"Eclipse first, the rest nowhere"

It was the motto of champions inscribed on a large banner, which drapes above the auditorium filled with Uma Musume, trainers and the Japanese press; all of whom were gathered upon special invitation by the academy to celebrate Symboli Rudolf's victory.

A grand buffet table is lined from one end of the auditorium, to the other. The portion sizes were rather comedic for any human attending the bash. Of course, the horse girls were naturally the more ravenous kind. But one particular Uma Musume has barely touched her relatively modest plate. 'The Emperor' and lady of honor herself, Symboli Rudolf idly prods her food. Seemingly mulling over her disappointment.

"Trainer-san."

"I believe I've made a grave error during my speech. When I told them I would have our students 'running for the hills' I in no way meant that I'd be sending them away from the academy to look elsewhere. Tracen Academy welcomes Uma Musume of all ages and pedigree."

She sighs and massages her temples with a hand

"This is why choosing your words carefully is most prudent as the representing Uma Musume. Perhaps I should have stuck with the "bare" essentials."