Oguri Cap's finishing time in the French 2000 Guineas was 1:37.1.
By historical standards, it wasn't a remarkable record, but given that she had run on the pace of others, it simply reflected the slow tempo set by the leaders.
After steadying his emotions, Shuta An composed himself, then smiled as he extended his hand to the other Trainers in the VIP section. His earlier reaction had already revealed everything—this young Asian man was the winning Trainer of this year's French 2000 Guineas.
Regardless of what they truly felt, the Trainers from Paris Central Tracen Academy greeted him politely. They had all heard his bold declaration to the camera just moments earlier, and knew that the Gray Uma Musume who had crossed the line first would challenge the Prix du Jockey Club next.
So, while shaking his hand, several Trainers openly issued their challenges: "I will take the French Derby back next month."
Shuta An simply smiled. He and Oguri Cap were today's winners; answering provocations was unnecessary. Their performance in the French Derby would speak for itself.
Meanwhile, in the Student Council office of Tokyo Central Tracen Academy, Air Groove and Maruzensky exchanged looks.
"She really won?" Symboli Rudolf muttered, genuinely surprised. She had believed in Oguri Cap's potential, but seeing her cling to a half-length lead until the finish still exceeded her expectations.
The "Emperor" shook her head. "Unexpected— but favorable."
Tokai Teio, delighted by the victory, turned toward her. "President, this is definitely good news, right?"
But the "good news" Symboli Rudolf referred to was different from what Tokai Teio imagined.
"This will put enormous pressure on the URA Association," she said quietly. "By tomorrow morning, the first wave of public criticism will hit."
Maruzensky immediately understood. "A Uma Musume barred from the Classic Race series goes overseas and wins a G1. If she had failed, it would have been nothing. But since she succeeded, the Association is in trouble."
"And the Academy won't escape criticism either," Air Groove added. "Sirius Symboli returned empty-handed, while Oguri Cap won her first G1 abroad. People will definitely start questioning us."
"No matter," Symboli Rudolf replied.
After a brief silence, Maruzensky offered another angle: "If you think the attention is inconvenient, we can redirect the public's focus."
"To where?" Air Groove asked.
"Oguri Cap beat Sakura Chiyono O and Dicta Striker in the Yayoi Sho. We promote that," Maruzensky said, tapping her finger. "Something like 'Leader of the Strongest Generation.' Include her in our Academy's publicity. She's one of ours, after all—and our support will look far better than whatever URA attempts."
"So while boosting her image, we shift the criticism toward the URA Association," Air Groove concluded.
Maruzensky merely smiled.
"Serves them right," Tokai Teio said bluntly. "Letting domestic Uma Musume join the Classic Series wouldn't hurt them. It only adds work. Blocking capable Uma Musume for convenience— of course they're getting backlash."
"Teio's correct," Symboli Rudolf agreed. "When public pressure builds in a few days, I'll speak with the Association. The current system needs to change."
"It's not only the registration ban," Maruzensky added. "Even the ban on supplementary entries needs reform. If the Japan Cup was created to help us reach global standards, then we should update these outdated rules too."
As the seniors discussed these issues, Tokai Teio smiled to herself.
"Foreign G1s are great, but the Triple Crown is still what matters most to me! After that, I'll go abroad too—with my Trainer."
While discussions continued in Tokyo, Shuta An and Berno Light left the VIP section after finishing their greetings.
"Let's go wait for Oguri at the exit," he said, stepping ahead. Berno Light quickly followed, unable to hide her excitement.
"Oguri is a G1 Uma Musume now."
"Which means Berno is the support Uma Musume of a G1 winner," Shuta An replied. "You can proudly say you're behind a G1 Uma Musume."
"That sounds strange," Berno Light murmured. "And honestly, aren't you the one behind Oguri?"
"Behind her, huh" Shuta An muttered—unhelpful images surfacing in his mind—"Why does that sound like the Dream World again?"
Although she had no idea what he was imagining, Berno Light knew it wasn't good. She pinched his waist, making him yelp.
"Your smile is weird."
"A-ah! Okay, okay!" He snapped back. "While Oguri gets ready for her winning live, go ahead and book the celebration dinner at Molitor Paris – MGallery. Make it for four."
"We're inviting Miss Miesque?" Berno Light confirmed.
"Of course. We owe her a proper thank-you."
In a quiet corner of the Molitor Paris – MGallery restaurant, Shuta An's group and Miss Miesque settled around a table. Berno Light had chosen this spot with care: discreet, out of sight, and impossible to photograph from outside.
"Cheers!" Miesque raised her glass. "I knew the moment Oguri moved up to secure her position that victory was already in her hands."
"Then you were much more confident than I was," Shuta An replied. "I didn't feel at ease until it was over."
"That's because a Trainer's worry clouds judgment," Oguri Cap explained gently. "He can't relax until the result is certain."
"That's true," Miesque conceded. "Mr. Shuta must have been even more nervous than I was. Congratulations on your first Classic win."
She swirled the carrot juice in her glass and finished it in one drink.
"Thank you," Shuta An said, though his expression hadn't fully relaxed. Even if they were to lose the French Derby, the French 2000 Guineas win would ensure Oguri Cap's reputation—and his own—would not collapse upon returning home. Still, who wouldn't want to go further?
"The chance for the French Two Crowns is right in front of us. Barring an accident, it's my only shot," he murmured, setting down his glass. "I'll give Oguri one week of rest, then we start preparing for the French Derby."
Though he didn't say more, Berno Light, Oguri Cap, and Miesque all understood what he was thinking.
Oguri Cap, seated beside him, placed her hand gently on his leg. "Trainer, I can continue training without resting."
"That won't do." Shuta An rejected the idea immediately. "Jumping straight into training after a race is dangerous. It'll clearly damage your health. We're not so pressed for time that we can skip rest."
"A sound body is the foundation of effort," Miesque added. "If you're injured, you won't even have the right to stand on a track."
"I'll keep a close eye on Oguri's condition!" Berno Light said firmly.
Glasses clinked once more. As Miesque raised her drink again, Shuta An spoke.
"We're checking out the day after tomorrow."
"I know," Miesque replied. "If preparation for the French Derby is next, it's better to stay near Chantilly."
"Every journey ends eventually," she sighed softly. "I've truly enjoyed this time."
"The same goes for us. Thank you for everything, Miss Miesque," Shuta An bowed his head slightly. "I can't express how grateful I am."
"At the end of this year, I'll retire from the Twinkle Series," Miesque said suddenly, then continued, "When I travel to Japan for the Dream Trophy, I'll trouble you to host me."
"I'll do my best," Shuta An answered at once.
"We'll make sure Senior Miesque is satisfied," Berno Light added.
Oguri nodded. "I'll show you a more advanced version of myself then."
"Then I'd like to personally race Oguri in the Dream Trophy," Miesque said with a faint smile.
"That may take a few years." Shuta An's mouth tightened slightly. "Oguri will be on the Twinkle stage for at least another three."
"Only three," Miesque replied, crossing her legs calmly. "I can wait."
After loosely settling the promise of a future match, Shuta An glanced at Oguri Cap, feeling faintly embarrassed—he hadn't consulted her beforehand. But Oguri didn't seem troubled at all; she looked approving, even willing.
After the dinner, Shuta An escorted Miesque to her room, then returned to lead the two Uma Musume back.
"Trainer, are we going to Sacré-Cœur tomorrow?" Oguri asked before entering her room.
Shuta An paused. "No, Oguri. Rest for a day or two first. Then we'll consider going."
"But I don't want to wait even a day," the gray Uma Musume pouted.
"Me neither," Berno Light whispered.
All three of them knew why they would go to Sacré-Cœur. And all three understood what "can't wait" meant.
"But we still have to wait," Shuta An replied steadily. He gently guided both girls into their room.
"Nothing will change," he assured them before closing the door.
Yet he didn't leave immediately; he stood before the door for a while.
If I say it out loud how will they react?
He had no answer—and didn't want to dwell on it.
Returning to his room, Shuta An didn't change into pajamas. He undressed, stepped into the bathroom, and sank into the warm water of the bathtub. Scooping a handful of water, he watched it spill through his fingers, rippling back into the tub.
The surface reflected his face, the ceiling, and—within his imagination—the two Uma Musume next door.
"I want to hold them close, but somehow I see myself keep losing them," he muttered, clenching his jaw. "I hate this."
Whether it was Oguri or Berno—he refused to give either up.
It was a decision he had made long ago, but tonight he affirmed it once more.
He didn't know how the two Uma Musume would react, but he had resolved to tell them everything the day after tomorrow.
"If I get rejected," he exhaled a quiet, bitter laugh, "I probably won't need to prepare for the French Derby at all."
—
Porter here
It is confirmed to be Harem, not only Fatty and Berno.
I am kinda disappointed actually. But, considering this is a Chinese fanfiction with physic strengthening and intimacy troupe, kinda guess it early this was going this way.