
How could a filly live like that?
Weren't all Uma Musume supposed to be friendly, peaceful, adorable spirits? Why did she have to live like some chaotic troublemaker?
But then, thinking about that troublemaker... a thread of unease began to worm its way into Symboli Rudolf's mind.
Was sending Platinum off to Hong Kong really the right decision?
No matter how you looked at it, Platinum was still a raw rookie. And the competition she'd be facing was top-tier...
"Huh... Speaking of which, what's Platinum up to right now...?" As if reading her thoughts, Tokai Teio's mind had drifted to Platinum at the same time.
"That Platinum! She didn't even say a proper goodbye before leaving! And she hasn't even sent a single postcard from Hong Kong. Some friend she is!"
Just thinking about it made Teio puff her cheeks in frustration.
"She's probably deep in training preparations, too busy to find the time," Symboli Rudolf suggested, propping her chin on her hand, her own thoughts suddenly drifting far away.
I wonder if Agnes Digital can really keep both Platinum and Leap of Faith in check, and keep them properly close by.
...Just picturing Agnes Digital's usual demeanor made Symboli Rudolf smack her own forehead.
Completely unreliable!
Is Platinum eating and sleeping well? Has she adjusted to the local environment? Hong Kong is so much more humid and hot than here; what if she gets heat rash?
And that Golden Sixty—she's a bit reckless, isn't she, like a big kid herself. Could she end up clashing with Platinum?
Then there are the other seniors. Can Platinum get along with them?
With her social skills being what they are—struggling to get past 'nice weather' even after ten minutes face-to-face—can she really make friends?
Initially, Symboli Rudolf hadn't been too worried, but now, the more she thought about it, the more anxious she became.
She couldn't shake the fear of Platinum getting lost or into trouble without her there to watch over her.
With a troubled sigh, Symboli Rudolf stood up and began pacing around the student council room. She wanted to call Hong Kong, but worried that Platinum and the others might be in the middle of training.
You've really become a full-on mother hen... Air Groove watched Symboli Rudolf's performance silently, an internal commentary running through her mind.
Oh, right. They are distant relatives already. Never mind then.
"President, when does Platinum's race start? Can we watch it on TV?" Tokai Teio asked, watching the president pace in circles.
"In about half a month, I believe. Her racing silks should be finished being tailored just in time."
Tokai Teio blinked, her face full of yearning. "Racing silks... How nice."
"I wanna run against G1 Uma Musume too."
"President, do you know all of Platinum's opponents? Are any of them super strong?"
Symboli Rudolf thought for a moment. "To be frank, Teio, your phrasing isn't quite accurate."
"Because simply running on the same track doesn't necessarily make them rivals."
"For those retired champions, their true rivals are often only each other."
"Platinum... I'm afraid she isn't really considered a worthy opponent in their eyes yet."
First, standing before Platinum was Urban Sea.
An Uma Musume who had conquered the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, she had also shown strong performances in various G2 races.
In Symboli Rudolf's memory, her endurance and a tenacious, almost fanatical will were her greatest weapons.
On the rain-sodden, muddy track at Longchamp, it was that very fervor that had steadied her speed in the final stretch and secured her advantage.
Then there was Agnes Digital. She might seem a bit scatterbrained, but Agnes Digital was the very model of giving her all on the racetrack.
Starting from a place where no one believed in her and climbing step by step to the peak, her spirit had inspired countless people.
Her stubborn pursuit on the track stood as a monument, encouraging those who came after.
And Sham... Sham was the very definition of a horse who raced with every fiber of her being.
Facing the most powerful opponents in the world, she endured devastating defeats in nearly every race.
Yet, she only grew more determined with each fight, delivering answers that satisfied everyone and securing a dignified retirement for herself.
As for Golden Sixty—needless to say, the passion and sheer stubbornness she held for running were something Symboli Rudolf had rarely seen in her life.
Each of them possessed a spirit that Platinum needed to learn from, a spirit she would absolutely require in the future.
Until Platinum truly understood what she was lacking, if she were to rashly throw herself into this fray...
"It would be like pouncing on a tiger barehanded," Symboli Rudolf murmured the idiom almost absently, the worry in her eyes deepening.
Almost imperceptibly, Air Groove's posture seemed to stiffen for a brief moment.
--+--
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.