"Have a good Journey, remember to call back."
Old Man Imanami stood at the door, smiling and bidding everyone farewell. He was the Gold Family's stablehand, having served the Gold Family for many years. For some reason, Gold Ship was very well-behaved in front of him.
"It's fine, Old Man, we'll be alright."
Gold Ship waved with a smile.
After a Gold Family-style inauguration ceremony, Golden Journey was ultimately forced, under the pressure of numbers, to humiliatingly accept the position of Gold Family Head.
As she was pressed onto the main platform, she only had time to leave a message: "A true man born into this world should wield a three-foot sword to achieve unparalleled feats. My ambitions are yet unfulfilled, how can I die now!" as her last words, signing and stamping her mark.
After that, Miss Ayadori took her to familiarize herself with the family head's duties.
And after the family head was 'gone', it was time for pleasantries (revelry). Gold Legend also took the opportunity to tell her parents of this life that she was safe. As for what those two thought when they saw a lively Legend, it's unknown. Anyway, Legend's Mother immediately went to the current family head and expressed her resignation.
After that, life was simple. After two days of being decadent—oh no, recuperating—at home, these little colts finally embarked on their Journey back to school.
After all, while school has holidays, Uma Musume don't; they still have to train!
"Sister Journey isn't coming back with us?"
Gold Legend brought up the topic.
"She still needs to familiarize herself with the family head's duties."
Nakayama Festa said.
"But she's still an active Uma Musume, right?"
"It's fine. Sister Journey will likely retire next year."
Gold Ship shook her head.
"Why? She's still in her prime, isn't she?"
"Because Sister Journey has a bad temper and bad luck, and her performance..."
Orfevre, wearing a mask, was still very timid.
"After all, Uma Musume is a cruel sport."
Gold Ship summarized.
"I see."
Gold Legend remained silent... After returning to Tracen, Gold Legend's life reverted to a three-point-one-line routine.
"Speaking of which, I haven't seen the senior Uma Musume much."
Gold Legend, after a few days of peaceful and tranquil life, felt a bit unaccustomed.
There was no Oguri Cap freeloading food and drinks, no Tamamo Cross's Make complaints, no Maruzensky speeding, no Agnes Tachyon's harassment, and no summons from the Student Council President.
This made Gold Legend subtly anxious. Was watching Urara's races and teasing Nice Nature on the Shopping Street the only way to pass the time every day? But these weren't regular occurrences!
Gold Legend thought sadly.
"Ah, it's July after all. Most of the debuted Uma Musume in the senior grades have already gone to summer training camp, and those who have retired have even more reason to go; they're on vacation."
The Trainer explained.
"...Then why can't we go?"
"Uma Musume under 17 can't go. Although it's a training camp, the core is still training. The training intensity there is too high; it's not something an Uma Musume who has only undergone one inheritance can... at least most can't handle it."
The Trainer said halfway, glanced at Gold Legend, and rephrased his words.
"I see."
Gold Legend nodded.
"By the way, Legend, your next race has been set. It's the Sapporo Junior Special Prize Race, a G3 graded race, 1800m mile race, in the first half of September."
"It's already set so early?"
"Barring any surprises, your performance in both official races has been excellent. However, I'm also surprised that you're entering a graded race so quickly."
The Trainer said with a proud expression.
"I see."
"...Why are you so calm?"
The Trainer's vanity wasn't satisfied, and he felt a bit awkward.
"Because it's only natural, isn't it? I am Gold Legend."
Gold Legend said with an air of obviousness.
"...That's true."
You deserve such arrogance.
The Trainer didn't necessarily agree.
"Alright, I'll go run a couple more laps."
"Huh? It's already break time."
The Trainer reminded her.
"It's fine, it's fine, just passing the time. Remember to leave the door open for me; I'll clean the training room later."
Gold Legend waved her hand and walked out of the training room... "Oh dear, I overdid it."
At night, Gold Legend finished tidying the training room, looked at the twinkling stars in the sky, and scratched her head.
"I only intended to run a little. At this hour, the cafeteria is probably closed, and if I go out, I'll miss curfew."
Gold Legend sighed.
"Looks like I'll have to go to the convenience store."
Walking on the training ground at night, Gold Legend looked at the stars in the sky, strolling leisurely.
"The moonlight is so beautiful."
She exclaimed unconsciously.
Although Tracen's nights also had lights, they weren't as noisy and bright as in the city. Thanks to this, the nights here always allowed one to deeply appreciate the brilliance of the midsummer night sky.
"After growing up in my previous life, I hardly ever saw a night sky like this."
Gold Legend murmured to herself.
"Ha, ha, ha."
A slight gasp interrupted Legend's musings.
She turned her gaze.
"Oh!"
On the training ground under the night sky, a figure was running.
"She looks like she's having a lot of fun running!"
She—Silence Suzuka.
This was the first thought that came to mind when she saw her.
"Ha. Ha. Hehe..."
On the quiet, empty training ground, the girl running at an astonishing speed let out a laugh.
Moonlight adorned her long hair, a scene of breathtaking beauty!
"I somewhat understand Special Week's feelings now."
Gold Legend murmured, having witnessed this beautiful scene.
"Haaah... Hmm, indeed, it's very quiet when running at night, truly wonderful."
The girl stopped to rest for a while, stretched, and her ears and tail twitched cutely.
"Speaking of which, the moon is quite bright tonight... Hehe, I have this scenery all to myself."
She looked up at the night sky and said softly.
"You're not alone, you know."
Gold Legend couldn't help but speak up.
"Ah!"
A cute shriek sounded.
"Um, is there something I can help you with?"
She turned around and saw Gold Legend, holding her arms defensively, a bit wary.
"Nothing, I just thought you looked very happy and beautiful when you were running."
Gold Legend spoke her mind directly.
"Ha, I see."
She looked a bit embarrassed. It seemed that initiating a conversation without permission wasn't a good choice.
Gold Legend felt a bit annoyed.
"What a beautiful person."
Silence Suzuka secretly observed the golden-haired beauty in front of her, sighing inwardly.
Just standing there silently, she captured all of Silence Suzuka's attention. Her clear eyes reflected Silence Suzuka's own figure, making her blush a little.
"This is also a scenery I have all to myself."
Silence Suzuka's thought flashed by.
"Um, Classmate Legend, I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I'm going to run a bit more."
Silence Suzuka averted her gaze, no longer looking directly into Legend's eyes. She turned and continued running.
Even though she had already run so much, it seemed she still hadn't run enough.
She continued running at an astonishing speed, her joyful appearance happier than anyone Gold Legend had seen since waking up.
That figure was deeply etched into Gold Legend's heart.
"Running is so much fun."
Urara's words echoed in Gold Legend's mind once more.
Perhaps, this is the true essence of an Uma Musume.
Gold Legend thought distractedly.
"Speaking of which, did I introduce myself to Silence Suzuka?"
Gold Legend suddenly noticed a crucial detail.
She wanted to call out to Silence Suzuka to ask, but then realized the field was already empty.
"I'll ask next time."
Gold Legend shook her head, a little regretful.
They would meet again sooner or later anyway.
At that moment, the run was over; Silence Suzuka walked slowly back toward the training room, picturing Gold Legend and quietly reflecting.
'Was I too nervous?'
She knew Gold Legend—rather, anyone who had seen Gold Legend's qualifier and debut race would find her unforgettable.
She loved the way Gold Legend ran, especially the Great Escape in her debut: it felt like her own ideal come to life.
'What kind of scenery does she see?'
Silence Suzuka pondered silently.
'Next time, I'll ask.'
Silence Suzuka nodded happily.
They would meet again sooner or later.
Silence Suzuka had that premonition.
Beneath the night sky, the two headed toward their separate destinations.
'It's a beautiful night.'
They thought in unison.