The Winner's Stage had concluded.
Judging by the lingering, happy expressions on the faces of the departing audience, it was absolutely a performance that had satisfied them.
Even if it wasn't the same as the usual format, who cared?
After the crowd dispersed, Nearl, having changed back into her everyday clothes, encountered a circle of people outside.
"President Rudolf, Ms. C.B., you both came?"
Nearl, still holding her violin case, looked utterly astonished.
"Marvelous skill. I hadn't realized your musical attainments were also so profound, Nearl. That violin performance was truly captivating."
Symboli Rudolf was the first to applaud Nearl's earlier performance, her face radiant with praise.
"But I have one question. Why did you choose this type of performance? The normal Winner's Stage isn't like this."
Mentioning this, Nearl's expression turned slightly embarrassed.
"I had no choice. I'm not very good at… jumping around like that in front of a crowd. But the audience's expectations rest on me; I can't let them down. So I thought of this method."
As she spoke, she lifted the violin case in her hand, gently touching its sturdy surface.
"I taught myself some basic music theory as a child, and the violin was something I became quite proficient in. I felt relatively confident with it, so I thought this way wouldn't be just going through the motions."
Hearing Nearl's explanation, light laughter spilled from the group.
"You're being modest. That level is already professional. In terms of pure technical skill, it far surpasses the songs and dances we perform."
"My purpose for coming here has been fulfilled, and the result was beyond my expectations. Nearl, you possess a talent worthy of your dreams. I look forward to that day."
After saying this, Symboli Rudolf glanced up at the sky and then decisively took her leave, deftly pulling away an excited Mr. C.B. along with her.
The poor C.B., unable to break free from Rudolf's grasp, could only shout at the top of her lungs from a distance, "Nearl-chan, remember to come find your big sister to play next time!"
Watching the two figures recede, Musaka Ginjirou shook his head.
"Two Triple Crown Uma Musume with such utterly different personalities. I suppose we should be on our way as well."
"Indeed. This visit has been most impressive."
"I'll pass on your message to Tama-chan. Keep it up, Nearl."
"…"
While all the trainers were gathered around Nearl, only Nase Fumino was lost in thought some distance away. She glanced at Nearl from time to time, her heart filled with anxiety.
'It's no good. No matter how many times I simulate it, there's no scenario where Super Creek can win. Both endurance and race strategy are Super Creek's strongest points, but they're simply not enough to overcome Nearl.'
'What should I do? I need to think of a way.'
But even though she was recognized as a genius, she couldn't defy objective reality. For the moment, she couldn't come up with anything.
"Nase, Nase, it's time to go."
The voice calling at her ear interrupted her train of thought. Coming back to herself, she realized everyone was staring at her, causing Nase's usually calm expression to instantly crack, a blush spreading across her cheeks.
"Ahem, my apologies. I was distracted. Nearl's performance was just so outstanding, it's hard to come back down to earth."
She quickly found a random excuse to gloss it over.
"It's quite alright. If anything, I should be the one thanking you all for your support."
Nearl bowed formally to express her gratitude to the people before her.
These individuals weren't just here to watch a single race. They were all famous trainers from the central association. Their willingness to come, in itself, signified a great deal.
"Alright, us adults should wisely make our exit now. We should leave the time to you youngsters."
Musaka, looking at the quietly standing Ardan who still couldn't completely conceal her eagerness, chuckled slightly and adjusted his hat.
After the trainers had also left one by one, the trio who had stayed until the very end finally bounded up cheerfully.
The first to speak was the enthusiastic and straightforward Sakura Chiyono O. The brave 'dog' stepped forward directly, raising her right hand high.
"Hello! I'm Sakura Chiyono O, a friend of Ardan's! She's told me about you!"
"Hello, Chiyono-san."
Setting down her violin case, Nearl nodded in acknowledgment.
"I watched your race earlier! You were so strong! How did you become so powerful?"
Hearing this question, Nearl was momentarily taken aback.
"Hard work… I suppose you wouldn't believe it if I just said that. Honestly, I was born with considerable talent, and I've consistently put in the effort, though talent does play a large part."
"You taught yourself the violin too?"
"That's right. As a child, I was interested in everything, so I dabbled in a bit of everything for a while. It seems I had a bit of a knack for a few of them, so I ended up mastering those."
Hearing the word "effort," it was as if a switch had been flipped in Sakura Chiyono O, and she regarded Nearl with even greater respect.
"Um, may I ask your view on hard work?"
Chiyono pursed her lips, earnestly awaiting Nearl's reply.
She considered herself a Uma Musume of average talent; the success she had achieved was purely because she was willing to work hard. So she hoped Nearl would give her an answer she could accept.
"…"
Nearl didn't answer immediately. She pondered carefully, and only after a long moment did she offer her response.
"For me, effort is merely a part of daily life. Nothing particularly noteworthy. But for others, it's different."
"Talent is a form of luck. Effort is a tool used to get closer to the lucky ones. If your opponent also puts in the effort, then naturally you might fail. But your effort will not be wasted, for there are many more who possess the same talent as you but have not made the effort."
"So, if you want change, then you must put in the effort. The result is something you can only see afterward."
Hearing this, Chiyono, her head still lowered, posed another question.
"What if there's still no result, even after effort?"
"The wise, seeing no result, will abandon the path and choose another. The foolish chase their dreams, single-mindedly rushing forward. While one may be called wise and the other foolish, there is no inherent superiority or inferiority between them. Chiyono-san, people are free. You only need to be responsible to yourself."
"...Nearl-san, you're really amazing. Even though you're younger than me, you understand so much."
Lifting her head, Chiyono's complexion had improved considerably, which made Nearl breathe a small sigh of relief.
"Perhaps because I experienced a lot when I was young."
"Ah, that reminds me, speaking of childhood…" Dicta Striker, who had been standing to the side, suddenly interjected. "Nearl, we met your little sister."
"…"
Nearl's expression shifted from gentle to confused, then to understanding, and finally to a sigh.
"She was avoiding me, wasn't she?"
"Well… perhaps she's just uncertain about meeting an older sister she hasn't seen in so long. After all, that Platinum is even younger than you."
"…"
Nearl suddenly fell silent.
'Why Platinum? Nearl and Platinum… is it a coincidence?'
A long-held doubt once again rose to the surface of her mind.
--+--
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.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.