Sorting through my phone, the recent surge in app game updates has made storage tight, forcing tough choices. A newly added contact name catches me off guard, and I clutch my head in frustration.
"Why'd this happen…?"
A few days earlier, after the Tenno Sho (Autumn) race, I left a legendary mark with the Mejiro trio's grand salute. Post-interviews, I retreated to my break room, savoring a hot cocoa.
"Mmm, cocoa hits different sometimes…"
"Great work. Twenty-one consecutive wins—an unprecedented record," my trainer says.
"Flattery won't get you anything but a check," I tease.
"Don't need it," he retorts.
His troubled look hints at wealth beyond my quips.
"Winning Live's next, huh? What songs are left?" I ask.
"Winning the Soul and Umapyoi Legend. The former's unlikely for live, but Umapyoi might be it."
"Umapyoi? What even is that?"
"Who knows."
One of the seven wonders of the Uma Musume world, maybe.
"Rampage-san, there's something delicate I need to mention…" My trainer's rare hesitance sparks unease. Given the Emperor and Empress's presence, it's likely related.
"They'd like to speak with you after the Winning Live."
"Yeah, figured. Probably Sirius suggesting they talk to me, right?"
"Word for word."
"Oh…"
As a Derby Uma Musume and international contender, Sirius's status is unique. The Emperor enjoyed her tales, but she hit her limit, passing the baton to me—apparently after landing herself an acute stomach ulcer.
"Ouch, that's rough…"
"You've had one?" he asks.
"Yeah, from singing in English class. Nerve-wracking."
"Before Tressen?"
"Something like that."
It's a memory etched in my human soul, a lingering pain I can still recall. I sympathize with Sirius.
"What do I even talk about with His Majesty? Never planned for this."
"Normally, no one does. He said to be yourself, but…"
"Easier said than done."
"Right…"
"Be at ease," they say, but it's like being told to sit and feeling too stiff to move.
"What about McQueen and Ryan joining?"
"Tried. They dodged with clever excuses."
"I'll eat a DX Melon Parfait in front of McQueen during her diet…!" I vow.
"Nothing for Ryan?"
"She's got my respect. Sushi for her."
With revenge on McQueen settled, my trainer leaves to handle post-race duties, urging me to rest for the live. I plan to.
"What do I talk about? Pre-Mejiro family stuff's off-limits. Maybe camp stories? Shin-san's streams or Kabu-chan might come up…"
I decide to organize my thoughts. I'm an ad-libber, but preparation helps—though I'll probably fumble it live. It's about mental readiness.
"Be myself, huh? Tough order…"
As I reach for another cocoa, the door swings open. Not my trainer—he'd knock. I grab my phone, ready to record intrusive media.
"Huh?"
It's no reporter. A young Uma Musume in cute clothes stands there, her ears twitching, eyes puzzled.
"Mejiro Rampage-san! Why're you here?"
"Uh, it's my break room?"
"Oh! Must've taken a wrong turn."
A lost kid. Her parents must be worried. I can't ignore her. Kneeling like a knight, I offer my hand.
"Your hand, milady. Allow me to escort you."
"Yay, lead on!"
She places her hand in mine, mood lifted, and we leave together.
"Your race was amazing! Zoom!"
"Honored by your praise. Hope no one's too worried."
"Maybe they're looking, but I'm fine."
That's not fine. Gotta get her back fast. She stares at a vending machine, then me, back and forth.
"Time to find your folks."
"Ignoring me, huh?" she pouts, tapping my thigh.
"Alright, what'll it be, milady?"
"Cocoa, please!"
I buy her one. Sipping, we retrace her path.
"Are you a real noble lady?" I ask.
"Dunno," she shrugs.
Fair. Too complex for a kid. But her speech—fancy words, ease with my playful formality—suggests she's used to it. A hunch: she's connected to my imperial meeting.
"This the right way?"
"Yup!"
"Good, then—" A shout cuts me off: "Your Highness!"
Instinctively shielding her, I turn. A sweating Uma Musume in a black suit stumbles toward us. The girl waves.
"You're safe! Where were you?" the suit asks.
"Got lost after the bathroom."
"You must tell us!" The suit notices me, bowing. "Mejiro Rampage-sama! Did you assist Her Highness?"
"Just brought her along from my break room."
"She bought me cocoa!"
"Truly? Your Highness, your sister and mother await."
"Okay!"
Waving, she's led away by more suits, who bow deeply.
"Thank you for covering our lapse…"
"No worries. Wait—Her Highness? She's… above me?"
"…I can't say loudly."
I get it. My role's done; I won't see her again. Back to my break room, with the SP-like Uma Musume bowing endlessly.
"Her Highness and SP suits… no way…"
Resting, I head to the Winning Live. The Emperor and Empress's presence slows others, but the Mejiro trio shines, nailing it. Then, with my trainer, I face the imperial meeting.
"Hey, we meet again!" the girl chirps.
"…Yeah, we do…"
Right before, I see her again. My suspicion's confirmed when she introduces herself.
"I'm Fine Motion, visiting incognito from Ireland!"
"No wonder they call you 'Your Highness.'"
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