With a series of footsteps, Dream Weaver descended directly from the lavish walk-in closet. Hearing the noise, Orfevre set down the magazine she was holding, frowned, and shot a glance at Dream Weaver.
"Why haven't you changed into attire befitting your status?"
"I recall there being plenty of clothing in various styles and sizes in the wardrobe. Even if something didn't fit perfectly, my attendants could make adjustments on the spot."
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
Dream Weaver didn't bother making excuses or beating around the bush. She stepped right up to Orfevre and faced her directly.
Hearing Dream Weaver's unwavering tone, Orfevre's eyebrows rose in surprise. Yet, surprisingly, she didn't get angry or say something like, 'How dare you be so disrespectful before your king?'
Instead, she spoke as though stating the obvious.
"You are a winner of G1 races, and the champion of the Satsuki Sho, one of the classic triple crown races. The expectations people place on you are no longer those for an unknown local Uma Musume."
"As a candidate for the Triple Crown, you ought to display the corresponding dignity for your supporters."
"And elegant, refined attire is part of that."
Orfevre carefully laid out her reasons to Dream Weaver. If anyone else had witnessed this scene, they would have been utterly astonished.
Since when did the arrogant, self-centered Golden Tyrant ever explain her actions?!
Wasn't her usual response to any question to let out a cold hum, unleash her intimidating aura, and leave the questioner trembling on the ground?!
But Dream Weaver knew that what was happening now was actually perfectly reasonable.
Her status wasn't that of a subject beneath the Golden Tyrant—she was a rival who had rightfully defeated her. If Dream Weaver raised questions or showed opposition, Orfevre would grant her the respect due to an equal.
"You are no longer an unknown local Uma Musume. Whether carrying the title of the heroine representing regional revival or being a triple crown candidate, you cannot afford to appear so casually in the public eye as you did today."
"People have placed great hopes on you. Do not forget where you stand now. This is the center where fame and glory converge, not that lackluster local scene you came from."
Orfevre picked up the teacup from the table in front of her, took a sip, and spoke slowly.
"Once you've reached this position, you no longer have the right to refuse."
After listening to Orfevre's lengthy speech, Dream Weaver suddenly let out a light laugh.
So this was how she had appeared in T.M. Opera O's eyes back then?
Clearly utterly dejected, yet stubbornly pretending everything was fine, even maintaining a calm demeanor while speaking.
T.M. Opera O must have said those words back then to encourage her, right? After all, she had already come to see Dream Weaver as her rival—how could she allow her rival to fail to give her all in the Satsuki Sho?
Looking at Orfevre now, her eyes filled with confusion and irritation, Dream Weaver felt as though she were looking at her past self.
"Why are you calling me a Triple Crown candidate? Have you already given up on the Japanese Derby and decided to hand victory over to me?"
Hearing Dream Weaver's words, Orfevre frowned, her tone displeased.
"I am merely stating facts. Whether you admit it or not, by winning the Satsuki Sho, you have set foot on the path to the Triple Crown."
"As for the Japanese Derby, don't spout such nonsense. I am the king—how could I casually relinquish the champion's laurels?"
Watching the irritated Orfevre, Dream Weaver narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke in a peculiar tone.
"Is that so? Then why does it sound like you're saying—"
"'Since I've already lost my chance at the triple crown, I might as well concede it to the only Uma Musume I respect outside of my family.'"
"'All I need to do is break the curse and win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.'"
The moment Dream Weaver's words fell, Orfevre's pupils constricted. She stared at Dream Weaver in disbelief.
That suffocating tightness in her chest she'd felt in the athlete's tunnel once again coiled around her, but this time, Orfevre had no time to process it.
The one who had mocked the king was right before her eyes. Even if she was the only rival Orfevre respected, such insolence would not be tolerated!
Orfevre shot to her feet. Her terrifying aura surged toward Dream Weaver like a tidal wave, an overwhelming pressure that swept from head to toe, crushing Dream Weaver's entire body.
"Take back your words."
Golden lightning seemed to flash in Orfevre's eyes. Orfevre's golden hair swayed slightly, flowing like molten gold or dancing flames. At this moment, she blazed with a radiance as dazzling as the sun.
Even a slightly dimmed sun would never allow itself to be provoked. In an instant, Orfevre unleashed a powerful aura that rivaled her previous intensity.
But faced with this brilliance—something most Uma Musume couldn't even hope to touch, let alone look upon directly—Dream Weaver didn't show the slightest intention of backing down.
She even stepped forward boldly, kicking aside the small table that stood between her and Orfevre, closing the distance between them.
Orfevre's gem-like eyes shimmered with an unearthly glow under the dazzling golden light. Merely meeting her gaze gave Dream Weaver the illusion of being scorched.
This was her Zone—Orfevre had unleashed her not yet fully awakened zone, its power spilling out uncontrollably!
A faint smile touched Dream Weaver's lips. In the next instant, a sound like the ringing of a drawn blade reverberated throughout the room. An aggressive, sharp sensation carried on Dream Weaver's breath brushed against Orfevre's face, making her feel as though an invisible blade had grazed her cheek.
Compared to Orfevre's, Dream Weaver's zone was more concentrated and refined. Unlike Orfevre's radiance, which spilled out freely, her blade-like sharpness was confined solely to the space between herself and Orfevre.
Yet this felt even more dangerous. In such close quarters, it was as though every weak point on her body was being scrutinized by a blade. Orfevre even had the illusion that an invisible knife might sweep across her throat at any moment.
"A Zone is a reflection of an Uma Musume's heart and spirit. With your talent, even if you couldn't fully awaken it after the Satsuki Sho, you should have been able to stabilize it."
"So why does what I'm seeing seem even more scattered than it was back then?"
"Your heart is in turmoil."
Dream Weaver's words were as sharp as blades, accompanied by her warm breath, each syllable seeming to slice across Orfevre's cheek.
The searing heat on her cheek gave Orfevre the illusion that she was truly bleeding. But what cut deeper than Dream Weaver's domain right now were her words—they truly felt like a sharp blade stirring violently in Orfevre's heart.
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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.