Countless days and nights of effort had all been preparation for this moment. Now came the final test.
As long as she won, none of that effort would have been wasted.
"I'm ready to depart at any time... Master, don't you have any final instructions?"
It was already the very last moment.
Bourbon seemed a little nervous, but her eyes, more expressive than they had once been, seemed to hold a smile.
She used to be such a rigid, matter-of-fact girl, but now she likes teasing her trainer. When did that happen?
Was it that Summer Festival, or... never mind.
"Set off toward your dream. And don't forget, once you achieve one goal, there will be more waiting for you."
Adversity kept people sharp, while comfort bred complacency. Once someone abandoned their lofty ambitions, they would gradually begin to slack off.
Bourbon couldn't afford that. Any Uma Musume who had yet to retire could.
"Keep moving toward the horizon, and never forget... our destination is the Sea of Stars."
Zhou Yuang raised his arm, pointing his index finger high as though toward the future he and Bourbon would share.
Seeing Zhou Yuang like that, Bourbon said nothing. She merely tilted her head, rested a hand against her cheek, and gave a soft laugh.
"Yes, Master. Then... I'm off."
With determined strides, Bourbon walked into the distance.
The dim passageway was empty. Bourbon turned to look around, only to find that her opponents weren't here.
She didn't mind and headed toward the light at the end of the passage.
"The favorite, and the focus of today's race! Here comes the undefeated double crown winner, the chestnut front runner, Biwa Hayahide!"
Amid the commentator's cries, Bourbon stepped onto the turf.
In that instant, countless eyes focused on her.
Chapter 325: Kikka-sho (4700)