“A new era, huh… That’s truly wonderful…”
Looking at the proud figure standing on the track, Chitose Meiji placed one hand on her hip, a relieved smile gracing her lips.
Her right foot unconsciously shifted, her brow slightly lowered, and her thoughts surged: “I also need to work hard; I can’t let myself exit the stage in a poor state.”
Beside her, Katsuragi Ace was lightly clapping along with the audience’s cheers, her mind also swirling with thoughts:
“Two Triple Crown Horse Girls… My chances of winning a head-on confrontation aren’t high.”
“Perhaps I still need to try something more adventurous, to catch them off guard as much as possible…”
On the track, Rudolph Symboli exhaled softly, took one last look at the stands, and then turned towards the athlete’s tunnel.
“Rudolf, congratulations! You really did it.”
Upon arriving at the athlete’s tunnel, four Horse Girl were already waiting, with Maruzensky being the first to offer congratulations:
“This record, this honor, it’s truly amazing.”
“Thank you, Maruzensky.”
Rudolph Symboli smiled and nodded slightly in response.
“Miss Rudolph Symboli is super amazing! I want to be like you someday and become an undefeated Triple Crown Horse Girl!”
Tokai Teio stepped forward slightly, the light in her eyes still shining, her admiration and longing completely undisguised.
Rudolph Symboli chuckled softly, raising her hand to ruffle her head:
“Hmm, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Then, she looked up at Polaris Absolute Speed, but didn’t speak, as if waiting for something.
Seeing this, Polaris Absolute Speed closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them, saying earnestly:
“Rudolf, your strength is unquestionable. Your presence, having reached the pinnacle, is truly dazzling.”
“Thank you, Polaris. As a partner and good friend who shone brightly in the Twinkle Series, I’m very happy to hear you say that.”
The smile on Rudolph Symboli’s lips clearly widened a bit, and Mejiro Takamine immediately followed with her congratulations:
“The brilliance of the new moon will be etched into history today. Whenever people recall it, whenever Horse Girl run, it will shine ever brighter and purer.”
‘This should mean that, having ascended the grand stage of history, as long as people remember and Horse Girl continue to run, the Emperor’s honor will become increasingly significant,’ Polaris Absolute Speed thought to herself, having grown somewhat accustomed to Takamine’s occasionally peculiar way of speaking.
“Huhu, I hope so. I’m also honored to be remembered by everyone.”
Rudolph Symboli clearly understood Takamine’s words as well. She smiled and continued:
“Alright, I need to go prepare for the Winner’s Stage rehearsal.”
This Winner’s Stage was scheduled for two hours later and would take place in a special large hall that could simulate a nighttime atmosphere.
“Everyone, I’ll see you later.”
After one last ruffle of Tokai Teio’s head, Rudolph Symboli waved lightly and headed towards the rehearsal room.
During the wait, Maruzensky and Polaris Absolute Speed went out to buy some water and snacks, and the Horse Girl replenished their energy slightly.
Most of the audience also didn’t leave; they successively headed to the hall where the Winner’s Stage performance was about to take place.
“So there’s this kind of facility, too. First time knowing that.”
Entering the hall, they used the Central Tracen Academy’s privilege to sit in the front row. Polaris Absolute Speed looked around, speaking with a hint of realization.
The interior of the hall was very spacious, with almost no light. The ceiling above was simulated to look like a starry night sky.
“Sometimes the Winner’s Stage needs to be held in the morning, and to ensure the best stage effect, this kind of facility was built accordingly.”
Maruzensky was sitting next to Polaris Absolute Speed, and as she explained, she quietly held the latter’s hand.
This wasn’t the first time, and Polaris Absolute Speed had grown somewhat accustomed to it, not reacting and completely letting her do as she pleased.
However, to her surprise, when Maruzensky saw she had no reaction, she tilted her head slightly and then slowly began to act playfully.
She stroked the back of her hand, repeatedly kneaded her knuckles, and even glided her fingers between her digits…
“Maruzensky, what are you doing? Don’t push your luck…”
Finally, at some point, Polaris Absolute Speed couldn’t bear it anymore. She turned her head and gave Maruzensky a resentful look.
“Huhu, because you didn’t react, Polaris, I just wanted to see when you’d finally lose it.”
Maruzensky smiled, seemingly finding it amusing to observe Polaris’s reactions.
“Maruzensky…”
Polaris’s face instantly darkened. She raised both hands, about to press them against Maruzensky’s cheeks.
“No, I know I was wrong, don’t rub my face like last time.”
Seeing this, Maruzensky immediately leaned back defensively, quickly raising her hands to protect her face, shaking her head repeatedly in refusal.
“Then be honest.”
Polaris Absolute Speed wasn’t truly angry or anything. After a moment’s thought, she added:
“Holding hands is fine, but no extra movements.”
Saying this, she actively held Maruzensky’s hand and leaned back against the chair.
“Mm-hmm, I knew you were the best, Polaris.”
Maruzensky also breathed a sigh of relief. Feeling the somewhat cool, soft hand in hers, a smile gradually appeared on her face.
Honestly, Polaris was only a junior Horse Girl, yet she already possessed such great strength.
She couldn’t compare at all. No, it should be said that most Horse Girl couldn’t compare. It was truly astonishing.
She never saw her specifically training muscles at the gym. Was this also a talent?
Chitose Meiji and the other Horse Girl nearby exchanged glances, all smiling without speaking.
Tokai Teio, however, wasn’t paying attention to them; she was fully anticipating Rudolph Symboli’s Winner’s Stage.
Time slowly passed, and at one moment, the somewhat dim interior suddenly lit up with spotlights.
Illuminating the stage, they also revealed the figure on stage to everyone’s eyes.
Rudolph Symboli, still in her racing uniform, stood at the center C position, a smile on her face, confident and dazzling.
The next moment, cheers and support from the audience immediately erupted, echoing throughout the entire hall.
Polaris Absolute Speed and Maruzensky, among others, also looked over immediately, while Tokai Teio joined in with joyful shouts.
The stage music began, and Rudolph Symboli, along with two accompanying Horse Girl, started to dance.
When the rhythm was right, she alone began to sing:
“The impulse to gallop at the speed of light is the resolve to become stronger, no matter the sacrifice!”
(No fear!)
“Once in a lifetime!”
(Trust you!)
“Give it your all in this moment, believe in yourself!”
“If sometimes luck is needed, then I’ll pull destiny to my side!”
————
“It is this song after all.”
Maruzensky watched the figure on stage, unsurprised.
“Hmm? Maruzensky, what’s special about this song?”
Polaris Absolute Speed asked, her gaze still fixed on the stage.
“This song is very special. Only Triple Crown Horse Girls or Horse Girl with a very high chance of achieving the Triple Crown can sing it.”
Chitose Meiji was the one who answered, her gaze also not leaving the stage.
“Only Triple Crown Horse Girls can sing it? That’s amazing!”
Tokai Teio’s ears accurately caught the key information, her eyes sparkling as she said:
“Someday, I’ll also stand on stage and sing the same song, just like Miss Rudolph Symboli.”
And at this moment, Rudolph Symboli’s singing reached its climax:
“Galloping in the present, I cannot stop yet, only because I still have unachieved goals!”
“I will advance further, bravely surpass, holding even tears tightly in my embrace…”
“The story that begins anew from there, continuing endlessly, Winning the soul!”
————
After a brief pause, Rudolph Symboli raised her right hand, clenching her fist, and sang again:
“Seize the present, if you want to change, cast your dreams into the future, don’t be afraid, challenge it!”
“Galloping in the present, I cannot stop yet, only because I still have unachieved goals!”
“I will advance further, bravely surpass, holding even tears tightly in my embrace…”
“The story that begins anew from there, continuing endlessly, Winning the soul!”
“Woh woh woh~~”
The stage music gradually came to an end, and the audience once again erupted in enthusiastic cheers, as if wanting to pour out all their passion in one go.
Rudolph Symboli on stage exhaled softly, her expression showing complete exhilaration.
Today was undoubtedly unforgettable, deeply memorable. She would forever cherish this enthusiasm in her heart.
After the official conclusion, dense applause filled the venue.
Hearing the Triple Crown song again after a year during the Winner’s Stage segment, many audience members shed tears.
Rudolph Symboli also bathed in everyone’s lingering affection, bowing once before exiting the stage.
After that, at Chitose Meiji’s suggestion, the Horse Girl found a highly-rated buffet restaurant for a celebratory meal.
“To Rudolf’s victory, to the birth of the undefeated Triple Crown Horse Girl, cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Glasses filled with juice clinked together, making a crisp sound, and everyone’s faces were beaming with joy.
“Rudolf, do you know, many audience members cried then, tears of joy.”
“Is that so? Then I am truly honored.”
“Rudolf’s singing is as wonderful as ever. How about we all go to karaoke together sometime and sing a few songs?”
“Oh, that sounds great, like a party.”
“Speaking of parties, everyone at the Academy must be waiting by now. What kind of scene do you think it will be when Rudolf returns to the Academy?”
“Considering Rudolf’s position as president, everyone will probably quietly discuss from a distance rather than coming up to welcome her all at once.”
“Hearing you say that, I can’t help but feel a little ashamed. I feel like I’m some kind of person with a terrible personality.”
“Huhu, Rudolf, if you want to change, there’s actually a way.”
“Oh? How so?”
“Just make your daily conversations more humorous and relaxed.”
“I see. So, how exactly should I do that?”
“Hmm… Perhaps you could try telling jokes, Rudolf?”
“Jokes? Understood. I’ll look into it and give it a try.”