Just a minute ago, at a certain unscrupulous young doctor's familiar estate, on the inner training grounds.
"Huh??"
"A call… from Dr. Lin??"
On the dirt track, a black-haired young lady with an elegant, noble demeanor looked down at her phone screen, her eyes sparkling with pleasant surprise.
This was, of course, Sham's estate.
Not long ago, she had successfully pulled off a [midnight ambush], and shortly after, made a full physical recovery.
But after that breakthrough in her ambiguous relationship with Dr. Lin, things had once again settled into a near-silent stalemate.
After all, it had been a sneak attack.
If a single ambush could lead to instant success, to a decisive victory in what she called the [Lin Anran Cup], then Sham would actually be worried…
—'Really? Wouldn't that be too easy? If some other sneaky rival tries the same, could it all be undone?'
What if another rival used the same tactic and pulled off a surprise move? That was even more reason for concern.
So, sometimes a lover who wasn't too easily won could also provide a sense of [security].
Sham refused to believe she was the only one who could think of such a plan.
Those fillies who had been close to Dr. Lin in the past—their numbers and abilities were all exceptional, each among the best of the era, opponents she had to be cautious and wary of.
It was worth noting that in Europe and the U.S., there were plenty of aggressive, high-class Uma Musume young ladies.
The competition among Uma Musume here was intense; many matured early, pursuing romance as soon as they reached their classic years, rather than waiting until retirement.
Back when Sham was visiting international Uma Musume hospitals seeking treatment for her major injury, she had even seen cases where someone beloved by an Uma Musume ended up with pelvic injuries from being… 'ridden too hard'…
After all, an Uma Musume's physical capabilities were three times that of an ordinary human. And racing Uma Musume were the elite among them, like the vast gap between an average person and a world-class athlete—far stronger than any normal grown man.
When a young foreign-born Uma Musume didn't know restraint, she might just 'leap' her beloved into pelvic injury and hospitalization… As unbelievable as it sounded, given the physical disparity, such occurrences weren't rare.
Besides, there was also the possibility of several aggressive Uma Musume fighting over the same lover, disregarding races altogether and brawling until the world went dark.
Back in the ancient history of the Uma Musume world, it was said that in an ancient nation, a man was loved by five Uma Musume, which eventually led to…
When emotional wars broke out among Uma Musume, it typically ended in one of two or three ways.
The first: the adoring noble young ladies would start sharing.
This was the [fallback option] when no one was willing to back down and a clear winner couldn't be decided.
The second: one Uma Musume emerged victorious, successfully winning true love.
The difficulty of that went without saying—it was extremely high.
The third: the pursued party, clutching their back and fearing for their pelvis, would choose to make a run for it.
Thus, some trainers or Uma Musume doctors, afraid that their careers would end even sooner than the Uma Musume's, would pack up and flee to restart in another Uma Musume scene in a foreign land.
But the problem was, the number of foreign-born Uma Musume who seemed to have feelings for Dr. Lin was… a bit excessive, wasn't it?
"Secretariat, Flightline, me, Sea the Stars, Sunday Silence, Ruffian…"
"Just counting the ones I know, it's already more than a handful."
But Sham had no intention of giving up.
In her view, since she'd successfully pulled off the [midnight ambush], her progress with Dr. Lin was definitely not bad.
It was obvious that Dr. Lin had no prior experience being ambushed like that.
From Lin Anran's initial clumsiness that night, to how he—though an adult—seemed to grow shy afterward and couldn't quite respond properly, Sham had all the evidence she needed to draw the right conclusion.
"But luckily, my first strike was a success."
The elegant yet carnivorous noble young lady smiled faintly.
"Dr. Lin, acting all shy and silent like a grown-up, is pretty cute too."
Moreover, Sham had a clear sense that she was only one step away from making a huge leap in her relationship with Dr. Lin, far surpassing Secretariat and the others. All she needed was the right opportunity.
When the right moment came, when she could go on another date with Lin Anran, or even invite him to stay at her estate again…
None of that was impossible!
Seize the chance, and score a second goal!
That opportunity would allow her to solidify a massive advantage in the [Lin Anran Cup] and claim victory!
The only slight regret was that Sham was under some pressure from her family at the moment. She didn't have many chances to continue interacting with Dr. Lin and needed to race more to win some major prizes.
After all, Sham was also one of those noble young ladies.
While enjoying the benefits of her family, it was only natural that she had to strive for race victories for both her family and herself.
Having completely failed in the Classic Triple Crown, without a single win, and then being sidelined with a major injury treated by Dr. Lin for months… it basically meant her [classic year] had been a total wash.
For American Uma Musume, the golden period, the peak, was usually their classic year and the first year of their older-horse years—at most, one or two years combined.
Didn't that mean her peak was effectively cut in half?
With such a failure in her classic year, her family naturally grew concerned. After Dr. Lin's miraculous treatment fully healed her, they quickly urged her to start training and challenging races again.
From her return to the track until now, Sham had won no fewer than two G1 races and two G2 races. She was already considered top-tier, right below battle-hardened monsters like Secretariat and Platinum.
"After winning two more major races, I can reasonably tell my family that it's time to prepare for the Breeders' Cup in the second half of the year and reduce the intensity of my racing schedule."
"Then, I'll have time to make my move again!"
In Sham's plan, the time for her next move wasn't far off.
Within two months, she'd make it happen!
It had already been months—what were two more? Such a short time should be… fine, right?
Just two months left. At this stage, the advantage is mine!
In high spirits and full of anticipation, the black-haired young lady answered the call.
Sham was also curious: why was Dr. Lin reaching out after so long?
But as soon as Lin Anran's voice came through…
In under two minutes, Sham heard his request and understood the whole story.
Lin Anran, acting as an [uncle], was looking for a test opponent for a training match for his little niece, Margaret Nearl.
It was like a game player testing a revamped skill in custom mode, using a bot to see how it worked.
And she was that "bot"?
The young lady didn't feel disappointed.
The fact that Dr. Lin had chosen her, when he could have picked other older Uma Musume he knew…
Wasn't that itself a form of recognition?
"Then… will there be any [reward]?"
The young lady's voice turned faintly teasing as she tested the waters.
Since she was helping out, she might as well use this chance to deepen her connection with Dr. Lin.
"How about… a discount on your next check-up?"
The voice of the unscrupulous young doctor carried a sense of finality—for him, this was a significant decision.
Hearing this, Sham's expression froze.
No!
Who wants that?!
She, a battle-hardened G1 champion, wouldn't fuss over a discount for a mere check-up.
Her allowance alone was enough to cover check-ups at Dr. Lin's clinic every other day, let alone her race prizes.
If anything, she'd rather pay extra to have Dr. Lin's exclusive, personal service.
Back when she was under Lin Anran's treatment, Sham had actually invited him to be her [exclusive contract doctor], and not just once.
But unfortunately, Lin Anran never agreed.
The gentle young doctor seemed to prefer treating as many fillies as possible rather than being exclusive to one Uma Musume, which Sham found deeply regrettable.
As for this "reward," Sham didn't want it.
She wanted something bolder, more… adult!
The young lady didn't want Dr. Lin's money—she wanted Dr. Lin himself!
But that might be too difficult for now. Better to take it step by step.
"Dr. Lin, you know what I want, right?"
"When I have time later, come out on a [date] with me."
Sham decisively stated the specific reward she desired.
In the end, she received agreement from the unscrupulous young doctor.
--+--
The next day.
On the training grounds.
Sham wore a serious expression as she looked up at the golden-haired young lady standing slightly taller than herself.
Originally, she had come here with keen interest, eager to meet her future [niece], and Dr. Lin.
But now… where was Dr. Lin?
Not only was the familiar black-haired young doctor nowhere in sight, but the young lady before her, Nearl, seemed incredibly powerful and intimidating?
Sham thought she already knew everything about Nearl.
Given her close relationship with Dr. Lin, Sham had done her homework.
The only Uma Musume in Dr. Lin's Nearl family! A potential rival for Secretariat!
'She's so imposing…'
Originally, Margaret Nearl stood at 171 cm, but since her growth spurt began… she seemed to have grown a little taller.
In terms of height, Nearl was considered tall even in Europe and the U.S., though not excessively so.
But seeing this golden-haired young lady up close, face to face, Sham could clearly feel an overwhelming presence—one that couldn't be conveyed through screens or spectator stands.
Uma Musume with powerful auras weren't exactly rare, especially in the current golden age of dirt racing over the past two or three generations. There were already double-digit numbers of active genius Uma Musume who had mastered their domains.
For example, the top three of this generation alone had at least three Zone masters.
The previous generation had Secretariat, Sham, Holy Bull, and Flightline. Beyond them, there were others who, though slightly less prominent, had also mastered their zones by their older-horse years.
And going back two or three years earlier, even more seniors had mastered their domains upon reaching their older-horse years.
But actively releasing that aura on the track was completely different from unconsciously revealing it off the track when facing a strong opponent!!
In all this time, Sham had only felt this kind of presence from Secretariat.
'Before the Belmont Stakes, when Secretariat, the top favorite, was preparing to enter the starting gate on the track.'
'She suddenly turned and stared at me, radiating that same overwhelming, terrifying aura!'
'Other than that, even the so-called once-in-a-decade Uma Musume couldn't come close. But Nearl could match Secretariat's off-track, awe-inspiring presence?'
As realization dawned, Sham's smile widened.
This was a good thing!
After three defeats, Sham no longer held onto fantasies of defeating Secretariat.
And Secretariat had undoubtedly set her sights on Margaret Nearl. That Big Red Monster, seemingly forged from pure competitive spirit, would never let a talented Uma Musume like Nearl slip away.
The showdown between Secretariat and Nearl would be absolutely spectacular!
"Well then, let's get ready."
The golden-haired knight's words were brief.
Sham finished her warm-up and smiled slightly.
"Alright, let me see that mysterious, never-before-used domain of yours."
She would… showcase her grace and wisdom as a senior, making Nearl acknowledge her as the future [aunt]!
With that, the composed Sham walked to Nearl's side.
A few minutes later.
A [training match] that would have caused an uproar if made public was over.
The young lady stood dazed at the finish line of the training course, its distance pre-marked.
"I… lost?"
Sham, one of the main participants of the training match, never expected to suffer such a crushing defeat even in a practice race!
Distance: 2400 meters.
Margin: lost by 19 lengths.
Just a bit more, and she would have been completely blown away as a "super longshot"?!
Sham wasn't overly fixated on wins and losses anymore—she was a mature older-horse year Uma Musume now—but the gap in this training match… was just too exaggerated.
On paper, the margin seemed smaller than Secretariat's 30-plus length blowout against Sham in last year's Belmont Stakes.
But in reality, that wasn't the whole story.
First, Nearl had just finished a highly intense Preakness Stakes yesterday.
And now, on the very next day, she was fresh and energetic enough to demolish a world-famous senior champion? Wasn't that a bit too much?
Among the talented Uma Musume Sham knew who competed in the American Triple Crown, most didn't dare to engage in intense training matches during the series.
After all, it was a nightmare schedule: three G1 races in just five weeks. Running a full-effort training match during that period would only add to the pressure and intensity.
The very few battle-hardened geniuses who had the courage to do so usually waited a few days after a race—certainly not the very next day without any rest.
For a relentlessly raced Nearl to beat her by 19 lengths was simply terrifying!!
'No, that's not all. I'm currently at my peak in my older-horse year, stronger than I was during last year's Belmont Stakes!'
'A stronger me, facing a Nearl who just raced yesterday and is using a new zone for the first time!'
The Radiant Knight, fresh from the training match, was far from going all out.
Yet she was both battle-hardened and using a brand-new, never-before-seen special domain to defeat peak-condition Sham.
If this monster kept it up, she might truly have the potential to surpass Man o' War and Secretariat, right?!
Just as Sham was reeling from the shock.
On the other side, Nearl, this spirited and refined young lady, actually allowed a faint, relaxed smile to grace her lips.
She now fully understood her previously unused third domain.
It was—[Zone: Blazing Sun's Obeisance]
"The upcoming Belmont Stakes, and the challenge I accepted from Ruffian…"
"I can run all out without holding back!"
In high spirits, Nearl decided to reward herself.
By increasing… her training!
"Sham senior, would you like to train together now?"
Nearl politely asked the still-stunned Sham beside her.
Her voice snapped Sham out of her thoughts, leaving the senior young lady momentarily speechless.
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Ha?!"
Three short exclamations in succession.
When it finally sank in, Sham's gaze went completely blank, like a game player who'd painstakingly raised a powerful character only to run into its natural enemy.
In short, she was utterly stunned.
"Didn't you just finish a G1 race yesterday?"
"Yes."
"Didn't you just run a 2400-meter training match?"
"Mhm."
"And you're not resting? You still want to train?"
"Correct."
The young knight Nearl gave a slight nod.
In that instant, Sham was at a loss for words.
'Just… what kind of monster is this?'
'What is she—an Uma Musume or a Pegasus?!'
If she were some prideful, face-conscious senior Uma Musume from a noble family, she might have forced herself to keep up appearances and train anyway.
But Sham wasn't like that.
She had already come to terms with her own limitations.
After all, she had lost three times to the Big Red Monster.
Then she narrowly failed in her midnight ambush against a certain unscrupulous young doctor.
She was almost on a losing streak that could earn interest… so she couldn't care less about this training match and additional training.
"I can't do it. I don't have that terrifying stamina."
Sham openly admitted her shortcomings.
Finally, she bid farewell to Nearl and turned to leave.
"Well then, enjoy your training. I'll be going ahead."
--+--
Several days later.
Between the Preakness Stakes and the final crown, the Belmont Stakes, there were only two short weeks.
Now, more than half that time had passed.
And on a certain training field.
Easy Goer, hailed as the third-generation Big Red, was undergoing her unique training.
Why unique?
Because she wasn't following some trainer's plan, but rather…
Receiving guided training from the second-generation Big Red Monster, the strongest dirt-track Uma Musume of the era—Secretariat!
A few days ago, she had begged senpai Secretariat to put her through an extremely harsh, hellish training regimen that would maximize her chances of winning the Belmont Stakes.
So now… she ran, physically and mentally exhausted, glancing back over her shoulder.
Behind her, a tall, big red, mature young lady was driving a jeep right on the dirt track, literally chasing her down.
Easy Goer, pushed to her absolute limit, was so tired she felt like crying.
"What's with that expression? That look in your eyes?"
"What are those tears for?"
"Do you think any of that will help you defeat Nearl?"
Secretariat turned the steering wheel, shouting sternly, and honked the horn to urge Easy Goer to speed up.
Ahead of her, Easy Goer gritted her teeth.
'Secretariat is still chasing me!'
For victory, for defeating Nearl.
Even hellish training, even jeep-assisted drills—she would endure it all!
'In a few days, at the Belmont… I must win!!'
--+--
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.
There should be... around 70+ advanced chapters?
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.