…Why did I agree to her?!
Looking at Rudolph Symboli, who was walking in front of him and constantly looking around, Saito Asuka once again regretted his subconscious answer.
…Wasn't that the best chance to refuse her? Why did he subconsciously nod and agree at that very moment?!
"…"
Not noticing the change in Saito Asuka's expression behind her, Rudolph Symboli silently observed her surroundings.
Himeji Tracen Academy's current situation was even worse than she had imagined.
Rudolph Symboli, who had genuinely only intended to see Seiun Sky, once again entertained the thought of poaching Seiun Sky to Central Tracen Academy.
However… if she really did that, the young Director following behind her would probably fight her to the death, right?
Glancing at the young man closely trailing behind her, and recalling the ferocious expression on his face when she first opened the door and saw him raising a chair to smash at her, Rudolph Symboli suppressed that thought again.
Most importantly… if she really used forceful means to 'abduct' her back to Central Tracen Academy, the Director and Ms. Reins would definitely come knocking.
Moreover… I am not the person I used to be.
"Trainer, do you really not know where Seiun Sky is?"
After wandering around Himeji Tracen Academy for several minutes, Rudolph Symboli's patience gradually wore thin, and she frowned: "Her favorite place in this academy? Or do you not even know her approximate location?"
"Uh…"
Stumped for words, Saito Asuka averted his gaze and fell silent.
During this time, he would usually stay in the Director's Office to handle Himeji Tracen Academy's documents.
Seiun Sky… because she didn't have classes, aside from training and participating in races, the number of times he saw Seiun Sky in the academy was very few.
It seemed that most of the time… Seiun Sky came to find him?
"…Let's go look in the small grove ahead."
Not receiving a response from Saito Asuka, Rudolph Symboli already knew the answer.
Choosing not to dwell on the topic, Rudolph Symboli raised her hand, pointing to the small grove not far away.
I just wanted to come and see the Teresen Academy where 'Seiun Sky' is, and casually observe how she trains.
…How is it that I traveled all this way, and it's difficult to even meet her?
The Uma Musume who achieved the 'Unbeaten Triple Crown' and was known as the 'Emperor' thought with vexation.
"…Oh? Isn't that the Trainer?"
Just as the two were about to walk towards the grove, a questioning voice sounded behind them.
Seiun Sky, who was idly wandering around the academy, happened to pass by.
She looked at Saito Asuka, who was walking towards the grove with an unfamiliar back, first stunned, then her expression became strange.
"Oh! So you're here."
Seeing the strange expression on Seiun Sky's face, Saito Asuka, before she could speak, quickly took three steps in two, walked to her side, and heavily patted her shoulder: "…We've been looking for you."
"Oh dear… Trainer, you and this Uma Musume lady… Ugh!"
Seeing that Seiun Sky still wanted to make a sarcastic remark, Saito Asuka quickly covered Seiun Sky's mouth, blocking the unfinished second half of her sentence back into her throat.
"Please, at least in front of her, speak in a more normal tone."
Saito Asuka, covering Seiun Sky's mouth, took the opportunity to lean close to the Black-haired Horse Girl's ear and whispered a reminder: "…The one standing before you now is the 'Emperor' who achieved the 'Unbeaten Triple Crown'."
After seeing Rudolph Symboli's full face, the voices of the Three Goddesses sounded in her mind, telling her the name of this Uma Musume with a 'crescent moon' on her forehead.
'The Emperor of the Unbeaten Triple Crown'…
Seiun Sky, who was looking into Rudolph Symboli's eyes, repeated the title of the Uma Musume in front of her in her mind.
The number of Uma Musume who had achieved this feat was still very small, but she did not believe that she could not reach this 'title'.
Although the next sentence might sound very offensive, it was true.
…The achievements left by our seniors on the track are meant to be broken!
"Hello, Seiun Sky."
After looking into Seiun Sky's eyes for a few seconds, Rudolph Symboli, very pleased with the fighting spirit in her gaze, curved her lips upwards.
She walked in front of Seiun Sky, and then spoke: "You won the Zhongjing Newcomer Championship beautifully."
"Huh? You watched that race too?"
Seiun Sky's eyes lit up upon hearing Rudolph Symboli's words, and she then ignored Saito Asuka, who was frantically giving her glances, and familiarly sidled up to her: "How did I run in that race? Was it perfect?"
"…Indeed, it was a performance that could be summarized with the word 'perfect'."
Rudolph Symboli nodded in agreement.
Maintaining the lead from start to finish, she expertly controlled the distance between herself and the other Uma Musume, not allowing them any opportunity to overtake her.
While there were still some minor details that could further shorten the finish line time that she hadn't quite mastered, overall, her performance on the track was still very impressive.
Next year, Emperor will face a very formidable opponent in the Classic Triple Crown races.
"I'm really looking forward to your performance in the Classic Triple Crown races next year."
Rudolph Symboli, who was already anticipating next year's Classic Triple Crown races, finally couldn't hold back and spoke her mind to the Black-haired Horse Girl standing in front of her.
"How about considering transferring to our Central Tracen?"
…Rudolph Symboli, you truly have ill intentions!
Upon hearing Rudolph Symboli say this, Saito Asuka instinctively wanted to speak, but after remembering the memory of being restrained by her with one hand in the Director's Office, he obediently shut his mouth.
Wuwuwu… Compared to an Uma Musume, humans are simply too weak.
"Sorry, Miss 'Emperor'."
After a brief silence upon hearing Rudolph Symboli's words, Seiun Sky shook her head: "…I like it here very much."
"Is that so…"
Rudolph Symboli murmured regretfully: "In that case, I won't force you."
Force…? Rudolph Symboli, you really came here to poach people!
Saito Asuka thought indignantly to himself.
"Is your training starting in the afternoon? Do you mind if I stand by and watch your training?"
Rudolph Symboli said this with a smile.
Although she phrased it as a question, her tone made it sound beyond question.