With the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe less than two months away, Kousei dedicated herself entirely to training to make up for lost time, only stopping to eat and drink. However, Reiko believed that what Kousei truly needed now was rest.
So, Reiko's instructions were for light training and physical conditioning. Kousei was already powerful enough to hold her own against any Umamusume; the most crucial thing was to ensure she could compete in the Arc de Triomphe in peak condition.
Since it was an order from her Trainer, Kousei had no choice but to comply. But now, with all this sudden free time, she had no idea what to do with herself.
"What does everyone do in their spare time?" Kousei wondered aloud, feeling the long, empty hours stretch before her.
"Hello, Senpai! Reiko told us you're off training today!"
Just as Kousei was about to die of boredom, Twilight Cloud and Just a Way showed up.
"Oh, it's you two. It's been a while." Since her debut, Kousei had practically lived at the training track, leaving her with little free time.
"The moment Reiko said you weren't training, I knew you'd be bored out of your mind," Just a Way said with a grin. "It's our first time in Longchamp anyway, so how about we explore together?"
Kousei was clearly hesitant.
"Come on, come on! Don't hesitate on such a rare opportunity!" Under Twilight Cloud's relentless pestering, Kousei had no choice but to agree.
Her hesitation wasn't because she disliked shopping, but because being with Twilight Cloud meant she would probably get fleeced.
But then Kousei reconsidered. Times have changed. With all my prize money, merchandise sales, and bonuses, I'm rolling in cash now. How much could one Twilight Cloud possibly spend?
The trio, eager to explore Longchamp, were instantly dazzled upon entering the commercial district. It was far more luxurious than the Shopping District back home, leaving Kousei momentarily unsure where to even begin.
"Alright! I'm going clothes shopping! Senpai~ carry my bags for me~"
"Ah, okay."
Kousei hadn't actually heard what Twilight Cloud said, merely responding instinctively to show she was listening.
"What about you, Way?" Twilight Cloud asked.
"Me?" Just a Way thought for a moment. "I'll tag along with you. I don't know what to do either."
Thank goodness for Twilight Cloud. Otherwise, Just a Way and Kousei would have been completely overwhelmed by Longchamp's baptism by fire.
"Wow! This is so pretty! I wanna try it on! Senpai, let's go to this shop! Huh? Senpai?" As they walked, Twilight Cloud turned back and realized Kousei had vanished.
Just a Way, the one who had suggested the shopping trip, looked dead inside. "I really want to go back and play video games..."
"Hey! Way! Senpai's gone!" Twilight Cloud poked Just a Way hard. Snapping out of her daze, Just a Way looked around and saw that Kousei was indeed gone.
A terrible thought instantly crossed both their minds.
"Oh no!"
Meanwhile, Kousei—
"Huh? What's this? Let's try it."
Sniff, sniff.
"Huh? What's this? Let's try it."
She'd barely taken two bites when...
"Huh? What's this? Let's try it."
The unheard-of local delicacies had completely captivated Kousei. Before she knew it, her hands were overflowing with food.
She walked and ate, only stopping when her stomach was round and full.
"Huh? Where am I?"
Lost in an unfamiliar place, Kousei stood bewildered on the street. She was full, but now she couldn't find her way back.
Hmm? Which way did I come from? Kousei tried to retrace her steps, only to realize she had absolutely no memory of the path she'd taken.
If I just stand here, will someone help me call the police? Kousei began to seriously consider this.
"Yo~ Kousei, it's rare to see you outside the Training Track."
The voice sounded familiar. Sea the Stars strolled over, leisurely sipping a fruit juice.
"Ah, perfect timing seeing you!" Kousei instantly relaxed upon seeing her.
"What's wrong?"
"It's a bit embarrassing to say, but... I'm lost," Kousei admitted, scratching her head.
"That makes sense. I got lost too when I first came to Longchamp."
Though the process had a few hiccups, the outcome was right. At least Kousei no longer had to worry about being lost.
"Are you out having fun too, Sea the Stars?"
"No, I'm on a mission. I just happened to be passing by, grabbed a juice, and spotted a lost girl. So, I thought I'd kindly offer some help."
Kousei gave an awkward yet polite smile.
"A mission? Do racers of your level still get missions?" Kousei asked, slightly puzzled.
"We call them missions, but most are voluntary. Once you reach a certain standing, a sense of duty naturally develops. Besides training, Arc de Triomphe champions occasionally handle reception duties for the Racing Association."
"Oh? Are you going to pick someone up now?"
"Yep." Sea the Stars' eyes darted mischievously. "It's a rare opportunity. Want to come with me?"
"Me? Why? Can't you just call a taxi for me and send me back to the Racetrack?"
"Don't be like that. If you win the Arc de Triomphe, this will be your job too someday."
"Didn't you just say it was voluntary...?"
"You know the Arc de Triomphe is less than two months away. Racers from other leagues are arriving at Longchamp one after another. Do you know who's coming today?"
"Who?"
"Hehe—Central is sending someone to compete in the Arc de Triomphe! Aren't you curious?" Sea the Stars was confident this would pique Kousei's interest, but Kousei remained completely unfazed.
"Not curious."
"Why not?! It could be Mejiro McQueen!"
"McQueen won't be coming."
Now it was Sea the Stars' turn to be uncertain.
"Isn't she the strongest? She's not coming to the Arc de Triomphe?"
Sea the Stars wasn't familiar with the situation in Central, so it was natural for her to assume McQueen would participate.
"On second thought, maybe going with you wouldn't be so bad."
"Oh? What made you suddenly change your mind?"
"I want to see just who Central is sending to this year's Arc de Triomphe."
"Oh~" Sea the Stars nodded repeatedly, a knowing look on her face.
Maybe I'll run into someone I know, Kousei thought. I haven't been in Central for so long. It would be nice to have a friend to catch up with about what's been happening there.
So, the two of them waited... and waited. But there was still no sign of anyone.
"Are you sure you didn't get the time wrong?" Kousei asked.
"I shouldn't have... They were supposed to arrive two hours ago. Could there have been an accident?"
"Can't you say something more positive?"
Sea the Stars checked the time again and again, confirming she hadn't misremembered.
Suddenly, Kousei tapped her shoulder urgently.
"What is it?"
"Look! Quick!"
"Look at what?"
"Just look!"
Sea the Stars glanced up and froze on the spot. As Umamusume, their eyesight was far superior to that of ordinary people. They could clearly see an Umamusume plummeting from the sky above the airport, cackling wildly as she fell.