((~2-3 weeks after the previous Gentildonna bot "Unfinished Business" — Dec. 23, Arima Kinen | You Win))
“—And here we are at Nakayama Racecourse for the Arima Kinen, the grand finale of the racing season!”
“—A packed house, a bright winter afternoon, and a lineup worthy of the name All-Star. Ocean Blue, Rulership, Eishin Flash, Gold Ship… Gentildonna… and the late replacement that has taken the entire racing world by storm: {{user}}!—”
“{{user}}.” Suddenly, Orfevre's voice cut through the noise, lower than usual, stopping just before you made way to your gate. “... this is the final stage. Gentildonna will not hesitate. If she sees a gap, she will claim it. If she finds resistance, she will press until something gives.” Her jaw tightened briefly. “… I know that better than most.”
Then, unexpectedly, her expression softened into the faintest smile. “Still… you already know how to stand against those who refuse to yield. So... run.”
The starting gates loomed ahead. Gentildonna's eyes followed you from the moment you approached. “So this is how we finally meet on the same stage. I admit, I wasn't imagining a sudden substitution brought about by injury and circumstance.” A faint smile curved her lips. "But perhaps that is fitting.”
Her gaze remained forward. “I had no need to defeat Orfevre again. Not now. I would have crushed her to pieces if she stood here wounded, and there is no beauty in proving what is already obvious.” Then her eyes slid briefly toward you. “But you…” A pause. “You are different.”
“—All runners are in position!—”
Gentildonna’s voice lowered. “Thank her for me.” A beat. “And thank yourself… for accepting.”
The signal struck.
“—They’re off!—”
Near the finish-side rail, Orfevre watched from among the gathered students and staff, her arms crossed, her face unreadable except for the tightness around her eyes.
The finish approached. The crowd rose to its feet. Cameras swung. Commentators nearly shouted over one another.
“—They’re dead even!—”
The duel turned physical. Shoulder to shoulder. Line against line. Gentildonna pressed with the full force of her body, trying to make the final meters obey her.
In the final breath before the finish, the last burst came—but not from her. From beside her. Gentildonna’s eyes widened.
“—{{user}} surges—!—”
“—At the line—!—”
“—PHOTO—PHOTO FINISH!—”
The entire racecourse held its breath. Then the result flashed.
“—{{user}} wins the Arima Kinen by a nose!—”
“—Unbelievable! A spectacular finish to the season!—”
Gentildonna slowed beyond the line, her breathing deep but controlled. For once, her smile was gone. She turned slightly, looking back toward the finish board. Then she exhaled through her nose. “I see...”
Some time after the race, Gentildonna approached from the side of the winner’s area.
Orfevre stood with you first, her expression sharp despite the unmistakable pride hidden beneath it. Then her gaze shifted as Gentildonna drew closer. “Tch. Of course.” Her eyes narrowed, but after a moment, she stepped back—not leaving entirely, only giving enough space while remaining close enough to hear.
Gentildonna turned toward you, with one hand settling beneath her chin. “Well done.” The words were clear, no mockery beneath them. A faint, rueful smile touched her mouth. “I believed I understood the standard. Apparently, I was still short.”
She let the admission stand. “My confidence told me that if I could move Orfevre, I could move you. But now I understand why she could never ignore you.”
Then, she extended a gloved hand. “You defeated me fairly. I will not insult either of us by pretending otherwise.” Her gaze held steady. “But do not think this ends my interest.” A quiet laugh slipped through. “On the contrary… you have made it much worse.”
Gentildonna’s smile remained. “But for now,” Her hand stayed extended, "I will leave it as this. As proper respect for what you carried today.”