"Rudolf?"
Sensing that imposing aura, Speed Symboli's expression turned grave.
"What's going on? We're in the middle of the street. Don't cause a scene—reign in your Domain."
Heeding her grandmother's reminder, Symboli Rudolf slowly let out a breath, allowing her boiling fury to simmer beneath the surface.
"Apologies. It's just... this news is rather baffling. I simply cannot fathom what is going through these people's heads."
Handing her phone to Speed Symboli, Rudolf began pacing back and forth.
"Has power corrupted them so completely? When the URA was first established, it was just a gathering of fans who loved Uma Musume, banding together to reduce the troubles they might face and to raise funds through operations to make their lives more comfortable."
"And now? It has degenerated into a rotten institution that harms some of these very girls?"
After reading the messages on the phone, Speed Symboli felt the same anger. But compared to Rudolf's pure rage, hers was tinged with sorrow.
Because she had witnessed the URA's early days. The beauty of that time stood in stark contrast to the present.
"Money and power... truly dreadful things."
"It seems our trust in the URA has allowed them to grow increasingly out of line."
"They have completely forgotten that the organization's original purpose was to protect the rights of Uma Musume and to serve as their logistical support."
"Now they've placed themselves above the athletes, content to leech off them."
"To deal with vampires, you must drive a stake through their hearts. I initially thought merely replacing them would suffice..."
Thinking of her previous, more lenient approach, Symboli Rudolf let out a cold, humorless laugh, mocking her own former weakness.
"Now, every single one of them who has exploited the interests of Uma Musume... off to prison they go!"
With that thought, Rudolf took her phone back from her grandmother and dialed a number belonging to someone she trusted.
"C.B.-senpai, there's been a change of plans..."
--+--
While the seniors outside were busy with their schemes, it had little to do with Nearl, who had just finished her race.
All she needed to do now was chat with her friends and then deal with the reporters as planned.
"Margaret, your Domain has gotten so strong!"
Oguri Cap hopped excitedly around Nearl. The Domain that had enveloped the entire venue earlier had left her utterly awestruck.
Although she could now use her own Domain proficiently, even adding some variations to it, the maximum range she could expand it in a perfect circle was only about seven meters around herself.
It was simply incomparable to Nearl's abnormally vast reach.
But her words caught the attention of Ines Fujin, who had never encountered this concept before and was clearly full of questions.
"Um, Oguri Cap-senpai, what's a 'Domain'?"
Like a diligent student asking for clarification, Ines obediently raised her hand.
"..."
The question seemed a bit too profound for Oguri Cap. A visible stupor settled on her face, her expression so adorably blank it could have been a looping GIF.
"A Domain is... well... it's that... a kind of feeling?"
She gestured animatedly, trying to explain, but her attempt at clarification only seemed to make Ines Fujin more confused.
"So... it's something I can't learn right now?"
"Ines, there's still a gap before you can perceive a Domain," Nearl chimed in, seeing her struggle.
"And your thoughts are too scattered right now. It's impossible to touch this kind of advanced spiritual power in that state."
Seeing the dejection on Ines's face, Nearl thought for a moment and offered a suggestion.
"What you need now, Ines, is to sort out your feelings. How about visiting your family? They're the reason you're working so hard. I'm sure they could offer you some new perspective."
"Maybe you're right, Nearl. I haven't seen my mom or my little sister in a long time. Even if they scold me or are disappointed after such a poor run... I can take it."
"They won't be. I'm sure of it," Nearl comforted the visibly downcast Ines.
Ines was trapped in a cycle of self-blame, though it was almost laughable—most Uma Musume didn't even have the privilege of feeling sad over a fourth-place finish.
The majority of participants didn't even make it into the money.
"Nearl, it's about time. You should go for your interview now."
Just then, Ardan glanced at her wristwatch. The hands had reached a predetermined position.
"First place in the Yayoi Sho, and a record-breaking performance at that. Those reporters must be practically burning with anticipation by now."
"You're right. I can't brush off this press conference like I usually do."
"That's an interesting point, actually. You always seem rather uncomfortable with these interviews and public appearances, Nearl."
Ardan was curious about Nearl's thoughts on this.
While some Uma Musume weren't good with interviews, it was mostly due to personal shyness—a fear of crowds and persistent questions—or simply finding them a waste of time.
But given Nearl's personality, Ardan couldn't picture her disliking people. And her composure didn't seem like shyness either.
"The reason? Hmm, well..."
Nearl paused, searching her memories. Did she genuinely dislike reporters from the bottom of her heart? Well, a little. But there were other reasons too.
"I don't wish to become some household-name celebrity. It's enough for people to remember my contributions and my spirit. Idol worship... I'd rather avoid that."
"Focusing only on the surface while ignoring the substance, letting the hype dictate one's goals... that was never my intention."
"Unfortunately, media reports tend to steer things precisely in that direction."
--+--
"Radiant Knight, this victory in the Yayoi Sho is a record-shattering triumph. Your name is surely known across the nation now. However, the unfortunate fact is that you are now ineligible for the Triple Crown races. What are your thoughts on this?"
"A bit regrettable, but that's all."
Nearl gave a simple nod, her expression remaining perfectly level.
"I believe that not participating in the Triple Crown now won't diminish how the audience and fans perceive me. Strength is strength, after all. Races alone don't prove everything."
"Bold words, but undeniably true. Right now, there's likely only one thing the audience wants to know: what are your plans for your next race?"
"Regarding that, my trainer and I haven't decided yet, so I can't answer at this time."
"Alright. Then one final question, Miss Nearl. Have you considered the possibility of racing overseas in the future? With your ability, you could surely secure a place in world-class competitions, couldn't you?"
"That matter is not something I can comment on for now. However, regarding my intentions, I can give you a definite answer: yes, I have."
--+--
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.