The Japan Cup stands as one of the absolute pinnacles for Uma Musume racing in Japan, representing the highest honor.
Even among all G1 major stakes races, its prestige ranks within the top three—though that refers to the past, not the current era.
This race differs drastically from other G1 events. It is the only major Japanese stakes race open to Uma Musume from all over the world.
A colossal international contest that gathers powerhouse competitors from across the globe, where the reputation of Japanese horse racing is put squarely on the line.
For Japanese Uma Musume seeking to compete against overseas rivals, this presents a fantastic opportunity—after all, embarking on overseas expeditions carries far too many uncertainties.
Spectators at the Japan Cup naturally divide along national lines. What fan wouldn't cheer for the Uma Musume from their own country?
But because this race is globally connected, and thanks to the Japan Cup's turf format and its prize money ranking among the highest in the world, many foreign Uma Musume are more than willing to participate.
As a result, the number of slots available for local Japanese Uma Musume gets drastically squeezed.
Under such circumstances, the Uma Musume who do get selected must be those the audience deems most suitable—or those who hold some distinct advantage in a particular aspect.
"So why on earth was Gold City chosen?!"
Mr. C.B. was throwing a fit in the student council room, relentlessly tormenting the plush sofa personally procured by Symboli Rudolf, acting like a complete child.
Meanwhile, Symboli Rudolf continued calmly reviewing documents, utterly unperturbed by the living spectacle before her.
But it wasn't that her mental fortitude had reached a level where she could ignore Mr. C.B.—rather, she had firmly plugged both ears with earplugs.
"Now, now, C.B., calm down. Gold City is plenty strong herself. It's not strange at all that she was selected."
Maruzensky, who had rarely shown up in the student council room, sipped her black tea leisurely and smiled as she tried to soothe Mr. C.B.
"Maruzensky-senpai, I'm not saying City isn't strong."
Mr. C.B. rolled over to face Maruzensky as she explained.
"But she's not strong enough. This time, the competitors are all first-class opponents—formidable rivals even I'm not entirely confident against. Honestly, City's current ability just doesn't measure up."
"Last year's challengers like Moonlight Madness, the rising American star Michelle Baby, world-class powerhouse Tony Bianca, and the stunningly beautiful, proud goddess Ellerslie Pride—each of them is a top-tier winner with multiple G1 victories."
Mr. C.B.'s gaze was deadly serious.
"Maruzensky-senpai, if you were to run in this race, could you be certain of victory?"
Maruzensky silently sipped her tea. Her expression said it all.
"Naturally, I believe in my ability to win."
Her tone was somewhat airy. "But even so, I wouldn't say victory in this Japan Cup is guaranteed."
"This race is anything but ordinary. I truly can't say for sure."
"See? Even you think the opponents are strong, Senpai. So how does City stand a chance? Why on earth did the audience choose her to compete?"
Mr. C.B. couldn't wrap her head around it.
It wasn't that she had some grudge against Gold City and didn't want to see her run in a major stakes race. On the contrary, she got along quite well with Gold City.
But precisely because of that, she worried for Gold City.
After all, competing on a stage carrying the nation's pride—if her performance turned out poorly, the pressure from public opinion would be brutal.
"Don't worry. Gold City won't face such a terrible outcome."
Just then, Symboli Rudolf spoke up.
She carefully removed the earplugs, let out a long sigh, and tried to relieve the fatigue weighing on both her mind and body.
"Rudolf, finished with your work? You've worked hard."
Maruzensky smiled warmly as she offered sympathy to the clearly exhausted Symboli Rudolf.
"Maruzensky-senpai, if you truly mean that, how about helping me with some of these documents? Superficial sympathy like this doesn't make me happy."
Symboli Rudolf leaned back limply, her elegantly curved body sinking into the comfortable office chair.
"Hahaha, this tea is really lovely though…"
Maruzensky, all smiles, deftly changed the subject, completely sidestepping Rudolf's remark.
That 'brazenly unbothered' attitude of hers made the Emperor grit her teeth in frustration.
"Hey, Rudolf, you still haven't explained why!"
Meanwhile, Mr. C.B., dissatisfied, slammed the table repeatedly, generating a racket.
"Patience, C.B.-senpai."
Rubbing her temples, Symboli Rudolf sighed in resignation.
"It's because the audience does have some sense, after all. Gold City's abilities are right there on paper. Strictly speaking, there are many more suitable Uma Musume. And yet, her votes soared far above the rest."
"Can you guess the reason, Senpai? A friendly hint: look to the foreign Uma Musume."
Symboli Rudolf smiled playfully—a rare moment of relaxation for her.
"Hmm…"
Mr. C.B. started flipping frantically through the reports in her hands, scanning the information of every foreign participant one by one.
"Rudolf, if you've got something to say, just say it. Why play guessing games…?"
She grumbled under her breath, but Mr. C.B. still obediently searched carefully for the reason.
Beside her, Maruzensky, also curious, set down her tea and came over to look through the pages with Mr. C.B.
Soon, Maruzensky noticed a small, easily overlooked detail.
"Wait, C.B., stop!"
She halted Mr. C.B.'s hand just as she was about to turn the page. Then, slowly, she moved her finger to one of the photos and smiled triumphantly.
"Hmph, Rudolf, you're referring to this one, aren't you? Ellerslie Pride."
"As expected of Maruzensky-senpai—sharp and clever as ever." Symboli Rudolf clapped lightly, nodding in approval.
"Huh? What is it? Explain it clearly!"
Mr. C.B., watching the two share knowing smiles and speak in riddles, felt as if she'd been silently looked down upon somehow, and it irritated her to no end.
"No need to rush, I was just about to explain."
Maruzensky beckoned cheerfully.
"C.B., look—how does the article describe this Ellerslie Pride?"
"Stunning beauty? World-class good looks?"
"Exactly, that's the key."
Maruzensky gently stroked her own long hair while holding the report in her other hand.
"Humans are utterly visual creatures. Appearance is always the first thing we notice. And Ellerslie Pride's beauty is just that aggressive—even with a small scar on her left cheek, it does nothing to diminish her looks."
Symboli Rudolf picked up the explanation from there.
"That beauty captivates the audience, but it also stirs a competitive spirit. They don't want other countries to think Japanese Uma Musume lag behind in looks. And that's precisely why Gold City was chosen."
"After all, her beauty is truly breathtaking."
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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