"Triple Crown Achieved!!!"
"An unprecedented first! This is a crown with no ties to Europe whatsoever!!"
"Dream Weaver, Dream Weaver has proven something to every single person here with her victory—"
Announcer Matsushita took a deep breath, then slammed the table and roared.
"The world of Uma Musume racing has never belonged solely to Europe! Even outside Europe's system, Uma Musume still have the chance to chase their dreams—a future full of hope remains!"
"Standing at this crossroads between the old era and the new, an old man like me from the past might dare to make a prophecy from a historical perspective—"
"History will have no choice but to record her name, to record every one of her victories. From this moment on, she has already joined the legendary Uma Musume through her triumphs, standing proudly in the sky above the racing world as its brightest star!"
"Dream Weaver, this Uma Musume destined to change the world, has shattered the myth of Europe's absolute authority all on her own. The fate of the world, of all Uma Musume, will be completely transformed from this day forward because of her victory!"
Matsushita's words, broadcast through televisions and radios, echoed across the globe.
Commentators everywhere translated his declaration into different languages, carrying it to the ears of audiences worldwide.
His words would surely be remembered alongside Dream Weaver in the annals of history, preserved as the perfect footnote to this magnificent moment, passed down through generations.
Years later, when people recalled that world-changing day, that world-altering race, they would also remember what he had said.
Announcer Matsushita—this commentator from the previous generation, this brave soul who chose to defy Europe inspired by the dreams and emotions Dream Weaver brought—would join the countless others changed by her, helping to usher the world into a new age.
In the stands, the crowd danced and celebrated.
Regardless of language or skin color, they embraced without hesitation. In this moment, having witnessed this together, they were the closest of comrades in the world.
Richard felt his mind go blank. A faint, illusory buzzing rang in his ears—whether from the roar of the crowd or the shock of victory, he couldn't tell.
He simply stared dumbly at that crimson figure out on the track, his lips moving slightly but no words coming out.
Long ago, a young Richard, like countless other children, had fantasized about so-called passion and dreams, taking it for granted that some intangible miracle existed on the racetrack.
But as he grew older and spent more time in Europe's trainer training programs, that yearning for passion and dreams faded.
At some point, he'd even begun to mock his younger self.
Passion and dreams were just childish whims.
Truly mature adults would never believe in something so naïve.
What the racetrack needed was precise data and strategy—how could something as vague as emotion possibly influence the outcome of a race?
Yet for some reason, witnessing this victory, Richard suddenly remembered that childhood longing for passion and dreams.
Miracles did exist in this world. The racetrack wasn't just about data and strategy—there was something else out there, something Richard couldn't quite put into words but knew was real, something that could move people's hearts.
Even though Europe's doctrines were etched into his bones, Richard suddenly felt a strong desire to believe again, to chase after that forgotten childhood dream.
Slowly and gently, he folded his glasses. They would likely stay with him for a long time to come.
"Anthony, I'm not going back to Europe."
Richard said softly, his voice nearly drowned out by the surging crowd, yet carrying an undeniable resolve.
"Huh? What did you—"
Anthony's eyes widened in disbelief. For a moment, he thought the overwhelming cheers had messed with his hearing, causing an auditory hallucination.
But before he could ask again, Richard repeated it.
"I'm not going back to Europe."
"What?! If you don't go back to Europe, where will you go?! Are you scared of headquarters' retaliation?"
"Don't worry, I secretly called my uncle before we came. He said nothing serious will happen to us—worst case, they'll dock a few months' pay. We can go back anytime we want!"
Seeing that Richard wasn't joking, Anthony quickly waved his arms in explanation.
He'd forgotten he'd already told Richard about his family connections and, in his panic, even blurted out that he'd secretly contacted Europe a couple of days ago.
But he regretted it immediately after. Just as Anthony thought his friend would be angry about the secrecy, Richard simply smiled lightly.
"That's good, then. So you can return to Europe soon, right?"
Anthony stayed quiet for a long moment before replying.
"Richard, at least give me a reason."
"A reason? Maybe it's because I saw something here that doesn't exist in Europe. I don't know why, but rather than returning to that cold, impersonal headquarters, I'd rather stay here and use my abilities to do something else."
"..."
Looking at Richard's determined expression, Anthony fell silent once more.
"You don't really believe what that announcer said will come true, do you? Even if Dream Weaver wins the Triple Crown, it doesn't mean Europe's racing world is defeated!"
Anthony really wanted to say something like 'a starved camel is still bigger than a zebra,' but he realized it might not be appropriate coming from someone in his position, so he swallowed the words just in time.
"Even if she won, given what they're trying to do, the road ahead won't be smooth at all."
"Richard, don't think you're jumping onto the winning side early. This might be a much tougher path than you imagine..."
Hearing Anthony's unusually earnest advice, Richard just smiled casually.
"It can't be harder than what they faced back then, can it? When I first saw her, she was just a freshman provoking trainers at a selection race without a care for anyone else. But now—"
His gaze returned to the track, dropping to a whisper as he watched that crimson figure.
"Didn't she make it this far?"
Hearing this, Anthony clenched his jaw tightly, his expression shifting uncertainly as if wrestling with something.
Richard thought he was struggling over whether to report him to headquarters and said indifferently,
"Go tell your uncle about this. Maybe you'll earn some credit and get those few months' salary back."
To his surprise, after hearing this, Anthony grabbed Richard by the collar. Just as Richard thought the guy was about to lose his temper and resort to force, Anthony merely growled,
"Don't look down on me! Do you think I'm that kind of person?!"
Then he released Richard's collar and said through gritted teeth,
"I'm staying here with you! I want to see what kind of magic they have. First the announcer defects, and now even you get turned!"
Hearing Anthony's words, Richard shook his head with a laugh.
"This isn't like those few months of part-time work. A spoiled young master like you should head back to Europe sooner rather than later."
"Screw that! I refuse to believe there's anything in this world harder than cleaning Tokyo's sewers!"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 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.