In the hallway, Ines Fujin ran into Mejiro Ryan. Despite having received similar evaluations in the past, the two got along quite well—so much so that their meeting now was without any tension.
In fact, Mejiro Ryan was the one who proactively showed concern for Ines Fujin.
"Hey, Ines, you don't seem to be in great shape."
Ryan looked worriedly at Ines's face. Though she was still smiling with apparent energy on the surface, it no longer carried that usual little-sunshine feeling.
In other words, she was clearly out of form.
"Haha, maybe a little. But don't worry—once I start running, all these little feelings will be left behind in an instant. After all, I love running more than anything."
Her smile didn't receive Ryan's usual agreement this time. Instead, Ryan was staring at her with unusual seriousness, making Ines subconsciously gulp.
"W-what is it? Why are you looking at me like that, Ryan-san?"
"Ines Fujin."
"Yes!"
At the sudden call, Ines instinctively straightened her back. Right now, Ryan was fully displaying the bearing of a young lady from a prestigious family.
"I am your opponent in this race. When I found out, I was excited for a long time—because I respect your efforts, I recognize your strength, and I want to run with you at my full power, regardless of win or loss."
"But right now, you're not at a hundred percent. Do you think that's showing me proper respect?"
"Ryan…"
Ines Fujin couldn't find the words. She didn't know how to explain.
"Sort yourself out. I'll be waiting for you on the track."
Giving Ines's shoulder a light tap, Ryan turned to leave the corridor. Behind her, Ines hurried a few steps forward as if to say something.
But both of their movements were interrupted—a pressure emanating from behind seemed to tangle their steps. It was so palpable, so heavy and solid it felt almost tangible.
"Tap… thud… tap… thud…"
Footsteps rang out, steady and deliberate, echoing in their hearts. That feeling of facing an army alone, of vulnerability, was enough to make anyone shrink back.
Fortunately, it was only the aura radiating from Nearl when she was serious—not an intentional use of what could practically be considered a red skill to actually do anything.
"Hello, you two. The event has started, hasn't it? Shouldn't you pick up the pace?"
Walking up beside them, Nearl looked curiously at the two Uma Musume who had stopped in their tracks, finally snapping Ryan and Ines out of their daze.
"I'm heading there now—I was just lost in thought earlier."
"Right, me too."
The two quickened their steps to get away from Nearl. Though they didn't break into a run, their speed was definitely race-walking level.
'Wow, so this is Nearl's track mode? She's like a completely different person compared to when we usually interact. No wonder the papers and spectators have so much faith in her—if I were them, I'd think no one could beat her too.'
Walking ahead, Ines Fujin kept comparing the indifferent-faced Nearl from moments ago with the gently smiling Nearl from usual. She couldn't merge the two impressions at all.
'What the heck—aside from the face, there's practically nothing similar about them.'
Mejiro Ryan was the third favorite. Since she would appear after the second favorite, Ines Fujin, she naturally had to hang back a few steps.
But from the look on her face, she seemed eager to get on stage as soon as possible.
'So, Ardan-nee, does Nearl really need you cheering her on? With that time, couldn't you comfort your little sister who's about to get pummeled instead?'
Even the muscles she'd trained so hard couldn't give her confidence now. Ryan simply couldn't understand it.
'We both have two legs and two arms—how on earth does Nearl run those times?'
--+--
"A spring breeze sweeps across Nakayama Racecourse—today, we welcome the running of the Yayoi Sho!"
"Though the weather isn't cooperating, with drizzle already soaking the green turf—which will surely trouble the competitors—it's these unpredictable races that we truly want to see!"
"GII Yayoi Sho, 2000 meters on turf, is now officially underway! Let's turn our attention to the parade ring!"
As the announcement concluded, one Uma Musume after another stepped onto the stage, each with her own unique grace and presence—like a garden in full bloom, vibrant and varied.
Though the rain had dampened their hairstyles and silks, keeping them from looking their absolute best, the spectators' enthusiasm showed they didn't mind at all.
"Second favorite—her finishing kick is like a gust of wind! Ines Fujin! While her recent performances haven't met the expectations set when she was first favorite, today she's sure to sweep through Nakayama once again!"
"Huff… I hate the rain."
Pressing a finger against her cap and flicking it lightly, she scattered the clinging droplets into a fine mist. Her emerald eyes seemed to grow even brighter because of it.
'Mom, little sister—watch me! I'll run with everything I have!'
"Third favorite—Mejiro Ryan! Though her debut had its twists and turns, she then stormed to an overwhelming three-race winning streak, truly proving her strength! Can she demonstrate that power once more in this race? We're all eager to see."
Compared to the out-of-form Ines Fujin, Ryan was in much better shape. On stage, she waved warmly to the crowd, her radiant smile undimmed even by the dreary weather.
"Ryan! Go for it!"
Cheers came from the side, where the young ladies of the Mejiro family stood neatly in a row, attendants holding umbrellas behind them.
"Yeah!"
Clenching her fists in response, Ryan felt her fighting spirit ignite.
"And now, the final entrant—likely the one most spectators have been waiting for."
"Undefeated from local circuits all the way to the stage of the Yayoi Sho, no obstacle has slowed her pace even for a moment!"
"The Radiant Knight—Margaret Nearl!"
"!!!!!"
A tsunami of cheers erupted. After days of coverage building anticipation, the crowd had been waiting for that golden figure.
Closer now—there she is!
Nearl stepped onto the parade ring. Her brilliant golden hair, glistening with rain, seemed to shine even brighter—truly gleaming like gold.
Her resolute expression, steady stride, and the aura she carried—even the newest fans in the crowd could recognize genuine strength.
In that moment, those who had come because of the reports found a new favorite Uma Musume.
"All competitors, please prepare to enter the gates!"
The commentator issued the instruction.
--+--
"Rudolf, why are you hiding out here instead of watching the one you bet on?"
On the outskirts of the racecourse, Symboli Rudolf leaned against a wall, holding a honey special drink, silent and still. Another Uma Musume approached her side.
"Grandmother, I don't need to watch."
Rudolf answered just like that.
--+--
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.