"Gah! Such a ruthless plan!"
Mizuno, buried helplessly in Rudolf's chest, immediately realized what she was up to.
Up to now, he'd dodged the question of who he liked simply by saying nothing—because there'd never been a penalty for silence.
It was like those old gacha games from sixteen years ago—no pity system. Whether you got the rare character depended entirely on luck; some players pulled their dream in ten spins, while others wasted thousands and got nothing.
And Mizuno himself was that kind of gacha—his drop rate for affection was basically one in a million. No pity system, no guarantees. Even if someone spent everything, they'd never get a hit.
But now, Rudolf had forced a pity system on him—declaring herself his "guaranteed SSR." She'd flipped the rules of the game and trapped him with her words.
If he stayed silent or hesitated even a moment longer, everyone would just assume he actually did like Symboli Rudolf!
"Mizuno-san, if you don't like me, you're free to move away anytime~" Rudolf said sweetly, running her fingers through his hair.
"Then let go of me first!" Mizuno choked out, struggling desperately.
He couldn't breathe. His face was completely buried in Rudolf's plush, at-least-D-sized chest. Even if he wanted to escape, he couldn't—the hell was she holding him this tight for?!
Every breath he took rose and fell with her chest. The faint scent of lavender filled his nose. Her hand gently stroked his hair, soft and tender, creating a heaven any man would gladly die in.
Through the thin silk pajamas, he could feel her heartbeat pounding against his face—steady, strong, and terrifyingly close.
Anyone else would have surrendered in bliss by now, letting themselves sink into her warmth.
But for Mizuno, it felt like a siren's song luring a ship toward the rocks—a beautiful death disguised as paradise.
He understood perfectly well: this was Symboli Rudolf's trap.
She was using that gentleness to break his guard. If he didn't reject her right now, she'd take his silence as consent, and from that moment on, she could rightfully claim Mizuno liked her. No one could argue otherwise.
After that, whatever she did to him tonight—no one would dare object.
So instead of pleasure, Mizuno only felt sheer, primal terror at the thought of being swallowed whole.
But escaping a horse girl's grasp with human strength alone? Impossible. And especially in his half-disabled state… completely hopeless.
His only chance was outside help.
"Mmmpff! Mmmffmm! (Everyone, help me!)" Mizuno shouted, voice muffled in Rudolf's chest.
"Onii-sama!"
"Trainer-san!"
Hearing his strangled plea, Rice Shower, Tokai Teio, King Halo, Mejiro McQueen, El Condor Pasa, Daiwa Scarlet, and Vodka—all of whom had long been grinding their teeth at the sight of the President smothering their beloved trainer—sprang into action.
Even though Symboli Rudolf was the almighty Student Council President—a Seven-Crown Uma Musume, their senpai in every way—none of them could ignore Mizuno's call for help.
Yes, opposing her was like a mantis trying to stop a carriage…
But how could they stand by and watch their precious trainer suffocate in another woman's arms?!
Besides, saving him came with huge rewards.
It was like every adventure tale: defeat the demon lord, rescue the captive—and win the right to their heart.
If they could pull Mizuno free from Rudolf's clutches, their favorability score would skyrocket overnight!
"I'll be the one to rescue Mizuno-san!"
With that battle cry, the younger Uma Musume tightened their pajama sleeves, bracing themselves against the suffocating pressure Rudolf radiated and stepping forward bravely.
"Prez…" Tokai Teio, who had been right behind Rudolf the whole time, tugged gently at her pajamas, trying to appeal to her favorite senpai's better nature.
"Rescue!"
Meanwhile, Haru Urara—completely missing the tension—cheerfully joined in, treating it like a fun team game.
Just as the group was about to charge, Rudolf's voice cut sharply through the air:
"Wait!"
She frowned slightly, pulling Mizuno even tighter against her chest as she looked around at them all.
"Don't you all want to know what kind of girl Mizuno-san likes?"
"…"
Her question froze them on the spot.
Of course they wanted to know. That was exactly the kind of information they'd all been dying to hear.
But right now, saving him clearly took priority. What good would knowing his type be if Rudolf kept him for herself tonight?
"President, please at least let go of Onii-sama first!" Rice Shower pleaded anxiously, eyes full of worry as Mizuno squirmed helplessly. "Onii-sama looks really uncomfortable…"
"Is that so?" Rudolf lowered her gaze to Mizuno and smiled softly. "Mizuno-san, do you feel uncomfortable?"
"Mmpphffmm!! (Extremely uncomfortable!)" came the muffled cry.
"Oh~ I see~" Rudolf nodded sagely, then looked back at everyone with a bright smile.
"He says he feels extremely comfortable~"
"President…" Air Groove sighed beside her, rubbing her forehead as she tried to reason gently. "I don't think that's what he meant."
Even she—Rudolf's right hand—was starting to think the President was going too far. If this continued, she might have to break ranks entirely.
Not that she didn't want to bury Mizuno in her own chest too…
"Is that so?" Rudolf murmured, her sharp aura softening slightly at Air Groove's words. She didn't let go, but the suffocating tension in the air eased somewhat.
Truthfully, Rudolf could have crushed all resistance right here. None of the younger Uma Musume could match her—Tokai Teio, El Condor Pasa, any of them. Against her, they'd last a few minutes at best.
But if Air Groove stepped in, things would change.
Though weaker overall, Air Groove could stall her long enough for others to interfere—and Rudolf knew she couldn't afford to alienate her most valuable ally just yet.
Even emperors needed loyal ministers. A ruler who stood alone always fell in the end.
So, schooling her voice into something gentle again, Rudolf turned to Mizuno and asked sweetly,
"Mizuno-san, are you comfortable being held by me? If yes, nod your head. If you want even more, shake your head."
"…"
Mizuno froze. Then, slowly, he raised his arm—hand trembling—and gave a clear, emphatic thumbs-down.
"Tch, fine…"
Seeing his verdict, Rudolf clicked her tongue and reluctantly released him at last, pouting like a scolded princess.