Daily work and training left Rudolph Symboli feeling physically and mentally exhausted.
Of course, if it were just that, it wouldn't be something unacceptable for Rudolph.
What made her feel tired, however, were the gradually appearing physical ailments.
Those were all problems caused when Speed Symbol had disciplined her before.
For Rudolph Symboli, enduring these ailments was not that difficult.
The difficulty lay in something else.
"My speed is much slower than before."
Physical damage and a year of rest had led to a decrease in her maximum potential.
As a former top Uma Musume, Rudolph Symboli was very clear that it was simply impossible to win the Dream Trophy with her current speed.
So... should she increase her training volume?
Such a thought lingered in Rudolph Symboli's mind.
She knew that the current training volume was the maximum possible while maintaining her physical condition.
Opposite the physical burden was Teio's expectation.
Thinking about various things, she finally made a decision.
To increase her training volume.
The increase in training volume naturally could not be hidden from Sirius, who would visit Rudolph from time to time.
Because of this, she could see Rudolph completely exhausted after each training session.
Looking at Rudolph Symboli like this, Sirius Symboli's expression still didn't change much.
Sirius Symboli knew Rudolph's physical condition better than anyone.
After all, she was the one who sent Rudolph to the hospital back then, so she naturally knew Rudolph's physical condition at the time.
It was precisely because of this that Sirius Symboli realized her determination:
"Even like this, she still wants to fulfill expectations...?"
Sirius tossed the empty coffee can into the trash and then turned around.
She didn't plan to participate in the Dream Trophy; after all, there were many matters with the Symboli Family, and participating in the Dream Trophy would require a lot of time for training.
It was precisely because of this that Sirius Symboli turned and left.
She didn't notice that at this time, when the sun was almost completely set,
Rudolph Symboli, who had collapsed on the grass, looked at the sky, which was a mix of orange-red and deep blue.
She was silent, with a hint of despair in her eyes.
Then... after recovering a little strength, Rudolph stood up again.
She stood once more on this grass-covered training ground.
The sunset was gradually fading, and soon it would completely leave Rudolph.
The last natural light of the day shone on Rudolph Symboli's face.
Her pupils took in this world, which was about to be covered by darkness,
but what she saw in her eyes was not anything in this world.
Instead, it was the slight hallucinations that appeared before her eyes each time she reached her limit,
each time her body warned Rudolph, and each time her stamina ran out.
That was the hallucination of Tokai Shizen,
and the hallucination of Tokai Shizen standing before her for her daughter several years ago.
Thinking of this, Rudolph Symboli merely took a deep breath, then raised her head again.
Each time she saw Tokai Shizen's expression from back then,
Rudolph Symboli wanted to take another step forward, to grasp her illusory figure.
But, time and time again, even after reaching her limit, she couldn't get any closer.
Rudolph Symboli felt it.
Some of the convictions still existing within her heart were slowly being erased.
Even her subconscious no longer believed she could win back Tokai Shizen.
Realizing this, Rudolph Symboli raised her head.
The star-studded sky told Rudolph Symboli what she needed to do next.
"...I'll go to France."
She crouched down, curling into a ball under the night sky.
Speed Symbol looked at Tokai Shizen, who was taking Mochizuki home.
Lying on the sofa, looking no different from a dead person, Speed Symbol merely turned her head.
Speed Symbol naturally paid attention to Rudolph Symboli's condition every day,
especially after she resumed training.
After all, it was Speed Symbol who had acted back then, so she understood Rudolph's physical state.
And as she watched Rudolph Symboli push her body to its limits again and again...
Speed Symbol had considered stopping her;
after all, even if Rudolph had made a fundamental mistake,
she was still her granddaughter, and after a proper punishment, Speed Symbol still doted on her.
"What are you thinking about?"
Her thoughts were interrupted, and Speed Symbol saw the face before her.
Tokai Shizen's eyes held a hint of curiosity.
Looking at Tokai Shizen's face, Speed Symbol remained silent for a long time before sitting up:
"How is your physical condition?"
She didn't respond to Tokai Shizen's question.
After all, Rudolph's situation was not suitable to be discussed here.
Not receiving a response, Tokai Shizen simply looked at her, then didn't press further:
"My physical condition has improved a lot, although I'm still frail..."
"But after this, I just need to take my medicine regularly."
Speed Symbol had been observing Tokai Shizen's physical condition, so she didn't doubt her words.
She merely looked at Mochizuki:
"When do you plan to return to Japan?"
"Hmm..."
Speed Symbol's question had a very clear meaning.
After all, if Mochizuki were to return to Japan after elementary school,
she would probably have to learn a new language.
Although she and Speed Symbol were speaking Japanese now,
Mochizuki's situation still meant she would eventually have to go to Japan.
Besides, Teio was still in Japan.
If she couldn't go back...
After several seconds of thought, Tokai Shizen finally spoke:
"After kindergarten ends, I suppose."
"Then let's go back at that time."
Saying this, Speed Symbol took out her phone and sent messages to a few people who had a good relationship with Tokai Shizen.
Only then did Speed Symbol put down her phone.
By this time, Tokai Shizen had already entered the kitchen.
The lit kitchen made Speed Symbol turn her head to look at Mochizuki:
"Mochizuki, come to Great-Grandma's side~"
Mochizuki, having put down her backpack, didn't hesitate;
she quickly ran to Speed Symbol's side.
"Grandma."
Her language ability was much better than a year ago,
which softened Speed Symbol's expression a little:
"Yes, Grandma is here~"
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded over 40 chapters of this story on Patreon.
If you're enjoying it and want to read ahead, feel free to check them out here:
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thanks a lot for your support, it really helps me keep going.