"Miss Platinum, could I exchange training uniforms with you?"
Winx voiced her request, her words spilling out in an eager rush.
"Miss Platinum, I'm your devoted fan."
"I've collected all twenty-seven Japanese limited edition dolls, the two Dubai exclusives, and all four British limited editions released since your debut."
Not stopping there, Winx resembled an ordinary fangirl finally meeting her idol, pouring out her admiration in one breath.
Loyalty!
Gratitude!
For Uma Musume, their income streams aren't limited to race prizes; a significant portion comes from royalties on doll sales.
In truth, the room of the super otaku Winx was filled with hundreds, even thousands, of dolls. Many were commemorative editions, with the majority featuring Platinum, and a smaller portion of herself.
After all, when race organizers or licensed manufacturers produced limited commemorative editions, they'd usually send a few copies to the Uma Musume themselves.
Both Platinum and Winx had careers that surpassed ordinary Uma Musume, boasting exceptionally long peak periods and immense popularity, naturally resulting in numerous doll releases.
Platinum wasn't a socially anxious homebody like Winx, content to stay in one place without overseas expeditions. She had triumphed from Japan to Dubai, England, and France, her popularity spanning the globe.
Consequently, race organizers from various countries had all produced commemorative dolls for Platinum's participation in their events. Unlike Winx, whose dolls were primarily limited to Australian races and lacked substantial overseas fan support.
The more she traveled to compete, the higher her sales in different countries. Strong sales, in turn, spurred the release of new doll editions, allowing the younger Platinum to surpass Winx in both the number of dolls and total sales.
In the rankings of the turf Uma Musume world, Platinum held the undisputed top spot in competitive strength, popularity, and doll sales, leading by a vast margin!
And Winx had managed to acquire almost every Platinum doll available on the market, from common mass-produced versions to limited editions, missing only a handful of specific, non-commercially available variants. This represented a significant financial investment on her part.
This utterly loyal "confession" from Winx took Platinum by surprise.
…Huh?
This lonely girl, renowned throughout Australia, nicknamed "The Empress" and "The Otaku," was actually her fan?
And not just a casual fan, but a super-rich, fanatical fan who had spent heavily on merchandise and owned every single doll?
And also...
Training uniform?
Exchange??
Upon hearing this, the silver-haired girl froze for a second, a flicker of astonishment crossing her features.
Even when winning races, Platinum usually remained composed, perhaps just giving her flat chest a pat, quietly relieved she hadn't wasted the high entry fee and had successfully secured the prize money.
Surprise? It simply didn't exist for her when winning.
But Winx's appearance, her complete lack of aloofness, shattered Platinum's stereotype of the "cold Empress." And this request to [exchange training uniforms] was something Platinum hadn't anticipated at all.
Typically, in sports, when athletes mutually admire and respect each other, exchanging items like "jerseys" as mementos is common practice.
From soccer to basketball and countless other sports, such customs exist. But for Uma Musume racing... it felt a bit complicated.
Because what they wear during races are the one-of-a-kind, goddess-blessed [Victory Silks]. These are treasures the Uma Musume cherish until retirement, absolutely not something to be exchanged.
And aside from the non-exchangeable Victory Silks, there aren't many other items that distinctly represent an Uma Musume.
So, the most suitable items for exchange would probably be...
'Training uniforms and shoes, right?'
But exchanging shoes right after a race would be way too weird.
This was ultra-high-intensity running, followed by a fairly long Winner's Stage performance dance.
The smell... needless to say!
This world probably doesn't have any Arknights players anyway if it even existed here.
After a moment of contemplation, Platinum's mood quickly became very complicated.
Her training uniform...
She'd bought maybe two or three pieces a couple of years ago, and the number of times she'd actually trained since then... she could probably count on one hand.
Doing the math, that averaged out to less than one training session every six months?
In a way, you could call it "used by a girl, 99% new."
It was worth noting that this was the first time anyone had ever asked to exchange training uniforms with her.
She wasn't sure whether a clean, neat training uniform was more suitable for exchange, or one bearing the marks of training, soaked with sweat and the passage of time.
But Platinum didn't have the latter option to offer.
"If this makes Miss Platinum uncomfortable..."
"Eek, I'm sorry! I'm just a loser who isn't even worthy of being a backup dancer on the Winner's Stage, yet I had the audacity to ask for an exchange..." Suddenly, a blush of shame spread from Winx's delicate face down her slender neck.
For Winx, if Miss Platinum would just exchange training uniforms with her, she'd even be willing to marry her!
As a socially anxious otaku, mustering all her courage to make this request to her idol—who was far superior to her—only to see a hesitant, seemingly troubled expression...
The more socially anxious someone is, the more vivid their imagination and the more sensitive they tend to be.
Was it really because she was too weak?
It seemed only someone like Daiwa Scarlet, who only lost to the Pegasus by five lengths and could share the stage as a backup dancer, a genius like that, was worthy of exchanging uniforms with Miss Platinum?
Instantly, Winx even started wondering if she should go to Japan during the off-season and have a practice match with that legendary Crimson Queen.
But the greater panic in her heart was the shame of fearing rejection.
However, to Winx's surprise and delight the very next second, Platinum gave her response.
"Sure, that's fine."
Platinum's voice, as always, was soft, slightly lazy, yet carried a serious tone.
This was a fan, a little gold mine who could shower her with money!
Just exchanging training uniforms? No big deal.
"It's just that my training uniform might..."
"Not be what you're expecting. Please be prepared."
In an instant, Winx's emotions swung from deep shame and assumed rejection to intense excitement. Even her considerably more ample chest, compared to Platinum's, noticeably moved up and down due to her rapid breathing.
She... she actually agreed?!
Yesss!!!
But what did she mean by "not what you're expecting"?
Amidst her joy, a still somewhat confused and bewildered Winx immediately suggested arranging a place for the exchange.
"As for the time... let's make it in two or three hours!"
--+--
Three hours later.
In front of a training ground.
Winx stood waiting by the entrance, holding a bag containing not only the training uniform for exchange but also other items.
For instance, photos of Platinum.
These certainly weren't meant as gifts for Platinum—who would give their own photos as a present?
From Platinum's unprecedented Irregular Triple Crown victory at the English Epsom Derby, to breaking through the Coolmore encirclement, defeating Sea the Stars, and... the latest The Everest!
These were precious photos she wanted to ask Platinum to autograph later—all dozen or so were famous moments Platinum had created!
Besides these, there were also Winx's own limited edition, collectible dolls. These were the most valuable ones officially produced by the race organizers in the years since she became famous, worth a considerable amount.
Not only had she collected nearly a hundred different Platinum dolls, but now she was also giving Platinum her own most valuable editions!
Calling Winx a "little rich lady" would be a complete understatement. She was a super otaku with top-tier popularity in the Australian Uma Musume scene.
And this immensely popular super otaku was now fully showcasing her "fan-girl" side.
Under Winx's eagerly anticipatory gaze...
It wasn't long before she spotted the figure of the silver-haired girl.
Similarly, Platinum was also carrying a handbag.
The anticipation and joy in Winx's heart almost managed to wash away the regret and bitterness of losing the race.
"Miss Platinum, this is my training uniform."
"Could you sign these for me? I brought some of your photos."
"And these dolls... could you please accept them?"
After handing the bag to the seemingly petite and cute Platinum, Winx explained.
Hearing this, Platinum smiled slightly.
What a coincidence, she had also brought some of her own dolls...
Well, not exactly physical ones on hand. She needed to fly back to her current long-term residence in Europe tonight, select some dolls from her room there as return gifts. She wasn't too concerned about their collectible value.
After all, as much as Platinum loved money, she wasn't a Pixie—a mythical creature that only takes in treasure and never lets it out—to the extent that everything only came in and nothing went out.
If she herself sold her own dolls for profit, it would be so tacky. If word got out and spread, the damage to her image and the subsequent drop in sales would definitely outweigh any greedy gains.
So, these personal merchandise items were inherently suited for collection or as gifts.
And Winx, being a world-famous Uma Musume and also her devoted fan, gave Platinum a pleasant little surprise.
"Sure."
"I have some dolls that aren't for sale. You probably don't have those, right? Which ones do you like? I'll mail them to you tonight after I get back."
The ever-magnanimous Lady Platinum gave her response.
Instantly, the otaku miss's eyes lit up!
Indeed, these limited edition merchandise sometimes had damn lotteries, and there were always a few extremely hard-to-get items. Especially for someone with world-topping popularity like Miss Platinum—some were so rare that even money couldn't buy them.
She had been coveting two or three particularly cute-style Platinum dolls for ages!
Even though there were nearly ten limited Platinum dolls in total that she hadn't managed to collect, and Platinum was willing to give her gifts in return, and the number of limited edition Winx dolls she was giving away happened to be close to ten as well...
But Winx, drooling internally, mustered her self-control and, with a touch of shame, didn't dare say "I want them all."
Getting two or three from her idol was more than satisfying enough!
What bad intentions could a socially anxious otaku girl possibly have?
Immediately, Winx named the versions of the two or three she wanted most. After Platinum noted them down, Platinum then exchanged handbags with Winx.
The silver-haired girl took out the photos. Looking at the images of herself crossing the finish line or overtaking Coolmore Uma Musume and Sea the Stars, she was about to pick up a pen to sign when she suddenly paused.
"Oh, right."
"Do you want me to sign [Platinum], or my real name?"
Hearing this, Winx's pupils contracted sharply.
The otaku miss was instantly thrilled.
Of course she knew that Platinum usually signed her most widely known name, [Platinum].
Eek... she's... making an exception for me?!
Miss Platinum's kindness, I could never repay it!!
Greatness, need not be spoken!
"Your real name!! Could you sign half with your real name and half with Platinum?"
With a slight nod, Platinum picked up a few of the photos and, for the first time, wrote her name.
—Centaurea
Seeing this name, the already excited Winx was completely stunned.
This... wasn't a Japanese name at all!!
Miss Platinum, a Japanese Uma Musume... was she actually not Japanese?
Now that she thought about it, the most famous Uma Musume produced by Japan's Tracen Academy so far were only a handful like Daiwa Scarlet, Orfevre, and Symboli Rudolf, none of whom had really made it on the world stage yet.
Then where was Miss Platinum from? Which country did she really hail from?
She must be from some prestigious family, right? Wait... but if she were from a prestigious family, surely they would use Miss Platinum as their symbol, right?
Could it be that the organization, faction, or family Miss Platinum belonged to... disliked fame?
As these questions proliferated in Winx's mind, the silver-haired girl, having completed the uniform exchange and taken the bag, handed over the signed photos, then turned to leave.
"Well then, bye."
"I need to go pack. My flight is tonight."
In the Australian Uma Musume scene, which favored sprinters and where physiques were generally taller and more robust, Platinum's petite and cute appearance, combined with her composed, almost cold killer-like demeanor, created a striking contrast...
In Winx's eyes, it was incredibly cool, full of charm and appeal! And it held a unique sense of mystery!
This otaku miss's delicate face was tinged with a faint blush as she spoke her final words.
"Will we meet again, Miss Platinum?"
"When we meet again, you must be happy, you must remain undefeated, okay..."
"Miss Platinum, how am I supposed to live without you!"
--+--
Night.
The otaku Winx lay on her soft bed, her snow-white long hair spread across the pillow as she hugged the training uniform before her.
But she tilted her head, her expression full of bewilderment.
"Huh???"
"Why... is it so new?"
This was the training uniform from Platinum, something she treasured.
The dozen or so autographed photos from Platinum had already been placed in sealed frames for preservation and collection, stored away from light.
And the training uniform exchanged with the Pegasus was the only one in existence, extremely precious. So...
She had specifically waited until her emotions had calmed down, then taken a bath and changed clothes before finally taking out Platinum's training uniform.
Originally, she had been fully prepared. Even if the uniform was heavily used, marked, or carried a strong scent, she could totally accept it!
Just like in the movies and shows she'd seen, scars were a warrior's medals!
As the world's number one legendary turf Uma Musume, she must have put in countless efforts behind the scenes. Even if the training uniform showed signs of wear and tear, or was old, it was completely understandable!
Until... Winx opened it and saw one that was practically brand new!
"Was this... specially cleaned by Miss Platinum?"
"No, the race ended in the afternoon, and she brought it for exchange just two or three hours later."
"There wasn't enough time to wash it."
"Then could it be that this is Miss Platinum's newest uniform?"
"But that doesn't fit either. This isn't a new product; it must have been unpacked and stored for a year or two at least. But it's so new, as if it's hardly been worn?"
Why on earth? Miss Platinum couldn't possibly never train, could she?
Winx was puzzled, unable to figure it out.
But still...
At the very least, this was personally brought by Platinum as an exchange gift, so it had been in her possession briefly.
And as an Uma Musume, her sense of smell was naturally superior to ordinary humans. She could still detect a faint residual scent on it.
"At least... I can still smell it!"
"It can still... be used."
For some reason, this snow-white otaku beauty's cheeks flushed red again. She seemed to have made some decision.
…
Half an hour later.
From the room, came the sound of a hurried female voice chanting Platinum's name.
Silent-cast Water Forbidden Art, activate!
--+--
A few days later.
In a room at the Sea Residence.
A chestnut-haired girl emerged from the bathroom.
The current Sea the Stars was gradually growing a bit bored.
Because, after the heavy blow dealt by Platinum in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, she, who had originally considered retiring if she won the Arc, had her fighting spirit reignited.
And then!
This year, she swept through the European middle-distance scene, winning every race with ease, completely transforming from being on the cusp of legend into a true legend herself.
Even if Dancing Brave or Sea Bird were to come back, Sea the Stars felt she could take them on.
But the problem was, Dancing Brave and Sea Bird couldn't come back; they'd been retired for ages! The only other middle-distance legendary Uma Musume was Platinum!
She couldn't very well challenge the two legendary dirt-track Uma Musume from next door who could run middle-distance, [Secretariat] and [Nearl], could she?
Uma Musume proficient in both turf and dirt were exceptionally rare. Those two, no matter how talented, probably couldn't run on turf.
So, in Sea the Stars' view, her only opponent could only be the Pegasus, Platinum.
So where was Platinum? Where had she gone?
Where did that sizable Platinum disappear to after first winning a sprint in Australia, and now supposedly going for a long-distance race to surpass her sister, Stradivarius?
Why wasn't she coming to try and surpass her again? Had she gotten tired of surpassing her and decided to move on to the next little foal in the Sea family?
Right now, Sea the Stars just felt weary.
Winning wasn't tiring; it was even easy. But she mainly felt as if her efforts were somewhat wasted, a subtle sense of powerlessness, of strength with no outlet.
"That Platinum... she wouldn't really be planning to surpass every single Uma Musume in our Sea family before she's satisfied, would she?"
"First big sister, then me."
"Then Stradivarius, and finally Frankel?"
"What a [fickle]... or [greedy] fellow."
Then, Sea the Stars walked over to her bedside table.
She casually picked up her phone from the table, as if remembering something very important.
"Ah, right..."
"Now, it's time for Treve to make her move."
Since there was no immediate chance to face Platinum on the track in the near future,
and there could be no breakthrough in competition for now, it was time to focus on something beyond racing, the most important thing: the [Dr. Lin Anran Cup]!
Treve, deploy!
Sea the Stars typed a text message and sent it.
[SeatheStars: Treve, the timing's about right. Time to go make contact with Dr. Lin!]
[Sea the Stars: Remember to keep an eye on those American thieving cats for me!!]
Soon, Sea the Stars received a reply from her most trusted best friend, Treve.
[Treve: Okay, don't worry.]
[Treve: By the way, little Star, you mentioned before that you received the "Thieving Cat Investigation Report" from your sister? Can you send it to me?]
[Treve: I'll use that table format, modify and record the info, then send it back to you.]
Seeing this, the chestnut-haired girl Sea the Stars' eyes lit up!
As expected of the clever foreign filly she trusted—so reliable, so methodical in everything.
She had her top general, Treve, who could slay the American thieving cats!
[Sea the Stars: Okay, I'll send it to you right away.]
[Sea the Stars: Thank you, Treve!!]
--+--
United States.
A black-haired young man in a white lab coat sat in his clinic.
He was reading the newspaper; the current headlines were mostly covering the recently concluded... Australian Everest.
Even though it was a turf sprint event, it was still getting attention in the US Uma Musume world, which predominantly favored dirt tracks, days after the race—a testament to Platinum's immense, staggering influence!
And Lin Anran knew that soon enough, the news headlines would change.
They would become...
The challenge issued by Ruffian!
[Nearl VS Ruffian], the one-on-one showdown was coming soon!
As Lin Anran was lost in thought, footsteps sounded outside the clinic, drawing his attention and making him set down the newspaper.
A few seconds later—
Standing before him was a petite, cute, pink-haired foreign filly.
This was... Treve!
--+--
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.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.