...
April 28, Tokyo Racecourse was packed to capacity as the Tenno Sho (Spring) officially began.
A disciplined marching band passed over the turf, heavy brass and drums playing with bold passion and freedom. All spectators awaited the horse girls' appearance.
"Mejiro Palmer's strategy before this race has mainly been front-running... but according to the data, hmm, she's actually quite suited for a great escape run too."
"Though she hasn't done it yet... you need to be careful not to let the pace get messed up right from the start."
"The main threats are still Mejiro Ryan—your good sister."
"But none of the horse girls who qualified for this race are pushovers. Pay attention to positioning, timing..."
...
Mejiro McQueen listened quietly, nodding in response to Lucian's words.
She always got nervous before races, but hearing these pre-race reminders Lucian had repeated countless times somehow made her feel inexplicably at ease.
It was as if he absorbed all her tension.
Then, sensing the obvious nervousness in his voice, she ended up comforting him in return.
"Don't worry, Torena-san. You don't need to be so anxious."
Her long, flowing hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back, unfurling like an elegant scroll in gentle sway, radiating softness and lightness.
Even in her race outfit, Mejiro McQueen maintained absolute poise and grace.
"I really am a bit overly nervous..."
Gain it by luck, lose it by fate.
Lucian had that mindset, yet he also harbored fierce ambition for the championship.
"Torena-san, I believe this race will go smoothly. Think about all the training we went through before the race—the effort and sweat won't betray us." Mejiro McQueen's lips could no longer hold back her smile.
"Mm... you're right." Lucian nodded, but slowly realized something was off. "Wait, no—McQueen is the one racing. Why am I the one being encouraged?"
"Giggle giggle~" Mejiro McQueen covered her lips, weaving a pleasant chime-like laughter. "Torena-san finally noticed? Being nervous means you don't have confidence in me."
"When you put it that way, it's my fault." Lucian's tense face relaxed, a thread of smile escaping. "Then I won't be nervous anymore."
"Mm, I think instead of overthinking, Torena-san should consider what kind of pastries to prepare for the victory celebration."
Lucian's smile widened. "Looks like the esteemed Mejiro lady is getting a bit cocky. Your little belly isn't tucked in, is it? Don't tuck—let me see."
"Hmph." Mejiro McQueen's cheeks flushed as if touched by cold ice for a moment, but she quickly crossed her arms, putting on a haughty air. "It's not tucked desu... and that's terribly rude desuwa."
"Alright, it's about time for you to enter. We'll be in the stands cheering for you."
Mejiro McQueen had already put on her shoes—Lucian couldn't very well help her again.
He stood to leave first, but Mejiro McQueen called after him. "Torena-san."
"Hm? Something else?"
"Isn't there something you still haven't said..."
"I really was too nervous and forgot something." Lucian thought for a moment, then looked up with sudden realization. "Return in triumph."
"Mm, return in triumph!"
Before the race, nothing reassured her more than those words.
...
"All entrants have appeared. After warm-up, prepare for the gate!"
"The top-voted popularity pick is Mejiro McQueen, with Mejiro Ryan in second. The vote difference isn't huge."
"Hm? Something seems to be happening on the turf?"
Near the gate, the stands suddenly erupted in boos. Mejiro McQueen stood at the gate entrance, tugging at her own tail, refusing to enter.
The cheering from the "Dream" side quieted for a moment; everyone watched Mejiro McQueen on the turf with worry.
Tokai Teio: "Trainer, what's wrong with McQueen?"
"Mm... tail tangled or something?" Lucian frowned, unsure what had happened—just worried it might affect Mejiro McQueen's mindset before the race.
But the situation didn't last long. Mejiro McQueen entered the gate smoothly, and the stands burst into cheers.
She still had plenty of supporters.
Her elegant appearance and powerful strength had clearly captured many hearts.
...
The race officially started. All horse girls exited the gate smoothly.
After exiting, they gradually moved toward the inner rail. Before the first turn, the formation for this race had already set.
Leading was horse girl number 11, but she was only maintaining the lead—not employing a true "escape" or extreme "great escape."
Mejiro Palmer wasn't particularly noticeable in this race; Lucian guessed she hadn't yet developed her advantageous running style.
For now, no need to worry about her.
Mejiro McQueen was in the front half of the mid-pack, her position fluctuating between fifth, sixth, and seventh.
She hadn't chosen the inner rail, instead staying one horse length away from it.
This position allowed her to observe opponents on all sides, but it also risked being blocked later.
Seeing this, Lucian couldn't help feeling tense again.
...
Long-distance races were prolonged battles of attrition, testing both stamina and mentality.
The opening formation only changed at the third turn.
The leading number 11 seemed to run out of steam, watching the new leader take over by a head's margin.
Mejiro McQueen began accelerating forward, blocking the path of those behind while pressuring those ahead.
Once again, at this familiar point, the race officially entered McQueen's rhythm!
But as Mejiro McQueen surged, the other horse girls also increased their pace, surging forward in a swarm, all vying for the best position before exiting the turn!
Colorful flashes of light shone frequently, signaling that the horse girls had all entered peak condition!
The chaotic hoofbeats sounded like drumrolls, or muffled thunder caught in the sky's throat—boom after boom, singing the prelude to a storm.
Amid the dazzling chaos, one beam of light outshone all others!
"Mejiro Ryan is accelerating!" the announcer shouted excitedly.
Mejiro Ryan streaked past like a gust of wind. As she passed Mejiro McQueen, their gazes briefly met.
It felt like... a provocation? But more like a challenge!
"McQueen, if this is all you've got, I'm taking the championship in this race!"
...