Twilight Song stood silently in the center of the track, breathing steadily as she stepped forward across the muddy dirt.
Only now did she fully realize the race was over, and she had completely dominated it.
She hadn’t even activated her [Skill], rely relying on an intense state of [Flow]. Too easy—these opponents were far weaker than I expected.
Without looking back, Twilight Song walked step by step toward the tunnel amidst thunderous cheers.
She had no intention of joining the winner’s stage—partly because she had no interest in spending extra ti and energy on dancing, but more importantly, it was part of Twilight Song’s carefully constructed plan.
Many Legendary Uma Musu existed, sure. But what if one legendary Uma Musu had never once danced on the winner’s stage?
It was part of Twilight Song’s deliberate plan to carve her na into history:
A carefully crafted persona.
A silent, mysterious, exceptionally powerful legendary Uma Musu who never danced.
Next was... an interview, and then returning ho with her sisters to prepare for Japan’s Satsuki Sho.
Right, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Lost in thought, Twilight Song shook the sticky mud off her shoes and followed the signs toward the interview area.
Arican racing culture differed slightly from Japan’s. While both crowds cheered passionately, Arican spectators changed allegiances much faster. They’d apparently begun cheering for Twilight Song the mont she exploded from the gate, while Japanese fans tended to remain more loyal to their favorites.
Not that this is bad, she thought. Still, sothing felt odd about being cheered on as a Japanese Uma Musu who’d thoroughly crushed the Arican hotown favorites.
Twilight Song took a deep breath, suppressing a slight sweetness in her throat, and stepped into the interview room.
Of course, wisely, she closed her eyes the instant she entered, bracing herself.
Imdiately, a storm of cara shutters erupted—bright flashes shining straight through her eyelids.
Typical reporters...
As Twilight Song continued forward, she felt a gentle hand take hold of her wrist.
"Don’t be nervous. It’s just ."
Before she could react, jiro Ramonu spoke softly. Twilight Song imdiately relaxed, letting Ramonu guide her onto the platform before opening her eyes.
A sea of eager reporters awaited her, intimidating enough to scare anyone timid. But Twilight Song felt no fear—she was, after all, the newly crowned Caesar.
She clasped her hands behind her back, deliberately ignoring Ramonu’s curious gaze. Another deep breath cald her racing heart, and she forcibly pushed down the rising urge in her throat.
Don’t get nervous, there’s nothing to fear. You’re fine...
"P-please go ahead."
"Let’s start with the front row. First question, please."
In the end, Ramonu stepped in to complete the sentence Twilight Song had left hanging, making the young filly blush slightly, suddenly embarrassed.
"Alright, I’ll begin. First off—what an incredible race! Miss Twilight Song, will you be performing on the winner’s stage shortly?"
Clearly, the reporter had done their howork, but Twilight Song’s mind was already made up.
She shook her head, releasing the gentle bite she’d unconsciously given her lip.
"For personal reasons, I will never appear on the winner’s stage."
Not once in this lifeti.
"Alright, second question: How did it feel racing in Arica? Also, do you plan to continue your career here?"
Continue racing here? Oh, right—her nationality technically wasn’t strictly Japanese. Or rather, her docunts seed to indicate dual nationality...
"Hmm... Well, the experience was very good. But regarding my future plans, I haven’t decided yet. Sorry, but I can’t give a clear answer right now."
The reporters seed satisfied. After all, Twilight Song hadn’t refused—only expressed careful consideration.
"Then, third question: Even if you’re still considering, do you intend to participate in the upcoming Arican Triple Crown?"
Arican Triple Crown?
Twilight Song was montarily stunned. Honestly, she hadn’t even thought about it.
"Ruka, don’t say yes, but don’t say no either—you understand?"
But Ramonu, standing by her side, seed to have anticipated this exact question. At least, that’s what she seed to imply as she leaned down, whispering gently into the younger Uma Musu’s fluffy white ear.
A vague answer? But why? Didn’t she say earlier that we were aiming for the Japanese Triple Crown...?
Though puzzled, Twilight Song nodded calmly without letting any of her confusion show.
Ramonu-neesan wouldn’t steer her wrong. She trusted that completely. She could ask for an explanation later.
"Regarding this question, it’s similar to my earlier answer. However, if there’s an opportunity and the schedule allows it, I’ll definitely consider it."
There—this should be fine, right?
Twilight Song lifted her head, completely unaware that her ears had perked up, eagerly awaiting praise like a child.
She t Ramonu’s eyes, and the older Uma Musu gave a small, approving nod.
The questions continued for what seed an eternity. Twilight Song answered everything she could; Ramonu skillfully diverted the rest. Eventually, only one last reporter remained eager to ask a question.
"Alright, go ahead."
"Thank you. Since this should be the final question, I’ll make it less serious. Miss Twilight Song, was there any mont during this race that particularly impressed you? And what are your thoughts about Festival Glory, who was originally considered today’s favorite?"
Hmm, sothing impressive about this race... and the original favorite, huh... wait. Festival Glory? Who is that...?
Twilight Song felt briefly confused but quickly masked it.
"The most impressive things for were probably how muddy my shoes got from the dirt track, and the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. I truly appreciate everyone’s support. As for Festival Glory-san, well..."
Only now did Twilight Song realize that throughout the entire race, she hadn’t once spared even a single glance toward her opponents.
Not even a passing glance or a fleeting thought.
Sorry, I completely forgot about all of you.
But even if she could redo the race, she probably still wouldn’t rember much.
"She’s a very strong competitor, and I look forward to facing her again soday."
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