Chapter 13: This Can Be Considered a Traditional Art
[—My Beloved Horse!]
[Heartbeat, heartthrob, I start running!]
[One step, two steps, I dash away~]
[A race like this is a first for me~]
On stage, the horse girls dressed in gorgeous performance costumes were focused on the Winner's Circle performance. Whether it was Tokai Teio, Nice Nature, or Denko Setska, each one looked dazzling under the stage setup.
Except for her.
"Good thing I'm not up there." Stardust Mirage, wearing a hood and sunglasses, stood below the stage, greatly relieved.
Just watching her opponents in their fluttery skirts jumping and dancing on stage, thinking that she would have to do the same, gave her chills.
Wouldn't that be too embarrassing?
Fortunately, she found an excuse to tell the staff that her legs were under great strain from using Shukuchi twice and needed rest.
Since she wasn't the first place, and based on professional analysis by the racing association confirming that such a running style indeed posed a significant threat to a horse girl's body, her request was approved.
Watching from below the stage, without imagining herself dancing up there, it really looked dazzling, Tokai Teio.
Although she didn't want to go up and sing and dance like an idol, that didn't mean she didn't envy that radiant appearance.
I want first place.
This thought gradually became clearer in Stardust Mirage's heart. It wasn't for the prize money or out of spite, but simply a desire to defeat everyone through running, to make herself shine too...
"Oh, Stardust Mirage? Are your legs okay?!"
Just as she was standing there in a daze, the performance on stage had already ended. The brown-haired horse girl Nice Nature, wearing a black dress, happened to walk out from backstage and saw her.
"Legs...? Ah, my legs are fine." Stardust Illusion immediately reacted and replied.
"Feeling a bit down?"
Nice Nature patted Stardust Mirage's shoulder, comforting her.
Nice Nature had noticed from on stage that Stardust Mirage had been standing here, staring blankly at the dancing Tokai Teio.
She must be really unwilling, right?
Fighting with Tokai Teio to such an extent, even injuring her legs in her debut race to the point she couldn't go on the Winner's Circle, and still only getting second place in the end.
Come to think of it, why am I, the third placer who couldn't even catch up to them, comforting someone?
Thinking this, Nice Nature couldn't help but sigh.
"We both have to redo our debut race," she said helplessly. "Hurry and sort out your feelings, don't dwell on it too much. Teio is different from us; she's a genius."
As she spoke, she touched her own short brown hair, her expression showing a hint of unwillingness.
"What are your thoughts on the next race? I'll probably choose a sprint or mile race for my debut. This race felt like the stamina pressure was too much."
"I..." Hearing Nice Nature's words, Stardust Mirage felt very uncomfortable.
It sounded like she had already admitted that they were inferior to Tokai Teio. But she knew Nice Nature was just trying to comfort her, so she couldn't directly refute it, and it was even more impossible to interfere with her choice for the next race.
"Eh, it's Stardust Illusion and Nice Nature da~!"
Speak of the devil, Teio arrives. The familiar cute voice of Tokai Teio came from behind the two.
"Hehe, if you're having a heart-to-heart, Teio wants to join too!"
The petite Tokai Teio cheerfully squeezed next to the two, grabbing both their hands.
Sweat from her dance still adorned the young girl's face, but facing the second and third placers she had just defeated, she didn't show any arrogance. Instead, her actions carried a hint of acting cute quality.
"We were just casually talking about Stardust Mirage's legs." Nice Nature, upon Teio's arrival, didn't look particularly pleased.
Clearly, Stardust Mirage could see that Nice Nature wasn't as resigned to being inferior to Tokai Teio as she claimed. Otherwise, why would she become uncomfortable upon seeing the winner?
"Legs?"
Teio didn't notice the complexity of the two's emotions and just looked down at Stardust Mirage's legs.
These legs were longer and more slender compared to Teio's, which was the reason Stardust Mirage could maintain an advantage in speed. But in terms of power and stamina, the well-trained Teio was stronger, something also reflected in the previous race.
"My legs are fine, it's just not good to go up and dance." Stardust Mirage had to lie again. To steer the conversation away, she quickly continued, "Teio, what are your plans for your next race?
"The upcoming race?"
Tokai Teio, upon hearing this question, enthusiastically placed her hands on her hips, raised her head, and replied, "What kind of question is that? Of course, it's to become a Uma Musume on the same level as the president. There's only one goal."
"That is—an! un! de! feated! triple! crown!"
When talking about this, Stardust Mirage could clearly see the sparkle in Teio's eyes, as if they could emit light. Her yearning expression was overflowing, practically declaring that she was born for this.
But.
But...!
"Teio," Stardust Mirage spoke up.
"Huh? What?"
"Today was my first race, the first time I stood on the track competing against other Uma Musume."
She lowered her head, her voice a bit subdued. "From the start to the finish, it only took a few minutes. It was so short it felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. After finishing, I couldn't help but think: Is it over just like that?"
"But, in those short few minutes, I realized one thing."
"No matter how many excuses I make for myself, no matter the reasons, losing is losing. In the end, only the one who crosses the finish line first is considered the winner."
"This time... you won."
Stardust Mirage stared intently into Tokai Teio's eyes and continued:
"You're really amazing, Teio. But if your goal is the Classic Triple Crown, then I will definitely participate in that too, and do everything I can to defeat you!"
"Huh?" Nice Nature, standing to the side, was dumbfounded.
What's going on now?
Losing her debut race to a genius, then issuing a challenge declaring she'll definitely win next time? Is she the protagonist who escaped from some shonen manga?
"Oh?"
Hearing Stardust Mirage's declaration, Teio's smile widened even more.
"It seems we think alike. I'd be very disappointed if I didn't have you as a rival."
"The president told me that achieving an undefeated triple crown is something only the strongest Uma Musume, capable of defeating everyone, can accomplish."
"So, if you want to snatch that honor from me, go ahead. Let's see who will surpass all the Uma Musumes next year and stand at the pinnacle of the Triple Crown!"
After saying this, Teio extended her white-gloved hand forward.
Stardust Mirage also extended her hand and met it with a high-five: "Then it's settled! When the time comes, I'll definitely show you my true strength!"
What about me?!
Nice Nature, standing to the side, screamed awkwardly in her heart.
These two suddenly started making this passionate promise as if no one else was around, completely forgetting the fact that she, the third-place finisher, was still standing right there.
"Really, two people I just can't understand."
She watched the two high-fiving and laughing heartily, helplessly touched her own ear, and muttered to herself:
"After seeing something like this, how can I have the nerve to convince myself to choose easier races...?"
I'll try putting in a bit more effort. I'll keep choosing middle-distance races.
Nice Nature thought this to herself.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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