It turned out Secretariat had come to apologize and offer thanks, bringing Risen Star with her to make amends in person.
"That girl got full of herself, used her power recklessly, and put herself in danger. She really does have a talent for causing trouble," Secretariat said.
She had already given Risen Star a harsh scolding in private. Bringing her here now was meant as a formal apology—and as a lesson she wouldn't forget.
Since there were no thorn branches on hand, Secretariat had prepared a cactus instead.
"…"
Not just Xingyun Liuge—even the two Symboli girls thought she was making rather too much of it.
That said, they were thinking very different things.
Sirius Symboli felt this was basically a performance. In her view, Secretariat was trying to score goodwill points with Xingyun Liuge so she could poach her right under their noses.
Rudolf Symboli, on the other hand, paused to think it over and felt that while Secretariat's approach was strict, it did have merit. She even found herself somewhat approving of it.
The cactus part, however, was absurd. Dealing with the aftermath of that would be a nightmare.
Almost immediately, Rudolf thought of the green juice Xingyun Liuge had prepared. If they really wanted to discipline someone, one test tube of that ought to wipe out all resentment and grudges in one go.
Noticing Rudolf's glance, Xingyun Liuge instantly looked offended. This was a miracle remedy for internal and external use alike, perfect for home or travel—it was not meant to be used as punishment.
She waved a hand carelessly to show she did not mind, then reminded Risen Star to work hard and bring her a splendid race in the Kentucky Derby.
Then Xingyun Liuge grinned and added, "If there's a second time, I won't save you."
"I still haven't even gone all out, so don't think—ghk!" Risen Star had only just begun answering with full confidence when Secretariat flicked her sharply on the forehead. She could only rub her head awkwardly and admit she understood her mistake.
After all that excitement, Xingyun Liuge finally had some free time. But when she looked at Fujimasa March lying across the sofa, she planted her hands on her hips and began scolding her:
"March, if you're awake, then stop pretending to be asleep. They weren't going to eat you. That was a perfect chance to meet the finest runners in the world, so why'd you let it slip by?"
Meet the finest in the world?
Fujimasa March did not see it that way.
After meeting Xingyun Liuge, she had come face-to-face with her own weakness. And after witnessing Xingyun's exploits on television, she had understood even more clearly the gulf between ordinary people and true geniuses.
Being able to come to America and watch Xingyun race was already an incredible blessing. How could she possibly bring herself to stand before genuine prodigies? The brilliance those talents radiated would only make her feel unbearably ashamed.
Even in terms of appearance alone, she didn't think she could compare with the girls from Central, much less these tall foreign beauties and their younger counterparts.
Her expression turned complicated, but she still forced out a smile.
"I'll pass. Just being able to watch Xingyun shine like this already makes me happy."
She couldn't even win a graded stakes race. How could she possibly stand shoulder to shoulder with first-rate horse girls? More to the point, Xingyun Liuge's opponents were very likely destined to become top-tier racers.
Where had that spirited, confident girl from the past gone? How had she turned into this timid version of herself?
Xingyun Liuge had originally wanted to ask that outright—but she couldn't bring herself to, because she found this version of Fujimasa March unexpectedly adorable.
So instead, she suddenly grabbed both of the girl's hands, fixed her with a burning stare, and declared:
"March, you need confidence. Rome wasn't built in a day, and who says there's no way to defy fate and rewrite your future? Starting today, I'm going to whip you into shape with this schedule. Brace yourself!"
"?"
Fujimasa March had no idea why Xingyun Liuge had suddenly gotten so fired up, nor did she understand how Xingyun had managed to pull a full training schedule out from under her skirt as if she'd prepared it in advance.
But seeing how genuinely concerned Xingyun was for her, Fujimasa March felt deeply moved. She was willing to try following Xingyun's plan and see where it led.
Of course, the immediate priority was still the Kentucky Derby. Even if rain poured from the heavens, she would never let it interfere with Xingyun Liuge's training.
And so, a few days later, the Kentucky Derby officially began.
Racing fans from all across the country—and even from around the world—had gathered at Churchill Downs, all hoping to witness the birth of a legendary horse girl unlike any before her.
After all, a horse girl equally dominant on both turf and dirt was unbelievably rare. If Xingyun Liuge truly pulled this off, it would be a feat without precedent, and perhaps one that would never be repeated. She would ascend to the throne of a world-class racing queen—an honor no one could shake.
"It rained earlier this afternoon, so the track condition isn't ideal," the host said. "But the enthusiasm of the crowd hasn't diminished one bit. This may sound a little biased, but everyone's here for that one racer, aren't they?"
The commentator immediately picked up the thread.
"I was thinking the same thing. Risen Star's appearance—hailed as 'Secretariat's masterpiece'—has definitely set the crowd buzzing, but what everyone really wants to see is that girl's ambition, isn't it? Will she conquer both the mile turf and the middle-distance dirt? Or will 'Secretariat's masterpiece' recreate the glory of the legendary Secretariat? I can't wait to find out!"
As the commentary continued, the horse girls began their pre-race parade.
Xingyun Liuge merely strolled forward casually and raised her left index finger high.
"Oh! Xingyun Liuge looks completely at ease—such composure from a true powerhouse. That's the gesture she made after winning the Two Thousand Guineas, isn't it? One finger, symbolizing the first victory of her British Triple Crown campaign. It only makes today's performance even more exciting to anticipate!"
Risen Star had also changed into her decisive-race outfit.
She wore black, almost military-style clothing that made her look exceptionally sharp. There was a sash across her body and a cape flowing behind her. It was undeniably stylish, though without the blessing of the Three Goddesses, there was no way anyone could actually race dressed like that.
Next came the third favorite, Forty Niner. Last year she had already claimed two GI victories and was widely regarded as one of the strongest contenders for this season's Best Newcomer honors.
Winning Colors, for certain reasons, sat in fourth in the betting.
She had gotten off to an unlucky start, finishing second in the Las Virgenes Stakes, but followed that by crushing the Santa Anita Oaks with an eight-length victory.
After that, she entered the Santa Anita Derby. Against the best of her generation, she once again won by a huge margin, crossing the line a full seven and a half lengths in front.
And then there were standouts like Brian's Time and Seeking the Gold—each a force to be reckoned with.
Without exaggeration, this was still the golden age of American horse girls.
Join here to read ahead.
In Star Rail, Ultra-Beast Armored — Have I Caught "Equilibrium"? l (Chapter 80)
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 126)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 )
TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110)
Yu-Gi-Oh! — Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl (Chapter140)
"Is this chat group even serious?" (Chapter89)
I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal! (Chapter1165)
Can Playing Games Save the World? 65
Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77
From Junkman to Wasteland 66
Weekly Refresh of Overpowered 31
I'm Grinding Proficiency Like 46
From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 145
Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42
Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 135
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass 84
The Way the Umamusume Look at 68
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 150
Naruto: Weaving the Future, Be 65
Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76
Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66
My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65
Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer 125
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 105
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player 53
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 80
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 66
Uma Musume: From Beginner 80
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 52
Uma Musume: I Want All 55
I Can Copy Unique Skills 53
Summoning an Evil God, but the 27
Supernatural Multiverse 27
My Harem Is Indescribable 26
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