Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

Twilight Song stood silently in the center of the track, breathing steadily as she stepped forward across the muddy dirt.

Only now did she fully realize the race was over, and she had completely dominated it.

She hadn't even activated her [Skill], merely relying on an intense state of [Flow]. Too easy—these opponents were far weaker than I expected.

Without looking back, Twilight Song walked step by step toward the tunnel amidst thunderous cheers.

She had no intention of joining the winner's stage—partly because she had no interest in spending extra time and energy on dancing, but more importantly, it was part of Twilight Song's carefully constructed plan.

Many Legendary Uma Musume existed, sure. But what if one legendary Uma Musume had never once danced on the winner's stage?

It was part of Twilight Song's deliberate plan to carve her name into history:

A carefully crafted persona.

A silent, mysterious, exceptionally powerful legendary Uma Musume who never danced.

Next was... an interview, and then returning home with her sisters to prepare for Japan's Satsuki Sho.

Right, that's exactly what I'll do.

Lost in thought, Twilight Song shook the sticky mud off her shoes and followed the signs toward the interview area.

American racing culture differed slightly from Japan's. While both crowds cheered passionately, American spectators changed allegiances much faster. They'd apparently begun cheering for Twilight Song the moment she exploded from the gate, while Japanese fans tended to remain more loyal to their favorites.

Not that this is bad, she thought. Still, something felt odd about being cheered on as a Japanese Uma Musume who'd thoroughly crushed the American hometown favorites.

Twilight Song took a deep breath, suppressing a slight sweetness in her throat, and stepped into the interview room.

Of course, wisely, she closed her eyes the instant she entered, bracing herself.

Immediately, a storm of camera shutters erupted—bright flashes shining straight through her eyelids.

Typical reporters...

As Twilight Song continued forward, she felt a gentle hand take hold of her wrist.

"Don't be nervous. It's just me."

Before she could react, Mejiro Ramonu spoke softly. Twilight Song immediately relaxed, letting Ramonu guide her onto the platform before opening her eyes.

A sea of eager reporters awaited her, intimidating enough to scare anyone timid. But Twilight Song felt no fear—she was, after all, the newly crowned Caesar.

She clasped her hands behind her back, deliberately ignoring Ramonu's curious gaze. Another deep breath calmed her racing heart, and she forcibly pushed down the rising urge in her throat.

Don't get nervous, there's nothing to fear. You're fine…

"P-please go ahead."

"Let's start with the front row. First question, please."

In the end, Ramonu stepped in to complete the sentence Twilight Song had left hanging, making the young filly blush slightly, suddenly embarrassed.

"Alright, I'll begin. First off—what an incredible race! Miss Twilight Song, will you be performing on the winner's stage shortly?"

Clearly, the reporter had done their homework, but Twilight Song's mind was already made up.

She shook her head, releasing the gentle bite she'd unconsciously given her lip.

"For personal reasons, I will never appear on the winner's stage."

Not once in this lifetime.

"Alright, second question: How did it feel racing in America? Also, do you plan to continue your career here?"

Continue racing here? Oh, right—her nationality technically wasn't strictly Japanese. Or rather, her documents seemed to indicate dual nationality…

"Hmm… Well, the experience was very good. But regarding my future plans, I haven't decided yet. Sorry, but I can't give a clear answer right now."

The reporters seemed satisfied. After all, Twilight Song hadn't refused—only expressed careful consideration.

"Then, third question: Even if you're still considering, do you intend to participate in the upcoming American Triple Crown?"

American Triple Crown?

Twilight Song was momentarily stunned. Honestly, she hadn't even thought about it.

"Ruka, don't say yes, but don't say no either—you understand?"

But Ramonu, standing by her side, seemed to have anticipated this exact question. At least, that's what she seemed to imply as she leaned down, whispering gently into the younger Uma Musume's fluffy white ear.

A vague answer? But why? Didn't she say earlier that we were aiming for the Japanese Triple Crown...?

Though puzzled, Twilight Song nodded calmly without letting any of her confusion show.

Ramonu-neesan wouldn't steer her wrong. She trusted that completely. She could ask for an explanation later.

"Regarding this question, it's similar to my earlier answer. However, if there's an opportunity and the schedule allows it, I'll definitely consider it."

There—this should be fine, right?

Twilight Song lifted her head, completely unaware that her ears had perked up, eagerly awaiting praise like a child.

She met Ramonu's eyes, and the older Uma Musume gave a small, approving nod.

The questions continued for what seemed an eternity. Twilight Song answered everything she could; Ramonu skillfully diverted the rest. Eventually, only one last reporter remained eager to ask a question.

"Alright, go ahead."

"Thank you. Since this should be the final question, I'll make it less serious. Miss Twilight Song, was there any moment during this race that particularly impressed you? And what are your thoughts about Festival Glory, who was originally considered today's favorite?"

Hmm, something impressive about this race… and the original favorite, huh… wait. Festival Glory? Who is that...?

Twilight Song felt briefly confused but quickly masked it.

"The most impressive things for me were probably how muddy my shoes got from the dirt track, and the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. I truly appreciate everyone's support. As for Festival Glory-san, well…"

Only now did Twilight Song realize that throughout the entire race, she hadn't once spared even a single glance toward her opponents.

Not even a passing glance or a fleeting thought.

Sorry, I completely forgot about all of you.

But even if she could redo the race, she probably still wouldn't remember much.

"She's a very strong competitor, and I look forward to facing her again someday."