Listening to President Rudolf's words of encouragement (which sounded more like a "you have no choice" to her), the little person inside Myriad Dreams' heart was already frantically shaking her head and waving her hands in protest.
'This time they aren't just "a little bit" stronger, Madam President!'
Myriad wailed internally.
'I already know how monstrous those Umas really are!'
While the System in her mind couldn't directly see her opponents' real-time stats, based on common sense deductions and impressions from her past memories, the average stat points of the Uma Musume competing in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe turf were likely hovering around 1000 points each... or perhaps even higher!!!
As for herself, even after the tempering of the Dirt Triple Crown, her highest stat had only just brushed against the 700-point mark!
This wasn't just a gap, it was a goddamn canyon!
The massive disparity in strength made her lose her nerve instantly.
A fawning smile spread across her face as she tried to "moe" her way out of it.
"Um... President~ Look, how about... talking to the Association again? Next year!"
"Next year, after I've accumulated more, and my stats— I mean, my experience and strength— have increased a bit more, then send me? Isn't this year a bit too rushed?"
She rubbed her hands together, her eyes darting around, looking exactly like a cat trying to escape a bath.
Looking at her spineless display, Rudolf felt both exasperated and amused.
She gave Myriad a heavy pat on the back, the force nearly making her stumble.
"What is there to hesitate about?"
Rudolf's voice carried an unquestionable decisiveness.
"Back when I received the invitation for the expedition, I agreed immediately without a second thought! As an Uma Musume of Tracen, you must have the courage to charge straight ahead when facing a challenge!"
"Why drag your feet?"
She crossed her arms and looked down at Myriad, her tone carrying high expectations and a hint of provocation.
"You are one of our strongest aces now. Going this time, you have to bring honor to us and to Japan!"
Grimacing from the pat, Myriad Dreams listened to the President's "grand speech" and couldn't help but mutter under her breath, digging up old accounts.
"Talk is cheap... when you went on your expedition back then, President... didn't you end up coming back with only a sixth-place finish..."
She was very well aware of this particular "dark history."
"—You!"
Sure enough, it was as if she had stepped squarely on Rudolf's tail!
That face, usually so dignified and composed, instantly flushed bright red like a ripe apple, and even the tips of her ears turned crimson.
Like a powder keg that had been lit, she suddenly raised her hand and delivered a blow to Myriad's head— not too hard, but definitely felt.
Thump!
"Th-That was because my condition wasn't good back then!!!"
Rudolf almost shouted, trying to use her volume to mask the embarrassment.
"And the strength of the opponents truly exceeded expectations! That doesn't count!"
She glared huffily at Myriad, not expecting this girl to actually dare to expose her shortcomings to her face.
But seeing Myriad clutching her head with a wronged expression that said "I'm just stating facts," Rudolf took several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down.
'No, I can't let this girl throw me off my rhythm.'
She straightened her face again, regaining her presidential dignity, but her eyes held a trace of complexity. It was a mix of the shame of having her past mentioned and her earnest expectations for Myriad.
"Listen, Myriad Dreams!"
Rudolf's tone became somber once more.
"It is precisely because I have had that experience that I understand even more how precious the opportunity is and how necessary the challenge is! I don't want you to be left with the regret of 'what would have happened if I had gone?'"
She took a step forward, her eyes burning as she stared at Myriad.
"So what if it was sixth place? At least that was the result of giving my all! Compared to someone who doesn't even dare to stand at the starting line because of cowardice, it is ten thousand times better!"
"Now, the Association and the Academy have chosen to believe in you and have placed this burden on your shoulders. Are you going to betray that trust and be a coward who flees before the battle just because of some 'possible' difficulties?"
Myriad rubbed the top of her head, which was still throbbing slightly, and curled her lip, whispering a response:
"Got it, got it... I'll go, okay... But President, you really hit hard..."
Looking at her finally resigning herself to her fate without forgetting to complain, a tiny, almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of Rudolf's mouth.
'Finally, I've driven this stubborn, lazy little filly onto the right path.'