When Kousei regained her senses, the race was already over. Gasping for breath, she glanced at the scoreboard and saw she had lost by three lengths.
McQueen, showing no signs of fatigue, had finished the race in excellent condition. Her effortless demeanor suggested that if she had exerted her full power from the start, the race would have ended much sooner. As one of the top contenders in the novice ranks, Kousei felt privileged to have raced against McQueen.
"You're stronger than I expected," McQueen said, pulling Kousei to her feet. "It seems you can't believe everything you hear."
As Kousei stood, she noticed the atmosphere had shifted. The other Umamusume's gazes were inscrutable, and the tension in the air was heavier than she had ever experienced before.
"Welcome to the Twinkle Series," McQueen announced.
It dawned on Kousei: these Umamusume already saw her as a rival. To be honest, during the final sprint, she had completely lost awareness of her surroundings. She couldn't even confirm whether the Forbidden Gate had opened, but perhaps she had truly grown stronger.
The Trainer's gaze burned with intensity. "Is this the evolution you chose to challenge the Twinkle Series?"
Though it was just a practice race, everything felt different now. Kousei could clearly sense the hostility radiating toward her, yet strangely, she felt exhilarated. It wasn't malicious, but rather a genuine acknowledgment of her strength.
"Come to this side of the door, Kousei," McQueen said before turning and leaving.
Kousei froze, startled. McQueen's words echoed in her mind.
After the mock race concluded, Kousei's training ended. Back in her dorm room, McQueen's remark filled her thoughts.
Is the door McQueen mentioned... the one I saw?
McQueen's words weighed heavily on Kousei's mind. As she bathed, she gazed at her reflection. In terms of appearance, Kousei had inherited her mother's exceptional genes: a roan coat, starry eyes, and a slender waist—a true beauty.
If she had followed Gold City's path as a model, life might have been easier.
However, due to her lineage, Kousei lacked extraordinary talent. Her mother was an Umamusume with a career record of 7 wins in 21 races. While she had won graded stakes and often placed in G1 events, she remained a well-known supporting character, active behind the elite champions.
Her father, her mother's Trainer, had married her swiftly after her graduation. Thus, his reputation was merely that of a competent Trainer.
Despite this, both parents held high hopes for Kousei, bestowing upon her the name "Kousei," meaning "Radiant Star or Brilliance."
Kousei wasn't quite the same as her mother. While her mother had a deer-like grace, Kousei possessed a reed-like elegance. Her mother, a renowned supporting character, had displayed exceptional talent from a young age, earning universal acclaim. Her frequent victories against top-tier rivals were her greatest achievement. Unfortunately, despite her mother's exceptional aptitude, Kousei had inherited only her beauty. During her early years, the media mockingly labeled her "the beautiful but empty-headed heir."
Bearing a name that promised brilliance, yet burdened by unmet expectations—this was Kousei's reality.
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang. Ignoring her dripping hair, Kousei hastily wrapped herself in a bath towel and rushed to answer the door.
"Good evening, Kousei!"
The person at the door was strikingly handsome, with neatly cropped black hair. Were it not for the girl's uniform, one might have mistaken her for a beautiful young man who had wandered in by mistake.
"Good evening, Fuji Kiseki-senpai."
A figure squeezed out from behind Fuji Kiseki, sporting healthy, tanned skin and striking raven hair. She flashed Kousei a cheerful grin. "Yo, Kousei! Have you eaten properly?"
"N-not yet, Hishi Amazon-senpai."
The unexpected visit from the Dorm Leaders of Ritto and Miho Dormitories left Kousei flustered and speechless. She could only stammer out a bewildered reply.
"I knew you hadn't eaten, so I brought this over," one of the Dorm Leaders said, holding up her bento box.
"Let's eat together," the other added, holding up her own.
Due to special circumstances, Kousei lived alone in the Ritto Dormitory. Without a roommate, she often felt isolated and lonely in her room. As she wondered why the Dorm Leaders had come to visit, she suddenly remembered it was a holiday for reunions. Most Umamusume had returned home to their families, while those far from home were spending time with roommates or friends. Only Kousei was left alone, having even forgotten what day it was.
"Come on, try Big Sister's cooking! You'll absolutely love it!" Amazon exclaimed.
The combined portions from the two bento boxes were overwhelming. Kousei didn't know where to start.
"Just relax and enjoy it," Shiranui said. "We made this especially for you."
Kousei realized the food was indeed her favorite. But how had the Dorm Leaders known?
As if answering her unspoken question, Amazon puffed out her chest proudly, wiping her nose. "I've been observing you closely, you know! I've memorized all your favorite dishes from the cafeteria. But you eat way too many snacks! You can't skip proper meals like this!"
"An Umamusume who eats well runs fast—that's the saying. If you want to challenge the Emperor, you can't skip meals."
The warmth of their words and the steaming food radiated care.
Kousei picked up a piece and brought it to her mouth, a smile suddenly blossoming on her face. It wasn't just her stomach that felt warm; her heart did too. The simple, familiar taste reminded her of her parents.
Fuji Kiseki and Hishi Amazon exchanged knowing glances.
"Eat well and grow strong," they said.
After the meal, the two Dorm Leaders stayed to chat with Kousei for a while, only leaving when it was time for room checks.
It's a holiday today. Maybe I should call Mom and Dad.
With that thought, Kousei dialed home. After a brief wait, her mother's gentle voice answered.
"Good evening, Kousei."
"I haven't even said anything yet! How did you know it was me?"
"I have a special connection with you. I can always recognize your voice instantly!"
Kousei couldn't help but smile, wondering if her mother was still trying to coax her like a child.
"Where's Dad?"
"Dad's listening in," her mother said. "If he hadn't been hogging the phone, I would have gotten Kousei's call much sooner."
From the other end of the line came her father's heart-wrenching wail: "Kousei! Are you eating well at school? Are you eating on time? Are you sleeping soundly? Is training too exhausting? Please be careful! It's okay if you don't win the G1! Just stay healthy and happy. Oh, and it's so hot these days, remember to..."
"That's enough, dear!" her mother scolded, cutting him off. Though Kousei couldn't see them, a warm, familiar scene unfolded in her mind.
Mother and daughter talked for a long time, catching up after so long, until Kousei's alarm reminded her it was time to rest.
"Okay, Mom, I need to get some sleep now."
After Kousei spoke, the line fell silent.
"Mom?"
The silence stretched so long that Kousei wondered if the connection had been lost, until her mother's gentle voice returned, its words like a prayer carried on the wind to her faraway child.
"Do your best, Kousei. Your father and I are always watching over you."