Yes, the all-Japan 1800-meter dirt track record—that's the insane result Nearl pulled off in this race.
This performance pretty much shuts down all that nonsense those second-rate magazines were spreading about her "picking on the weak and avoiding the strong."
This is the all-Japan dirt record for 1800 meters. Unprecedented in history, and who knows how long it'll be before anyone comes close again.
An Uma Musume with skills like that would never hide out in the regional circuits just because she's afraid of tarnishing her wins.
Maybe some will still question why Nearl chose to stay local, but once this result is out in the open, any remaining criticism is just empty talk.
And now, those who recognize this have already gathered around Nearl to congratulate her.
"Nearl, it looks like you won't have to worry about public opinion anymore after this. That was a brilliant race."
Fujimasa March walked over to Nearl, a faint smile on her face. She was genuinely happy for her friend.
"With this, all the reasons I had for joining this race have been accomplished."
"Reasons? Wait, you had other motives?"
Norn Ace, who had been lying on the ground recovering until just a moment ago, came over as well. She'd overheard March's comment and looked puzzled.
"Of course. My main goal was to help improve Nearl's current situation, but I also wanted another chance to race against her."
"Whoa, are you some kind of masochist?"
Norn Ace shook her head, completely unable to relate.
"You got left so far behind you couldn't even see her shadow, and you still want another race? I really don't get how you people think."
"It's hard to put into words, honestly. I guess I'd just say… running with Nearl feels refreshing."
Fujimasa March admitted she didn't have a clear explanation herself.
Luckily, their conversation was soon interrupted.
"Nearl-nee!"
From not far away, Everlamp came bouncing over eagerly, with Kitahara Jo following behind, a grin on his face.
Everlamp didn't bother with formalities—she rushed right up, wrapped her arms around Nearl's arm, and swung it excitedly.
"That was amazing, Nearl-nee! Your third decisive victory! Now those haters won't have a leg to stand on."
"It really was spectacular, as always. You've well and truly silenced the critics, Nearl."
After Everlamp, Kitahara stepped forward. Of course, he wasn't about to get as hands-on as she had.
"And I've got some good news that just came in. Care to hear it, Nearl?"
"Please go ahead, Trainer."
Nearl's timely reply gave Kitahara the satisfaction he was clearly looking for.
"Haha, you're gonna love this. That newspaper that ran those hit pieces smearing you just got busted for tax evasion. They're temporarily shut down."
Though Kitahara tried to hold it back, a smirk crept onto his lips despite his efforts.
"Well, isn't that something? Talk about divine retribution."
"Whoa, that's really…"
Norn Ace and Everlamp were both stunned by the sheer coincidence.
Only Fujimasa March felt a sense of déjà vu. She wracked her brain for a moment before it hit her.
'That's right… Koichi made a phone call earlier, and I'm pretty sure the tax bureau came up in the conversation. Could it be…?'
Watching Kitahara Jo still chuckling over the newspaper's misfortune, March couldn't help but gain a new appreciation for just how sneaky her trainer could be.
--+--
A day later, news of Nearl breaking the record was all over the major outlets. Nearly every central sports publication featured it as their front-page headline.
A regional Uma Musume breaking a record that even the central circuit hadn't touched—that alone was eye-catching. And the fact that she was from Kasamatsu made it even bigger.
Thanks to her narrow victory over Tamamo Cross in the Japan Cup, many now regarded Oguri Cap as the strongest Uma Musume in Japan.
Her story was both inspiring and relatable, earning her a massive fanbase that saw themselves in her journey. Her popularity was overwhelming.
And who didn't know that Oguri Cap hailed from Kasamatsu?
Nearl's background naturally drew a wave of public goodwill. The moment this news broke, it set off a chain reaction.
People began to wonder if another Oguri Cap was emerging—no, maybe even a super-sized version.
Those who had been keeping an eye on Nearl naturally heard the news right away.
"Incredible! Just what I'd expect from a junior I've got my eye on—smashing a record like it's nothing. Mhm mhm! She's going places!"
Mr. C.B lay sprawled comfortably across the sofa, holding the newspaper up in front of her.
"And look at this photo—the composition, the timing! The photographer really knew what they were doing. They captured Nearl's presence and expression perfectly."
"Tsk tsk, Nearl's so dashing! How come I never noticed how captivating she could be before?"
"Have some dignity, Senpai. If you keep this up, you'll lose your one remaining advantage—your looks.
You were never the sharpest tool in the shed, you slack off at work, and you're just coasting on your past winnings. If your face becomes average too, what will you have left?"
Symboli Rudolf, buried under a mountain of paperwork, delivered the biting remark.
Then again, it might have had something to do with the fact that Mr. C.B had dumped yet another stack of work on her.
"Hahaha, don't be silly, Rudolf. My charm isn't going anywhere."
Folding the newspaper, Mr. C.B radiated confidence.
"It's already fading."
"No way! I'll prove it to you."
Hearing that, a strange competitive spark lit up in Symboli Rudolf's eyes.
She set aside the half-finished document she was working on and shot a challenging look toward Mr. C.B on the sofa.
"Oh? Go on then. I'd love to see how you plan to prove your charm."
"Hmm~~~"
Mr. C.B pressed a fair, slender finger against her cheek, thinking deeply. All the while, the Emperor watched, amused.
"Then… how about this?"
After a moment, inspiration seemed to strike Mr. C.B.
She shifted position, supporting herself on her knees and hands, tilting her head up slightly to gaze at Symboli Rudolf in her office chair.
"Wh-what are you doing?"
A sense of foreboding washed over Rudolf, and she squirmed uncomfortably.
Mr. C.B gave Rudolf a sweet smile, then pressed her index and middle fingers together against her own delicate lips.
Mwah~
A flying kiss sailed straight toward the Emperor—right on target.
"…"
Rudolf felt her face grow warm. Must be all these layers she's wearing.
--+--
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.