Chapter 91: Wilm Wilm Rock You

The URA Awards.

They are honors presented at the end of January, issued by the URA—technically for the current year, or rather the previous one—to Uma Musume who distinguished themselves in races, along with brand-new racing outfits.

I don’t know the system in great detail, but apparently the URA gathers votes from race reporters and various media outlets. Based on those votes, they select the Uma Musume who were most active in each category over the past year.

The categories include Best Dirt Uma Musume and Best Sprinter, which are not divided by generation. Then, by generation, there are two Best Senior-Class Uma Musume, two Best Classic-Class Uma Musume, and two Best Junior-Class Uma Musume.

You might think, “Wait, why two if they’re the ‘best’?” But apparently it’s customary to select “two top performers who excelled in different races and different domains.”

For example, one of this year’s Best Classic-Class Uma Musume is me, Hoshino Wilm, who achieved the Classic Triple Crown, while the other was someone who excelled on the Tiara route.

…Come to think of it, maybe in my previous life’s real-world history, this was divided between colts and fillies or something like that? I barely touched horse racing back then, so I don’t really know. If I’d known more, I might have been able to wrap my head around these details more easily.

Anyway, back to the point. The final remaining selection is…

Among all of those, the Uma Musume considered to have been the most active over the entire year: the Uma Musume of the Year.

Being chosen for this is apparently an incredible honor. After all, it means being officially recognized as having achieved the best results among all Uma Musume, including those on regional circuits. You could probably call it the greatest accolade of one’s life.

And today, I’m going to receive that honor.

---

“Now then, we will begin the announcement of last year’s URA Awards!”

In a venue that should have felt spacious, yet seemed cramped due to the sheer number of reporters packed inside—a high-end hotel’s party hall—the host’s booming voice echoed. Almost immediately, reporters’ camera flashes fired off in rapid succession, click-click-click, searing my eyes.

“Ugh—”

Without thinking, I raised a hand to shield them.

I know it can’t be helped, but flashes are a bit harsh for Uma Musume. I’m not especially sensitive, but when they all go off at once, it’s still dazzling—especially after waiting in a dim backstage area like this.

As I was thinking that I wished they’d give us a break, another Uma Musume spoke to me.

“Oh my, Ms. Wilm, are you not fond of camera flashes?”

“Ms. McQueen.”

Like me, Mejiro McQueen was here to receive an award. A senior I deeply respect, a rival with whom I can run the most intense races, and also—on a personal level—a friend I spend time with now and then. She lifted a hand lightly and walked over.

The moment I saw her, I nearly caught my breath. A calm dress in pale blue-green tones, paired with a deep green skirt. The colors were a little unexpected for her image, yet McQueen wore them flawlessly. It didn’t feel like the dress was wearing her at all—if anything, she looked exactly like a young lady from a distinguished family.

“Your dress suits you beautifully.”

“Thank you very much. I debated an empire style as well, but if you say that, Ms. Wilm, then choosing this one was worthwhile.”

She smiled without a hint of embarrassment, elegant yet unpretentious. Being able to respond so smoothly to a compliment—she really is used to this. If it were me, I’d probably be flustered and unable to answer properly. Ayumu is solid in that regard too. This really does feel like the dignity of those from prestigious families. I’ll have to work harder to catch up.

…By the way, what is an empire style? From the context, it sounds like a type of dress. I’ll ask Ayumu about it later. Whether I actually remember is another matter, but you can never have too many conversation topics with him.

While I was secretly planning that, McQueen-senpai continued with the same gentle smile.

“Hoshino Wilm, that dress suits you very well too. Light ash gray truly complements you.”

“R-really? Ehehe, actually, my trainer picked this out for me…”

What I was wearing now was a dress my trainer had given me the other day. He’d mentioned things like fit-and-flare, which I didn’t fully understand, but apparently it’s a fairly standard, versatile design.

It’s based on a very pale gray, with sparkling white accents scattered throughout, and a deep crimson rose as a single highlight at the chest. Even to me, it looks like a good balance of cuteness and elegance. If I had to nitpick, maybe it’s a little childish—but that might be unavoidable given my height.

Ayumu said, “With good material, it was easy to choose,” but honestly, how is it that when he picks casual clothes it turns out like that, yet when it comes to dresses, he suddenly has such good taste? It’s probably thanks to his upbringing in a prestigious family, but the gap is ridiculous. I wish he could transfer even a bit of that sense to everyday outfits.

…Well, whatever. Putting that aside.

Right now, I’m wrapped in clothes Ayumu chose for me.

Feeling a bit proud, I gave a light twirl on the spot—and from beside me came a gentle cough.

“Ahem… Wilm.”

I hurriedly fixed the expression that had nearly fallen apart. No good, no good. Always keep a composed smile.

“…Ehehe. Um, thank you very much for the compliment.”

“I see.”

When I smiled to cover it up, McQueen didn’t press the issue, responding with her usual grace. So cool—she really has the composure of a refined lady. As I was once again reminded of the gap between ordinary families and prestigious ones, her expression softened just a little.

“…I find myself a bit envious.”

“Envious?”

“My trainer comes from an ordinary family, and isn’t very well-versed in such matters. If he were to choose a dress for me… well, I can’t help but feel a little envious of you, Ms. Wilm.”

Oh, really? I’d heard that Uma Musume expected to succeed within prestigious families usually end up contracting with trainers from similar backgrounds, but…

…Ah, right. Come to think of it, McQueen-senpai wasn’t all that highly anticipated at first.

Something Ayumu told me a while ago. Before her debut, McQueen was apparently rated third among the Mejiro Uma Musume of her generation. Her skeletal growth in childhood was considered mediocre, she was slow to fully develop, and on top of that she even suffered from periostitis. Until she bloomed at the Kikuka Sho, even the Mejiro main family hadn’t placed particularly high expectations on her.

That might be why she was paired with a veteran trainer from an ordinary background.

…In the end, she won the Kikuka Sho with him. Perhaps he truly was her destined partner.

In this merit-based world, even a prestigious lineage isn’t an absolute measure. Such families simply inherit past methods and philosophies, refining their bloodlines over time. Sometimes, talent that surpasses them emerges from ordinary backgrounds—like me, for instance.

And even being a veteran trainer is just one criterion. It shows experience and results, sure, but it doesn’t necessarily prove superiority over newcomers. Sometimes, a rookie trainer surpasses a veteran—like Ayumu, for example.

…Come to think of it, Ayumu and I really are exceptions among exceptions. No point dwelling on that now.

Anyway, from that perspective, what matters most for an Uma Musume might not be lineage or experience, but finding a trainer whose approach, temperament, and running style truly match their own.

And by that measure, both McQueen and I definitely hit the jackpot.

“…Yes. Having your trainer choose your clothes… well, everyday wear is a bit questionable, but having him pick out a dress was really fun. Thinking, ‘So this is what Ayumu wants to see me wear,’ made me feel a little embarrassed, but also happy… ehehe. Maybe he actually prefers this kind of elegant style…”

“Ahem! …Wilm.”

…Honestly.

“Um, Trainer, I was kind of in the middle of something just now.”

She puffed out her cheeks in a clear display of irritation.

We were finally having a nice conversation, and you just had to interrupt it—don’t you think that’s a bit cruel?

Usually, when I make that face, he gives in pretty easily, but…

Standing beside me, Ayumu—wearing a suit far more proper than usual—shot me a slightly exasperated look.

"You’re the one who told me to stop you if you broke etiquette. And besides, that’s not something you should be saying so openly. Watch your phrasing and your choice of topics."

…Ah. Right. I’d completely forgotten. I’d asked him to correct my manners so I could get used to formal settings—partly because I wanted to be able to stand beside him properly someday…

Ugh, how embarrassing… Maybe I really was getting a little too carried away.

"…I’m sorry."

"If you can reflect on it, then that’s fine. Mistakes aren’t wasted if you use them next time."

Ah… ehehe. He patted my head.

Yep, best thing to do after messing up is to apologize right away. Getting head pats is basically a reward. All right then—let’s keep messing up, keep apologizing, and keep getting head pats!

…And while that exchange was going on, McQueen watched us with a wry smile.

"I think getting along so well is a wonderful thing, but the announcements will be starting soon. I should return to my trainer as well, so please focus on the stage. …It wouldn’t be a laughing matter if the Uma Musume of the Year forgot to take the podium, you know?"

With a polite "If you’ll excuse me," McQueen gave a beautifully refined bow and left.

Elegant and graceful right to the very end… I can’t help but admire her.

"Ms. McQueen really is as cool as ever…"

"From your perspective, perhaps. From mine, I can still see a bit of stiffness in her movements—it’s rather endearing."

…Ah, right. I’d almost forgotten. The person standing next to me comes from one of the very top prestigious families. And on top of that, he was raised with an almost absurd level of discipline, so his eye for that kind of thing is incredibly sharp.

To think McQueen’s movements, which looked perfect to me, came across as stiff to him…

Just how high are Ayumu’s standards, anyway?

Will I ever become an Uma Musume truly worthy of standing beside my trainer?

Thinking about the future makes me just a little uneasy.

---

While we were talking like that, the greetings from the URA executives wrapped up—and just as McQueen had said, the announcements for this year’s URA Awards finally began.

The first to be announced was Best Dirt Uma Musume.

I feel a bit bad about it, but in the Twinkle Series, the main battleground is turf—that is, grass. Because of that, the dirt division tends to be announced first, almost like an opening act.

There’s no real hierarchy between divisions, and part of me thinks it would be better to announce everything at once… but since this is still a for-profit spectacle, they probably need ways to build excitement.

Equality and fairness are difficult concepts. Even if you uphold them perfectly, it’s a failure as a business organization if you don’t turn a profit.

Anyway, the Uma Musume chosen for this category—and who went up on stage with her trainer—was someone I didn’t know.

Well, our battlefields are completely different, so can you really blame me?

When I quietly asked my trainer, "Who’s that?" he gave me a light chop and an appreciated explanation.

"She’s one year your senior. She switched to dirt races in the winter of her Classic year, has three wins in nine races, and a top-two finish rate of over fifty percent. You can’t talk about last year’s dirt races without mentioning her."

"Trainer, you even research dirt races? Even though neither I nor Bourbon-chan compete in them."

"It never hurts to look into things like this. You never know when information will come in handy."

After that, he added quietly, "Well, you probably won’t race her anyway… but if you did meet on turf at middle distance or longer, you’d win. Don’t worry."

Honestly speaking, among the Uma Musume in the Twinkle Series who might stand a chance against me right now, it’d basically be Nature, Ms. McQueen, Teio—and if she’s back in top form, Miiku-senpai. Maybe Bourbon-chan or Rice-chan too, assuming they’re properly developed.

…Wait, that’s actually quite a few, isn’t it?

I might be able to claim a spot among the strongest active racers, but reaching absolute dominance is still a long way off.

Well, that just means more thrilling races ahead, so I don’t mind.

Next came the announcement of the two Best Junior-Class Uma Musume.

One of those selected was someone I know very well—Mihono Bourbon-chan, who trains under the same trainer as Hoshino Wilm.

A pure white dress with a matching headband, a large necklace at her chest—an outfit that made the most of her physique, which is impressive beyond belief for a second-year middle schooler. It’s… very alluring.

I know I’m saying this as another girl, but is she really a second-year middle school student? She looks like she’d pass as a college student without question.

Also, is it really okay to broadcast this into living rooms across the country? As a former otaku, I’m a little worried about adolescent boys. Guys like this sort of thing, right?

Thankfully, there are two mitigating factors.

First, Bourbon-chan’s expressionless face—completely divorced from cute smiles—cancels out a lot of that allure. And second…

Standing beside her was an Uma Musume who was almost her complete opposite in stature.

Dressed adorably in a cherry-blossom-pink gown, she received the award alongside Bourbon-chan as a Junior-Class G1 winner. Her name is Nishino Flower. Apparently, she’s Bourbon-chan’s dorm roommate.

Being roommates and receiving a URA Award at the same time—what kind of ridiculous coincidence is that? The world really is small.

…Well, maybe that’s not something I can say, considering I room with Miiku-senpai.

During the self-PR segment at the ceremony, Nishino Flower-chan declared her aim for the Triple Tiara, while Bourbon-chan announced her intention to pursue the Triple Crown.

There was some murmuring, but since Bourbon-chan challenging the Classic Triple Crown had already been announced, it didn’t cause too much of a stir and ended without incident.

If this had been last year, Bourbon-chan’s trainer—or rather, Masa-san, standing behind her—might have been criticized with comments like, "Aren’t you considering her aptitude?" or "As an adult, shouldn’t you guide her more responsibly?"

But this year, no such voices were raised.

After all, there’s a precedent now—me. People expect that a trainer named Horino Ayumu might even break through walls that were supposed to be absolute limits of aptitude.

And I’m sure Ayumu won’t betray those expectations.

He’s the trainer who brought me this far, after all. Everyone can look forward to it.

Now then, next is the Best Classic-Class Uma Musume… the other one. In other words, not me.

She’s an Uma Musume who excelled on the Triple Tiara route, with a record of first place in the Oka Sho and second in the Oaks.

Aside from a major stumble at the start of the Oaks and unfavorable race development that led to a narrow loss, she was otherwise undefeated, with four wins from four races.

With her cute looks and outstanding finishing kick, she’s incredibly strong and popular…

…Or rather, she was.

Unfortunately, it seems that during her rest period after the Oaks, she was diagnosed with flexor tendonitis and is currently undergoing treatment. Recovery is expected to take quite some time—at least, she’ll likely miss the entire spring season. That’s all Ayumu’s assessment, though.

Man, what a shame. If she’s that strong, I’d really like to race her at least once somewhere…

As I watched her back with lingering regret, she flinched, then glanced back at me with just her eyes.

Ah—sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.

…Yeah. I’ll make sure to apologize properly later.

Things like this have been happening more often lately. Having a strange kind of prestige attached to me is troublesome in its own way.

Next up were the two Best Senior-Class Uma Musume.

One of them was, of course, McQueen-senpai, who had just come to greet us earlier. She stood confidently on the stage, offering the reporters a relaxed smile. That’s good—definitely worth studying her expressions later.

And the other one was an Uma Musume who apparently also won Best Sprinter at the same time…

…!?

T-that hairstyle… ringlets…!?

Amazing. That girl has ringlets.

You see them all the time in fiction, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen that hairstyle in real life! So they really do exist… I’d kind of thought they were like “gyaru who are nice to otaku”—pure fantasy.

Wrapping a small frame about my own size in an elegant dress, her perfectly curled hair swaying as she stood tall—she was the very image of a refined young lady. She must be a renowned noblewoman…! Whatever that even means.

As I stared at her with barely contained excitement after triggering my inner otaku, Ayumu’s voice came from beside me.

“…Interested?”

“Very.”

Just how many minutes does it take to curl those ringlets, I wonder. Or does someone else do it for her?

Wouldn’t they get stuffy during the rainy season? Would heat build up in summer? And wouldn’t they end up with weird habits in the hair…!?

While my thoughts were flying completely off in the wrong direction, Ayumu’s words finally reached my ears.

“Daiichi Ruby. Fifteen races, six wins, two G1 victories, and an astonishing eighty-percent top-two finish rate.

A daughter of that illustrious family, and the reigning queen who dominates the Twinkle Series from sprint to mile distances.

Even against the currently recuperating K.S. Miracle, or Daitaku Helios—whom you raced against at the Arima Kinen—she gives not an inch. A peerless elite, without question.

Her explosiveness in particular is terrifying. A natural sprinter who can unleash a single devastating late kick from the rear and clock a final three furlongs in the thirty-four–second range.”

“Wooow…”

I mean, it’s not that I’m uninterested, okay? It’s just that those ringlets have a gravitational pull of their own.

…Huh? Wait a second.

Didn’t something about that feel a little off?

“Ayumu, aren’t you being a bit… detailed? I mean, you’re always knowledgeable, but that felt like a lot of words…”

When I looked at him after asking, he answered casually.

“Well, we have some acquaintance. Makes you want to elaborate a little.”

…Acquaintance?

…………An acquaintance?

……………………Huh?

N-no. No, this isn’t it! I’m used to this by now—really, I am! Ayumu always says things that are easy to misunderstand! He’s just being vague like that mother-in-law of his, right!?

First things first: confirm intent. That’s important!

“…Um, what do you mean by that?”

“Huh? What do you mean, ‘what do you mean’… What’s wrong, Wilm? Your face looks kind of stiff. There’s no special meaning to it. The Horino family just has ties with her family, that’s all.”

Right. Yes. Of course. I knew it. Obviously!

Ahh, that startled me… not! I wasn’t surprised at all. This was exactly the expected outcome!

There’s no way this serious trainer would tolerate dating an Uma Musume while actively working as a trainer! Of course this was the explanation! Everything went exactly as predicted!

I mean, seriously—mistaking “we have ties” for “we’re romantically involved” is a bit too flower-field-brained, don’t you think!? Am I an idiot!?

“Wilm, what’s wrong? Practicing changing expressions? Training your facial muscles?”

“…No, not really. So, what kind of ties do you have?”

At most, it’s probably just polite conversation at social gatherings or something.

Just checking. Just in case, okay? It never hurts to confirm.

“We talk occasionally. About once every six months, her family hosts a standing reception and I’m invited. We exchange a few words there.”

Mm-hmm. Yeah, that makes sense. Good. I’m relieved.

…No, I’m not relieved at all, what am I saying? Huh? It’s not like I was worried she’d be a rival or anything!

Besides, between Ayumu and me there’s that unique, inviolable, unbreakable bond of mutual support and salvation, and—

“Other than that, sometimes she invites me to private tea gatherings when she wants my opinion. We discuss art, history, things like that. I’ve also been asked by her trainer to teach him proper male etiquette.”

That does not sound fine at all.

Wait, isn’t that kind of… close? Like, building a personal relationship?

And asking her trainer to teach etiquette… that’s a lot of trust, isn’t it?

Huh? Ayumu, what have you been doing behind my back? Or does this mean your families were interacting even before you met me??

Aaah—my brain… my brain is being destroyed…!

“Ayumu!”

“H-hey, Wilm, keep it down! We’re backstage!”

“It’s me, right!? I’m your Uma Musume, right!?”

“Of course you are! Hoshino Wilm is my Uma Musume! So calm down!”

“Huff—huff!”

…That’s right. It’s me. Not Daiichi Ruby—me, Hoshino Wilm, is his Uma Musume.

His Uma Musume. His Uma Musume. Yes, exactly. I’m his Uma Musume…

Each time I repeat the words, I can feel my brain slowly recovering. If only it could regenerate me stronger than before.

“…Ah, I see. Don’t worry—our relationship is strictly professional.

There are parts of her outlook on life that align with my approach, so we occasionally exchange opinions or cooperate.

Of course, I have no intention of taking her on as a trainee. She seems to have found a good trainer of her own.”

Right. Just a cooperative relationship. Not friends, not lovers—nothing like that. Just cooperation.

Phew… good. My brain regenerated somehow. Pure love is supreme! NTR is a no-go! Not that anyone’s sleeping with anyone!

…Ah. Crap.

Before I knew it, the announcement for Best Senior-Class Uma Musume was already over. I didn’t hear a single word of their speeches.

“Ayumu…”

“McQueen is aiming for the Tenno Sho route. Daiichi Ruby didn’t state it outright, but said she would ‘remain worthy of her family to the end.’”

“Thank you…”

Being able to understand each other without words—this is the best.

Well, I’m not sure if it’s really okay that this is how it is, but…

As I was feeling a bit conflicted, Ayumu muttered softly.

“It’s about time, I suppose.”

“Time for what?”

When I tilted my head, Ayumu looked… how should I put it—

Lonely, yet happy. A complex expression I couldn’t quite place.

“…Time to step away from active competition in the Twinkle Series and move on to the next stage.”

---

All the other awards had been presented.

What remained was the announcement of the other Best Classic-Class Uma Musume—and, at the same time, the Uma Musume of the Year.

I exchange a glance with my trainer, and without either of us saying a word, we nod and step forward toward the podium.

We walk side by side, then stop near the center of the stage.

Feeling Ayumu’s presence just behind me, I turn to face the many reporters holding up their cameras.

Once the host confirms that we’re in position, they speak again.

"Now then, the URA Awards for this year are reaching their final presentation.

Joining us on stage are one of this year’s Best Classic-Class Uma Musume, who has also been selected as the Uma Musume of the Year—Hoshino Wilm—and her contracted trainer, Horino Ayumu!"

With the host’s words, camera flashes erupt in rapid bursts.

It’s a bit dazzling… but, well, this is part of the job of being a racing Uma Musume. I keep my smile and endure it.

"Her record stands at nine wins and one second-place finish in ten races!

She achieved an undefeated Classic Triple Crown for the first time since Symboli Rudolf, then went on to claim the first-ever Takarazuka Kinen victory by a Classic-Class Uma Musume, followed by a win at the Japan Cup—stacking victories one after another in the blink of an eye.

Now the driving force shaking up the current Twinkle Series, just how far will her unconventional journey carry her? The entire nation is watching closely."

At the cue, I step forward.

I close my eyes once, and picture it.

The expression I should wear now. The words I should say. The attitude being asked of me.

…All right.

Then let’s go ahead and surprise all of Japan a little.

"First of all, I’m truly honored to receive this prestigious award.

I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of all my fans. Once again, thank you very much."

After bowing politely, I lift my gaze and speak while recalling memories that feel as fresh as yesterday.

"Last year was an incredibly fun year.

With Teio, Sky-senpai, Nature, McQueen-san, and also Suzuka-senpai and Spe-senpai—I was able to run the most exciting races imaginable against incredibly strong, wonderful rivals.

This year as well, I hope to share intense races with many rivals on the Spring Senior Triple Crown route—the Osaka Hai, the Spring Tenno Sho, and the Takarazuka Kinen."

As I effectively reveal my planned rotation, the reporters all pull out their notebooks at once.

…It’s kind of interesting, actually—how so many people move based on a single thing I say or do.

Well, if that’s the case, then there might be a lot more movement coming after this.

"…But I think this. Staying satisfied within Japan alone might be a bit of a waste."

The reporters, who had been furiously scribbling, freeze in unison.

Hoshino Wilm’s odd behavior—well, I don’t think it’s that odd, but my interview remarks being labeled “eccentric” are fairly well known.

When I start speaking this formally, it’s probably a tense moment for them.

But don’t worry. This time, I don’t intend to say anything strange.

I put on a gentle, deliberately polished smile.

…Though you might still be surprised—just in a different way.

"So, starting this autumn, I’m thinking of going to France and entering the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Since people have gone so far as to say I ‘overturn the impossible,’ I thought I might as well make that true."