Over the course of these two tumultuous weeks, every clash unfolded behind the scenes.
Ordinary spectators and Uma Musume alike remained completely unaware until the dust had already settled.
Symboli Rudolf and Mr. C.B., joining forces with the police, uncovered evidence of certain manufacturers producing merchandise without the individuals' consent.
With the higher-ups in the URA now preoccupied with their own survival, those manufacturers had no intention of going down with them.
"Are you kidding? Admitting it is just a matter of violating portrait rights and illegal production—pay a fine and it's over. But if we stubbornly deny it, the consequences could be far worse."
'If those URA folks could still offer some protection, maybe we'd hold out. But now…'
In short, with the manufacturers' confession, the URA officials were utterly finished, left with not a shred of room for rebuttal. All that awaited them was a thorough reckoning.
As for the vacancies left behind?
'What a joke. When planting radishes now, who'd worry about having too many holes?'
The URA was full of capable people ready to step up; there were plenty to choose from.
Naturally, the major families also took the opportunity to slot some retired Uma Musume into those positions. Finally, the URA would have the presence of the Uma Musume itself.
With the establishment of a new regulatory department, everyone agreed that Symboli Rudolf, who led this reform, was the most fitting candidate for director. However, she politely declined.
"I currently hold the position of Student Council President at Central Tracen Academy. This is not a role to be taken lightly, and I truly have no spare capacity to oversee the URA as well."
Yet, even as she refused, she brought Mr. C.B. into the spotlight, asserting that Mr. C.B.'s contributions during this operation were indispensable and that she was equally qualified to serve as director.
The other family heads had no objections. Besides, Mr. C.B. had indeed played a major role, providing many crucial leads. So, they agreed.
Congratulations to Mr. C.B. on her promotion to URA Director (absolutely no sympathy).
But never mind Mr. C.B., now buried under a mountain of official duties. The announcement of a new public notice was what truly mattered.
Thus, after spending an extra three days quelling the chaos and reorganizing the URA, the new URA promptly issued its first official announcement since the restructuring—a document the audience had been eagerly awaiting.
"To our esteemed spectators and all Uma Musume participating in the Twinkle Series, following this series of personnel changes, the new URA will face the public with a completely renewed attitude. Please trust in our efficiency."
"Now, a long-pending proposal for regulatory changes, much discussed, has reached a conclusion. We unanimously believe that the Twinkle Series was established for the welfare of the Uma Musume."
"Certain rigid and harsh regulations clearly contradict this purpose and will now be formally amended. The announcement is as follows."
"As is widely known, the year following the completion of full-scale development is the classic year. For all races currently restricted to classic year registration, supplementary rules are now added: the official registration deadline is one month before the race, but supplementary entries will be accepted up until three days before the race, provided the entry requirements are met and a penalty fee is paid."
The appearance of this announcement thrilled all spectators.
The future might be uncertain, but one thing was now clear: The Radiant Knight would not miss this year's classic Triple Crown races.
--+--
"Wonderful. This is how it should be!"
Fujii Senosuke set down his newspaper and removed his glasses. A look of deep contentment spread across his face.
"Back then, the Emperor and I couldn't alter Oguri Cap's fate, but it seems that effort wasn't entirely wasted. While Oguri Cap's regret at the time was unavoidable, from now on, and far into the future, such tragedies likely won't happen again."
He let out a long sigh, put his glasses back on, and suddenly began vigorously scratching his head, thoroughly mussing up his neatly arranged hair.
"Damn it! My journalistic instincts tell me there are earth-shattering secrets and underlying currents behind all this, but I have no chance to dig deeper. This is unbearable. What journalist could stand such torture? It's pure hell!"
Unfortunately, no one would pay any heed to his grumbling.
--+--
Elsewhere, Nearl had once again arrived at the student council room, a place she was now intimately familiar with.
While most Tracen Uma Musume viewed it as a seat of prestige, to Nearl, it wasn't much different from the cafeteria these days.
'Well, that's what happens when you get used to a place.'
"President, Vice President, your tea."
"Thank you."
"Thanks."
See? Now Rudolf didn't even make tea for Nearl; instead, Nearl prepared it for them.
Of course, this was also due to Nearl's exceptional skill and her willing-to-serve nature.
Unconsciously, Nearl had become integrated into the student council, serving as a vice president without an official title.
Whether reviewing documents or making decisions, Rudolf always liked to have Nearl by her side.
"A perfect ending. It wasn't easy."
Showing rare fatigue, Rudolf picked up the black tea Nearl had prepared and took a sip.
"But we can finally relax for a while. Looking at these documents now, they don't seem nearly as daunting as during the great upheaval."
"This is no excuse for slacking off now and dumping all the paperwork on Nearl, President."
Air Groove, diligently reviewing documents nearby, voiced her resent.
"I also acknowledge Nearl's excellence, and of course, I trust her with the paperwork. But she's still a newly enrolled student. For you to burden her with so much responsibility, President..."
"It's alright, Air Groove-senpai. I don't feel tired."
"Nearl, you too. You're too kind-hearted."
"Haha, haha."
Rudolf chuckled helplessly. Recently, with her focus entirely on URA matters, the student council had been upheld single-handedly by Air Groove—a workload even Rudolf found overwhelming.
Fortunately, Nearl, realizing Air Groove was so busy she only got five hours of sleep, stepped in to help. Otherwise, Air Groove might have really gone to meet the three goddesses.
Because of this, Air Groove now showed extreme concern for Nearl, almost like an older sister.
"Alright, back to the main topic."
Rudolf opened the drawer in front of her and pulled out a registration form with a slightly different design, handing it to Nearl.
"This is the supplementary registration form for the classic races. To apply for supplementary entry, you have to come to the student council. The trainers' office can't handle it."
"Thank you, President."
"It's nothing. This opportunity is one you've earned, Nearl. I look forward to your Satsuki Sho. No—I look forward to your future."
Resting her chin on interlaced fingers, Rudolf's eyes were full of anticipation. For her, Nearl's appearance truly meant a great deal...
But this quiet atmosphere lasted only a few seconds before it was shattered by a voice—young, sweet, and clinging.
"Prez~~~~"
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! 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!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.