My first forced public performance ever.
The Winner's Live for the Satsuki Sho… is about to begin.
Though, to be honest, Garden Gale has zero talent for this kind of thing. Other Umamusume could sing and dance effortlessly, but she had never danced in her life, and her singing sounded like someone torturing a cat. Right now, she was desperately trying to figure out what exactly she could even do on stage.
Is it too late to negotiate with Symboli Rudolf?
Even if she tried, the Emperor would probably just glare her down and shove her onto the stage without mercy.
Forget it.
Better start seriously thinking about what to do once she's up there.
Wave at the crowd? But come on! She'd be at the center position—dead center of the spotlight. Wouldn't it look super awkward? And worse, the clothes. T.M. Opera O and Narita Top Road had outfits that practically glowed: glamorous, vibrant, and incredibly eye-catching.
Especially T.M. Opera O.
She might've lost the race, but her stage costume was no less extravagant than her Racing Outfit. It was luxurious, eye-catching, over-the-top perfection.
Meanwhile, Garden Gale wore a plain racing jacket, looking like she'd wandered in from a field trip.
No, wait—
She suddenly realized something. With Opera O and Top Road dressed so dazzlingly, they'd surely attract more attention. Garden Gale could probably just stand in the middle and blend into the background. Acting oblivious seemed like the safest bet—after all, what else could she do?
Lacking talent was a serious problem.
But reality didn't care about her feelings.
No matter how reluctant she was...
Garden Gale had no choice but to step onto the stage.
As she brooded, the curtains suddenly pulled apart, signaling the start of the show. Symboli Rudolf stood just behind, arms crossed, eyes locked onto Garden to guard against any possible escape attempt. Running away now was utterly impossible; Rudolf's defense was flawless.
"Let's go," T.M. Opera O said encouragingly, patting Garden's back.
She walked forward confidently but paused halfway through, puzzled—why wasn't Garden moving? If the winner didn't go first, T.M. Opera O couldn't follow. Performers always entered in order, the champion going first to enjoy the loudest cheers.
Narita Top Road also tilted her head curiously.
"Garden?" she asked softly.
Garden Gale felt her scalp tighten, fists clenched so hard her nails dug painfully into her palms. She wished desperately to vanish right then and there. Unable to step forward or retreat, she stood frozen, paralyzed by social anxiety. But in the end, external pressure outweighed internal fear, and step by reluctant step, she forced herself onto the stage.
IwannadieIwannadieIwannadie—!
Dammitdammitdammit!
Her entire body trembled uncontrollably. Compared to racing, this was a thousand times worse.
She breathed deeply, desperately trying to calm her panic-stricken heart.
But no matter what, she had to go on stage.
Didn't she?
Garden Gale finally passed through the dark curtain into the dazzling lights, stepping nervously onto the stage. Instantly, deafening cheers erupted, nearly tearing the roof off the venue packed with nearly ten thousand ecstatic fans.
They'd clearly become Garden Gale's fans now.
Completely conquered by her breathtaking performance in the Satsuki Sho, the crowd showered her with praise. There were no boos, no jeers—only feverish cheers and applause.
Symboli Rudolf sighed from backstage. Getting this girl onstage had been incredibly difficult.
See? Can't you understand how many people adore you, how many fans you have now? So stop running away already!
Garden Gale forced herself into an awkward yet polite smile.
She stood there stiffly, robotic, having absolutely no idea how to respond to the audience's overwhelming praise.
Soon after, T.M. Opera O and Narita Top Road entered the stage, receiving enthusiastic applause as well. Considering their incredible competition, both had performed admirably—just not as supernaturally as Garden Gale.
Opera O even blew playful kisses to the audience as she walked in.
Garden Gale shivered at the sight.
The three of them finally took their positions onstage.
Then, the stage lights dimmed, plunging the venue into silence.
Everyone held their breath.
The Winner's Live was finally about to begin. The crowd buzzed with excitement, wondering what kind of mesmerizing performance these next-generation Umamusume would deliver.
Then, suddenly, a brilliant spotlight shone directly onto Garden Gale!
From the speakers burst forth the upbeat melody of the classic "Umapyoi Legend," a song practically every Umamusume knew by heart—up-tempo, jazzy, and explosively energetic, with triumphant horns that swept you away like a tidal wave.
WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DOOOOOOO—!!!!
Garden Gale's mind screamed in panic. I'm gonna embarrass myself to death!!!
Her heartbeat thundered so violently she thought it might burst from her chest. There were no words for the sheer terror gripping her. But time wouldn't wait. The spotlight swiftly expanded, illuminating T.M. Opera O and Narita Top Road beside her as well.
Before Garden Gale could process anything, the two Umamusume grabbed her hands firmly.
She stiffened again.
Next thing she knew, they dragged her forward down the steps and onto the main performance area.
Fans screamed and waved glowsticks excitedly. T.M. Opera O and Narita Top Road immediately began dancing energetically, their movements synchronized perfectly with the dazzling lights and enthusiastic cheers from the audience, blending into a magnificent, high-quality performance.
If Garden Gale had just been an audience member, she'd have given them a thumbs-up and shouted her appreciation.
Unfortunately, she was stuck being an idol, expected to dance along.
As the music surged, T.M. Opera O suddenly noticed Garden Gale hadn't stepped forward to claim her rightful center position. With a friendly grin, she nudged Garden's back, urging her to move forward—not realizing she was effectively committing murder.
Another spotlight struck Garden Gale.
She stood there, frozen solid.
Face completely blank, totally immobile.
A stark contrast to the smiling, enthusiastic Narita Top Road and T.M. Opera O beside her.
...
"Hm?" Symboli Rudolf froze, bewildered.
The audience also fell into a confused silence.
---
T/N: AHHHH GUYS I CANT DO THIS WE ARE ENDING THIS HERE!!!! NO MORE TL!!! GARDENG GALE DIES OF EMBARRASSMENT HERE
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
hehe every 100 followers on either instagram or twitter is a bonus chapter...?
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl
instagram: hanbaowise
twitter: WiseKingOfUruk_