"President Rudolf, you asked to see me?"
One day, Nearl found herself summoned to the student council office. Needless to say, it was at Symboli Rudolf's invitation.
"Nearl, your next race is just around the corner. I have little to say regarding that, and I doubt you need my concern over it anyway."
Sliding a cup of black tea towards Nearl, Rudolf wore a rare smile.
"Frankly, it's a bit embarrassing, but I've called you here today to ask a favor. I hope after hearing me out, you might be willing to lend me your strength."
"Please speak freely, President. If it is the right thing to do, I will give it my all."
Cradling the slightly warm, fine porcelain teacup in both hands, Nearl responded with earnest attention. Her attitude made Rudolf let out a subtle sigh of relief.
While she was ninety-nine percent sure Nearl would agree, what about that one percent? Only after hearing the affirmation did she truly relax.
"That is enough. With my strength and yours combined, change will be no difficult matter."
Nearl smiled faintly but said nothing.
"It's like this. I hope you and I can ride a wave together, to bring a new wind to this Uma Musume racing world that has grown somewhat bloated and stagnant."
Clenching her right fist, Rudolf's eyes turned sharp and icy for a fleeting moment. She had never truly shown Nearl her fearsome "Emperor" face before; this was a first.
"Certain high-ranking officials in the URA, feeding off their positions and doing nothing, it's time they were shaken up. Their current existence is already affecting the futures of us Uma Musume. I can no longer tolerate them."
"…"
Nearl took a quiet sip of tea, the smile fading from her face.
She simply listened, the atmosphere around her gradually growing heavier.
"The URA Chairwoman is on good terms with me, and she is also dissatisfied with the status quo. But as someone trapped within the system, there's only so much she can do. We can count on her to handle the cleanup, but the initial difficulties... that falls to us."
"So, what is your plan, President? How can I help?"
"No need to rush. In fact, Nearl, you don't need to do anything out of the ordinary."
Waving a hand to reassure Nearl, Rudolf slowly laid out her plan.
"Frankly, back when Oguri Cap missed the Classic Triple Crown, I already went to the URA with a proposal. Under pressure from both the Chairwoman and public opinion, they conceded, agreeing to implement a supplemental entry system. But they've dragged their feet until now, with no progress to speak of."
"I intend to use this as the starting point, to gradually pry out these rotten nails."
"I see. So my situation provides you with the perfect excuse, President?"
Nearl sat upright, placing the finished teacup carefully on the table.
"Indeed. After all, those individuals hold some influence. Even with the support of the Symboli Family, I cannot act arbitrarily without a reason. An excuse is necessary, and it must be one the public accepts."
"And so, here and now, Nearl, I ask this of you."
The proud Emperor, the legendary Uma Musume, the only one to achieve the Undefeated Triple Crown honor, Symboli Rudolf, was here, making a request of a newcomer.
Though this newcomer was a bit... extraordinary, it still underscored Rudolf's seriousness. She would absolutely not allow this perfect opportunity for change to slip through her fingers.
"Whatever you ask of me, President, I will accomplish."
Feeling the weight of this trust, Nearl sensed something burning hot flowing within her heart. Their shared ideals had made them kindred spirits, friends whose souls resonated.
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"Then, for this upcoming Anemone Stakes, and your subsequent target, the Yayoi Sho, I want you to win both. No, merely winning isn't enough. You must win spectacularly, win brilliantly! Your performance should be so stunning it leaves everyone in awe!"
"Only then will the audience hold you in higher regard. Only then will they feel discontent that you were unable to participate in the classic races due to missing the registration deadline."
"You need to make it clear to every spectator that this year's Classic Triple Crown needs you to prove its own honor."
Such impassioned, utterly audacious words—it was hard to believe they came from the usually stern and serious Emperor.
But she had said them. Her confidence in Nearl allowed her to stake so much.
'No, can this even be called a gamble? There's no such thing as a sure bet.'
Shaking her head slightly, Rudolf placed her complete trust in Nearl. Now, in this silent, shadowy conflict, the spark to ignite the fuse was held in Nearl's hands.
No more words were needed. Words were insufficient to express Nearl's resolve; only action could articulate it.
"Leave it to me."
A simple phrase, but it was Nearl's most steadfast promise. She was ready to fully commit to Rudolf's plan.
"Let's both do our best, my friend."
"Mhm."
Smack!
Their palms met with a sharp, clear clap.
--+--
"The final stretch! The final homestretch! Dazzling, it's as if a radiant light is blinding my eyes! Is this truly a scene I'm privileged to witness?!"
"No competition! Nearl seems to be treading a path of light itself! The competitors behind her are a full turn behind! Catching up is impossible!"
"Invincible! A transcendent victory! The invincible Radiant Knight has proven she is utterly worthy of standing at the pinnacle of Central! No, even the world!"
"The finish line is right there! Nearl is like some dimensional being running on a different plane! Who could possibly stand as her rival now?!"
"No one! No rivals, no surprises! Margaret Nearl crosses the line!!"
"What… what overwhelming spirit! A dominant, crushing victory from start to finish! The new generation's undefeated Uma Musume is right here before our eyes!"
"A new record for the Anemone Stakes!"
Thunderous applause erupted. The entire stadium was captivated by this magnificent, passionate performance, willingly offering their cheers and fervor.
Unlike that previous Sumire Stakes, where Silence Suzuka had slightly shared the spotlight, this OP race lacked any other Uma Musume of such exceptional caliber.
Furthermore, today's Nearl had no intention of holding back.
Not that she had ever sandbagged before, but there was a difference between giving your all and giving your complete, undivided all.
One only needed to listen to the reactions of the other participants to understand.
"Damn it! As much as it grates on me, I don't have a single regret. I'm completely convinced. Just how strong is she?!"
"That aura... it was like a heavy steel tide rushing straight at you. I didn't even have the courage to try and break through."
The other competitors watched Nearl on her victory lap, their words dripping with palpable respect.
"We'll probably see her in the big graded stakes soon, right? It's just a shame... I heard she can't run in the classic races."
"Yeah, such a pity. Rumor has it she hasn't lost a single race, from the local circuits to Central. If she could have entered, she might have been the second Undefeated Triple Crown winner in history."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.