"McQueen-nee-san, the press conference is about to start."
"Coming."
McQueen would never miss Kousei's press conference. The Mejiros knew this well, so they had gathered in front of the television early.
As for Dober, she was actually quite invested in Kousei's career.
She had been there in person for Kousei's debut race. Afterward, she never missed a single race in the series. Like most people, Dober initially only paid attention to McQueen. As the most dazzling racer in the family, Dober held a special affection for McQueen and deeply admired her.
McQueen, who came from a branch family, had displayed strength far surpassing any other Mejiro, even overshadowing Dober's beloved Ryan-nee-san to become the family's leader.
But anyone who admired McQueen would notice that in the first half of her races, a crimson figure always ran alongside her.
That figure, who had witnessed countless moments of McQueen's glory, was never recognized by Central. For some reason, Dober found her gaze irresistibly drawn to her.
After being expelled from Central, the crimson racer vanished without a trace. Even so, whenever Dober saw McQueen, she would still remember her.
By the time Dober heard news of her again, everything had changed. Now, she was a major figure, a name everyone knew.
What kind of person is Kousei-senpai? Dober wondered, her eyes fixed on the screen.
The press conference descended into chaos the moment it began. Reporters, ignoring all order, shouted over one another, their questions lost in the din.
"Alright! One at a time, please!"
Time was short; it felt less like a formal press conference and more like an impromptu interview.
"Kousei! Has your body fully recovered?" someone shouted, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
Just as Kousei was about to answer, she felt a weight on her arm.
"Not yet~ Senpai is still very fragile right now, and her nerves are quite delicate, so we'd appreciate it if everyone could quiet down a bit~"
Twilight Cloud had linked arms with Kousei and answered for her. The news of Kousei's poor health immediately quieted the room.
"McQueen-nee-san!" Dober exclaimed, turning to McQueen in surprise. She saw the senbei cracker in McQueen's hand crumble into dust.
"That damn fox!" McQueen hissed through clenched teeth.
Although Kousei had intended to reassure everyone not to worry, she remained silent, trusting that Twilight Cloud had her reasons for handling the situation this way.
"Miss Kousei, what is your purpose for coming to Longchamp?"
"Well, partly to continue my physical therapy. And partly, of course, to prepare for the Arc de Triomphe."
The room erupted into a frenzy once more.
"So you are competing in the Arc de Triomphe, then?"
"If the opportunity presents itself, I will certainly take it."
Kousei's reply was calm, but to the reporters, it was anything but. She was an unprecedented challenger, a completely new and unknown variable.
Her very presence here, given her origins, was already astonishing. Now, she was aiming to compete against the world's top Umamusume for the ultimate title at the Arc de Triomphe.
In the past, such a claim would have been dismissed as a joke.
But now... while she hadn't yet won a G1 race, her track record was undeniable. Morgan and Amel were both top-tier Umamusume, and every race had been a genuine, hard-fought battle. Anyone who had watched those races knew her victories weren't due to her opponents underperforming.
Kousei's progress was nothing short of miraculous. With each race, she grew stronger, always returning more powerful than before.
Like an insatiable predator, she relentlessly absorbed strength from every race. Who could have imagined that this very competitor was once deemed incapable of even passing her Debut Race?
People crave fairy tales, yearn for unprecedented variables, and anticipate thrilling, heart-pounding races. With Kousei in the mix, this year's Arc de Triomphe was guaranteed to be extraordinary.
No one had ever expected an Umamusume's departure to be so exhilarating.
"We've heard the NAU is undergoing a major restructuring. Does this mean the NAU will be joining the league in the future?"
"Yes, that has always been our goal," Kousei replied. "We hope more Umamusume from the North can reach the world stage through the NAU. Of course, we welcome competitors from other regions as well."
Twilight Cloud stole a glance at Kousei. Senpai sounds so formal now~
Another reporter interjected, "To be frank, I've been following Kousei's journey. You want more Northern Umamusume to emerge from the NAU, but it seems that apart from Jade, the NAU has no other noteworthy competitors.
"I hate to say it, but the NAU seems rather... mediocre right now."
The question was sharp, striking right at the heart of the NAU's issues.
"Yes, I don't deny your point," Kousei replied calmly. "Apart from Jade, our other Umamusume fall short of the average standard. Long-standing institutional problems have left the NAU lacking in top-tier competitors.
"That is an undeniable fact.
"However, before me, no one believed an Umamusume could graduate from the NAU. Yet here I stand, a living testament. The answer is right here.
"Even if we don't have them now, I believe we will in the future. Many vibrant, energetic children have joined the Northern Academy. So please, give the NAU a little time. We will deliver a result that satisfies everyone.
"Besides, as you said yourself... we have Jade now, don't we? She is every bit as talented as any other genius. Just wait and see."
Kousei's tone was steady and firm. The reporter who asked the question nodded repeatedly, scribbling furiously in their notebook.
"Excuse me! What are your plans for your upcoming races, Kousei? With your incredible momentum, will you be tackling the various Grand Prix events?"
"No, I plan to choose races that suit my aptitudes."
"Huh? You're choosing a more conservative path at a time like this?"
"Yes. After all, as an Umamusume competitor, I'm no longer young."
The reporters suddenly froze. It was only then that they remembered. The figure before them wasn't some supernova, but a runner who was practically ancient in the world of Umamusume racing.
Even among sports obsessed with age, Umamusume racing was exceptionally harsh. They danced on the edge of a blade, racing against the Grim Reaper with every stride.
Watching an Umamusume run, it was easy to forget they were still just students. The Three Goddesses' gift granted them superhuman speed and power only during this fleeting, specific period of their lives. In truth, every Umamusume's career was as brief as a blooming night-cereus.
She had burst onto the scene at the twilight of her career. Just as people were captivated by her brilliance, her time was already running out.
The more they thought about it, the more they felt a sense of regret.
Suddenly, a truth dawned on them: a star shines brightest at the very moment it ends.