"She's never raced before?! That means… that means she's treating this race as her debut?!"
The commentators' astonished voices echoed through the stadium speakers, reaching every corner of the arena. A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.
"Ah, there it is. That's exactly what I was worried about," Kitahara Jo in the audience sighed, pressing his hat down with a hint of headache.
"Let's just hope the audience doesn't think Nearl is arrogant or full of herself."
Meanwhile, the commentators continued their exchange.
"Using an official race as her debut—this Miss Nearl is certainly bold and confident! Mr. Kan, as a former trainer yourself, have you ever seen an Uma Musume make her debut in an official race during your career?"
Miss Hana asked curiously. Beside her, Mr. Kan quickly shook his head.
"No, no, I certainly haven't. That kind of move is far too risky. If she fails, never mind the public opinion—it would be a significant blemish on her racing record."
"However, the rules don't explicitly forbid using an official race as a debut, so Miss Nearl's approach is technically allowed."
"Thank you for the explanation, Mr. Kan. In any case, Margaret Nearl's actions are within regulations. Now, let's take a look at who her trainer is…"
As she spoke, Miss Hana's voice trailed off. Her eyes scanned the document in her hand with growing curiosity, and her expression gradually shifted to one of excitement.
"Folks, I've got some huge news! Margaret Nearl's trainer is listed as Kitahara Jo—the very same trainer who worked with Oguri Cap! After a year, has this trainer finally taken on a new partner?"
Hearing this, the male commentator beside her grew equally animated.
"The trainer from the Kasamatsu legend? Well, that explains the unusual race entry. Trainer Kitahara must have his reasons."
Even the initially noisy audience quieted down somewhat.
"That Oguri Cap's trainer? I see… I'm actually feeling a bit more confident now."
"Well, if it's that guy, I guess this kind of move isn't too surprising."
"So, is she going to be as strong as Oguri Cap? I'm kind of excited now."
Listening to the crowd's chatter, Kitahara hid his face even more carefully, afraid someone might recognize him.
None of the discussions around the stadium seemed to affect Nearl on the presentation stage. She stood there calmly, facing the gazes directed her way.
'I'm not fond of this feeling,' Nearl thought to herself. 'But it's tolerable. Their eyes carry goodwill and affection—so different from the Knight Championships.'
"Whoosh!"
With her left hand, Nearl gripped her jersey and pulled it off in one swift motion, then flung it sharply to her left.
The sound of fabric snapping, the swift rustle cutting through the air, combined with Nearl's tall and poised figure, instantly captured the attention of the entire stadium.
Her light brown eyes swept across the venue from left to right, her expression calm and solemn. Her gaze was penetrating, as if she could see straight into people's hearts.
Rather than dropping her jersey to the ground, Nearl held it in her left hand, pressed her right fist gently against her chest, and bowed deeply to the arena.
After three seconds of silence, she straightened up, turned, and walked off the stage, leaving behind a back view that, while not broad, was firm and resolute.
It wasn't until Nearl had completely disappeared from view that the stunned audience erupted into overwhelming cheers.
Backstage, as expected, Nearl found herself isolated. Most of the competing Uma Musume looked at her with displeasure.
Though no one pointed fingers or spoke openly, their eyes and expressions were far from friendly—an instinctive rejection of her bold behavior.
All except one Uma Musume: Everlamp.
Only this small, cute, grey-haired Uma Musume continued to approach Nearl with the same cheerful smile.
"Margaret Nearl? That's a pretty unusual name. Can I just call you Nearl?"
Seeing that Everlamp's attitude hadn't changed, Nearl smiled wryly.
"Talking to me will make them see you as a weirdo like me, Senior Everlamp. Walking away would be the normal choice."
"Eh~ But I don't wanna be that kind of normal," Everlamp giggled behind her hand, drawing puzzled looks from some of the other Uma Musume in the distance.
"As I thought. You're not as innocent as you look, Senior," Nearl remarked meaningfully, watching Everlamp twirl playfully.
"Eh~ What are you talking about, Nearl? I don't get it~" Everlamp maintained her cheerful, smiling demeanor.
"Even though you said something quite meaningful when you waved goodbye earlier?"
Nearl's tone carried a hint of amusement, causing Everlamp to freeze for a brief moment.
But just then, the bell signaling entry to the track rang out.
"Ah, I gotta go, Nearl," Everlamp exhaled quickly and hurried toward the track.
"We can talk more after the race. See ya!"
Watching Everlamp swiftly make her escape, Nearl's smile faded, leaving only a thoughtful expression.
After a long moment, she sighed and began walking toward the track herself, murmuring under her breath words that slowly dissipated into the air.
"Trapped by her own talent... is that it?"
--+--
"And now, we see the athletes entering the track! All the Uma Musume today seem especially spirited!"
"You're right. It feels like every competitor is burning with fighting spirit today—the atmosphere is different from usual races."
"First up, in Gate 1..."
The commentators enthusiastically introduced each Uma Musume as they entered the starting gates, using every rhetorical trick to engage the audience. But on the track, the space around Nearl felt noticeably cold and isolated.
She stood with her eyes closed in the open area behind the gates. Not a single Uma Musume stood near her, as if an invisible barrier surrounded her.
Outside this unseen circle, the other competitors gathered in small groups, chatting among themselves while shooting less-than-friendly glances her way.
Standing still, Nearl's ears twitched slightly. She could hear the other Uma Musume discussing her unfavorably and even overheard them plotting strategies to box her in during the race.
"Ha..." Nearl sighed softly, then opened her eyes. A golden light shimmered deep within her pupils.
In the distance, Everlamp no longer wore her earlier innocent and lively smile. She had grown entirely quiet.
Her gaze swept over the other Uma Musume as if they were mere weeds, utterly devoid of interest.
Only when she looked toward Nearl, standing firm and unshaken, did her eyes hold a completely different emotion—one unlike any she directed at the others.
"Nearl might just be my only real opponent in this race..."
Faint as scattered mist, these words drifted from Everlamp's lips and vanished almost without a sound.
--+--
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.