CB's Perspective
Phew... I'm so excited~ Even though it's the same stage as before, this time it's the Derby, and the prestige has suddenly jumped, so I can see everyone's faces are tense. But I, on the other hand, am really looking forward to it~♪
"Excuse me, may I have a moment? You're Mr. CB from Japan, aren't you?"
CB: "Hm? Yes, I'm Mr. CB. You must be..."
"Ah, my apologies, I'm Lutin D'Arque. I'm an Umamusume originally from Ireland."
CB: "Oh! That's right! You're the French and British Derby Umamusume, aren't you! And the first favorite!!"
Lutin: "Ahahaha, I suppose you could say that. I've been curious about you for a while now."
CB: "Me?"
Lutin: "After all, you're an Umamusume trained by the famous 'clairvoyant.' And after that run in the last race, it'd be more remarkable not to be curious."
CB: "Really? I think you're more amazing, though? You've won Derbies in two countries, after all. You've achieved results in different countries and different races. But I'm not planning on losing this race."
Lutin: "...You're right. I also have the Derby Triple Crown on the line, so I'll be giving it my all. And this time, in addition to Her Majesty, the Queen, and His Highness are also watching."
CB: "Ah, Pilsud."
Lutin: "W-wait, you!? To call His Highness by their first name... It's good that only I heard it, but you shouldn't say that in front of other girls, okay?"
CB: "Really? Pilsud said it was fine though~."
Lutin: "...You're amazing, you know."
--- A few minutes later ---
Commentator: "Here at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland, Europe, the Irish Derby is finally about to start!! The first favorite is Lutin D'Arque, the French and British Derby Umamusume, second favorite is Guinee Seeds of the Irish 1,000 Guineas, and third favorite is Japan's Mr. CB, aiming for the Irish Double Crown! Can she maintain this momentum and conquer the Derby as well!?"
Lutin: "Well, I'll go ahead then."
CB: "Yeah, see you later."
Phew... Maybe I'll make today's race a little flashy? Last time was an outside burst, but what should I do today...? Hachiman said anything is fine as long as it's a closer, so maybe I'll decide then!
Commentator: "And now, all are in their gates!! Derby Triple Crown, a step towards the Oaks, or the Irish Double Crown—many things are about to happen at Curragh Racecourse! The Irish Derby... has started!! It's a clean start! Lutin D'Arque, Guinee Seeds, Mr. CB all got off to a good start!"
Pilsud: "CB is coming from behind as expected... Lutin D'Arque is a front-runner, Guinee Seeds is a mid-race challenger. Curragh's 2400m is special, so it won't be easy."
"Quite an interesting combination."
Pilsud: "!! Well, well, King Dancing Brave of Britain. Visiting incognito?"
Brave: "The one who conquered our country's Derby is on the verge of a Derby Triple Crown. I couldn't possibly miss this race."
Pilsud: "Indeed, indeed... However, King Dancing Brave, I do not believe things will proceed so simply."
Brave: "Hoh, and the reason for that?"
Pilsud: "You must be aware, there is a Japanese samurai present. Mr. CB, an Umamusume trained by the renowned 'clairvoyant'."
Brave: "Hmm... 'clairvoyant,' you say."
Commentator: "They've rounded the final corner and are heading into the long straight!! Lutin D'Arque has pulled away at the front! Lutin D'Arque is in the lead! She's trying to extend her advantage!! From behind, Gulf Balan and Mr. CB are also making a late charge!! Guinee Seeds isn't extending!! Lutin D'Arque is in the lead, but Mr. CB is coming up alongside with momentum!!"
Lutin: "!! Still fast, as expected!"
CB: "I can't lose!"
Commentator: "200 meters to go!! As expected, it's a battle between these two!! Lutin D'Arque and Mr. CB are battling for the lead!! They're side by side!! Five lengths behind is Gulf Balan in third place!! The fierce battle between the two continues!!"
Lutin: "U-uooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!"
CB: "...Hehehe."
Lutin: "!!? (S-she laughed?)"
CB: "Ahahahaha, that's more like it!!!" (WHOOSH!!)
Lutin: "!!?"
Commentator: "Mr. CB has pulled ahead here!! Amazing, she's still extending!! Lutin D'Arque is desperately chasing, but Mr. CB is pulling away, pulling away!! Is it decided now!! Mr. CB! Achieves the Double Crown!!!"
Yesssssssss!!!
Commentator: "Following the 2,000 Guineas, she also conquers the Derby!! Mr. CB, on the verge of the Irish Triple Crown!! Only the Irish St. Leger in September remains!! The Japanese samurai has achieved another great victory!!"
Lutin: "Haa... haa... Haha, a complete defeat. You're strong. I couldn't even catch up at the end."
CB: "You ran well too! I had a really good run today ♪"
Lutin: "I never thought you had enough余裕 (leeway/composure) to laugh. As expected of 'Ten'i Muhō,' I am truly impressed. I sincerely wish for your Triple Crown victory."
CB: "Ahaha, then I'll be praying for your next victory!"
And then I shook Lutin D'Arque's outstretched hand. That makes two crowns, Hachiman ♪
Mr. CB achieves the Irish Double Crown!!
And her Domain (Ability) activated too!!
-----------------------------
I've posted the next 40 chapters exclusively on Patreon!
If you like this story, please come and support me.
Here's the link: [pateoncom/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your continued support!