For a closed award ceremony, the URA really didn't slack off when it came to grandeur.
I glanced over the decor, my eyes sweeping across the vast ballroom. The crystalline chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the sea of elegantly dressed attendees, the tables were adorned with pristine white linens and intricate floral centerpieces, and a string quartet played softly from a raised dais in the corner. I was satisfied with how the URA had organized this event. It truly was the biggest and most prestigious award ceremony in Japan.
I hoped that when she arrived, she would be able to keep that usual, stone-cold face of hers intact. It would be a mismatch for the dress we had chosen if she didn't. Though there was a certain amusing quality to such a gap, it would be better if she stayed within her true character...
It had been a quarter of an hour since my trainer and I had arrived at the gala. We had decided to arrive rather early because, as a first-rate Umamusume, letting others wait for my grace would be tasteless. My trainer, too, actually quite enjoyed these kinds of high-society events. Looking at her elaborate, tailored gown that somehow didn't dilute her professional attributes as a trainer, it was clear that she knew how to present and carry herself as a first-rate trainer should. As I expected.
Though, since the moment we had arrived, reporters and press had surrounded us like vultures circling a kill. I didn't hate being in the center of attention, as a G1 winner, I deserved that spot, but could you at least let me catch a breath or two? The constant stream of questions and the relentless, blinding camera flashes flooded both my auditory and visual senses. Thankfully, my trainer was seasoned in dealing with such persistent media, and we were able to escape from their initial onslaught. Though I knew that shortly after, they would congregate around us again.
It made me remember the interviews, the partnership and sponsor deals, and all the other media-related business we had to deal with post-Hopeful Stakes. As my win had overlapped with the end of the year and was followed shortly by the New Year, a flood of sponsorship and partnership deals had come knocking in a very tight amount of time. I understood that they were all riding the high tide after a new trend had been set, but they had also forced us to slow down my training. It had felt like dealing with the media was an around-the-clock job. The world should know of my excellence as a first-rate Umamusume, that was a given, but please, let me focus on my main job first.
I quietly let out a long, weary breath as I thought that. But my trainer seemed to notice.
"Quite a tenacious bunch, aren't they?" she said calmly, swirling the liquid in the tall glass she held in her right hand.
"It's their job," I replied, my tone as easy and composed as hers. "That's not wine, is it? You don't need a reminder that you're very weak against alcohol, do you?"
"Don't worry, King," she said, and then, in a single, poised motion, she gulped the entire liquid down. "It's just apple juice. I still have to drive us back later. Even I know restraint."
"Please be careful not to pick up the wrong glass," I said, a genuine note of concern in my voice. "It would be troublesome if you were to throw up in this ballroom."
She smiled softly at my words. "Consider it done," she said. "You can just focus on showing your brilliance to everyone in this gathering. Eclipse everyone here with your first-rate eminence. That's why we've come here, isn't it?"
"Of course," I answered, my own confident, practiced smile falling into place.
This was my trainer. Though she was sometimes quite a handful, she was dead set on our shared goal. For many, the idea of becoming "first-rate" was an ambiguous, almost childish ambition. I'd seen it in the eyes of the other trainers who had approached me back then. But to her, not only was she sold on that goal, but it was as if our goals were cut from the very same cloth. She had even started to use the term "first-rate" to define her own ambitions ever since we'd first met.
Well, for those of us who are seen only through the lens of a legacy, a name, a history that precedes us, our meeting had been like finally finding a company on a lone boat, embarking on a journey against the current to prove our very existence. We were both glad to finally have someone to fight alongside.
"The Arcturus is coming, too, aren't they?" my trainer asked, her question seemingly coming out of nowhere.
"She'll be here, so they should be, too," I answered, my eyes scanning the room. Among the sea of brightly colored, frilly dresses worn by the Umamusume and other invitees who had already arrived, it should have been easy for me to find her. But there was still no sign of her anywhere.
"I see," my trainer nodded. "Have you heard? About their new assistant trainer?"
"She mentioned something about a new, 'overqualified' assistant trainer," I replied, "but she didn't elaborate on it."
"Well, 'overqualified' is one way to say it," my trainer said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But being one of the youngest ever to pass the Central trainer exam shows just how talented she is. She's also the only daughter of the owner of the biggest sports apparel chain in central Japan, so her technical know-how is undoubtedly deep. And she's an Umamusume, too. Quite uncommon for an Umamusume to become a trainer, isn't it?"
"You're right," I agreed. "There's that saying, 'Even if an athlete can play, it doesn't mean they can coach. They know what to do, but they can't communicate how they do it.' An Umamusume trainer is indeed rare. Belno Light-san, is it? After hearing her achievements, I don't think that saying can be applied to her."
"She was Oguri Cap's support and best friend back when Oguri was still in the Twinkle Series," my trainer continued. "She took two years off to go to Trainer School and just came back to Central this year. Hmm... looking at the lineup of Team Arcturus now, they're quite a fearsome group, aren't they?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eye.
"As if we're afraid," I answered confidently. "But she will need Belno Light-san's help to even get close to me. And I will welcome her with lengths' difference as usual."
"Great lines," my trainer nodded, a satisfied look on her face. "But never let our guard down, and never look down on them. That's what being first-rate is all about, right?"
"That's right," I smiled back at her.
While we waited for the URA Awards ceremony to officially begin, a sudden shift in the murmuring of the press and the other invitees guided my attention to the grand entrance. And there, I saw her. An Umamusume with stern, golden eyes, clad in a sleek, floor-length, deep navy A-line gown that radiated a sharp elegance and a strong sense of discipline.
She had finally arrived. And, as I had thought, she looked perfect in a dress that wasn't frilly or overtly "cute." Her entire character was a stark, powerful contrast to the overall bright and merry occasion. And this was precisely what made her come to light. She was showing her true "self" for others to see. This was a much better way to present her as Copenhagen, the "Little Monster," and as the one worthy of being my rival. King Halo's rival.
But it seemed that because of her striking outfit, and the formidable presence of her own team, they were having trouble with the waves of reporters now encircling them. I sighed inwardly and glanced at my trainer. She quickly understood what I wanted to say.
"Let's welcome them," my trainer said, a small, curious smile on her face as she set down her empty glass.
"Thank you, Trainer," I nodded and followed her lead.
After weaving through what felt like literal walls of reporters, we finally broke through and could see them clearly. Even though she wasn't explicitly showing it, I could see the tired, overwhelmed look on her face. I smirked inwardly and walked up to her, while my trainer moved to intercept the press, shooing them away to make a space for us.
"Excuse me," my trainer said to the encroaching reporters, her voice polite but firm. "May we have a minute with Team Arcturus?"
"Sure, can you lead the way?" the Arcturus trainer, Trainer Kitahara, immediately grabbed the lifeline she had thrown him.
"Sorry, but can you please make way?" my trainer said to the press. With a collective, knowing sigh from the reporters, a path finally opened, and we were able to escape to a quieter, more secluded spot near the ballroom's terrace.
"Fuuuh, thank you, Trainer Nase," Trainer Kitahara sighed deeply, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "They're really persistent."
"You're welcome, Trainer Kitahara," my trainer replied. "Still not used to their presence?"
"Yeah. I don't know whether our job is really a racer and their trainer, or just being a public figure," he replied wryly.
"It's both, Trainer Kitahara. It's both," my trainer smiled at him.
While they continued to talk, I walked over to her. She was silently watching Oguri Cap-san and the girl I assumed to be Belno Light-san, who were already in the middle of a quiet but intense argument about when it would be appropriate to start eating. I smirked at her and began our own conversation.
"Ohohoho! Those flocks of reporters really understand the genius of this King! Aren't you proud to wear the brilliant fruit of my labor?"
"Affirmative," she replied flatly, a clear attempt to shrug off my words. "I agree."
"As you should be," I nodded. "So? Is it worth the 'sacrifice'?"
"Truly," she admitted, her expression softening slightly. "Not only does it look great, but it's comfortable to wear, too. Even after I sent my picture wearing this, my orphanage Director sent her regards and her gratitude to you. I don't want to show it, but..." She grimly held out her phone, showing me the chat with her Director.
I took the phone and read the message. "Thank you for becoming her friend, King Halo-san! Though she's sometimes difficult to understand and a bit anti-social, I can vouch for her being a good girl! She's a bit passive and rarely reaches out to others, and that's why I sometimes worry about her out there. So, sorry to bother you with her, and please take care of her! We would welcome you if you ever want to visit us! Once again, thank you, King Halo-san."
"Difficult to understand, check. Anti-social, check. Passive, check. I get what she means," I said, and then, before she could react, I quickly snatched the phone from her and began typing my own reply. "And... sent."
"You could have just told me what you wanted to say," she said, taking back her phone with a sigh. "I could have typed it for you."
"There might have been some... intentional alterations," I said, shrugging her off. "So it was better for me to type it myself."
"How did you even know..." she said weakly, as if she'd been caught red-handed. I could still hear it.
"Our vigilance goes both ways," I simply said.
It was then that the usual crowd of reporters, having regrouped, began to congregate around us again. But this time, unlucky for us, we had been cut off from our trainers. In other words, it was now just the two of us against them.
I maintained my usual, poised posture while I gave her a sharp, sidelong glance. She seemed to understand what I meant immediately and stood a little straighter, her shoulders squared. Looking at her closely, I nodded inwardly. The overwhelming, disciplined impression she now gave off was perfect. It made me wonder again, did she come from a militaristic pedigree, or was it all just from her hobbies and interests? But either way, she was perfect for it. Hmph. As expected of this King. My judgment is never wrong, I thought.
"May I ask some questions before the award ceremony starts? Just five minutes, please," one of the female reporters asked, her tone polite but insistent.
"Please ask," I answered, my most confident, camera-ready smile already in place. "We still have time."
"Affirmative. You may go ahead," Copenhagen followed suit, though her smile was a much smaller, more reserved thing.
"Good evening, Miss Halo, Miss Copenhagen. I'm Tsukiyama, from the Daily Turf," the reporter began, her own smile bright and professional. "First, let me congratulate Miss Halo on your first G1 win and for keeping your undefeated status. I'm looking forward to your continuous string of wins. And Miss Copenhagen, your performance in the Hopeful Stakes... to call it 'impressive' would be an understatement. I personally call it 'monstrous,' as it fits so well with your nickname. I sincerely hope you win your first G1 soon."
I had heard this exact line of flattery so many times it was starting to make me fed up. I knew exactly where this line of questioning would lead. But I had to maintain my first-rate appearance. I had to focus.
"I'll keep my undefeated status until I retire, if I have to," I answered, glancing at my side.
"Not if I defeat you first," she replied, her voice low and steady. Her answer was exactly what I had hoped for. It would be boring otherwise.
"Oh my, you two certainly are close," the reporter noted, scribbling something down in her notepad. She then continued, "Shall we start with the first question? For Miss Halo, are you confident in your chances of becoming the Undefeated Triple Crown winner, especially against this 'Golden Generation'?"
"Of course," I answered, my voice ringing with a practiced, unshakable confidence. "They say there is nothing absolute in racing, but then came Symboli Rudolf to smash that perception. That's why, no matter the odds, I am confident I can achieve it, even in this Golden Generation. Furthermore, wouldn't it be interesting to have an Undefeated Triple Crown winner in a generation that is said to be the most competitive in recent years?"
"I see! It's just like what Lady Secretariat did back then," the reporter nodded excitedly. "Even against many talented runners like Lady Sham, she still prevailed." And then, the words I hated most in the world. "As expected of Goodbye Halo's daughter! I hope you can replicate what Lady Secretariat and Lady Halo have achieved!"
I thought I was used to it. But those words... they still got under my skin, no matter how often I heard them. It was as if my wins, my achievements, were all to be expected because I was her daughter. What about my own efforts? What about King Halo's own skills, talents, and powers? Just wait, once I surpassed her, everyone will only remember her as my mother. King Halo's mother. But I had to keep my calm. I had to keep my expression steady. A first-rate Umamusume would not be swayed by mere emotions.
Then, I glanced apprehensively to my side.
I had expected her to react, to show some flicker of recognition or curiosity at what the reporter had said. But she showed no signs of interest at all. Her polite facade was flawless.
What is she thinking? Does she actually already know about my pedigree?
The thought was a cold spike of fear.
I hope she doesn't know and will never know. I want to keep her sharp eyes fixed on me, and not on the long, suffocating shadow that covered me. Just like her stares at me in that locker room, where I could finally feel a rival saw King Halo and just me.
It was her promise, wasn't it? To be my greatest rival. To be King Halo's greatest rival. That was what she had said, what she had promised to me back then. She could only fulfill that promise if she was looking only at me, and not at my pedigree. I wouldn't accept it otherwise. It would be meaningless otherwise.
So please... just see me as myself, see me as King Halo.
---
"The next question is for Miss Copenhagen. What will your next race be?" the reporter asked, shifting the small microphone in my direction.
"I don't know whether I'm allowed to reveal it yet," I answered, keeping my tone friendly, "but the most likely choice for me would be the Yayoi Sho,"
"I see," she said, nodding. "But have you found a way to deal with Nakayama's short homestretch? Many have credited your loss in the Hopeful Stakes to you simply not having enough distance in your last spurt."
"A strategy has been formulated," I said firmly, my gaze hardening slightly. "And I believe that no matter what they throw at me, I will defeat them." I glanced over at King, who had been staring at me for quite some time. I saw that her shoulders were somewhat tense. It seemed she was already fired up. Let's provoke her a little more while we were at it. I turned my focus to her. "Especially King. Her skillful positioning, combined with her sharp kick, is the most problematic because of how versatile it is. Even compared to Seiun Sky's machinations, which can hypothetically be countered, her solid skillset is more difficult to disrupt. The only way is to get faster than her. And in that case, I believe I am 'faster' than her."
At my instigation, rather than exploding with a retort as I had expected, she just... smiled. A strange, almost relieved smile. And her tense shoulders eased down significantly. Was my provocation not working?
"Miss Copenhagen, your answer shows that you are very confident in taking them on," the reporter interjected, pulling my attention back. "Can we take this as a confirmation that you will be entering the Classic Triple Crown tour, like your rivals?"
"For that, you can ask my trainer for the details," I said, "but from me, my answer is affirmative."
The reporter wrote something down in her notes, and with that, we continued the short interview until the main event was about to start. Thankfully, with us being interviewed by the Daily Turf, the other reporters and media seemed to back off, content to wait their turn. Though we weren't really free, it was better than getting a barrage of questions from a dozen different people at once. At least, mentally, it wasn't as exhausting.
After the interview finally ended, we went to our assigned tables. King's was nearby, at the front, but Team Arcturus's table was in the middle of the room and rather far back. When I arrived at my seat, I was welcomed by Belno-san, who looked like a proper lady in her elegant white gown. She had, apparently, been protecting my share of the food.
"Ko-chan, welcome back," she said sweetly. "How was the interview? Also, here, you can take Oguri-chan's share, too. She has her own snacks."
In contrast, Oguri-san, who was wearing a similarly white but much looser and easier-to-move-in dress, had to be grumblingly content with the low-calorie foods that Belno-san had prepared for her. Well, even winter fatness happened to the best of us.
"It was significantly better compared to the one when we first arrived," I said, taking my seat. "Gratitude, Belno-san. But will Oguri-san be fine? She won't suddenly faint mid-event, right?" I asked, because such a precedent had happened once before.
"Don't worry. She'll be fine," Belno-san assured me.
"But Belno, I don't think Ko-chan can finish two servings," Oguri-san added, though her true intention was as clear as day to all of us.
"Let's see, Oguri-san, let's see," I shrugged off her attempt.
As for the Chief, he was happily enjoying the wine. Really, if not for us all wearing high-quality dresses and suits, a scene like this would be more commonly found in a family restaurant.
As I smiled loosely at my team, I looked up at the main stage. It was grandiose, with a series of glittering trophies for this year's winners adorning the center of the stage. I didn't know whether I could win anything tonight, as the winners were decided through voting by a special committee from the URA and a panel of racing journalists. But for the category I was most likely to be nominated for, Best Junior Umamusume, the winner would most likely be one of the four Junior Champions. Though to be honest, Grass Wonder had the highest chance. Being undefeated, plus having one GII and one GI win each, were significant achievements.
As for the highest award, the Umamusume of the Year... the one who deserved it had to be her.
---
Special thanks to @Montsetsu for the fanart!
In case, you haven't seen it: