With the tumultuous party finally over, and the serious preparations for the Champion Stakes about to begin, Rampage did not neglect her duties as a senior.
"I won the Open, Senpai~!!" a voice chirped.
"Nice job, Ticket. Your second win, successfully."
"Next up is the graded race challenge! I'm fired up already~!!"
It was Ticket, the megaphone of Canopus, who had debuted in July. She had not only won her Make Debut race, but also her subsequent Open race with flying colors, and was now scheduled to challenge the Sapporo Junior Stakes. If she continued on this schedule, she would reportedly contend in the Hopeful Stakes at year-end.
"How are things on your end? Same as always?"
"It doesn't feel like much has changed. Recently, Dra-Ran has finally started to learn the trick of being passionate while remaining calm."
"Sounds like things are going smoothly…"
Rampage felt a slight pang of worry about Canopus without her, but it seemed Ikuno and Nature were taking charge and holding things together. Everyone was often surprised by Ikuno's serious-faced, yet outlandish remarks, which Nature skillfully corrected. Despite seeming like a stiff, bespectacled character, Ikuno is actually incredibly easygoing, Rampage mused.
"Rampage-senpai, your race is soon, right!! I'm cheering for you!!"
"Thanks, Ticket. Support from Winning Ticket, truly my express ticket to victory, wouldn't you say?"
"Oh, stop it, Senpai~! You're too much~♪"
They chatted away in such a pleasant manner. It was shortly before the Irish Champion Stakes was to be held when Rampage noticed something.
"Something's… unusually noisy today. This much would be normal at Tracen, but it's rare here."
As she continued her training runs on the Rampage Iron track, the area around the course had grown quite boisterous. This was land owned by the King of Ireland; no one should be able to enter without permission, at the very least… Yet, there were spectators looking her way, excitedly chattering and making noise.
"Apparently, today's a castle tour day. Fine-chan asked if it was okay to incorporate your practice session into it, and I said yes." Sue-chan explained.
"And my permission?"
"Well, Ramp-chan, you wouldn't care anyway, would you? And you'd just provide fan service normally, right?"
"Yeah, I guess."
Well, if those were the circumstances, it was fine. At the very least, if it had Sue-chan's permission rather than being unauthorized, Rampage had no right to refuse. She resumed her run, but the gazes remained fixed on her. She naturally noticed that some among them were diligently taking notes. The nearby SPs started to move to stop them—but Sue-chan held them back.
"Don't worry, it's too late for them to do anything like that now."
"…Understood."
They were probably associates of the participating Uma Musume, hoping to gather data up close to gain an advantage. But it was far too late for that, and there was effectively only one way to 'solve' Rampage: compete purely on specs. So, taking data was… what she thought, until one Uma Musume snatched a notebook and tore it to shreds right in front of the man.
"What!? W-What are you doing!? You, an Uma Musume of our homeland!" the man exclaimed, utterly stunned.
The Uma Musume stood tall and dignified. Despite her youthful appearance, she faced the adult with a regal poise that already exuded the air of a champion.
"We, the Uma Musume of our homeland, will compete fairly and honorably. Taking data is a legitimate act, but it is far too late. Most likely, you underestimated her, thinking an Uma Musume from the Far East couldn't possibly win in Europe. Yet, without accurately assessing her true abilities, you now frantically gather data. A true champion already possesses such data and has no need for it."
The man bit his lip, completely intimidated by the young Uma Musume who, though easily two decades his junior, continued to speak without an ounce of hesitation. The man was a fan of Shall We Dance, an enthusiastic supporter who almost exclusively cheered for her. He had consistently underestimated Rampage's running, believing Shall to be superior, but he finally reconsidered his opinion. He had been desperately trying to find Rampage's weaknesses.
"The curtain has already risen. All that remains is to pray for the good fortune of our homeland's heroes… Wouldn't you agree, Mejiro Rampage-dono?"
"Oh, very eloquent, aren't we~ Too bad I'm just an Uma Musume from the Far East~"
"Gasp!?"
Suddenly, Rampage herself appeared on the scene. Everyone was confused, wondering why she wasn't still running. Rampage, however, kept her gaze fixed on the young Uma Musume.
"Don't be so harsh on him. He's just trying his best to do what he can."
"I do not deny that. That is precisely why I believe one must discern what truly ought to be done. If he were to ponder a little more, he would find more beneficial actions, such as recognizing that simply cheering as before is the most important."
"—…I'm sorry…"
The man honestly bowed his head. Schooled by the young Uma Musume, he understood what was right. He then informed a nearby staff member that he would be leaving and headed out of the castle. Watching him go, the girl faced Rampage again.
"Our representatives are strong. I guarantee you the best race. Therefore, please give us a good race."
"That was the plan from the start. What's your name, kid?"
Rampage couldn't help but be curious about the name of an Uma Musume who could speak with such conviction. The girl puffed out her chest and proudly stated her name.
"Montjeu. I am one of your fans, who respects you."
"Montjeu… I'll remember that."
After hearing her name, Rampage shook her hand. That interaction kicked off a series of fan services for the visitors, but the Uma Musume's name echoed repeatedly in Rampage's mind. She never expected to hear that name here.
The long-cherished dream of Japanese horsemen: the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The racehorse that came closest to achieving that dream was El Condor Pasa. The racehorse that shattered that dream was none other than Montjeu, who had achieved 6 wins and 1 second place in 7 starts on the way to the Arc, challenging and claiming victory with an overwhelming record.
Even among Uma Musume, she was said to be the strongest in France, but her origin was Ireland. Her presence here was not strange at all. Rampage never imagined she would meet that Montjeu—the one who would eventually clash with El Condor Pasa, Special Week, and Air Shakur—here. But there was also a feeling of gladness that she had met her.
"Montjeu, as you said, it will be the best race. I will make it so."
"I look forward to it. As one of your fans."
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