Northern Academy was gradually getting back on track. Director Akikawa was swamped with daily tasks, so overwhelmed she barely had time to breathe. Rohan, meanwhile, temporarily stayed at the academy as her assistant. If the Eastern Lands were to develop their own Umamusume culture, money alone wouldn't be enough. Should they one day join the Racing Association, an excellent administrator would be indispensable.
For Rohan, this was both an opportunity to assist and a period of intensive training.
Northern Academy sent out widespread invitations, recognizing that an academy couldn't function with students alone. Since Kousei was still recovering, Reiko also joined the academy's rebuilding efforts as a trainer.
Even Twilight Cloud and the others pitched in as senpai, maintaining order and occasionally guiding the younger Umamusume.
Equipment was refurbished, and curricula were drafted. The reforms progressed with fiery intensity, transforming Northern Academy into a crucible where the biting frost and snow outside were often forgotten.
Ironically, the most leisurely person was Kousei herself. Her days passed peacefully, spent soaking in hot springs and reading books.
Kousei didn't mind her current lifestyle. She had always been relentlessly pushing forward, so this period of tranquility felt incredibly precious.
Three months passed in this manner.
"Alright, the academy has stabilized. Everything is proceeding in an orderly fashion. We've done a great job, haven't we?" Director Akikawa said, feeling deeply gratified as she reviewed the report.
"I'd like to thank everyone here," Rohan said, pushing up his glasses. "As a token of my sincerity, let's go have a big feast tonight. My treat."
"Wow! Rohan, you look so cool when you're spending money~" Twilight Cloud, ever the quick-witted flatterer, immediately chimed in.
"Fine, then. Don't hold back."
"Woooow!"
A chorus of excited cheers erupted.
With the academy stable, everyone could now step back from their administrative roles. It wasn't just about racing; others were also striving in their respective fields.
Aoi wasn't at the academy. He had left for Longchamp early on, apparently to prepare for the Arc de Triomphe.
"When I graduated from being your senpai's student, I swore I would cheer for you from the closest possible place. So, at the Arc de Triomphe, I'll be in the commentator's booth, proclaiming your brilliance to the world. And when you win, I'll etch that moment into my heart forever."
With those words, Aoi had boarded a plane to Longchamp. But weren't the commentators for the Arc de Triomphe decided long in advance? Could Aoi really pull it off?
Though Kousei was skeptical, she chose to trust Aoi, who had spoken with such conviction.
The night was filled with celebration.
The group didn't stay up too late, as the Academy's issues had been resolved. Now, their focus shifted to Kousei's health. Sasami's acupuncture could only alleviate her symptoms, not cure them.
Surgery was necessary. Takuya had reported that McQueen's surgery had been a resounding success. They had snatched McQueen's career back from the jaws of the Grim Reaper known as periostitis. Though they couldn't be sure how many more races McQueen could run, at least she could still race. The Celebrated Actress would once again grace the turf.
After consolidating all the information, the group decided to rendezvous at Longchamp. For one, the surgery carried risks, and at Longchamp, they could leverage the Racing Association's resources. Better medical facilities meant a higher chance of success.
Secondly, the Arc de Triomphe was still a long way off. Considering Kousei's physical condition, the team decided to forgo all other races. The remaining time would be dedicated to her recovery and acclimatization to the Longchamp environment.
They had fought hard for this opportunity and were determined to leave nothing to chance. Before making the final decision, Reiko had asked for Kousei's thoughts. In the past, Kousei would have been deeply dissatisfied at missing the chance to compete against such formidable rivals.
But this time, Kousei was surprisingly calm.
Considering it was the consensus of the entire team, Kousei readily accepted. After all, her racing career was nearing its end; she realized it was time to examine her own heart more closely.
She seemed different from before. In the past, she was like a bonfire—no matter what you threw into it, she would only burn more fiercely.
Now, she was more like a deep, tranquil spring. If you tossed something in, it would only create ripples that gently spread outward.
Compared to her former self, she was almost a different person.
You couldn't say which version of her was better, because both were undeniably her. Still, being Kousei, she would surely burn brightly on the racetrack.
And so, the group began packing their bags early the next morning. Tides and Hyacinth would remain at the academy; as new students, it wasn't the right time for them to be running off.
Speedstar and Cloud would stay at the Northern Academy. Apparently, Caesar had instructed them to receive some visitors who were coming to the Northern Academy.
Thus, the ones accompanying Kousei to Longchamp were Reiko, Twilight Cloud, and Just a Way.
Twilight Cloud was originally supposed to stay with Speedstar and the others, but she seemed unwilling to remain at the Northern Academy. She wanted to seize this rare opportunity to go to Longchamp with Kousei.
"I hear France is really romantic. When we're there, with Senpai... hehe."
Kousei, of course, had no idea what Twilight Cloud was thinking. But she herself was indeed a little excited. After all, it was the Arc de Triomphe—the highest stage in the world. No one could face it calmly, right?
What kind of Umamusume will I meet there? Kousei couldn't help but smile as she gazed out the window. The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky—perfect weather for a trip.
And so, with joyful hearts, the group boarded the plane to Longchamp.
What Kousei didn't expect, however, was just how popular she had become.
The moment the plane landed, reporters from major newspapers swarmed them. The NAU's first-ever overseas competitor—or rather, the first Umamusume in racing history to rise from the Third Competition Format—combined with her past experiences, made her the perfect story.
Everyone wanted to be the first to report on her, resulting in Kousei being trapped in the airport. To make matters worse, news of her being mobbed at the airport somehow spread online.
Great. Now everyone, whether they were just passing by or going out of their way, had to come take a look. The airport became completely impassable.
Fortunately, airport staff intervened promptly to disperse the onlookers, and Kousei and her companions were safely escorted to their accommodations under the Racing Association's arrangements.
Thinking it over, Kousei realized she had been out of the public eye for far too long. This was the perfect opportunity to hold a press conference—it would satisfy the reporters' curiosity and allow her to share her thoughts with the world.
Besides, Kousei didn't want to be hounded by them indefinitely.
Deciding to act immediately, she posted her itinerary and updated her location on her UA account. Once the press conference was announced, the reporters—as expected—stopped trying to sneak in through the air ducts.
Kousei enjoyed a good night's sleep. As for the headline-hungry journalists, they likely didn't sleep a wink.
The press conference venue was packed long before the event began, everyone waiting for the star to arrive. When Kousei strode onto the stage, the restless reporters instantly fell silent. Shutters clicked incessantly, as if trying to seal her image into their cameras forever.
The most controversial protagonist in history, a creator of legends. Known to the world as the Hero of the North, she boasted a record nothing short of spectacular.
The Uncrowned King, peerless in this world, had descended upon Longchamp, ready to ignite a new battlefield.