Chapter 56. Regret
After the interview, Shuta An felt relieved and left the media area to meet up with the Uma Musume of Team Sadalsuud.
"Next up is today's final winning live performance." Shuta An said, leading the way. "Teio said she'll be performing a new song on stage today. Dober, do you know anything about that song?"
Mejiro Dober shook her head.
"I did hear that Teio was going to perform a new song, but I haven't looked into what song it is specifically, and Teio wouldn't tell me proactively."
Since Mejiro Dober didn't know, the other Uma Musumes also shook their heads.
"I also have a new single. The URA Association informed me that they'll give it to me next month. I need to practice well. If I win the Kikuka Sho, I'll be able to perform on stage."
Rice Shower quickly reported this to her Trainer as the conversation touched upon the topic.
"Dober should have one too?" Shuta An turned to look at Mejiro Dober. "After all, the second half of the year is your last period in the Twinkle Series. I guess the URA Association will release a lot of Dober-related merchandise, and a new single will definitely be among them."
"They haven't talked to me about it yet, so I don't know." Mejiro Dober shrugged. "But I wouldn't be surprised if there was."
"I'm really looking forward to Teio's new song." Shuta An murmured with emotion. "Given today's outcome as the backdrop, if it's a powerful song, I feel it could sell very well."
"Can Teio handle such a powerful song?"
Mejiro Dober expressed doubt about this.
"Who knows?" Shuta An raised his eyebrows and responded. "After all, she's never challenged it before."
—
When the Winning Live reached Tokai Teio's solo segment, before the BGM started, the Undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume held the microphone.
"I'm very happy to have been able to let loose at Hanshin Racecourse today. Before today, I saw a lot of doubts about me on social media. And today's performance is my response."
"Whether you dislike my race choices, or you dislike my race style, it's fine if you want to continue."
Tokai Teio showed a playful smile. "Keep being jealous of me, I will continue to maintain this strength."
"Speaking of which, there's a flower whose language includes jealousy." Tokai Teio's tone shifted. "The name of that flower is—"
"Marigold."
"This song is for everyone."
She took the microphone from the stand, and the BGM started.
"A strong wind, ever so slightly, stirred a wavering heart. You, whom I gaze upon earnestly, make me miss you dearly."
—
"It's a love song..."
With just two lines of lyrics, Shuta An immediately judged the style and tone of the song.
"These kinds of songs are always the best sellers, after all."
Mejiro Dober heard it clearly and grumbled inwardly.
"When the URA Association contacts me, I'll also request a high-quality love song."
Not only that, Mejiro Dober was convinced that she would be better at performing such a song than Teio. After all, Teio had never experienced love—
"You, wearing a straw hat, are like a marigold swaying in the wind. That summer sky was blue, smiling as I reminisced about past love."
"You said 'don't leave again', looking at you on the verge of tears, I gently, with cloud-like tenderness, held you tightly, tightly in my embrace, never to let go."
As she sang the chorus, Tokai Teio's gaze was fixed intently in the direction of her Trainer.
Shuta An met her gaze, experiencing firsthand the burning emotions in Tokai Teio's eyes.
By now, the young man was no longer afraid of the emotions Tokai Teio displayed.
"Can I accept it, can Teio do it?"
He silently asked Tokai Teio in his heart.
—
Mejiro McQueen sat below the stands, sweat beads constantly forming on her forehead.
"I said there was no need to wait until the Winning Live was over. We should have gone straight to the hospital for a check-up after getting off the stage just now."
Gold Ship frowned.
"McQueen is too stubborn."
"Watching the Winning Live is a basic courtesy to the winner of the race."
Enduring the pain in her left leg, Mejiro McQueen explained.
"Putting myself in her shoes, if I were in the same position, I certainly wouldn't want Teio to leave early."
"But she didn't even glance this way for a second." Gold Ship was a bit displeased. "McQueen's efforts received no reward at all."
"Don't say that!" Mejiro McQueen's tone suddenly became stern. "If we're talking about dedication to Teio, can anyone surpass her Trainer?"
Gold Ship didn't speak again, but Nishizaki Ryu could see that she still felt it was unfair to Mejiro McQueen.
So he quickly interjected. "Gold Ship is also thinking from McQueen's perspective."
"I know, but Teio's emotions won't be divided right now."
Mejiro McQueen closed her eyes, her right hand pressed against her chest.
"After all, I'm the one she left 5 seconds behind."
Listening to Mejiro McQueen's self-deprecating remark, Nishizaki Ryu could only show an expression uglier than crying.
"Today's bitter result is entirely my fault."
He bowed his head, giving Mejiro McQueen a deep bow. "I'm truly sorry!"
"No, Trainer is not wrong." Mejiro McQueen opened her eyes, looking at her Trainer. "I pushed myself too hard."
But Nishizaki Ryu would not feel any relief from Mejiro McQueen's response.
His mind kept replaying how his friend acted when the Uma Musumes of Team Sadalsuud tried to push themselves too hard.
"I still have so much to improve, so much to learn, and so many things I could have done but didn't—" Nishizaki Ryu bit his lip.
To be honest, before the Takarazuka Kinen, watching the media hype around Mejiro McQueen, Nishizaki Ryu would definitely be deceiving himself if he said he didn't feel vain.
But when the heavy hammer of a tragic result became reality, all the fleeting pride disappeared.
"Ann-san is going to Europe this summer, so I'll go to America for further training."
Nishizaki Ryu, having made up his mind, his gaze fell on Mejiro McQueen's temporarily bandaged left ankle.
"I'll have to take McQueen with me. I remember Oguri Cap had her recovery treatment on the West Coast."
No matter the cost, Nishizaki Ryu had made up his mind; he would pay for his mistakes and errors.
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Exciting news for all readers! I'm thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new fan-fiction and continue translating fanfiction for you to dive into:
1️⃣ [What? SHE is My Online Girlfriend?]
2️⃣ [Fate Grand/Master]
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