Chapter 85: “If you win the Triple Crown, you’ll have to give a speech” — every single instance of that is a lie.

This is a ridiculously belated explanation, but still……

It’s fair to say that Tracen Academy is a school with an extremely strong sense of individuality.

It is a combined junior-high-and-high-school institution where students advance internally on an escalator system from the middle division to the high division……

And because speed and running ability are valued far more highly than rote academic performance, powerful Uma Musume gather from all over the country. The result is a super-mammoth academy with a student body exceeding two thousand.

Since it accepts students during a particularly sensitive stage of growth, it does take the outward form of a school, and of course general education is provided as well…… but at its core, this academy is fundamentally an athlete-training institution.

For Uma Musume who compete in the URA-hosted Twinkle Series and Dream Trophy League, it functions as a “Training Center” equipped with the best possible environment and trainers.

And because it’s that kind of academy,

the “new term” here begins in sync with the official racing season.

A new term. Normally, that begins in April, during the season when cherry blossoms flutter down. ……Well, to be fair, entrance ceremonies actually being held amid falling cherry blossoms aren’t all that common. They scatter easily in the rain, after all.

At Tracen Academy, however, the new term can fall around January 10th, wrapped in bone-splitting cold.

This shift in timing is closely tied to when Uma Musume enter their peak development phase.

An Uma Musume’s body begins its full development around the first year of middle school. At the earliest, that can occur around January, and at the latest, sometime before the end of that year.

In other words, for Uma Musume who mature at the fastest pace, an April entrance would already be too late to catch the beginning of that phase.

This mysterious phenomenon of rapid physical growth known as “full development” comes with a strict three-year time limit.

The quality of a trainer during that period, and the caliber of training received—those factors alone account for roughly seventy percent of an Uma Musume’s overall strength.

There’s no way it would be acceptable to waste such a crucial period simply because a girl happened to grow quickly and reached full development earlier than others……

For those reasons, the academy’s entrance ceremony is held around January 10th, once the lingering mood of the New Year has faded.

So then.

Why am I bringing this up now, of all times?

"……"

When I looked ahead, I saw eyes filled with motivation.

When I looked to the right, eyes staring back in surprise.

When I looked to the left, eyes sparkling with admiration.

When I looked upward, eyes appraising me.

So many gazes…… more than six hundred of them, all piercing straight into me.

What they all shared was a hopeful belief in an overwhelmingly positive future.

A determination that they would be the ones to tear through the Twinkle Series.

The place I was looking down at—or rather, up toward……

Inside Tracen Academy’s enormous gymnasium, this year’s new students and their guardians had packed the space to capacity.

Yes. Today was Tracen Academy’s entrance ceremony.

And as for me…… I was standing on the stage in that gymnasium, casually sweeping my gaze across them.

……Yeah. It’s about time.

I opened my mouth and spoke into the microphone.

"Welcome, new students. Congratulations on your admission. My name is Hoshino Wilm, and I’ve been entrusted with delivering the address on behalf of the current students."

---

Now then—how did things end up like this?

The story goes back a few days.

That day, my trainer and I were summoned to the student council room.

The Tracen Academy Student Council is something everyone affiliated with the school knows about.

In fact, unlike a typical high school…… well, actually, it’s something you often see in fiction—but this one holds an absurd amount of authority.

I mean, with that woman as the president, it makes sense that they’d wield power…… but setting that aside.

That authority includes independently resolving issues that arise on campus, carrying out light autonomous actions, and……

Even summoning an Uma Musume and her trainer in the middle of winter break, like this.

Standing in front of the student council room door, my trainer and I whispered to each other.

"…Um, Trainer, did we do something wrong?"

"I don’t think so…… but, Wilm, you didn’t lose patience in the middle of class and sneak out to go running, did you?"

"I can restrain myself that much. I won’t say I listen attentively to every lesson, but I do stay seated and wait for them to end."

"As your guardian, I really wish you’d at least listen attentively."

Neither of us could think of any reason we’d be summoned by the student council.

My trainer had apparently been called in a few times before, and I’d exchanged a few words with them myself, but we’d never been summoned together as a pair.

If a trainer—someone akin to a guardian—is present, there’s no telling what kind of topic this might be. Something serious? Something heavy……?

"…Worst case, expulsion?"

"No, that shouldn’t be possible. If you were expelled, public opinion would erupt, and I can’t see any justification for it right now. ……If I had to force one, maybe the rain gutters and window frames of the Ritto Dormitory being damaged."

"W-What are you talking about……? Then why were we called in today?"

"Hmm…… to celebrate you winning the Triple Crown?"

"It’s been three months since then. Isn’t that a little late?"

"That’s…… well, either way, standing around here won’t get us anywhere. Let’s go in."

I nodded at my trainer’s words.

There was no point in being scared. No matter what this was about, all we could do was listen.

We steeled ourselves, exchanged nods, and knocked on the student council room door.

Guided in by a voice saying, "Come in," we entered to find a single Uma Musume inside.

She was someone I knew very well…… or rather, someone almost any racing Uma Musume would know.

In a previous-life anime, she had been Tokai Teio’s idol. In this world, she was the first Uma Musume in history to win the undefeated Classic Triple Crown. She was still an active competitor in the Dream Trophy League—and she was also the current president of Tracen Academy’s student council. A true heroine.

With long, beautiful black-bay hair, a crescent-moon-shaped streak in her forelock, and a dignified, refined face……

She was Student Council President Symboli Rudolf herself.

"Ah, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat there."

She gestured toward the sofa with a gentle smile, her calm demeanor unmistakably carrying authority.

Symboli Rudolf sat across from us, elegantly sipping her tea.

Her appearance had matured beyond what I remembered from the previous-life anime.

The Rudolf in my memories felt like someone halfway between a beautiful girl and a woman, but the President Rudolf of this world was unmistakably an adult woman. With the dignified air she exuded, she looked to be in her early twenties.

Having already moved on from the Twinkle Series to the Dream Trophy League, she had long since completed her full development.

The period when her physique would be fixed had passed, and like anyone else, her appearance had continued to change with time.

As a result, she now looked completely grown.

And if her appearance had changed that much, then naturally, that meant she’d aged accordingly.

President Symboli Rudolf was already close to full adulthood.

It had been six years since she raced in the Twinkle Series and carved her many legends.

Even counting from her graduation from Tracen Academy, three years had passed—so it was hardly strange that she looked more mature now.

And yet, despite being a graduate, President Rudolf was simultaneously the current student council president of this academy……

……Honestly, it’s pretty hard to wrap your head around.

As I mentioned earlier, Tracen Academy is a school with an exceptionally strong sense of individuality—so much so that describing it as an athlete-training institution is more accurate than calling it a school.

On top of that, the Uma Musume enrolled here possess physical abilities far beyond those of humans. If they were ever to go on a collective rampage, stopping them wouldn’t be easy at all.

For an organization like that, the one who stands at its apex—the head of the student council—naturally needs an equivalent level of authority and the ability to command absolute loyalty.

In that sense, there’s no one more suitable than President Rudolf. As a Triple Crown Uma Musume, with overwhelming ability and undeniable charisma, she possessed the ideal qualities to serve as the academy’s ruler.

…Yes. Ideal to an almost excessive degree.

So much so that no replacement for President Rudolf could be found.

During her time as a student, no one emerged who could adequately fill the void she would leave behind. In order to keep Tracen Academy running smoothly, her cooperation was absolutely necessary. Of course, if they truly tried, they could probably manage without her—but a student council that had relied so heavily on her would inevitably fall into confusion.

To avoid that chaos—and also in accordance with her own wishes—Symboli Rudolf, who should have already graduated, continues to serve as the student council president of Central Tracen Academy in what is essentially an “honorary president” role.

…Or rather, according to Ayumu-san, the fact that she’s practically an adult and someone who understands reason and propriety is precisely why the current student council wields such immense authority.

In short, within Tracen Academy, it’s as though there’s a top-down police and administrative organization, with Symboli Rudolf at its pinnacle. Kind of cool, right?

…Well, it also makes you want to tilt your head and ask, “What even is a student council?” but still.

And that President Rudolf…… when you face her directly, she really does have an intimidating presence.

It’s the bearing of a battle-hardened warrior—or perhaps the regal dignity befitting someone often called an emperor. She carries a solid, powerful aura around her.

For a moment I thought, “So this is the pressure exerted by an undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume…!” but then I realized—I’ve also won an undefeated Triple Crown.

I can’t give off an aura this strong, though, so maybe this really is President Rudolf’s own charisma.

So then—what exactly is she going to say?

I swallowed hard and waited for her words…… but—

For some reason, she began speaking with a faintly smug expression.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Symboli Rudolf, the student council president. Horino Trainer, Hoshino Wilm—I’ve spoken with each of you individually, but this is our first time conversing together.

I appreciate the trouble you both went through to come here. Or perhaps speaking with me is what truly constitutes the trouble……?"

……?

Huh? Why does she look kind of proud? When people say things like that, they usually look apologetic—not smug.

And “trouble”…… even as self-deprecation, isn’t that laying it on a bit thick?

"No, I don’t see it as trouble at all. I know that President Rudolf is a good person."

Unable to grasp her intent, I frowned in confusion.

President Rudolf definitely has authority, but if you talk with her even a little, it’s obvious she’s an incredibly kind Uma Musume—someone you could genuinely call a saint.

So she isn’t the kind of person who’s hard to talk to……

Ah—well, I guess this pressure might be tough for someone with a fragile heart? If it were Rice-chan, she might faint…… no, probably not. She just has low self-esteem; her mental fortitude is actually absurdly strong.

…While I was idly thinking that, beside me, Ayumu-san was making a face like he’d just bitten into something extremely bitter.

Wait—what is that expression? Why does Ayumu-san look like that too? Did I just say something completely off? Am I not reading the room at all?

Faced with my visible confusion, President Rudolf cleared her throat once and continued.

"Ahem. …Well then, before we get into the main topic, shall I prepare some tea and refreshments?

That said, the student council isn’t exactly overflowing with resources. I’d be troubled if I were told, ‘This ain’t to my taste, y’know…… hm!’"

"I wouldn’t speak casually to a senior like that. And I certainly wouldn’t complain about something you went out of your way to prepare. Thank you very much."

…Huh? Why do you look so sad now, President? Did I really say something wrong again?

"No, I apologize, Symboli Rudolf. I…… yeah, I think it’s funny."

"Your consideration isn’t necessary, Horino Trainer. This, too, is a result of my own shortcomings. All I can do is learn from it—fall seven times and rise eight."

As she said that, President Rudolf let her shoulders slump slightly.

W-What is going on here……???

---

Despite the baffling exchange……

True to her word, President Rudolf served tea and snacks, then opened her mouth once more.

"Now then, once again. Thank you for coming despite the sudden summons, Horino Trainer, Hoshino Wilm.

This isn’t an official press conference, so please listen at ease.

…Though it has already been several months since you claimed the Triple Crown. You may well be completely accustomed to interviews and formal appearances by now."

She let out a small chuckle as she said that.

She wasn’t wrong. After winning the Triple Crown—especially during the first month—the sheer volume and variety of work that came our way was insane…… To be honest, not being able to run much, and watching Ayumu-san get pushed to his limits, was stressful enough to hurt.

…Still, in terms of experience, it was incredibly valuable. Frankly, I doubt there’ll ever be another period in my life that busy.

President Rudolf herself is also a Triple Crown Uma Musume. When she achieved the Classic Triple Crown, she must have been relentlessly chased by the media as well.

Understanding that feeling just a little, I returned her smile.

A sense of mutual understanding between Classic Triple Crown winners—now that is a pretty rare experience.

"Yes. Before we proceed, allow me to offer my congratulations once more.

Hoshino Wilm, Horino Trainer—congratulations on achieving the Classic Triple Crown.

No matter how much talent an Uma Musume may have, or how skilled her trainer may be, this is not something that can be accomplished easily. That the two of you were able to seize it together shows that you’ve built a truly wonderful partnership.

I’m glad you were blessed with such a fortunate meeting, and above all, I wish to express my deepest respect for your efforts."

Her calm yet dignified manner made it hard to believe she wasn’t even fully an adult yet.

…I mean, she’s around the same age I was in my previous life, right? Isn’t she too mature? It’s honestly kind of scary.

And yet, at the same time……

"…No, forgive me. I was the one who said to be at ease, yet I became overly formal myself.

In any case—congratulations to you both. As a fellow racing Uma Musume, and as someone who has walked that path before you, I’m truly happy for you."

She isn’t merely stern and imposing.

I wouldn’t quite call her humorous, but she’s deeply considerate. If she senses the atmosphere growing too stiff, she softens it immediately with a gentle smile. Just as she claims in her ideals, she always puts the happiness of Uma Musume first. If she feels someone is struggling, she smoothly shifts the topic to ease the burden.

In that respect, she felt… subtly different from the version I’d seen in my previous life’s anime.

The President Rudolf from the anime had come across as very strict—almost like a stern father figure.

When she welcomed Spe-senpai and watched over Teio, she carried the dignity of a true powerhouse. As a strong one, as a predecessor, she observed their journey from a lofty vantage point.

But this President Rudolf—somehow—felt more relaxed, gentler on the inside.

They say “softness overcomes hardness,” and that description fits her perfectly. Compared to her former, purely strict image, the present her feels far more formidable in her own way.

From things like this, it’s become clear… even if it’s a bit late to say it now.

This world is slightly different from the one I watched in my previous life’s anime.

If we go by the anime’s timeline, our generation should correspond to Season 2—Teio’s and Nature’s generation, I think……

But President Rudolf, Spe-senpai, and Sky-chan haven’t remained as they were; they’ve visibly matured. Scarlet-chan, Vodka-chan, and Golshi are nowhere to be seen.

For example, President Rudolf’s expressions and overall aura have softened.

And then, for example… there’s Hoshino Wilm—an irregular existence that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

In that sense, maybe this world isn’t the “Uma Musume world” in the strictest definition.

If I had to describe it, it’s a real world that’s extremely close to the anime I once watched.

…Yes. The real world. This place is, for me, not a second hometown, but a second present life.

Well, setting all that aside.

Right now, I needed to respond to President Rudolf’s praise.

"Thank you very much. Hearing that from the very first undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume really does make me happy."

"Heh. No need for flattery. You’re the type who enjoys each race as it comes, rather than obsessing over records, aren’t you?"

"Ahaha, you saw right through me. …Well, no, I really am happy, though."

My counterpart was Symboli Rudolf—a living legend.

Being praised so unreservedly by her wasn’t something that happened often.

…Though if anything, what weighed on my mind more was the sheer size of the wall standing before me.

The first undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume. A one-and-only existence—the eternal emperor who brought “absolute certainty” to the world of racing.

If I were to race her seriously… just how much fun would that be, I wonder?

Seeing me drift slightly, she gave a small smile and opened her mouth again.

"Now then, let us move on to the main matter. As for the reason I summoned you here today…"

She paused for a beat.

Then spoke words I hadn’t expected at all.

"Hoshino Wilm, would you consider joining the student council?"

…………Huh?

"The student council… you say?"

The words slipped out as a reflexive echo. Wow. That sounded pretty dumb. Embarrassing.

…But the student council?

Why now, at this timing… and more importantly, why me?

Perhaps those questions were written plainly on my face, because after taking a sip of tea, President Rudolf spoke as though she could see straight through me.

"To be honest, I feel a sense of dissonance about my own position.

The Tracen Academy student council… is meant to be an organization governed by students who are actively racing now. Is it truly right for its head to be someone from the past, simply because a symbol—such as a Classic Triple Crown—is needed?"

Hearing that, I finally understood the meaning behind her earlier praise.

"…I see. So that’s why you brought up the Triple Crown earlier."

"You catch on quickly; that helps. …Yes. As I struggled with those thoughts, a new Triple Crown Uma Musume appeared."

An active runner in the Twinkle Series—in other words, a current student of this academy. One who has already achieved numerous great feats, more than sufficient to serve as a symbol. And her relationships with her peers and juniors… while not large in number, I’ve heard that each one is strong and positive.

“Wouldn’t it be reasonable to consider her as a candidate to whom we might entrust the future?”

I see… I’d grasped the situation for the most part now.

She wants to retire as student council president someday, but there’s no one to take her place. Then along comes me—a newly crowned Triple Crown Uma Musume. So she brings me into the student council, with the eventual intention of having me replace her as its president and become the next symbol…

That’s what President Rudolf is hoping for.

Hmm… that’s complicated.

I’m obviously happy to be evaluated so highly, but being placed in the spotlight like that… honestly, it sounds like a hassle.

Still, before responding to her request, there was something I wanted to ask.

“However, is there a particular reason you’re bringing this up now? Couldn’t this conversation have happened earlier?”

“The timing, you say… hmm. After the Kikuka Sho, you still had the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen ahead of you, didn’t you? And for you as well, Horino Trainer, having your first trainee win the Triple Crown must have kept you quite busy.”

“Ah, I see. So you were being considerate.”

There was a slight hesitation in her reply—unusual for President Rudolf—but the reasoning itself made sense.

In reality, we really had been unbelievably busy. Especially after mid-December—if she’d brought this up then, I might have snapped.

As I crossed my arms and considered things, the president renewed her invitation.

“The Tracen Academy student council… as you likely know, exists to broadly support the Uma Musume enrolled here, as well as to assist in managing the academy itself.

At first glance, it may seem like nothing more than troublesome busywork, but once you become involved, there is much to learn. If you have even a little interest, what do you say?”

President Rudolf spoke earnestly.

Of course, part of me wanted to respond to that sincerity…

But… hmm.

Joining the student council, huh……

I’d really like you to let me off the hook on that one.

“I’m grateful for the offer, and I’m happy to be evaluated so highly, but… I’d appreciate it if you’d spare me from joining the student council.”

“Hm. And why is that?”

…Yeah, this feels a little awkward.

It’s not exactly a profound reason—certainly not something that warrants such a serious expression.

“As you said yourself, I’m the type who enjoys running in the moment rather than focusing on results. That’s precisely why I don’t want to be satisfied with just winning. I want to train all the way to my own limits and go into races giving everything I have.”

“Of course, I have no intention of making unreasonable demands. Everyone should do what they can—that’s my philosophy.”

“Even so, my free time would be reduced, wouldn’t it? I want to devote all of that time to myself.”

After saying that, I couldn’t help but give a wry smile at my own words.

What an incredibly self-centered way of thinking… it probably runs completely counter to President Rudolf’s ideals.

“I’m sorry. That’s just the kind of Uma Musume I am.

I don’t work hard for someone else—I work hard for myself. I want to give my all right now so I can enjoy racing, enjoy running. …That kind of selfish Uma Musume.

That’s why I don’t think I’m suitable to be your successor.”

Symboli Rudolf’s ideals are widely known.

A world where all Uma Musume can be happy.

She works earnestly to realize that seemingly impossible dream, and supporting the current students through Tracen Academy’s student council is part of that effort.

But… unfortunately, I don’t have such lofty aspirations.

Sure, if the people and Uma Musume around me are happy, I think that’s wonderful. I’d even lend a hand, to a degree. For someone important to me, I’d be willing to spend my own time and resources.

But that’s as far as it goes.

I don’t want to cut into my training time or give up chances to spend time with Ayumu-san just to help someone whose face and name I don’t even know. Well, it depends on the situation—but generally speaking, I don’t think I could. I don’t think I would.

I’m no saint—just an utterly ordinary reincarnated Uma Musume.

That’s why… someone as selfish as me isn’t fit to inherit Symboli Rudolf’s role.

…Honestly, for someone who was just an otaku in her previous life, it’s far too heavy a responsibility anyway.

If only Bourbon-chan would win the Triple Crown this year and take on that role instead. Yeah, that’s probably asking too much.

“So… I truly appreciate the invitation, but I have to decline.”

I bowed my head slightly.

President Symboli Rudolf is an Uma Musume worthy of admiration.

Her character, of course—but also her running. She’s remained at the very top as an active competitor for nearly a decade; there’s no way you wouldn’t respect that.

Being evaluated so highly by someone you could rightly call a living legend—of course that makes me happy.

It does… but precisely because of that,

I don’t want to treat her feelings, her ideals, lightly.

So, with a lingering sense of “I’m sorry about this,” I declined the invitation to join the student council—but…

Upon hearing my answer, President Rudolf…

She looked at me with an expression like she was watching something endearing.

“I see… so you are…”

“Yes?”

“…No, forgive me. It’s nothing.”

She gave a small shake of her head.

…Did I say something strange?

I felt like I’d responded sincerely and properly to her offer.

As I tilted my head in confusion, Ayumu-san let out a slightly exasperated comment beside me.

“Pardon the interruption, Symboli Rudolf. She’s being deliberately blunt, but she’s a kind-hearted Uma Musume. You wouldn’t need any negotiation tactics—if you simply asked, she’d comply.”

Huh? What? Negotiation tactics?

Also, Ayumu-san—even if I’m asked, I’m not becoming student council president. That’s way beyond me.

“…Haha, you’ve got me there. To think my hand would be exposed so easily.”

“I’m from Horino, after all. I have some familiarity with scheming. A door-in-the-face approach… spotting something that basic is only natural.”

“I suppose I should say ‘as expected.’”

“I’m honored by the praise.”

“Um… excuse me? What?”

After exchanging that roundabout, hard-to-follow conversation, President Rudolf turned back toward me, my brows still knit in confusion.

“…Well then, Hoshino Wilm. It’s unfortunate about the student council. If you ever change your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out.

And instead—if I may—there’s one thing I’d like to ask of you.”

A request? Is this the “if you ask, she’ll comply” part Ayumu-san was talking about?

If so… wait, does that mean the earlier discussion wasn’t the main point, just a probing attempt? Wow, I answered so seriously—that’s a little embarrassing.

But she did say, “Let’s move on to the main matter,” didn’t she? Was that itself a bluff?

…Ugh, my head’s starting to hurt.

I’ll stop overthinking and just listen honestly.

“Um… what would that be?”

The president nodded once, set her teacup back onto its saucer, and—

She told me what was likely the true reason she had summoned me here today.

“At the upcoming entrance ceremony, would you be willing to offer some words of encouragement to the new students?

As last year’s undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume—someone who has broken countless jinxes—I believe your voice would mean a great deal to them.”