Uma Musume Girl, I'll tell you about my Santa Hat special move too?

However, the Stardust Illusion, lost in thought, failed to notice that the rice bath in front of it was now trembling slightly.

"So it was a chance encounter... Right, how come I didn't notice Senior Qingyun Tiankong's fishing gear?"

For a moment, a feeling of frustration filled her heart, making Mi Yu feel as if she were sitting on a cloud.

Her steps were unsteady, and she could only barely hold onto the hem of the Stardust Illusion's clothes to keep herself steady.

Mi Yu felt that she had been so ugly before that all her thoughts seemed absurd.

If this is the truth, then... how terrifying must my previous thoughts have been!

Peeping, jealousy... and even thoughts of overstepping her bounds towards her dazzling older brother.

Guilt mixed with indescribable self-blame overwhelmed Mi Yu like a tidal wave.

It made her feel as if she were weighed down by a boulder weighing a thousand pounds, as if it would crush her completely at any moment.

"Alright, alright, don't be sad. I didn't mean to blame you—I just wanted to explain my mistakes to Mi Yu."

Stardust Illusion, seeing Mi Yu's expression, assumed that she was unhappy because she felt she had been scolded.

Given Mi Yu's insecure personality, she would probably automatically take the blame upon herself.

She patted Mi Yu's slightly thin shoulder and said in a relaxed tone, "Go back and rest quickly... Mi Yu, you're quite thin. You need to eat more!"

However, before she could finish speaking, the girl's tears streamed down her face.

Mi Yu really wanted to be honest with her caring older brother, to tell him all the bad thoughts she had ever had, and to tell him that Mi Yu was a bad child.

However, she was also terrified, afraid that if she spoke out, her brother would abandon her again...

If that kind of thing really happened, Mi Yu wouldn't know what to do.

"Huh!? Ah?? W-why are you crying? Did I say something wrong???"

Stardust Illusion never expected that the girl in front of him would burst into tears at the slightest provocation.

She was flustered and instinctively raised the towel in her hand to wipe away her tears, but she remembered that the towel had just been used to wipe sweat and was not suitable for wiping her eyes.

Stardust Illusion hurriedly put down the towel, grabbed a few tissues from the side, and wiped away Mi Yu's tears:

"Don't cry, don't cry. I hate seeing people cry the most. If you have any problems, just tell me, and I'll help you solve them."

Chapter 203 Because belief needs no reason [Music]

Stardust Illusion knew, of course, that the girl in front of her had always been insecure because of her special physique, which was why she tried to improve Mi Yu's mindset so that she could unleash her true strength.

That's why Stardust Illusion brought her into their team, at least allowing Crimson Toyama to take care of the child. In addition, Super Stream and Eliseko joined later. Everyone was kind to Uma Musume and not afraid of bad luck.

In this environment, a rice bath might be somewhat more effective, right?

"I……"

Mi Yu was surprised that the Stardust Illusion was still comforting her gently, just like always.

(Perhaps in her brother's eyes, Mi Yu is still a good child!)

But... only she knew that her heart was shrouded in a dark fog, with all sorts of inappropriate thoughts constantly arising within it.

Once this thought is revealed, everyone will probably think she is ungrateful and even wants to repay kindness with enmity.

Mi Yu felt that her thoughts were definitely problematic, but... she couldn't control herself.

Is misfortune merely a punishment...? Is she really just an inherently evil child?!

Mi Yu dared not tell anyone her thoughts, and even felt a little fortunate that the stardust illusion in front of her still treated her like a good child.

"By the way, I've arranged a training match tonight. The participants include myself, Bourbon, McQueen, Twin Turbo, Excellent Quality, Narita Shirahito, and Ai Mui Orihime. I've also asked Super Stream to participate... Is Mi Yu free to join?"

"Training match..."

Hearing about the training, Mi Yu forced herself to stay alert, a hint of apprehension showing on her face:

"But I'm just a contestant who hasn't debuted yet, and my skill level isn't high enough. If I participate..."

She pursed her lips, then clenched her fists, her eyes shifting between eagerness and timidity.

"If it's my brother's order...!"

Stardust Illusion paused for a moment.

She hadn't been unaware that Mi Yu might be afraid to participate in the competition, but seeing the girl in front of her shout out those words with her eyes closed, she saw a hint of courage in her—even if that courage came from asking her for an order.

But... an order?

Stardust Illusion always felt that there was something wrong with the term "rice bath".

However, now was not the time to discuss this matter. Stardust Illusion didn't dwell on it; she lowered her head and met the deep purple eyes before her.

"If Mi Yu needs me to give you some motivation, then... come and participate in the training match, and then go all out to win!"

The rest area fell silent for a moment.

"...Victory?! Brother, you mean...rice bath!?"

Mi Yu covered her mouth in disbelief.

Stardust Illusion, seeing her surprised expression, couldn't help but laugh:

"What's wrong? Don't you have confidence in yourself?"

"But—among so many active seniors, Miyu is just an ordinary racehorse girl..."

Gently stroking Mi Yu's black hair, Stardust Illusion softly comforted her, "Mi Yu, we have all witnessed your hard work during this time, and you have managed to withstand that guy Hu Shan's devilish plan."

"I can tell you very clearly that this is something only a racehorse girl with the most outstanding endurance talent could do."

"You're definitely not your average runner, Mi Yu. You have the talent to be a hero!"

"To become...a hero...even a rice bath is acceptable..."

Mi Yu's two ears twitched rapidly, each gleaming with a jet-black light:

"Okay! Mi Yu understands!"

She nodded vigorously, all traces of timidity vanishing from her face.

"Alright, now you can tell me your decision, Mi Yu."

Stardust Illusion's smile widened: "Want to try and take the lead in today's training match, Mi Yu?"

This time, Mi Yu remained silent for an even longer time.

But when she remained silent, her handsome face did not display any apprehension or hesitation; instead, it showed an increasingly clear and resolute determination.

"Brother... you're running to stand on the field and seize that ultimate glory, aren't you?"

Mi Yu didn't answer the question immediately, but suddenly changed the subject.

“Miura Bourbon-senpai ran to fulfill her father’s expectations and to respond to her trainer’s recognition.”

"Senior Emperor of the East Sea is running to fulfill his admiration for the student council president and to achieve the glorious feat of winning three consecutive undefeated championships..."

Mi Yu has figured this out.

Even though she had been training herself to the standards of Uma Musume (Horse Girl), she had never felt that anyone had any expectations of her.

She endured those days year after year.

But now it's different. There's a Stardust Illusion in front of her, and her team includes Trainer Toyama, Trainer Irisu, Super Stream Trainer, and Senior Miura Bourbon.

Each of them encouraged themselves like this, and each of them believed that Mi Yu could truly shine on the open stage...

After feeling the warmth, Mi Yu's heart gradually calmed down.

The thought of surpassing my brother arises in my heart... Perhaps, I am that kind of person.

At this moment, Mi Yu realized that she was herself, and since she couldn't change it, she should accept her true self.

Once she accepted this weakness, Mi Yu suddenly understood the problem.

As long as these jealous and ugly thoughts remain only in the "thinking" stage, then... in my brother's eyes, I will still be that kind child.

Even if she wanted to stand on the field with her brother and others, she would never have that kind of thought.

Rather, it is as the stardust illusion suggests...

As she spoke, Mi Yu slowly turned her gaze away from the distance, a dark light flashing in her deep purple eyes.

Profound, even with a hint of eeriness:

"Miyu has its own goals now..."

"Miyu wants to become the hero her brother talks about—!"

"Use running and the posture of rice bathing to bring happiness to everyone, and become the only blue rose in that garden."

The Stardust Illusion's hand was still on her head. At this moment, Mi Yu stretched out both hands and took the Stardust Illusion's hand in front of her, holding it in her hands:

"I'll give the rice bath a try."

"My brother has done so much for Mi Yu, the trainers have been constantly developing training plans for Mi Yu, and the seniors have been taking care of Mi Yu..."

Stardust Illusion's smile grew even brighter. She could sense a power brewing within the girl before her, signifying that Mi Yu was truly beginning to emerge from her inner self—

(Since that's the case, let me give it my all one last time!)

Stardust Illusion let Mi Yu clench her hands and spoke:

"Believe me, Mi Yu, you will definitely be able to make your own way in the world and become a shining star admired by everyone!"

"Trust your brother..."

"Yes, just trust me, because trust doesn't need a reason."

The stardust illusion's resolute answer gave Mi Yu her final courage.

She clenched her hands tightly, clearly transmitting that power to the palms covering the stardust illusion.

"It's not about believing in Mi Yu herself, but about believing in her brother who believes in her...!"

"Mi Yu understands... Even if others see it as wishful thinking, Mi Yu wants to participate in this training match and run on the same track as everyone else!"

"Miyu wants to defeat all her opponents, including her brother!!!"