Under Symboli Rudolf's arrangement, quickly, at the center of the track, the main players began to gather.
Standing at the front were the members of Team Miracle, with Team Rigil, led by Hana Toujou, being behind them.
With the defeat of Symboli Rudolf by T.M. Opera O, it was clear that the title of 'Tracen Academy's strongest team' had changed hands.
Yet, Hana Toujou showed no jealousy; instead, she was relieved that the new generation had grown strong enough to surpass them.
And it was honestly tiring for her to constantly have to hear 'Trainer of the strongest team in Tracen Academy' be attached whenever her name was brought up.
Thus, she willingly stood in the second row, making way for these young Trainers and their Uma Musume who had reached the pinnacle of Japan and could maybe even go beyond it.
Air Groove then slowly walked over and handed the microphone to Symboli Rudolf, signalling to the staff at the same time.
"You've worked hard, Air Groove."
Symboli Rudolf smiled and nodded.
Then, after testing that the microphone's volume was okay, she faced the now calmer, but still packed venue, and finally spoke with the tone she usually used to showcase the dignity of 'the Emperor':
"Good morning, everyone, Uma Musume, and all those currently watching on TV. Firstly, thank you for coming to watch this Arima Kinen."
"I am Symboli Rudolf, the Student Council President of Tracen Academy, whom you may also know as the Emperor."
"As you might have known, I had announced that I was going to compete against T.M. Opera O, the Overlord, in this very Aima Kinen."
"And, as everyone has witnessed, in this fair and square showdown without any foul play or interference, I have lost."
Symboli Rudolf openly admitted her defeat, making many die-hard Rudolf fans feel as if they had let out their last breath, their bodies slumping.
For a brief moment, the entire venue was filled with sighs and cries swirling with complex emotions.
Anger, that their expectations were not met.
Sadness, that their long-time favourite had lost.
And lament, that this mythical existence, which had reigned over Japan for a decade, had finally fallen.
In the hearts of many Japanese fans, Symboli Rudolf was the unbeatable ruler of the racecourse, the strongest Uma Musume in all of Japan.
But now, this emperor had been beaten, which made many people feel a sense of desolation, as if they had lost something incredibly precious.
Symboli Rudolf also seemed to sense this atmosphere and quickly continued with her speech:
"No Uma Musume is invincible. Just as I once lost during my overseas expedition or to Katsuragi Ace and Gallop Dyna."
"I may lose, and T.M. Opera O may also lose in the future. However, defeat is not a disgrace, but an opportunity to start anew."
"Just like now, my defeat signals the birth of a new era for Japanese Uma Musume."
"We have proven that we can become stronger, and that it is only a matter of time until more and more stronger Uma Musume take our place."
"Eras are destined to change. And now, T.M. Opera O, who defeated me, is the new era for Japan!"
"Here, as both the Student Council President of Tracen Academy and an Uma Musume, I pay my respects to her alongside the Trainer who trained her."
As she spoke, under the gaze of the entirety of Japan, Symboli Rudolf turned to look at T.M. Opera O and Wada standing next to her, and then bowed deeply, showing the truest form of respect.
Gasps of astonishment rose and fell throughout the racecourse, and the sounds of camera flashes continuously recorded this scene, causing countless news agencies to start to buzz.
"—Quick, quick, quick! Get the writing team working... The printer doesn't have enough ink? Get some from the storage room, just ask one of the guys there. Beep, hey, make sure you use the good camera! This is BIG big news!"
"It's not even an exaggeration to say that the Overlord has replaced the Emperor! There's no way we're missing out on this!"
Similar thoughts were not just held by a few news agencies, but all of them.
However, just then, Symboli Rudolf slowly straightened her back, pulled T.M. Opera O forward, cleared her throat, and then spoke into the microphone:
"Also, there's another announcement I want to make: I plan to submit my resignation and step down as the Student Council President of Tracen Academy."
...
...
...
"...HUH??????!!!!!!!" X N
Once everyone processed Symboli Rudolf's words, it caused an even bigger uproar in the racecourse.
Even the people next to Symboli Rudolf were shocked by Symboli Rudolf's words, with Tokai Teio being so shocked, her eyes almost popped out.
"PREZZZ?! You're not going to be the Prez anymore?! NOOOOO!!! I DON'T WANT THE PREZ TO LEAVE TRACEN ACADEMY!!! I DON'T WANNA! I DON'T WANN—!!"
"Calm down, Teio, I'm sure President Rudolf has more to say."
Imanami, who had moved towards Tokai Teio, seemed to already know Rudolf's plan and immediately soothed her.
Under Imanami's comfort, Tokai Teio reluctantly calmed her emotions and patiently listened on.
"And, it's not just me; the Student Council Vice President Air Groove, Narita Brian, Maruzensky... will also all submit their resignations after this Arima Kinen."
"We expect to withdraw from the Student Council within one to two years and transfer this position to the next candidate. And, this candidate has already been decided."
As she spoke, Symboli Rudolf turned her head and looked towards T.M. Opera O, who was now stunned, seemingly having realized something, and said with a slight smile:
"T.M. Opera O is the next Student Council President I have chosen."
"Wh—how could this be?!"
At this, even T.M. Opera O was startled by Symboli Rudolf's words.
She came to this Arima Kinen because she wanted to challenge the Emperor, not because she wanted to become the Student Council President!
But soon, T.M. Opera O recovered her composure. Clearing her throat, she immediately said:
"President Rudolf, although I was fortunate enough to defeat you this time, I have never coveted the position of Student Council President."
"Your experience and ability to make everyone admire you is something I can never equally replicate, it is best if you search for another successor—"
"—I originally thought so too, T.M. Opera O. But your pairing with Trainer Wada showed me a better possibility."
Facing T.M. Opera O's words, Symboli Rudolf replied with a smile:
"Never have I ever laid my eyes on a bond as strong as yours. Your mere existence proves that Shadai's belief of the relationship between a Uma Musume and their Trainer is wrong."
"When people admire and become inspired to chase me, they inadvertently forget about everything else, throwing everything away in order to try and reach my level of strength."
"Though dedicating one's whole self to a goal is... noble, it pains me to see that because they forgo everything else, they have strayed onto the wrong path."
"Thus, no matter how much they sacrifice themselves, their end goal ultimately becomes an impossible task."
"But you... you and Trainer Wada are inseparable to each other. Thus, when the later generation arrives, they won't blindly admire you for your strength, but for your bonds as well."
"I am completely convinced of my defeat, T.M. Opera O. Now, stand tall and let me crown the new Overlord with her crown."
As she spoke, Symboli Rudolf took off the small pink crown that T.M. Opera O had been wearing on her head.
T.M. Opera O's still hesitant expression gradually calmed down under the silent pat on the shoulder from Wada, who had removed his helmet and goggles, revealing his full face.
And Symboli Rudolf, with a smile, re-crowned T.M. Opera O—but this time, the originally slightly tilted crown was placed back on T.M. Opera O's head in a way that even a perfectionist would be immensely satisfied with.
But this time, the meaning of this crown was completely different.
This was the crown personally placed on the new 'Overlord' by the 'Emperor', and it was also Symboli Rudolf's symbol of personally handing over the title of the strongest to T.M. Opera O.
"So, T.M. Opera O, and Trainer Wada, go and embrace your era."
"...Mm."
T.M. Opera O and Wada Ryuji exchanged glances, and then both nodded simultaneously.
The two walked hand-in-hand to the very front, and finally, together, they performed an elegant bow to everyone.
And this time, their response was an unreserved round of applause from everyone.
At this moment, whether they were fans of Symboli Rudolf, fans of T.M. Opera O, or fans of other Uma Musume, they all applauded and cheered, just as they had offered their respect.
The Emperor had chosen the most dignified end for herself, entrusting the era and new life entirely to the new generation of Uma Musume.
Perhaps, this was the true 'victory' that Uma Musume pursued.
All the conspiracies, trickery, blackmail, and borderline illegal acts could not compare to an Uma Musume's pure desire for victory, happiness, and integrity.
Thus, the era of the Emperor has drawn its curtains, and in its ashes, a new era had begun.
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You can even say it is the 'Beginning of a New Era?'
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.