Chapter 85: Lucky Draw Chance! / URA Awards Ceremony

—No, no, there’s still a chance I misunderstood.

Tomio’s words from the other day kept echoing in my head. I’d been writhing under the covers ever since, barely managing to hold myself back.

“Apollo Rainbow is my eternity now”—or something like that. Wait, no, he didn’t say it directly, right? There’s still a chance I’m blowing it out of proportion.

Our relationship feels… different. But not completely. Emotions shifted a little, maybe. Not like flipping a switch. Still, it feels like we’ve moved a step forward.

—

One day, after recovering enough to take off my eyepatch, I passed through a shopping district running a New Year’s lucky draw campaign. A loud voice rang out from a middle-aged man calling to customers, and the place was packed with holiday crowds.

“It’s our New Year’s Lucky Draw Campaign! Hey, young couple—got a ticket? Spin the wheel! Grand prize: a hot spring trip for two! First prize: premium carrot hamburgers! Second prize: a mountain of carrots! Third prize: one carrot! Everyone gets tissues! Wanna try?”

“Tomio, it’s a lucky draw.”

“I never win these things.”

“Yeah, but my mom gave me a ticket. Just one. Might as well use it, right?”

We stepped up to the old-fashioned wooden lottery spinner. I rolled up my sleeves, treating it like the New Year’s shrine draw I’d missed.

Gripping the handle together, we spun. Wooden balls rattled inside. Then—with a light clunk—a colored ball dropped out.

“Congratulations~!! You’ve won the grand prize—hot spring trip tickets!!”

A bell rang, and staff rushed out from the back with an envelope. Party poppers burst around us.

“W-Wait… Is this real? Are we on some prank show…?”

Applause from the crowd surrounded us as we stood there, stunned.

We’d just wandered in, used one ticket, spun once… and won. Too shocked to even feel happy, we walked away, checking the envelope like it might vanish.

“Tomio, they’re really in there, right?”

“Yeah, they are.”

“They’re legit? No weird catches?”

“Looks real. It’s a well-known inn, and the company checks out.”

“So we really… got lucky?”

“Seems like it.”

“…We actually won. Hot spring tickets.”

“I’m happy, but… do we even have time to go?”

“We have to make time! We can’t waste this!”

“...Yeah, you’re right.”

—Hot springs.

Let’s be honest: hot springs and horse girls go way back. Just like racehorses, we use them for recovery. Stress relief, muscle pain, injuries—they help a ton.

Injuries are part of the job. Experience can help avoid some, but not all. But thanks to modern medicine, even serious ones aren’t always the end.

Hot springs are a key part of that healing.

Tokai Teio and Oguri Cap’s hot spring recoveries are legendary. Oguri-chan practically is the face of hot spring towns (probably?). The Mejiro family even has a private one. URA has whole training facilities with hot springs just for us.

Bottom line? They’re amazing.

We checked the fine print on the tickets. Please don’t expire soon… please… Squinting, I found it: valid until March 31, two years from now.

“…This year would’ve been impossible, but now we’ve got time.”

“Yeah. Senior-class debut, overseas prep… we’ll figure it out.”

“Mhm.”

Winning was great, but we still had things to do. Packing. Heading back to Tracen. The URA Awards Ceremony was coming, with interviews, photoshoots, TV appearances… Ugh.

I love racing. I hate media stuff. I get why it matters—for the sport, for the fans—but it’s exhausting.

When I whined to Double Trigger on the phone, she immediately snapped back. “You’re the face of long-distance racing now.” “What kind of attitude is that?” She talked so fast I could barely reply. I just kept saying “Sorry!” until she calmed down.

We still talk a lot. When I mentioned possibly running in Dubai this spring, she instantly said, “I’ll go with Lemos to watch.” Even while training in Europe, she messages all the time. Guess I’m popular.

Anyway, these tickets? Amazing. And with two years to use them? Best prize ever.

A trip with just Tomio sounds nice… but going with everyone could be fun too. Spe-chan, Guriko, Maruzensky, Helios, Palmer, Double Trigger—everyone who’s been there for us. That’d be a memory worth making.

“Tomio, keep those tickets safe, okay?”

“Obviously.”

“Put them somewhere visible in the trainer’s office.”

“Got it.”

“And—”

“…You’re that excited for the hot springs?”

“…………N-No? Not really?”

“Your ears and tail say otherwise.”

“Ugh, shut up! Perv!”

“Ow, ow! No kicking! You’ll hurt your legs!”

After a well-deserved kick for that comment, we split up—me to my parents’ house, Tomio to his hotel—to prep for our return.

We’d leave early tomorrow. The break was short, but I got to talk with my parents, tour my hometown with Tomio, and recharge. It’d be a year before I’d be back.

After one last dinner, I went to bed early.

---

Morning came. I bundled up at the door, suitcase in hand. Mom murmured, “I’ll miss you,” while Dad gave a quiet frown.

My chest tightened. Of course I’d miss them too. I always want to stay. To lean on them. That feeling never changes.

—But I have to go. For my dream. My eternity.

“We can visit whenever. Don’t worry.”

“…How can I not worry, watching you run, Apollo?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a reliable trainer with me.”

Just as I finished tying my shoelaces, the intercom buzzed—Tomio was here.

“Mm, Trainer’s here.”

I grabbed my suitcase and opened the door. Snowflakes danced in the cold air. Tomio stood there, rubbing his hands, clearly freezing. Spotting my parents, he straightened up—though he was still shivering.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]. Apollo, let’s head out early—the snow’s getting heavier.”

“…Alright, time to go. Dad, Mom.”

Mom’s ears were flat. Dad was pouting. So obvious. They were really worried.

“Momoza-san, please take care of our daughter.”

“Leave it to me. I’ll support her, no matter what. …I promise.”

We loaded our bags into the taxi and climbed in. As the car pulled away, I watched them and our house until they vanished.

Maybe because I knew we’d meet again, it was a quiet goodbye. No big waves, no speeches. Just like the first time I left for Tracen. Though back then, Tomio wasn’t with me.

“How was being home?”

“Mom’s cooking is still the best.”

“Hah, I get that.”

“Tomio, cut back on cup noodles, okay?”

“I have been lately.”

“Debatable…”

I closed my eyes, breathing in the scarf’s warmth. His grumbling faded. Drowsiness set in.

…It’s finally beginning.

My senior year.

---

Several days after returning to Tracen Academy, the URA Awards Ceremony took place at a cultural hall.

The URA Awards honor top performers in the Twinkle Series and celebrate excellence among horse girls. It’s meant to express gratitude, boost public interest, and recognize standout achievements. In short? A fancy party where trophies are handed out to the year’s best. Attendees included horse girls, trainers, and industry bigwigs.

For most, it was just an excuse to enjoy free gourmet food. But this year, I couldn’t even eat properly—because I knew I was getting an award. Officially, winners were announced the day of, but insiders always got quiet hints ahead of time.

The categories included:

—Horse Girl of the Year
—Top Junior, Classic, and Senior Divisions
—Best Sprinter, Dirt Racer, Steeplechaser
—Trainer of the Year

Mine was almost certainly Top Classic Division Horse Girl. I did win the Japanese Derby, Kikuka-shō, Arima Kinen, and Stayers Stakes, after all.

But Horse Girl of the Year? That was still up in the air. It could be me (double crown in Classic), Taiki Shuttle (overseas G1 wins), Happy Meek (dirt track menace), or Silence Suzuka (basically a cultural icon). My head was a mess just thinking about it.

We arrived at the venue with nerves buzzing. At the entrance, Ms. Tazuna—looking elegant in an emerald gown—greeted us before staff showed us into the grand hall.

"Ugh… These heels are killing me. Worst idea ever."

"...No blisters?"

"None, but I’m never doing this again."

Tomio, sharp in his suit, helped steady me as I leaned against a table. I was stuffed into a formal dress and way-too-high heels—definitely not my thing. I’d take comfy streetwear any day.

Around us, horse girls and VIPs mingled in glittering outfits. Reporter Otokibe chatted with Trainer Kirishima and Meek-chan. Spe-chan was already at the buffet. Sei-chan, King-chan, and Grass-chan looked extra dazzling, while El-chan kept her mask on even in a formal getup.

Further off, Trainer Okino was shamelessly flirting with Suzuka-san. Pearl and Taiki Shuttle (both unfairly gorgeous in suits) doted on Guriko. Admire Vega, Narita Top Road, and TM Opera O huddled together like always. The room was filled with familiar faces—rivals who brought back memories of countless races.

But more urgently—

"Whoa… There’s so many people…!"

"It’s a big event. This year’s even crazier than usual."

Yeah, no kidding. Last year’s boom hadn’t faded—it had exploded. The press presence alone was intense.

After some mingling and nibbling appetizers, the lights dimmed and the projector screens flared to life. A tuxedoed host stepped onto the stage, mic in hand.

"Looks like it’s starting."

“Spe-chan, please finish chewing already!”

“Nmghmm~”

“Apollo-chan, you too! Swallow it!”

“Fohehn, sorryyy~”

Grass-chan and Seiun-chan scolded us just as the venue grew quiet. Everyone turned their attention to the stage as the ceremony officially began.

The host’s clear voice carried through the hall as the URA Awards Ceremony kicked off—more abruptly than I expected. Leaning over, I whispered to Grass-chan.

“Hey, if you ever get called up there, what are you even supposed to say?”

“…You didn’t prepare anything?”

“I mean, I thought about it! I’m just worried I’ll forget everything from nerves~”

“Would you like me to teach you something useful, Apollo-chan? Just say this and everything will be fine!”

“El—?”

“Ke!? I didn’t even say it yet-deesu!”

“Both of you, zip it!”

“…King the Pearl?”

“Pffft!”

“Cut it out, seriously!”

I couldn’t help laughing at Seiun Sky’s dry joke. King-chan gave me a little smack on the wrist for it, and I forced myself to refocus.

It was time. They were announcing the URA Horse Girl of the Year. Spotlights danced across the stage. A timpani drumroll echoed through the hall.

And the name on the screen—

Horse Girl of the Year / Best Classic-Class Horse Girl
Apollo Rainbow

6 Races – 5 Wins

Major Victories
—Japanese Derby (G1)
—Kikuka Sho (G1)
—Arima Kinen (G1)
—Stayers Stakes (G2)

A chorus of “Ooh!” rippled through the crowd. Spe-chan and the others showered me with congratulations as an organizer gently nudged me toward the stage.

My legs moved, but my brain short-circuited. I forced a smile that felt more like a grimace and accepted the award, trying not to squint from all the flashing cameras. I could only imagine how terrible my face looked. Tomorrow’s headlines would probably feature the most awkward photo possible.

After that, the other award winners were announced in quick succession. Admire Vega took Best Junior-Class Horse Girl for her win in the Hopeful Stakes. Taiki Shuttle cleaned up both Best Senior-Class and Best Sprinter. Happy Meek claimed Best Dirt Horse Girl, and Northern Rainbow snagged Best Steeplechase Horse Girl.

Then came the Special Awards, given to Green T-Tan, El Condor Pasa, Silence Suzuka, and Special Week—each recognized for unique contributions to the sport. As always, Tojo Trainer took home Best Trainer, an almost expected outcome at this point.

With little fanfare, the host wrapped up the ceremony, rattling off the remaining formalities before finally dismissing everyone to the real highlight of the evening:

The banquet.

Food. Glorious food.
While trying to match Spe-chan’s insane pace—without completely blowing my calorie count—I loaded up a plate and dove in. Just as I was about to reach for another helping of smoked salmon, a calm voice stopped me.

“Apolo, it’s been a while since we’ve had a proper chat.”

I turned around mid-chew.
“Oh—Chairman Rudolf! I didn’t know you were attending the ceremony!”

“Ahem… mm-hmm.”

Standing before me was Symboli Rudolf, Tracen Academy’s dignified student council president. She wore a sleek, navy dress that elevated her already composed presence into something downright majestic. Even as a fellow girl, I had to admit—she looked stunning.

With a soft smile, she offered her congratulations.

“First, allow me to say—congratulations on being named Horse Girl of the Year and Best Classic-Class Horse Girl. It was truly well deserved.”

“Thank you so much! I mean it—it’s all thanks to your help over the summer during training!”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Before I could say more, my attention flicked to someone behind her.

“…Chairman, who’s that with you?”

“Ah—her. Let me introduce you.”

She stepped slightly aside, motioning with an open hand. Standing behind her was a chestnut-haired Horse Girl with intense eyes that practically glowed. She stared right at me—not in a hostile way, but with the sharp, clear focus of someone measuring something… or someone.

There was something magnetic—and just a little dangerous—about her.

And then Chairman Rudolf said it.

“This is Le Moss, known across Europe as their strongest stayer. She’s visiting Japan for sightseeing and came to the URA Awards as a special guest.”

I froze.
Le Moss?! That Le Moss?!
The legendary stayer? The unbeatable endurance machine?

“H-Hi there… You must be Apolo Rainbow. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Y-Yorosh— I mean, it’s a pleasure to meet you too!”

I stumbled over my greeting, fumbling to shake her hand as cold sweat started trickling down my back. Her grip was light but firm. Her gaze, though, didn’t waver. It was like being studied under a microscope.

And somehow, that single handshake rattled me more than winning Horse Girl of the Year.