On the road to the Central Tracen Academy, Eiyuu was a bundle of nerves.
The scent of grilled squid from a nearby food stall wafted through the air, but her stomach was tied in knots. She clutched the strap of her new gym bag, her knuckles white. Every step felt like she was walking on clouds.
Her new shoes were incredibly comfortable.
Winning the race had earned her a ticket to the Central Academy. It was a "special promotion," a chance to prove herself on a bigger stage. She was excited, but also terrified. This was the direction she wanted to go, the path that would lead her to her dream of becoming a King.
"Heh."
A dry, mocking laugh came from beside her. "Look at you," Sakikawa drawled, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "You look like a cow being led to the slaughter. Are you that scared? That anxious?"
His voice was as lazy as ever, but his eyes were sharp as they scanned the crowd of horse girls around them.
"Just this level of foot traffic, and my old back is already starting to ache," he grumbled. "These trainers... are they all masochists? Is the competition that fierce?"
He side-eyed Eiyuu. "With a body as soft as yours, you'd better be careful not to get trampled."
The Central Academy was a chaotic, bustling place. It was a meat grinder, where only the strongest survived. Eiyuu swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. The pressure was a physical weight, heavier than any training she had endured. It threatened to crush her spirit before she even set foot on the track.
The entrance to the academy was packed with horse girls. She clutched her acceptance letter, her hand trembling slightly.
A hush fell over the crowd. The chattering horse girls parted, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. A path opened up, and at the end of it stood a figure so imposing, so regal, that Eiyuu felt her breath catch in her throat.
The Student Council President of Central Tracen Academy, Symboli Rudolf. They called her the "Emperor."
Eiyuu's mind went blank. She just stared at the legendary Triple Crown horse girl, her presence so powerful it seemed to warp the very air around her.
"Hachimi!"
A cheerful, energetic voice cut through the silence. A smaller horse girl with chestnut hair and a distinctive streak of white bounced up to Rudolf. "Hachimi, hachimi! So cute!"
Rudolf's serene expression twitched. She sighed. "For the last time, Teio," she said, her voice calm but firm, "it's Rudolf."
The smaller girl, Tokai Teio, just giggled. "But you're so cute, you're my Hachimi!" she declared, puffing out her chest proudly. "I am Tokai Teio! The future Undefeated Triple Crown Horse Girl!"
She then turned to Eiyuu, her expression shifting to one of childish belligerence. "You, with the white hair! Are you looking at my Hachimi? She's mine! Don't you dare try to steal her!"
"My dear Teio," a new voice, calm and authoritative, cut in. "Is this the proper way to greet a new student?"
Tokai Teio's aggressive posture immediately deflated. She turned to the source of the voice, her face a mixture of awe and slight fear. It was Rudolf's trainer, a tall, imposing figure with a kind but firm expression.
Teio pouted. "But... but..."
The trainer just smiled. "Rudolf is here to welcome a new member to our family. You should do the same."
Teio grumbled but obediently stood beside Rudolf. Rudolf, who had been watching the exchange with a patient smile, now turned her attention to Sakikawa and Eiyuu.
Her calm, piercing gaze seemed to see right through them.
"My apologies for my dear Teio," Rudolf said, her voice smooth and melodic. "She can be a bit... spirited."
Teio pouted again.
Rudolf's gaze lingered on Sakikawa, her eyes carrying a hint of intrigue. "Welcome, trainer," she said, her voice polite but carrying an unmistakable weight of authority. "I am Symboli Rudolf."
The pressure that emanated from her was immense. It instantly soothed the hot-headed Tokai Teio.
"Emperor, your words are too kind. Please forgive me," Teio said, bowing slightly.
Sakikawa just raised an eyebrow and gave Rudolf a lazy once-over. "Oh? So you're the legendary Emperor, are you? I must say, I'm honored," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He then made a shooing gesture with his hand.
"I just look at this Hachimi spirit of yours, and it gives me a headache," he said, addressing Teio.
Rudolf wasn't provoked by his rude demeanor. She just smiled faintly. "You seem different from the other trainers," she said, her eyes fixed on him.
Her gaze then shifted from Sakikawa to the nervous Eiyuu standing behind him.
-------
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