The second year after the “Year of Ruka.”
Japan’s Central Tracen Academy Student Council President’s office.
Today, the room welcomed a very special guest—so special, in fact, that Symboli Rudolf herself had come to greet her.
To the point that even Rudolf had considered requesting the director to intervene—though she ultimately thought better of it.
After all, their visitor held a legendary name:
Secretariat.
America’s living legend—a figure influential enough to sway national affairs, and that was no exaggeration. Secretariat’s every move was closely followed by Americans. If Twilight Song represented the newest legend, then Secretariat was undeniably the most compelling living legend of this era.
Even now, Secretariat was active at the forefront of Uma Musume, serving as Director of the American Tracen Academy.
As for her purpose here…
Rudolf glanced discreetly at the document resting on her desk, a melancholic expression crossing her face.
In the end, Twilight Song had never enrolled at Japan’s Tracen Academy. Rudolf wondered: Had it been her own harsh words that day?
If she’d softened her tone, or been more attentive to public opinion, might Twilight Song not have pushed herself so desperately?
It’s your fault, Symboli Rudolf!
Even knowing Twilight Song hadn’t run herself ragged merely to meet anyone’s expectations, Rudolf couldn’t shake the ache she’d felt after Mejiro Ardan revealed that Twilight Song had obsessively searched and critiqued her own shortcomings in private.
Wasn’t that objectively a reason she’d pushed herself too far?
But what exhausted Rudolf even more—
In just the second year after Twilight Song’s death, public opinion in Japan had inexplicably turned against the fallen legend.
Why?
That was precisely why Secretariat had come today.
The knock came right on time. Rudolf rose, adjusted her collar, gathered herself, and moved to the sofa.
“Come in.”
As the door opened, a tall Uma Musume stepped inside—long black hair, a powerful physique, and an oppressive aura even from just a glance. Who else but America’s living legend herself?
Symboli Rudolf took a deep breath, seated herself calmly, and motioned for Secretariat to sit. Secretariat did so confidently, immediately appraising Rudolf with sharp eyes.
“My reason for coming here needs no further explanation, does it, Miss Emperor of Japan?”
English—but Rudolf’s overseas experience made communication effortless. Clearly, the woman in front of her hadn’t come to negotiate; she’d come to deliver a statement.
Secretly, Rudolf clenched her fist.
“We’ve never spoken before, Secretariat-san. Could you clarify your purpose here?”
Secretariat’s expression showed obvious surprise—no, more like disdain.
“You know, Miss Rudolf, before entering, I took another look at your forums. The things being said there… well, they’re truly vile.”
Secretariat recalled vividly the vicious insults she’d read. Japanese forums were now filled with hateful mockery of Twilight Song—no, humiliation described it better.
They insisted their country never pressured Twilight Song to win honors, that Twilight Song hadn’t been desperately racing in Paris for Japan’s glory.
Oh, really? So, you’re admitting she didn’t run for you? That she didn’t compete in the Arc to bring honor to your nation?
In other words…
Twilight Song never truly belonged here.
Secretariat understood the situation fully. Initially, global praise and respect had showered Twilight Song—but perhaps that very admiration had pricked some delicate Japanese sensibilities.
Many had begun “humbly” downplaying Twilight Song, claiming Japan had many other strong Uma Musume, and her honors weren’t significant.
Perhaps it was cultural differences, or something else—but their modesty soon soured into open hostility.
What ignited the powder keg was a single remark unearthed from a Japanese forum:
[If Twilight Song insists on winning glory for Japan, then if she can’t take the Arc, she might as well die there!]
When this statement went global, the entire world was stunned, followed swiftly by a wave of scorn and condemnation.
Absurdly, this led to Japanese fans rallying together—not to condemn, but to engage in a bitter, losing battle online.
Afterward…
They chose to target the root of their humiliation:
The Uma Musume who’d delivered a legendary, epic career—Twilight Song.
They stripped away her mythical status, denied her victories, ridiculed her accomplishments—everything she represented.
All because they’d lost an online battle.
To Secretariat, such actions were intolerable. Thus, she’d personally traveled to Japan’s Tracen Academy.
She wanted an explanation.
An answer.
Rudolf had no words to offer, just a deep breath. Truthfully, even she felt consumed by anger.
But what could she do—even as the Emperor of Uma Musume?
She could dismantle the URA, perhaps—but could she silence every fan in Japan?
“I…”
“Enough. Let’s be direct, Miss Rudolf. Listen carefully.”
Secretariat leaned back comfortably, as though this were her own office.
Secretariat’s proposal? No—it was America’s Tracen Academy speaking.
“Go on.”
“I suggest that Twilight Song no longer belong to Japan. After all, your people clearly don’t appreciate her.”
Secretariat’s eyes sparkled fiercely. She genuinely admired Twilight Song—her incredible strength, her thrilling intensity. She’d been Secretariat’s dream opponent.
Thus, any sorrow Secretariat felt had long become anger directed at those who dared defame Twilight Song.
“It’s fine. What you refuse to praise, we admire. What you refuse to cherish, we desire. Right now, there’s only one choice before you—do you understand, Symboli Rudolf?”
“Twilight Song doesn’t need to belong to America’s Tracen Academy, but she must never remain in Japan, where she’ll be subjected to this disgraceful slander.”
Secretariat stood abruptly, towering imposingly. At that moment, her voice carried the weight of a monster, shadow looming ominously over Rudolf.
“A nation like yours doesn’t deserve such a legend. Be sensible.”
“A Uma Musume like Twilight Song belongs to the entire world.”
Secretariat smiled coldly, baring shark-like teeth. Suddenly Rudolf felt herself transported back to the racetrack—facing a living legend once again.
“Sadly, one country dislikes her—thus forfeiting any claim to her glory.”
—
T/N: tsk stupid terminally online people
This is a fan translation of 只能活一年了才更要成为传奇赛马娘! by 大渚教 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
Reader discussion
0 Comments
Be the first reader to share a thought about this chapter.