Chapter 23: Next, Announce Your Appearance
"Because I expended too much energy leading the entire race, it's perfectly reasonable that I can't participate in the Winner's Stage ceremony, right?"
Stardust Mirage was currently arguing with the staff.
She truly didn't want to participate in the Winner's Stage ceremony. Although doing so would also earn her cheers and even affection from the crowd, wearing a small skirt and dancing was simply something she couldn't bring herself to do!
"But you won by leading from start to finish this time. Everyone is looking forward to seeing your performance outfit," said the female staff member, Kohatsu Koharu, who was trying to persuade her. Actually, the two were somewhat acquainted—Kohatsu was the one who had given Stardust Mirage a massage last time.
Because of this, Stardust Mirage couldn't refuse too harshly and had to use reason and emotion to avoid gaining a bad reputation.
"There will be chances to show the performance outfit later. Don't G1-level races require wearing performance outfits during the race?"
"You want to keep avoiding the Winner's Stage ceremony until you participate in a G1?!" Kohatsu Koharu finally understood the young girl's plan and was utterly astonished.
She had never heard of a horse girl who actively signed up for races but resisted the Winner's Circle ceremony so much. That was the place where true winners could showcase themselves. One could say that only with that ceremony is the race truly complete. How could someone be willing to race but unwilling to stand on the podium?!
"I have my difficulties," Stardust Mirage said helplessly. She couldn't very well say that her pride as a transmigrator forbade her from becoming an idol, could she?
"But—"
"Alright, Koharu, let me handle it from here."
A voice from the doorway interrupted their conversation. Koharu turned to see her superior, the manager of Chukyo Racecourse, standing at the door with a beaming face.
"Come out for now," the manager said, waving his beer belly and cheerfully gesturing for the woman to leave.
"I am Hayashi Yuichi, the manager of Chukyo Racecourse."
The beer-bellied man politely introduced himself to the confused Stardust Mirage, then sat down in the seat opposite her and began asking solicitously with a smile:
"Was the race too strenuous, making it impossible for you to participate in the Winner's Stage ceremony? It's fine. I'll have someone coordinate it. It's just a maiden-level race, after all. How can the Winner's Stage ceremony be more important than a horse girl's health?"
Stardust Mirage looked at the middle-aged man's slightly ingratiating smile and felt somewhat uneasy.
Just moments ago, she was trying to convince the organizers to let her skip the Winner's Stage ceremony, but now this man readily agreed, making Stardust Mirage feel like there must be some ulterior motive...
"So I really don't have to participate?"
"Of course! At Chukyo Racecourse, we always prioritize the physical condition of our horse girls!"
The beer-bellied man quickly assured her, then called his subordinates right in front of her to coordinate the matter.
After hanging up, he once again showed that slightly ingratiating smile and said:
"Feel better now? But since you're not participating in the Winner's Stage ceremony, I might have a small favor to ask of you, Stardust Mirage. Is that okay?"
Hearing the man make his request actually made Stardust Mirage secretly relieved. If he needed her help, at least she didn't have to worry about him having bad intentions.
"Here's the thing: after today's race, there's a press conference. Originally, it was planned to interview all participants after the Winner's Stage ceremony. Since you can't participate in the ceremony now, how about helping out by dealing with the reporters? Just answer a few questions!" the beer-bellied man continued.
"Just a press conference?"
Stardust Mirage confirmed.
After all, if she had to choose one, a press conference was much better than the Winner's Stage ceremony.
"That's right. It's mostly some media from around Nagoya who want to interview the horse girls, so...?"
Seeing this middle-aged man with a beer belly—who was older than both her lifetimes combined—looking at her with an inquiring gaze, Stardust Mirage couldn't help but laugh.
What? He seems like a good person?
Her earlier wariness towards him vanished, and she understood his intention.
Stardust Mirage was aware that Chukyo Racecourse had been trying to boost its popularity to host G1-level classic races.
In fact, in the future after her transmigration, Chukyo Racecourse did manage to host the Takamatsunomiya Memorial, a G1 short-distance turf race, after several years of effort.
So, they want to use me to stir up excitement?
["Use this race to announce your appearance to your target!"]
Stardust Mirage suddenly recalled Musaka Ginjirou's words again, then nodded at the beer-bellied man:
"Then let's go now. I'll give answers that satisfy you."
"There's one more thing."
As Stardust Mirage stood up to leave, the beer-bellied man quickly called out to her and continued, "Here's the thing, Stardust Mirage. Your background is from a rural local academy, right?"
"Yes," Stardust Mirage replied.
"Have you considered joining Chukyo Racecourse's horse girl academy? What I mean is... as a horse girl who debuted at Chukyo, we can provide you with many conveniences. But in exchange—when you're in other places in the future, you'll introduce yourself as a horse girl from Chukyo. How about that?"
Stardust Mirage looked at the beer-bellied man, somewhat puzzled why he would invest so much in her:
"I've only participated in two races, right? Is it necessary to do all this?"
The beer-bellied man chuckled wryly. He immediately understood that she knew what he meant, so he simply explained:
"Since you understand, that makes it easier. This is an investment, you understand? Places like Kasamatsu gained popularity because they produced Oguri Cap... We want to achieve something similar."
"Oguri Cap? Do you really think my potential can compare to a monster like Oguri Cap?"
The beer-bellied man's smile widened even further at her words.
"You can! I trust my own judgment. Your specialty is running as a 'runaway,' right? That style of running has always been the most captivating for audiences."
"And your potential was fully revealed in those two races. Even Her Majesty the Emperor has specially admitted you to the Central Trecen Academy, hasn't she?"
"You know about the special admission?" Stardust Mirage was stunned. "Then you should also know that I have to report there early next year. There's no way I can stay long enough to promote Chukyo much... Ah, so that's why you asked me to introduce myself in the future as a horse girl from Chukyo Racecourse?"
The beer-bellied man smiled without speaking.
Although he often adopted a humble attitude towards the horse girls, as the boss of this racecourse, he was also quite shrewd.
Laying his cards on the table now and explaining this mutually beneficial situation to Stardust Mirage, he was confident she wouldn't refuse.
After all, this offered Stardust Mirage no disadvantages whatsoever.
The beer-bellied man was no fool who would kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. If she agreed, they would fully support all her requests and cooperate in managing her public image.
When the time came, they would package this horse girl as a star-level competitor, have her participate in races step by step, and boost her popularity.
The beer-bellied man was certain she could bring even greater profits to the racecourse.
"I think we can leave this discussion for after the interview," Stardust Mirage fell silent for a moment, then laughed.
She patted the beer-bellied man on the shoulder and walked out ahead of him.
"What do you mean?!"
The beer-bellied man was astonished. He turned back in surprise, wanting to know what Stardust Mirage was planning.
However, all he saw was her waving a hand behind her back without turning around before she left the room, leaving only these words:
"Nothing much. You'll understand once you hear the interview."
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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