Akikawa Yayoi clearly handled things efficiently. Before Kitahara could even understand what was happening, he found himself following the "loli chairwoman," his uncle, and Juncawa Tegata into a car.
It was a luxury vehicle, spacious enough in the back to function as a small meeting room.
Inside this "meeting room," Akikawa Yayoi fanned herself and had Tazuna hand Kitahara a stack of papers, giving him instructions.
"Kitahara-san, this is a prepared speech for your award. Just memorize it roughly — when you're on stage, respond casually; don't overthink it."
"Once you enter the venue, Tazuna, your uncle, and I will be busy and won't be able to pay attention to you. It's best if you wait in an inconspicuous spot until your turn. After receiving the award, make up a reason and leave immediately."
"I heard from your uncle that you've booked a Shinkansen ticket for tonight and plan to return, right? Just leave directly then. I'll arrange a car to take you to the station."
If he were meeting her for the first time, Kitahara might have assumed he had somehow offended Akikawa Yayoi and she was trying to rush him out.
But recalling her words from the office earlier that morning, he thought otherwise.
"…Rest assured, no one will dare cancel your 'Best Regional Trainer' and 'Rookie Trainer of the Year' awards this time…"
Plus, her tone suggested she wanted him to keep a low profile, so as not to attract unnecessary attention. It appeared…
The Central Board and the URA Association really did have some dissatisfaction with these two awards.
Kitahara couldn't help frowning.
He recalled his past experiences.
Back then, the businesses and clubs he managed were family enterprises of a friend, whose older relatives held significant shares and even controlled key positions on the board.
Officially, his friend was the chairman, and he was the general manager, but in practice, those elders frequently intervened.
Kitahara acknowledged their contributions, but as times changed, much of their experience had become outdated — including the rules they had set.
It was common for old-fashioned rules to hinder business growth. Kitahara and his friend often had to run around, expending extra effort to handle the complications.
To change this, Kitahara had to reform aggressively, which drew criticism for being reckless. Some even attempted to propose his dismissal as general manager at the board.
Fortunately, his friend trusted his abilities and shared the same management philosophy, allowing him to steer everything toward success.
…Hah, even in another world, I had to deal with meddling old geezers over rules. Coming here, it's the same.
But that was fine — he had the experience and confidence to handle it.
Lost in thought, Kitahara was about to explain himself to Akikawa Yayoi when the petite chairwoman suddenly waved her fan.
"It's simple, Kitahara-san — focus on your training."
"Also, you're planning to form a team with Yuzuhara, and Miyamura Kyoko and others right? I've looked into it a bit and fully support your approach."
"Young people should work together to show those old geezers that times have changed!"
With a stern tone that contrasted her youthful appearance, she continued:
"In short, just focus on your training. The better your team performs, the fewer problems you'll have."
Her eyes flashed a maturity and sharpness beyond her childlike face.
"The rest… leave it to me."
"Meow!" The kitten on her hat gave a determined cry.
Well, the chairwoman is imposing and commanding — admirable!
In an instant, Akikawa Yayoi's image in Kitahara's mind grew taller, more formidable.
Putting together the information he'd heard before, things became clear.
His achievements as a regional trainer exceeded the imagination of certain big figures, but some aspects might not comply with old conventions — which explained why there could be objections to his two awards.
For example, taking Super Creek out of Central…
There may have been other factors, but there was no doubt someone had interfered during the confirmation of those awards.
Akikawa Yayoi clearly wanted reform. She not only supported Kitahara fully but also hinted at promoting new awards like "Best Regional Uma Musume of the Year" and "Rookie Representative Uma Musume of the Year."
This obviously faced resistance — this year's UAA didn't have these new awards.
…So, the chairwoman intends to use me — or my results — to prove her vision is correct?
Kitahara formed this theory.
As if sensing his thoughts, Akikawa Yayoi slowly rolled down the car window and gazed dreamily outside.
Beyond, the streets glimmered with lights and bustling cars under the night sky. Men and women walked by with smiles, weaving through the crowd.
Horse girls were everywhere.
Some carried small horse girls, chatting and laughing while stroking the soft little ears of the children.
Some paused by shops to buy snacks or toys for the adorable little horse girls.
Others walked alongside friends — some human, some horse girls, perhaps not even horse girls but regular horse girls — yet their smiles equally warmed the heart.
There were older horse girls, too. While horse girls age, like a divine blessing, their aging isn't obvious — only careful observation reveals faint wrinkles at the corners of their eyes or mouths.
"This world could be better."
Murmuring to herself, Akikawa Yayoi slowly closed her fan, eyes fixed on the outside, and continued:
"Bloodlines, achievements, glory… none of that is necessary. Horse girls can live freely as they wish."
"But since we naturally love running, competitions don't matter either."
She acknowledged her identity outright: she truly was a horse girl.
"But… there shouldn't be distinctions. No regional or bloodline separations."
"We are all the same. No differences. There shouldn't be."
Her gaze wandered further into the distance outside the window. She didn't turn her head, yet her words drifted toward Kitahara.
"Kitahara-san, the same as before — I believe in you."
"Don't worry about tonight's UAA banquet. In the future, you'll attend so many of these that it'll make you sick — I'm certain of that."
"Stick to your ideas. Pursue your dreams, and move forward relentlessly."
"Don't let this small achievement today slow you. Your sky is far wider."
"Nine days from now, the Golden Youth Cup — win it. Win it beautifully."
"When that happens, I'll give you a surprise."
"You can definitely do it."
"Meow-meow~!" The little kitten gave an encouraging meow.
(End of chapter)