"I just want to know... where exactly the difference lies between you and me."
Huh? What's going on? What in the world happened?
Mejiro McQueen looked at Tokai Teio, then at Platinum, but after a long moment, she still couldn't figure out what the two had been through.
Wait, huh? Why are you making that face all of a sudden, Teio? I've only ever seen that kind of expression on Grass Wonder's face before!
And what about you, Platinum? How did you end up signing a contract with the president as soon as you arrived?
Mejiro McQueen felt as though she'd skipped an entire season of an anime and jumped straight to the finale, only to discover all her teammates had mastered fusion techniques while she was still a nobody—a true sense of disillusionment.
No, no, now's not the time to think about that. The real point is...
Everyone's gaze shifted to Platinum.
According to Tokai Teio, while it was framed as a race, it might as well have been a battle between the two of them.
How would... Platinum respond?
Mejiro McQueen nervously swallowed.
"No. Too much trouble," Platinum rolled her eyes and waved a hand dismissively.
—She actually refused!
The same thought echoed in everyone's minds.
"Honestly, it's just plain weird. Why should I race you?" Platinum narrowed her eyes.
She wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but even she could sense the strange tension in the air.
Just look at Tokai Teio's smile—it was like Grass Wonder had possessed her. It was hard to imagine what she'd been through.
In short, she definitely had ill intentions.
In that case, there's no need for me to be polite—
I never planned on getting along with everyone in the first place. In fact, my initial hope was that nobody would even notice me.
But since things have turned out this way, don't blame me if my words come out harsh.
I don't really want to do this, but it's the easiest way to create distance.
So, really, women are nothing but trouble.jpg
"Tokai Teio... could it be you're jealous of me?"
"Are you jealous that I'm the Uma Musume Symboli Rudolf signed, and you're not?"
A super direct hit—
Not to mention everyone else, even Tokai Teio stumbled, as if struck by an invisible fist.
"So you want to race me to prove you can beat me, to prove you're more worthy of Symboli Rudolf than I am."
Another blow!
"Did you think that would make Symboli Rudolf change her mind?" As she spoke, Platinum curled the corner of her mouth slightly. "Let me tell you a little secret..."
"Symboli Rudolf came to find me right after watching my debut race—she rushed over without delay and personally asked me to sign with her."
Wham!
Another uppercut! Tokai Teio nearly lost her balance, bracing herself against the table while breathing heavily.
See? That's the power of words.
Whether it's to make people like you or hate you, you can't deny it worked. And wasn't it true that Symboli Rudolf approached me first?
Everything I said was true, wasn't it?
"Hey, you..." Mejiro McQueen steadied Tokai Teio's shoulder and glared at Platinum. "Was there any need to be so harsh?"
"If we're all going to live together at this academy from now on, there's no need to be so ruthless, is there? If there's a misunderstanding, can't we just clear it up?"
See? The effect was remarkable. And it was exactly what Platinum wanted.
"N-no, it's fine, McQueen..." Tokai Teio drooped her ears and waved a hand at Mejiro McQueen. "Everything she said is true."
Her own petty thoughts had been seen right through. How pathetic.
The reason Platinum suddenly became so aggressive was probably because she realized it—realized that I still clung to the delusion of pushing her out of the president's favor.
To someone like that, there's no need to show a friendly face.
Everyone has the right to pursue freedom and happiness.
Even so... I still...
"Please!" Tokai Teio bowed to Platinum. "No matter what, I want to race you!"
That's right!
Everyone has the right to pursue freedom and happiness!
If Platinum has it, then so do I!
Tokai Teio isn't a girl who gives up so easily.
I won't stop until I achieve my goal.
I've long been prepared for this—on the path to becoming an Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume, I'll have to shatter many people's dreams, and my own dreams might be shattered by others too.
But if I were to shrink back now, then I wouldn't be Tokai Teio anymore.
I'm sorry, and I know I might seem like a sticky, annoying piece of gum—
But Tokai Teio will not back down.
"I already said..." Platinum clicked her tongue, baring her sharp canine.
Mid-sentence, Platinum's voice cut off. She saw the look in Tokai Teio's raised eyes. Those azure eyes held an unwavering determination—a resolve that wouldn't quit until the goal was achieved.
Wait... it's just one race, isn't it? Is it really that serious?
Platinum couldn't quite understand, feeling a bit muddled. Are all you Uma Musume like this? Does everything have to be decided by racing? Even who turns off the lights at night—do you have to race for that too?
This is way too ridiculous.
Racing anytime, anywhere? No wonder there's a dedicated Uma Musume lane between the sidewalk and the road—so you can duel whenever you want, right?
"..." Seeing that expression on Tokai Teio's face, Mejiro McQueen froze for a moment, then calmed down as well.
Mejiro McQueen let go of Tokai Teio's shoulder and stepped back.
Teio, I've received your determination.
Even if I don't fully understand what's going on...
"Please, race against Teio!" Mejiro McQueen clasped her hands together.
"Hmph... how... touching..." Vodka sniffled, actually getting a bit teary-eyed from emotion.
"Please, senpai, I owe you one!"
"I should be the one saying that." Daiwa Scarlet was sniffling too. What are you all even getting so emotional about?
"Please, senpai!"
"Good morning, everyone, sorry I'm late—what's going on here?" Special Week, running behind, opened the training room door only to be met with the chaotic scene inside.
She hesitated, closed the door, opened it again, closed it, then opened it once more.
"Come on in, Spe-chan!" Gold Ship appeared beside Special Week and pushed her shoulders, urging her inside.
"Whaaaaaaat—————"
Watching the scene unfold, Platinum felt her face twitching.
Chaos, utter chaos.
To be honest, seeing this—Platinum felt her courage waver.
Is this really some kind of strange custom?
Everyone saying "please" to her was as unsettling as if they were all applauding and saying "omedetou" to her.
Wait, what is with you allllllll?
Platinum's expression began to crack, her ears swiveling rapidly.
"Pleeease!"
"Alright, alright, stop shouting..." Platinum responded weakly. "I'll race, okay? I'll race."
--+--
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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.