1:00 p.m., outside Chukyo Racecourse.
Carrying a shopping bag, Stardust Mirage had changed into brand-new racing shoes. At the gate, she looked up.
Chukyo wasn't among Japan's top few, but bordering Nagoya and managed directly by the JRA, its facilities and cards were solid—plenty to support a G1.
In this world of Uma Musume, nothing beat spending your free hours watching a thrilling, eye-catching race.
Even at the gate, Stardust Mirage could feel the feverish atmosphere—tens of thousands drawn here by today's Chukyo debut.
No small fraction had come for Tokai Teio.
"I have to earn prize money here—top five at least…"
Gazing at the track, thinking of storied races and the blood-stirring purses, she set her target.
At minimum, the family shouldn't be fretting over money. Aim for ten million yen in winnings!
She submitted her entry and followed staff to a media area; there would be interviews before the race—obviously, because a certain Uma Musume was involved.
At the venue, she immediately spotted the most striking figure: the Teio she'd met that morning.
Seeing Stardust Mirage arrive, Teio waved her over with vigor, patting the seat next to her. Reporters and other runners looked on, curious who warranted such attention from the debuting genius.
"Um…"
Under those circumstances, it would have been impolite to refuse. Stardust Mirage braced herself and sat by Teio as the press conference began.
"Tokai Teio, today marks your official debut. Do you have goals or a vision for your career ahead?"
"Undefeated Triple Crown, of course!!!"
"Teio, based on the data, you're the runaway favorite today. Our paper's polled twice; both have you as likeliest winner. Thoughts?"
"I'll run with everything I've got. Thank you for your support!"
"Are there any opponents worth your attention today—any threats to your winning?"
"I think everyone will run their hearts out for first place. They're all worth attention!"
"…"
For Stardust Mirage, the interview was agony.
Seated beside the most popular runner in the field, she could only sit stiffly and stop thinking.
Every lens pointed their way, yet not a single reporter asked her how she felt.
In name, it was a group debut interview; in practice, the spotlight was wholly on the genius Tokai Teio. Stardust Mirage wished she could turn invisible—at least she'd be more comfortable.
She understood. The media didn't need words from a nobody; even as a foil to Teio, a country girl like her didn't rate.
Soon it was over.
She exhaled when the ordeal ended, hung the green No. 7 placard on her chest, then stepped to center stage, taking a place at the edge for the group photo.
"What genius… I'll show her."
Click, click, click!
As flashes fired from all sides, she caught a runner nearby mutter through gritted teeth. Before she could see who, the session ended.
Reporters filed out; Teio finally dropped the business smile and came over.
"Don't mind them. They don't know why we run."
Beaming, Teio rose on tiptoe to pat her shoulder, playing the elder as she offered comfort.
"I'm fine," Stardust Mirage said.
"Eh? You've got a great mindset."
To most ears, Teio's words might sound snide. Stardust Mirage took no offense. In her past life she'd watched the anime and played the game; this kid was guileless.
"It's our debut today. Looks like that unresolved 'race' this morning needs a real verdict. I'm excited!"
They drifted shoulder-to-shoulder toward the track, Teio skipping circles around her and cocking her head.
"I'll do my best."
Stardust Mirage knew why she'd brought it up and smiled back.
Excited… huh?
Even for her sister's sake, she'd run all-out. She didn't have confidence she could beat Teio, but top five was a win, and second meant prize money and a step toward higher-grade races.
She would earn it, with her legs.
"Tokai Teio? Miss Tokai Teio?" a voice called from behind, cutting their chat short.
"The TV crew wants a solo interview. If you have time, please come." The staffer from the entrance waved when Teio turned.
"I'll head over. See you at the start!" Teio called, then dashed off.
"Okay, see you." Watching Teio get a cap plastered with sponsor logos jammed on her head, Stardust Mirage could only chuckle and wave before heading deeper in.
Everyone had their burdens. With her surging popularity, even her debut was a whirlwind of interviews. Would it affect her warm-up?
In any case, their goals diverged. If Teio took first, Stardust Mirage only needed second; no point wishing misfortune on her.
"All right. Target: debut-race second-place purse. Let's go, Stardust Mirage!"
Her self-pep talk echoed down the empty corridor.
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