May.
The longest and most grueling leg of the Fillies' Triple Crown—the prestigious G1 Oka Sho (Japanese Oaks)—was now just one week away.
Inside the Mejiro household, several of its most famous and beloved horse girls were gathered around a table laden with sweets and tea.
At a glance, it was just another cozy tea party between Mejiro Dober, Mejiro Ardan, and Mejiro McQueen.
But in reality… this was no ordinary gathering. The timing was critical—Dober was set to compete in the Oaks in just seven days.
So while it looked relaxed, this "tea party" was actually a strategy session led by McQueen, their seasoned senior, to ease Dober's nerves and sharpen her focus before the big race.
As the most experienced active racer in the Mejiro family, McQueen wasn't just older—she was one of the strongest distance runners in all of Japan!
And that wasn't an exaggeration. After all… she was the one who had handed Tokai Teio, the undefeated dual-crown legend, her devastating second fracture loss.
"Dober, this Oaks… will undoubtedly be your stage!"
"Even with Platinum entering, your chances of winning are still the highest."
The elegant McQueen set down her teacup with a light chuckle, delivering her verdict.
This wasn't blind faith in her family or empty praise to boost Dober's morale.
As Japan's current strongest long-distance racer—arguably the greatest in history—her judgment was flawless.
Platinum was a monster who had shocked the nation.
In her debut race, she'd crushed the super rookie Daiwa Scarlet by five lengths—despite a slow start!
Then, just a week later, in a graded stakes race, she'd pulled off an insane all-out runaway from the outermost gate, winning by a jaw-dropping dozen lengths!
A record like that was rare even in history books.
If Platinum had waited until next year to debut, properly matured, and hit her peak… she might've even had a shot at an Undefeated Triple Crown.
But… she was too impatient.
Rushing into this year's races meant she lacked experience, proper rest, and—
"Her racing schedule is too packed. She's still early in her growth phase—no way she can even use skills yet, right?"
"Talented? Absolutely. But reckless."
"Plus, some racers might switch to the Japanese Derby last-minute. Platinum could too."
"So—the advantage is yours!"
That was the key. Platinum had weaknesses, and the Derby loomed large.
Just one week after the Oaks was the [Japanese Derby]—the most prestigious G1 race in Japan!
Sure, the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen had more international glamour, but in terms of sheer hype? The Derby dominated.
No matter how many star racers filled those other races, Japanese fans had an obsession with the Derby.
And under the shadow of Agnes Tachyon—the undisputed future Triple Crown winner—many racers had already chickened out, avoiding the Classic Triple Crown entirely.
Because Agnes Tachyon?
After her Satsuki Sho victory, she'd been hailed as the next Symboli Rudolf—maybe even greater.
But now… disaster had struck.
News of Tachyon's sudden withdrawal from the Derby—effectively retiring—had exploded like a storm across Japan!
With the unbeatable demon gone, racers prepping for the Oaks would absolutely switch to the Derby instead!
Facing Tachyon, their odds were less than 1%. But now? They might actually have a shot!
"Right. The Oaks… I will win it for the Mejiro family."
Dober understood the situation. With the competition weakened, she had no excuse to lose.
"The only wildcard left is that mysterious 'Pegasus Platinum .'"
"She probably thinks she stands a chance against Tachyon, so she paid the high entry fees for both the Oaks and Derby."
The elegant Ardan—known within the Mejiro family as "The Strategist"—chimed in with a knowing smile.
"She'll most likely pick the Derby now. Even if she does run the Oaks… it changes nothing."
After a long silence, Dober nodded firmly.
There was no way she'd lose to some green rookie still in her growth phase!
"Whether Platinum shows up or not, I…"
Her voice was steel.
"—will win."
Let's get one thing straight.
"Platinum, you're the challenger here."
--+--
Meanwhile, at Tracen Academy…
Inside a spacious, newly relocated lab, a white-coated Agnes Tachyon stepped inside.
The room was packed with experimental equipment—her latest project since her abrupt retirement.
After being swarmed by doctors sent by the academy, all confirming the hopelessness of her tendonitis…
A bitter but resigned Tachyon had accepted reality.
Now, she'd throw herself into research—and wait for that mysterious Dr. Lin's promised treatment.
As she entered, the dark-coated Manhattan Cafe looked up from her seat.
"Tachyon, where did you…?"
Her voice was laced with worry—was her friend secretly training again, unable to let go?
"Had a session with Dr. Lin. He's starting standard treatment."
"Says he might fully heal me in a few months. Not sure if he's just being nice… or if he really can."
A flicker of intrigue crossed Tachyon's sharp features as she strode to her computer.
Opening a file titled [Research List], she scrolled down—then moved one entry to the very top:
[Observation Target: Dr. Lin Anran]
The mad scientist horse girl had found her newest test subject.
'Ah… my little guinea pig.'
--+--
T/N: Oh nah we got yandere Tachyon here...
--+--
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.