In order to get Tanino Gimlet's cooperation, Wada readily told her everything she wanted, including 'Vodka's' various achievements, 'her' various connections, up until 'her' eventual demise.
Hearing all of this, Tanino Gimlet simply remained silent, downing glass after glass of strong alcohol as she intently listened to Wada's account.
When she heard about Vodka's seven crowns, she excitedly slammed the table, and when she heard that Vodka was, in a way, her 'daughter,' her jaw exaggeratedly dropped in astonishment.
In the end, when Tanino Gimlet learned that her 'daughter' suffered a comminuted fracture during transport from Ireland to England, subsequently being afflicted by laminitis and forced to be euthanized as a result, she fell dead silent.
For a while, she did not do anything except barbarically chugging down liquor like it was water, continuing to do so until, after racking up an unknown amount in bills, a tipsy Tanino Gimlet finally put her glass down for good.
"So... that's how it is?"
"Heh, considering that weird future world the Three Goddesses let you see, no wonder you were so worried about Silence Suzuka getting a fracture— you saw them die as a result..."
"If a fracture meant death, I doubt many Uma Musume would even dare to step foot onto this path."
"Indeed, it's truly fortunate that this isn't the case in reality."
Wada was, of course, well aware of the downright miraculous physiology of Uma Musume in this world.
Thanks to the kind blessings of the Three Goddesses, injuries and illnesses that would have been death sentences for Racehorses back in his world were no longer as serious for these Uma Musume.
Although grievous enough injuries would still leave their mark, drastically weakening their strength to the point their careers could be considered over, it was better than the alternative of dying a permanent death, was it not?
"Sigh... though not as severe as that alternate world, fractures are still one of the biggest fears for us who yearn to run. Once it happens to you, regaining your prime would be a truly herculean task."
Then, Tanino Gimlet, still tipsy, stood up from her seat and began to leave, patting Wada on the shoulder as she did so.
"Thanks for telling me; for you to care this much... You're not bad at all."
"I... I need to go back now. Remember to tell me your plan when it's ready, I'll help you."
Finally, Tanino Gimlet carefully stumbled out of the bar, probably to calm down and digest the bombshells Wada dropped on her.
Of course, in her drunkenness, Tanino Gimlet completely forgot to pay the bill before leaving, forcing Wada to pay a heart wrenching amount from his own pocket to settle the tab.
...
The next day, Tanino Gimlet seemed no different from usual, rendezvousing with Team Spica at the appointed time and continuing to coach Special Week as she always did.
However, from that day onward, she seemed to pay extra attention to Vodka, as well as Daiwa Scarlet, who was Vodka's greatest rival, coaching the two of them on the side.
Just like that, time passed day by day, and soon, the Japanese Derby was upon the Classic Year Uma Musumes.
...
"...The Japanese Derby is the most prestigious race among the Classic Triple Crown circuit! A race where only the luckiest Uma Musume will win!"
"While it may not have the sense of finality the Kikuka Sho has, the Japanese Derby is undoubtedly the most anticipated segment of the Classic Triple Crown!"
"The title of 'Derby Uma Musume' is no less renowned than that of some Classic Triple Crown Uma Musumes; to an extent, winning the Japanese Derby is akin to winning the Classic Triple Crown!"
"So, will the countless Uma Musume who suffered defeat in the Satsuki Sho take revenge on Orfevre?!! We can only see...!"
After the popularity rankings had concluded, in the underground tunnel to the tracks, Orfevre, who had dominantly won the Satsuki Sho, was clearly a great source of worry for Ikezoe, as he meticulously instructed her there.
"Orfevre, I won't say much about this race. There's no need for you to run faster than you did in the Satsuki Sho."
"My only request for you is to stay steady. There's no need to show off and create a huge gap; just win."
"—Got it, got it. But depending on how the race goes, I might not necessarily listen to you."
Though still rebellious, Orfevre was unusually well-behaved today.
It was unclear whether it was because her attitude gradually corrected over time or if she had better control over her other side. Regardless, Orfevre now seemed much more rational than she was during the Satsuki Sho, which should be a good sign.
Just then, a series of undisguised sounds of footsteps suddenly appeared, causing Ikezoe and Orfevre to both turn around.
There, they saw Mihono Bourbon, dressed in her Winning Outfit, her entire presence having undergone a drastic transformation since the Satsuki Sho.
Her expression was indifferent as always; yet, her eyes conveyed an exceptionally serious feeling as she made her way toward them step by step.
And, Mihono Bourbon was not alone; following her were Special Week and Rice Shower, who Orfevre could clearly feel had completely changed too.
If, during the Satsuki Sho, the power of the three girls combined was not enough to make Orfevre break a sweat, then after this single short month, each one of them could now make Orfevre wary.
...They now possessed genuine strength, capable of threatening Orfevre's victory.
"Well, isn't this fun?"
Staring down at these three Uma Musume, one of Orfevre's eyes seemingly inexplicably started glowing red as a savage smirk formed on her face.
"Now, you are actually worth making me try."
"Correct, we will have our decisive match in under ten minutes."
Speaking with her emotionless, mechanical voice, Mihono Bourbon replied.
"Subject: Orfevre, your chance of winning is under—"
"—Rice Shower, Special Week, you've also grown very fast."
Ignoring Mihono Bourbon, Orfevre directly turned to Special Week and Rice Shower, praising them.
"Rice Shower just wants to win the best she can. I- it might change my bad luck."
Rice Shower naturally felt guilty about using the strength Orfevre herself had helped her awaken against her.
Still, an Uma Musume's ingrained desire to win overwrote that hesitance inside her and solidified Rice Shower's resolve.
"Rice Shower wants to win, even against Orfevre... I will win."
"—I'm going to be the strongest Uma Musume in Japan! No matter how strong you are, I will win!"
Her eyes burning with fighting spirit, Special Week pointed at Orfevre with newly strengthened vigor.
"Let's race with everything we have!"
"Hm... I don't know about that..."
Under Ikezoe's uneasy gaze, Orfevre's eyes shone with arrogance and pride as she spoke as if it were a matter of fact.
"After all, I will utterly crush you all."
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Lesson 1 in Auradynamics with Orfevre: Act superior anytime you can.
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.