The Trainer stood quietly beside Gold Legend.
Two hours had passed since Oguri Cap's miraculous win in the Arima Kinen.
The Winner's Stage had risen; the crowd thronged before it, excitedly preparing their cheers and light sticks.
Gold Legend stood motionless, gazing at the scene, lost in thought.
He could tell she was pondering something important, but after standing for two hours even he was reaching his limit.
Just as the Trainer hesitated to speak, Legend finally opened her mouth.
"It was… so dazzling!"
Gold Legend exclaimed, as if a weight had lifted.
"…?"
What on earth are you saying?
The Trainer, utterly lost, stood frozen.
"Trainer, can Horse Girls truly shine that brightly?"
Gold Legend asked in a near-whisper, watching the excited fans gathered before the stage.
"…I don't quite get it, but Horse Girls have always been dazzling, haven't they? Aren't those spectators and fans the best proof?"
The Trainer scratched his head.
"Right. Silly question—this is what it means to be a Horse Girl!"
Gold Legend let out a soft laugh.
"Let's go, Trainer, the live show is about to start. It's time to meet up with everyone."
With that, Gold Legend stepped out, heading towards the stage, not waiting for the Trainer's reply.
"...What did she understand?" The Trainer was bewildered. "Hey, hey, wait for me, my legs are a bit stiff, help me up!"
"What? You just stood with me for a while? You're so weak, Trainer!"
"You stood for a full two hours!"
...After meeting up with McQueen and the others, Gold Legend apologized to them. After receiving their understanding, everyone watched the live show together.
And you know what? They danced really well!
After the live show ended, Gold Legend found an excuse to sneak backstage, planning to meet Oguri Cap.
Just as she arrived at the entrance of Oguri Cap's lounge, the door opened.
A small Uma Musume walked out. She stood at the doorway, bowed inside, and then stood up and said,
"Thank you! I will definitely become a cool and strong Uma Musume like you in the future!"
Then the child hurried away.
Gold Legend watched her leave.
"Legend, you're here."
Oguri Cap saw Gold Legend standing at the door and greeted her.
"Who was that child just now?"
"She snuck backstage. Her name is 'Man'yū Eiyū.' She said she's my fan. I don't know why, but I feel a strong sense of familiarity."
Oguri Cap said, revealing a gentle smile.
"...You really have a lot of people sneaking in here."
"Like you, Legend-san?"
A dignified voice came from behind.
"...President, why are you here?"
Gold Legend turned around and saw Symboli Rudolf with her arms crossed.
"This is the Arima Kinen; it would be strange if I weren't here, wouldn't it? However, this trip was truly worthwhile. Congratulations, Oguri Cap, you allowed me to witness a miracle."
Rudolf turned her gaze to Oguri Cap, her words filled with praise.
"I merely responded to everyone's expectations."
Oguri Cap shook her head.
"Regardless, you created a miracle. This Arima Kinen is destined to be recorded in history. You created a miracle among Uma Musume. Congratulations, Oguri Cap, you have undoubtedly surpassed your era!"
Also, I apologize for the interruption.
After saying this, Symboli Rudolf left in a hurry.
"...Is your communication with the President always like this?" Gold Legend turned to look at the somewhat dazed Oguri Cap.
"Sorry, Rudolf always says things I don't understand. It's been like this since the beginning."
I can't get along with her.
Oguri Cap lowered her head, looking a bit troubled, and her ears twitched.
"But I'm used to it. Although it was unpleasant when we first met, I'm still very grateful to her."
"...Forget it. Although it's a bit late, congratulations on winning the Arima Kinen."
"Thank you."
"This can be considered a beautiful ending for you, how about it?" Gold Legend asked with a smile.
"Honestly, I'm relieved. I finally lived up to everyone's expectations. This is truly the best outcome," Oguri Cap replied candidly and sincerely.
"What do you plan to do after retirement? Rest well?" Gold Legend asked.
"No, I will continue to run."
""
"What about you, Legend, do you like my running? Are you happy cheering for me?"
"...I probably can't say no."
Gold Legend recalled the past. Whether two years ago or today, Oguri Cap's running was so important to Gold Legend.
"Thank you!" Oguri Cap thanked her solemnly. "My dream continues. As long as everyone who cheers for me is still here, I will keep running!"
"..." Gold Legend stared blankly at Oguri Cap. She couldn't take her eyes off Oguri Cap, as if she was awestruck by something brilliant, completely unable to move.
"...This is also for you, who gave me courage and love!"
"What did you just say?" Gold Legend snapped out of her shock.
"...No, nothing." Oguri Cap's smile paused for a moment, then she smiled even more happily. "We still have a long way to go. Please continue to guide me in the future."
"That's right, please continue to guide me in the future."
"Oh, right, Legend."
"What is it?"
"I'm hungry!"
"...You should be done with everything, right?"
"Yes, the Winner's Stage is over."
"Then let's go eat. Since we're here, do you have any recommendations?"
"I don't know, but Invincible seems to know. Should we invite her along? I can introduce you two then."
"Then let's invite Ardan along too."
"Is it okay with so many people?"
"It's fine. Let's also invite Tama and the others. I remember Inari and Super Creek also came. Hmm, let's just invite McQueen and them all to eat to our hearts' content!"
"Yay! I love you the most, Legend!"
"Yes, yes, I love you the most too, Oguri."
The two Uma Musume playfully walked out of the lounge together.
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