Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

April 21st, cloudy.

I don't really want to write in my diary today. Or rather, I just don't know what to write. I'd prepared myself for a tough conversation, even thought I might never get approval. But it ended up going so smoothly… For a moment, I even felt like confessing everything. But no—I can't. I absolutely can't.

I'm sorry. Truthfully, I'm still so scared. Scared of dying. Terrified, actually. And because of that fear, I have no choice but to distract myself like this.

I really am weak, huh? I can't bring myself to fully rely on anyone or reveal my fears to them. This feeling is so painful.

Anyway… it's probably best if I just rest now. Yes, I should sleep. Good night, and whoever's reading this—I hope you sleep well too.

…

Twilight Song closed her diary, sitting quietly in silence for a long while.

Months ago, she remembered bringing home this limited-edition notebook, signed by Mejiro Ramonu, with the intention of filling it with her thoughts—something emotional that might pierce the hearts of those around her after her death.

Well, not that she'd seriously planned to hurt anyone like that. Most likely, she'd just have filled it with dramatic daydreams, then destroyed the whole thing before her final race.

But now, that playful idea had lost its childish innocence.

She wasn't writing this diary anymore just to make others sad after she was gone. Instead, she wrote because she didn't want to break down in tears, yet she couldn't swallow all her bitterness alone.

In other words, she'd become someone genuinely writing in her diary—a real diary—like a total hypocrite.

Twilight Song returned the diary to the bookshelf and retreated once again to her favorite small corner of the balcony.

When people feel insecure, they naturally gravitate toward small corners with clearly defined edges. Twilight Song had always lacked a sense of security.

She felt better when others were around, of course—but right now, she was alone.

[Time remaining: 210 days, 16 hours, 23 seconds exactly.]

[22 seconds.]

[21 seconds...]

20, 19…

When had it become only two hundred and ten days left? Tomorrow, it would be 209, then 208.

207, 205, 203, 201…and then suddenly, just 199…

99…50…10…9…

One.

Zero.

Twilight Song trembled, desperately clenching her teeth. She had no idea how to handle this—how could she possibly know?

Please… someone, anyone, save me. I'm begging you, please save me.

"Ruka? Ruka, are you alright? If you're cold, you should head back inside."

A gentle touch on her shoulder pulled Twilight Song's attention back to reality. But what truly shattered the fear gripping her heart was the strong, unquestioning embrace that followed.

It wasn't just a simple hug—it was firm arms slipping behind her back and under her knees, scooping her up decisively into a princess carry without any hesitation or discussion.

Embarrassment surged into Twilight Song's mind, and as she looked up, she saw a face she hadn't expected.

"N-no, I'm fine, Ar—Ramonu-nee?"

"Yes. Disappointed?"

Twilight Song desperately shook her head, but before she could explain herself, Ramonu had already placed her gently into bed.

For a moment, Ramonu watched the little filly silently, unable to speak.

She was still replaying what she'd just seen: the tiny figure curled up trembling uncontrollably in that lonely corner…

She truly couldn't stop worrying.

"Nothing bad happened after the Satsuki Sho, right?"

Ramonu put aside her earlier thoughts, shifting the topic instead.

Forget it—clearly, she wouldn't be able to pry anything out now. She couldn't just force the answers out of her here and now.

"N-no, everything went fine."

Twilight Song nodded vigorously.

"Good. Then go to sleep early."

Finally, Ramonu softened and turned away to leave.

"Okay… Good night, Ramonu-nee."

Twilight Song hesitated briefly but didn't dare voice her wish for Ramonu to stay.

"Stop overthinking. You're also part of the Mejiro family—we'll always be watching over you."

Ramonu walked to the door, closing it softly. But before the door fully shut—

"Oh, and congratulations on winning the Satsuki Sho."

As Ramonu exited the room, she immediately spotted Ardan waiting quietly outside. The gentle smile on her younger sister's face made Ramonu uncharacteristically uneasy.

"You didn't ask?"

Ramonu remained silent, then finally shook her head slightly.

Anyone who could interrogate that small, trembling filly at such a moment would have to be heartless. Ramonu wasn't that kind of person.

"Then, shall we talk about what to do next?"

Of course they should. If Twilight Song was determined to walk such a difficult path, as her family, it was their duty to support and accompany her.

Ramonu quickly shifted into planning mode, pulling Ardan into her room.

"First, we need to handle entry paperwork for Britain, plus flight tickets and accommodations, and then…"

For veteran Uma Musume, the most frightening scenario was always the risk of injuries—especially leg injuries.

In other words, if Twilight Song was intent on participating in so many top-tier G1 races, it was only natural that she receive the best possible medical care and support.

They'd have to arrange for the Mejiro family's professional team immediately.

But then, another thought suddenly occurred to Ramonu...

Given the security footage provided by Symboli Rudolf, which showed Twilight Song struggling after the race, maybe it was time to schedule a full medical examination for their stubborn little filly.

It was indeed strange—typically, an Uma Musume would undergo frequent health checkups, but somehow the Mejiro family had never once seen a single medical report for Twilight Song.

That absolutely couldn't continue. Not taking proper care of her would be negligent, both as a family member and an elder sister.

Ramonu shared this thought aloud, immediately receiving approval from Ardan.

"Then, how about I take Ruka to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up after the Kentucky Derby?"

That was the best they could manage. Ramonu nodded in agreement, lightly tapping the table, finally feeling some peace of mind.

She fully trusted Ardan—no matter what was wrong with Twilight Song, Ardan would definitely tell her.

And why specifically after the Kentucky Derby?

Simple:

Because the Kentucky Derby and the 2000 Guineas were in the same week, just two days apart!

Their schedule was so tight that there wasn't a single spare day to fit in the medical examination beforehand.

"Then it's settled. Once the Kentucky Derby is over, you take her straight to the hospital, Ardan."