The group arrived in England around 10 PM. After a brief discussion with the reception staff brought by Lyphard at the airport, they were arranged to check into Epsom Tracen.
Their residence was a "renovated" tower. The original site of the academy was once the castle of the Earl of Derby, featuring numerous English-style towers.
A part of this area was designated specifically for accommodating guests. After being informed of the visit, arrangements were made for their residence, and efforts were made to prepare bedrooms, dining facilities, and food that matched Japanese resting customs.
These thoughtful arrangements allowed Kitahara and his group to rest quite well. Even Dream Journey, who always struggled with "sleeping in a strange bed," felt comfortable. However, jet lag still presented an issue.
For Kitahara's team's biological clocks, getting off the plane felt like "around 10 AM," so they were not sleepy.
To ensure they could properly tour and visit later, the best course of action was still to try and sleep.
However, aside from Kitahara, Rudolph, and Sirius, the other members had no prior experience traveling abroad and were unfamiliar with managing jet lag.
Consequently, the next day, Komiyama, Oguri Cap, and the others, without exception, overslept.
The trainers and Uma Musume, who usually woke up energized for training by 6 or 7 AM, slept until past ten due to the time difference. They still felt a little listless after waking up and only recovered some spirit after lunch.
This state was anticipated by the two team leaders, Kitahara and Rudolph. It would naturally be impolite to formally meet the delegation while feeling sluggish, so the official meeting was scheduled for the afternoon.
In Britain, an afternoon meeting inevitably involves afternoon tea—it's a tradition here.
Thus, in the open-air "English Tea Room" located in the castle-converted "Back Garden," a group of trainers and Uma Musume sat down, enjoying the boundless pastoral scenery of the "Back Garden" while chatting slowly.
"Ahem... Frankly speaking, although I was born in the United States, I don't particularly like it there. In contrast, I prefer the natural atmosphere here in England."
The speaker was an Uma Musume with a somewhat sickly disposition.
She had long, smooth, and lustrous brown hair, with some strands dyed a vivid purple.
The color of her eyes was also quite unique: white-gold gradient.
She was very tall; even sitting down, she appeared a head taller than many of the other Uma Musume.
Her skin had a healthy, sun-kissed tan, but her occasional coughs, delicate facial expression, and the thick clothing she wore suggested her physical condition was not as robust as her skin tone suggested.
It was only early June, and the British climate was mild and pleasant, yet she was wearing a traditional Arabian abaya (long robe).
This robe covered her entire body, was layered, and quite warm.
Her headscarf was also wrapped around her head in layers and was very thick.
The style of the robe and headscarf was simple, and the overall color was plain white.
The edges and chest featured white-gold patterns, and a broad strip of reddish-brown hemline ran below the waist of the robe, with golden-yellow patterns on the hem.
It was evident from her recent words that she was born in the United States.
An Uma Musume born in the US, raised in the UK, yet possessing an Arabian style in appearance and dress—such a unique individual was, just like her strength and record, one of a kind in the UK and even the entire world.
She was Dancing Brave, the European Horse of the Year, the Student Council President of the European Tracen United Academy, and referred to as the strongest of the current generation.
"The aesthetics in the UK are different from those in the US, especially within the Tracen Academy here."
With a sigh, Dancing Brave picked up the red tea from the side table, took a small sip, thought for a moment, added a spoon of sugar and a spoon of milk, and took another sip. Only then did she satisfactorily narrow her eyes.
"The Uma Musume here wear white silk skirts and white Oxford-style high-heeled shoes. At Epsom Academy, I love sitting by the river or lying under a tree, pretending to read a book of Goethe's poetry, watching them walk past me."
"I am waiting—waiting for the wind to lift their white silk skirts, revealing their beautiful, clean, and toned calves."
"Oh, Lord! It's fantastic. I think coming to the UK was an excellent choice. I believe I live for that moment."
Saying this, the legendary Uma Musume's eyes became dreamy, and then she sighed.
"The US doesn't have this feeling."
"I've visited American academies too. The Uma Musume there wear T-shirts and sneakers, carrying various electronic devices, rushing back and forth. You don't see any interesting scenery, let alone beautiful, clean, and toned calves."
"They also don't discuss poetry, religion, or art. The only things you occasionally hear about are probably when to train or where the next race is."
"Of course, Uma Musume must prioritize training and racing. I'm not saying otherwise."
"But if only training and racing remain, isn't such a career too dull?"
"No matter how dazzling the glory of a race is, there will always be successors who surpass the past."
"In comparison, Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther is eternal. Shelley's Prometheus Unbound is also quite good, but I prefer Goethe a little more."
"Ah, ahem... I got carried away talking to myself."
Her tone suddenly shifted. Dancing Brave covered her mouth and coughed twice, then looked smilingly to her side.
"President Rudolf, what kind of interesting sights are there on the Japanese Tracen campus?"
There were many members from Japan on this trip to the UK, and they couldn't all sit together at this afternoon tea.
The people seated next to the Student Council President of the European Tracen United Academy were naturally the chief representatives from both sides.
From Epsom's side, Director Lyphard, who greeted them at the airport last night, was present, along with Dancing Brave's trainer.
Correspondingly, Symboli Rudolf (representing the Japanese Tracen Academy's Student Council President), Kitahara (the chief trainer of the visiting delegation), and his partner Uma Musume, Oguri Cap, were also seated there.
Other members of the two academies were seated at adjacent tables, chatting amongst themselves.
"Interesting sights... I'm not sure if what I usually see counts as interesting."
Hearing Dancing Brave's question, Symboli Rudolf also picked up a cup of red tea, took a light sip, and then smiled:
"If President Dancing Brave is only interested in beautiful, clean, and toned calves, I'm afraid you will be disappointed."
"After all, the Japanese academy does not have white silk skirts and white high-heeled shoes."
Upon hearing this, Dancing Brave actually showed a hint of disappointment.
"It sounds like the Japanese Uma Musume are quite conservative, even more so than the British."
[Yeah bro look at Suzuka and Maruzensky race in swim suits]
"That's not entirely true."
Symboli Rudolf smiled and shook her head, "The main reason is that Japanese Uma Musume generally prefer to wear over-the-knee socks and stockings, and are not accustomed to bare legs."
"Hahaha, I just made a joke. Please forgive me, President Dancing Brave."
"Oh? Hahaha, President Rudolf is very amusing. A very funny joke, hahaha... ahem ahem..."
Dancing Brave seemed to genuinely find Symboli Rudolf's joke funny. She was initially startled, then laughed for quite a while, not stopping even when she started coughing accidentally.
...Why are one of you the dignified "Emperor" of the Japanese Central Tracen Academy and the other the "Strongest" of the European Tracen United Academy, yet your conversation sounds like two perverted old men...
Kitahara, who had been listening on the side, covering his expression with his teacup, couldn't help but inwardly complain.
And is "liking dad jokes" a "Unique Skill" for Tracen Academy Student Council Presidents?
Why are you, Dancing Brave, so receptive to Rudolf's Dad joke?
Although it was quite funny, to be fair...
While he was speechless, a voice of concern came from the other end of the table.
"Dancing Brave, your health isn't great. You should rest more and talk less."
The speaker was a man about 30 years old, with a dark tan complexion, black hair, and black eyes. His hair was slightly curly, and his eyes were relatively large.
Combined with his full lips, straight nose, deep overall facial contours, and Arab-like attire similar to Dancing Brave's, the man was clearly an Arab.
Arabian people generally have good looks, and this man was no exception. Furthermore, judging by the noble bearing in his previous words and actions, he possessed a degree of aristocratic temperament.
This was indeed the case. This Arab man named Khalid Abdullah was one of the royal heirs to the throne of Saudi Arabia in this timeline.
Although a prince, Khalid was uninterested in the succession, preferring to immerse himself in the world of Uma Musume and racing.
He was also Dancing Brave's partner trainer, though he required a bit of "money power" to obtain this status.
As is well known, Saudi Arabia possesses the world's highest oil reserves and production, so as a prince, Khalid certainly wasn't short on money.
He himself had no particular talent as a trainer. Frankly, putting aside his knowledge of the Uma Musume world's anecdotes, purely in terms of professional training, Kitahara believed that Komiyama, Yuzuhara, and the others could easily outperform this prince.
But it didn't matter—he had money.
He could employ the world's top trainers and various talented people. The training team and conditions he prepared for Dancing Brave were absolutely the most advanced in the world.
The International Uma Musume Association has approval procedures for trainer qualifications, and it would normally be impossible for someone without talent like him to become one.
But it didn't matter—he had money.
He asked his father, the King of Saudi Arabia, to communicate with the British royal family and cabinet using their royal background, establishing a Tracen Academy directly.
Juddmonte Tracen Academy.
Then, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Academy's Board of Directors and President of the Council, he pushed the International Association to recognize his trainer status.
It was purely a case of wrapping a dumpling just to have the vinegar dish.
However, his "dumpling" was already very famous in the entire Uma Musume world.
Not only with the current Dancing Brave, but even before her, Juddmonte Tracen Academy had the Arc-winning Uma Musume, Rainbow Quest.
And Kitahara knew that if the timeline hadn't changed much, this academy was destined to become world-renowned in the future.
This is because, in the other timeline, in addition to Dancing Brave and Rainbow Quest, "Juddmonte" would own a series of British, European, and World Horse of the Year champions, such as Dansili, Frankel, Commander In Chief, Rail Link, Flintshire, and Workforce.
Of course, among them, the most important one was undoubtedly Frankel.
14 wins from 14 starts in his career, leading the second-place finisher by 76 and 1/4 lengths overall, two consecutive World Horse of the Year titles, valued at 200 million USD, a TimeForm rating of 147, and having his statue personally unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II at the Ascot Racecourse in 2015 ...
This was Frankel, one of the absolute best racehorses in history.
And the farm where Frankel was born was Juddmonte.
In this world, that would be Juddmonte Tracen Academy.
Or rather, unless something unexpected happened, she would attend Juddmonte Tracen Academy later.
This was Kitajara's thought.
He had this thought because the timelines and many details between the two worlds were different.
For instance, in the other world, the "Khalid" prince sitting across from him should be a middle-aged man in his thirties, but here he was still very young.
Correspondingly, while the ownership of racehorses is often determined before they are born, the Uma Musume here have more autonomous lives.
Frankel was historically born in 2008, the same year as Gold Ship in Japan.
If the Gold Ship of this world is still in elementary school and hasn't joined the Japanese Central Tracen Academy, then it's highly likely that Frankel hasn't joined Juddmonte Tracen Academy yet either.
As Khalid was showing concern for Dancing Brave, Kitahara began to think internally.
It seemed that the prince's attention was currently focused on Dancing Brave, who herself was the Student Council President of the European Tracen United Academy.
If, due to this situation, they hadn't paid attention to Frankel yet...
Could there be a chance to meet Frankel, who must still be a little girl?
He felt a stirring of ambition.
Last year, he probably wouldn't have had this thought.
At that time, he was merely a local trainer, pouring all his resources into teaching Oguri Cap and Belno Light
After a year of operation, he now not only has his own business, Kawanwan Enterprises, but also a partnership with Japan's top financial group, the Seijin Corporation, and might later cooperate with another giant, the Satomi Group.
Coupled with his team's current training methods, resource conditions, and the academy's strong support, his training background is far from weak, even internationally.
Perhaps compared to the team under Prince Khalid, Eisei's resources are still insufficient, but Kitahara is a transmigrator, and the foresight that comes with this identity is unmatched by anyone else in this world.
The simplest example: if Khalid and Dancing Brave had already discovered Frankel's talent, they wouldn't let Frankel miss an opportunity like this, where many top-tier Uma Musume meet.
Since Frankel is not present, it highly suggests they probably haven't discovered her yet.
Furthermore, also due to the advantage of foreknowledge, Kitahara felt he wouldn't lack resources.
The "Uma Musume Mobile Game Project" with the Seijin Corporation and the Satomi Group hasn't even been discussed yet. Once that project is finalized, its money-making potential within two years, while not surpassing oil, won't be far behind.
Under all these favorable conditions, he was entirely confident in saying that Frankel, if entrusted to Eisei for guidance, could not possibly do worse than in the other world.
More importantly, this consideration was rooted in the training of Oguri Cap and the others.
The research combining the data of the Gold Ship family of Uma Musume has already shown initial success. Simply put, using data from Uma Musume "before their bloom" to adjust their training "after their bloom" is effective.
If so, analyzing and comparing the bloodlines of European and American Uma Musume with Japanese ones is theoretically both necessary and essential.
And when it comes to the "pre-bloom" bloodlines of European and American Uma Musume, who could surpass Frankel?
Now was not the time to ask where the little girl was, but he definitely needed to find an opportunity later.
Having just made a silent decision, Kitahara was about to detail his strategy for "poaching" when he suddenly heard someone calling him.
"...Kitahara, Rudolf and the others are looking at you..."
It was Oguri Cap speaking.
In this meeting between top Uma Musume from the two countries, almost all the Uma Musume and trainers were very cautious.
Only Dancing Brave and Symboli Rudolf were relatively relaxed, while others were a bit nervous
It was only the presence of an Uma Musume from a noble background like Mejiro Ardan that helped to manage the atmosphere and prevent awkwardness at the adjacent tables.
However, unlike the habitual relaxation of Symboli Rudolf's group, Oguri Cap was completely at ease with the current situation.
Afternoon tea in the UK requires various snacks to accompany the tea.
These snacks are placed on a special three-tiered stand made of exquisitely carved ceramic, stacked with ham and cheese sandwiches, English scones, and cream jam cakes.
While Symboli Rudolf and Dancing Brave were chatting, Oguri Cap had been leisurely drinking rose-flavored Ceylon tea and gorging on sandwiches, scones, and cakes, not treating the location as an important meeting place at all.
So when she called Kitahara now, her mouth was stuffed with food, her cheeks puffed out like a hamster, and her speech was muffled.
But after living together for over a year, Kitahara was used to this and immediately understood what she was saying.
He instinctively looked to the side, and just as Oguri Cap said, Symboli Rudolf, Dancing Brave, Lyphard, and Prince Khalid were all looking over.
A slightly complex look occasionally flashed in Rudolph's eyes, Dancing Brave's gaze was calm, and the other Uma Musume and trainer looked very concerned and expectant.
"...Apologies, I was distracted for a moment."
He quickly offered an apology, and Kitahara smiled, "Did something happen?"
"It's nothing, we were just chatting idly."
Dancing Brave smiled in response, then looked at Oguri Cap, clearly changing the topic in Japanese, "Oguri Cap has such a good appetite. I'm truly envious."
"Would you like to eat some more? If it's not enough, we can have more added."
She gestured to the three-tiered tray on the table and, without waiting for Oguri Cap's reply, tilted her head slightly and looked towards the staff a short distance behind her.
"Please bring out some more snacks."
During this conversation, the language used was mostly English. Only when communicating with Oguri Cap, who didn't understand English, would others switch to Japanese.
Behind Dancing Brave were Uma Musume dressed in traditional British maid uniforms. They were students of Epsom Academy. Upon hearing about the visit of Japanese Uma Musume, they volunteered out of interest to act as maids, treating the meeting somewhat like a social event.
After instructing the Uma Musume behind her, Dancing Brave turned, smiling, and opened her mouth, seemingly intending to say something. However, Prince Khalid on the side suddenly spoke with an urgent expression.
"Chief Kithara."
He used Japanese, and although his accent was clearly a bit strange, it was understandable.
"Just now, I was discussing Dancing Brave's illness with President Rudolph, and also your team's Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan."
"I learned by chance that, before joining your team, these two Uma Musume suffered from varying degrees of leg problems."
"Especially Mejiro Ardan, the 'glass legs' of the Japanese Mejiro family, which is quite famous in the Uma Musume world."
"Yet, after joining your team, they not only fully recovered but also haven't had any relapse."
"Especially the recent Japanese Derby. I watched the broadcast; it was very exciting and intense."
"In such a fierce race, the two Uma Musume who originally had leg problems did not suffer any injuries, whereas many of their opponents ended up hospitalized."
"I believe you and your team must have a unique approach to medical treatment, so..."
Having quickly finished his request in clumsy Japanese, his expression grew more anxious, "So, could you and your team take a look at Dancing Brave's condition..."
"That's enough, Khalid. I believe it's just ordinary back pain and lung sickness. There's no need to trouble... cough cough cough..."
Dancing Brave suddenly interrupted her trainer. She then opened her mouth, about to speak, when she was abruptly cut off by a fit of coughing.
Seeing this, Khalid disregarded further conversation and immediately showed concern, while Rudolph and Lyphard on the side also showed sympathetic and reflective expressions.
"Illness... Kitahara."
Oguri Cap understood the previous conversation. She instinctively stopped eating, looking at the incessantly coughing Dancing Brave with worry, then at Kitahara.
"She seems to have a very serious illness. You must have a way, right?"
"If you have a way, why don't you help her?"
This...
Faced with the question from his Uma Musume, Kitahara hesitated.
It wasn't that he was unaware of Dancing Brave's condition. Knowing the history, he had roughly recalled it when he heard about her poor health back in Tokyo.
Seeing the situation now, he could easily deduce what was going on.
Historically, Dancing Brave developed a fatal illness after retiring.
"Marey's Disease."
This is a rare pulmonary disease transmitted from birds to horses, which, when contracted, leads to degenerative joint disease (DJD) and hypertrophic osteopathy.
In a normal case, the spine consists of individual vertebrae linked by cartilage.
Spondylitis, however, is when some spinal bones "fuse" together due to past activities or congenital problems.
A segmented spine allows for free movement; when "fused," movement or even standing upright can be extremely painful, and the constant rubbing of the vertebrae causes inflammation.
Pulmonary hypertrophy is similar to emphysema or pulmonary edema, where inflammation causes the alveoli to become abnormally enlarged, affecting breathing.
Judging by Dancing Brave's current inability to move much and her constant coughing, she has clearly contracted this disease.
Furthermore, Lyphard, Khalid, and even Dancing Brave herself surely do not know the exact nature of the disease.
Otherwise, the condition requires quiet rest at the very least, and this meeting and her work as Student Council President would absolutely not have been scheduled.
Kitahara believed his guess was correct because "Marey's Disease" had only five documented cases in the entire history of horse racing in the other world, even decades later.
While he was deep in thought, Symboli Rudolf suddenly spoke.
"It is an honor for him and for us that everyone here holds Trainer Kitahara in such high regard."
Her tone became somewhat difficult.
"However, President Dancing Brave's statement is clearly meant to console everyone. Director Lyphard and Prince Khalid have already mentioned that so many excellent doctors in Europe and the Middle East combined couldn't identify the cause. This..."
Her gaze lingered on the Epsom Academy side, and finally, she looked at Kitahara, her eyes flashing.
"Japan's conditions are significantly inferior to those in Europe and internationally. Even if Kitahara is one of Japan's most outstanding trainers and relatively skilled in treatment related to training, he is likely powerless, isn't he?"
...If you think I'm powerless, why are you looking at me...?
He instinctively felt that Symboli Rudolph's gaze held a deeper meaning, and he couldn't help but complain inwardly.
But in an instant, he realized something else.
Rudolf... she couldn't possibly think I can cure "Marey's Disease," could she? That was an incurable disease in the other world, and the technology here is slightly behind. How could I possibly...?
Eh?
Wait, this world doesn't seem to be completely behind?
The figures of Agnes Tachyon and Air Shakur suddenly appeared in his mind.
In a sense, these two Uma Musume are already recognized by fans as the "leaders of Uma Musume Black Technology."
The simplest example: Agnes Tachyon, who can create all sorts of bizarre reagents, can even produce a serum to "turn a man into a woman, or even an Uma Musume"—of course, this is after her bloom.
The same goes for Air Shakur. Although she doesn't research reagents, her talent in electronic technology surpasses this generation entirely. If she weren't solely interested in training and racing, she alone could single-handedly advance the world's tech tree.
If Dancing Brave indeed has "Marey's Disease," and if Agnes Tachyon and Air Shakur truly possess such talents, it might not be impossible to solve this "incurable diseease
Kitahara pondered inwardly.
Moreover, this talent is almost in the realm of the theological. Similarly, Akikawa Yayoi, Sunday Silence, and Lyphard, these "great sires" from the other world, seem to possess a "clairvoyance" that can discern an Uma Musume's potential.
Getting them to assess the situation of Agnes Tachyon and Air Shakur, and checking more similar Uma Musume, might be the direction for treatment.
And there is also Belno Light. Her technology tree is becoming increasingly exaggerated. She can even improve the "Divine Black Technology" that is the "winning uniform." What can she not do?
Then... perhaps it really can be cured?
As he pondered, Kitahara's gaze drifted involuntarily over the faces of Dancing Brave, Lyphard, Khalid, and Rudolph at the adjacent table, who was timidly chatting with another Uma Musume.
"Chief Kitahara, do you really have a clue?"
He was looking at Nice Nature when he was abruptly addressed. Kitahara subconsciously turned his head, "Ah?"
Then he realized that the speaker was Lyphard.
"Forgive my presumptuous conjecture, but..."
This Director of Epsom College had an appearance and demeanor that was both somewhat different from and similar to Akikawa Yayoi.
In appearance, this Director was over 1.7 meters tall, quite imposing, with beautiful platinum-blonde hair and eyes. This was clearly different from the chestnut-haired, shorter Akikawa Yayoi.
Their personalities were also different. Lyphard's was noticeably more restrained and less bold than Akikawa Yayoi, with a clear sense of propriety in her choice of words and actions.
However, her composure, which suggested everything was under control, was identical to Akikawa Yayoi's.
"It's just that whether it was Prince Khalid, Dancing Brave, or President Rudolph, they were all very surprised when they first heard about Dancing Brave's symptoms."
With an air of composure that suggested she had everything in hand, Lyphard smiled faintly:
"But Chief Kitahara, you are different."
"You did not hear what Dancing Brave's specific symptoms were, and you didn't even ask."
"You immediately showed an expression of understanding, followed by an expression of contemplation."
"Then you looked around at many places, or rather, many people and Uma Musume."
"Perhaps, they are related to what you were pondering...?"
...Oh my god, why does this Lyphard have so much more presence than Akikawa Yayoi, despite both being Directors?
Kitahara was momentarily taken aback, feeling a little apprehensive.
After all, Lyphard's words had completely hit on everything he had just been thinking, giving him the feeling of being completely seen through.
However, before he could react further, Lyphard smiled faintly again, changing the subject.
"I apologize for making presumptuous guesses. Please forgive me if I was at all impolite."
"Also, you've all seen Dancing Brave's current condition. Prince Khalid and I will take her back to rest for a while. Please continue to enjoy afternoon tea. We will return shortly."
She genuinely motioned to the Uma Musume maids behind her, then, together with them and Khalid, escorted Dancing Brave toward the castle on the college grounds.
"This... What exactly is...?"
Staring blankly at the retreating Epsom College group, Kitahara stammered. Before he could finish, Rudolf's voice of reflection sounded beside him.
"This is the politics I mentioned to you before, Kitahara."
After saying this, seeing Kitahara instinctively turn his gaze, Symboli Rudolf pondered for a moment.
"It's actually not complicated—just an exchange of interests."
She picked up her red tea, crossed her legs, and, with the same sharp gaze as in the Student Council President's office, stated seriously:
"The exchange between trainers, teams, and Uma Musume is different from the exchange between academies."
"Our purpose for this visit is to get used to the local track conditions in advance. We know this, and Epsom College knows this too."
"Epsom College is being so accommodating not just because of our performance in Japanese races, but also because of the consideration of what they might gain."
"This consideration isn't deliberate. For example, it's like a spare piece in a game of Go—it's best if it serves a purpose, but it doesn't matter if it doesn't."
"Even if it doesn't serve a purpose, they entertained us warmly, and when they come to Japan, we must return the favor. They lose nothing."
"But as Director Lyphard and Prince Khalid just showed, they are somewhat helpless regarding Dancing Brave's illness. Upon learning that you are somewhat skilled in treatment, they decided to try, and the result..."
Symboli Rudolf's gaze towards Kitahara became complex, "The result is that you actually have a way."
"Even I didn't think you would have a solution. I just felt you always spring surprises on people. I never thought you could surprise not just Japanese Uma Musume, but European Uma Musume as well."
"Therefore, Lyphard noticed this and deliberately left with the others to let you and me talk here about whether or not to assist Dancing Brave."
"Do you understand my explanation?"
"...Somewhat, but not completely. Still..."
Having listened to Symboli Rudolf's words and facing her complex and reflective gaze, Kitahara couldn't help but give a wry smile, "This kind of thing is still a bit complicated for me."
"It feels like you all said nothing just now, yet you also said everything."
"This kind of thing, how should I put it..."
He rubbed his forehead, "It's a bit like business negotiation, but not quite the same."
"It's elusive, isn't it? This type of exchange of interests is usually this tacitly understood."
Symboli Rudolf chuckled, "You know how powerful Dancing Brave is."
"The fact that she is now afflicted by illness is a loss to the world, and even more so to Europe and the UK."
"Strictly speaking, she is not yet at retirement age. If she can be cured now, she might be able to return to racing quickly."
"You must understand what it means for Dancing Brave to return to the racetrack."
"And even if she cannot return to racing within a year or two, once cured, she can fully carry out her duties as Student Council President, which is also extremely important to the UK, Europe, and even the world."
"So, although Director Lyphard didn't say these things, she wants me to explain them to you, or hopes that you can consider them yourself."
"Consider them myself...?"
Kitahara repeated the phrase in a murmur. After a moment of contemplation, he looked directly into Symboli Rudolph's eyes and said candidly:
"If we're just talking about treatment, I think I have an idea."
Upon hearing this, Symboli Rudolph's gaze instantly sharpened, then softened into reflection, "As expected of you. You always surprise people... Tell me about it."
"Although I haven't heard the specific symptoms, for an ailment in an Uma Musume that involves both mobility and lung issues, is difficult to diagnose, there's one condition I can think of."
Without holding back, Kitahara explained the nature of "Marey's Disease," then continued:
"To my knowledge, there have only been four cases of this disease in Uma Musume worldwide up to now. Including Dancing Brave, that makes five."
"Given how rare it is, it's not surprising that Director Lyphard and Prince Khalid haven't discovered it with their means."
"...To think it's such a terrible disease. I've never even heard of it..."
Symboli Rudolph showed an apprehensive expression, especially when Kitahara mentioned that "only Uma Musume can contract this disease."
"Then, since you know about this rare, incurable disease, do you also know the method or direction for treatment?"
She asked, then suddenly grew expectant.
"If you know, that would be wonderful."
"Perhaps you'll think I'm a bit opportunistic when I say this."
"But the fact is, putting aside international, European, and British interests, just considering Japan and your Eisei team, the rewards you could receive if you can cure Dancing Brave are beyond your imagination."
"I say this without exaggeration: if you can truly cure her, you can make any request of Director Lyphard, and especially Prince Khalid, besides making her your partner Uma Musume."
"Perhaps even more than one."
"For example, choosing a few un-debuted Uma Musume in the UK or Middle East to train, or even asking Prince Khalid for a few oil fields. Training techniques and personnel would also be fine."
"They value Dancing Brave too much. This level of reward is nothing to them."
"You might not have thought of this, but if you truly have a solution this time, you absolutely must not give away what you know, like you did with the Transcendence team."
"You might... oh, no, perhaps I can use a commercial analogy you're more familiar with: the treatment method you possess is a resource. Would you be willing to just give it away for free?"
"So, I'm saying... Eh?"
Symboli Rudolf, who was speaking eloquently, suddenly froze. She saw that Kitahara's expression and gaze were becoming increasingly strange.
"...Kitahara, is there something you want to say...?" Symboli Rudolf asked in surprise.
Can I say "someone sent a pillow just as I was falling asleep?"
Isn't this the very definition of someone sending a pillow just as I was falling asleep?!
Holy cow, I was just thinking of a way to approach Frankel. Isn't this a golden opportunity?!
For a moment, Kitahara almost swore out loud.
He now completely admitted that he might already be a very good trainer, and even quite capable in business, based on his past experience and management.
But compared to an Uma Musume who is deeply versed in "politics" like Symboli Rudolf, he was sometimes too conservative.
He didn't even need to compare himself to Symboli Rudolf. If he were replaced by true top-tier entrepreneurs like Kurokawa Masato or those from the Satomi family here, they would likely have thought of what the former had just said.
Anything related to training and Uma Musume is a resource. Whether from a political or economic perspective, there is absolutely no reason to just give it away.
Before the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), he was only focused on Uma Musume and had unintentionally "given away" some of Eisei's resources to Chouetsu.
If it weren't for the wealthy young lady Naise Fumino compensating him with ¥1 billion, people like Rudolf and Kurokawa Masato, upon learning the details, would have definitely told him his actions were a massive loss.
Fortunately, before coming to the UK, he had been cautioned by Symboli Rudolf and agreed that these resources should not be given away for free. He instantly came to a decision.
To hand over the method to cure Dancjng Brave's incurable disease to Khalid in an appropriate manner, and in exchange, to kidnap—ah, no, invite—Frankel to Japan.
[Blud is such a fraud can only work with horses that have real life good records smh]
Whether as an exchange student or an international student, either way, he could bring the top-tier Uma Musume who is currently a little girl under his wing in the future.
After a long time, he slowly calmed down. Then, as calmly as possible, Kitahara looked around. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them except Oguri Cap, who had returned to her fierce eating mode, he looked at Rudolph and spoke.
"To be precise, I don't have a specific treatment plan, but rather an approach."
He omitted the names of "Agnes Tachyon" and "Air Shakur," explained his previous general thought process, and added some advanced medical concepts from later generations.
"...In principle, for an incurable disease like Marey's Disease to have a widely applicable treatment method, much more time is needed."
"However, there is one treatment concept currently under research that can be directly applied."
He pondered, then explained: "Stem cell transplantation therapy."
"Stem cells are a very special type of cell, making up only 1% in the bone marrow, but they are the most important and unique cells."
"These cells originate from the embryonic stage of an organism and are unique primitive cells capable of self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation."
"In other words, stem cells can transform into any other type of cell."
"Including cells of the lungs and spine."
"If Dancing Brave truly has Marey's Disease, we could consider surgically removing the diseased part and using the self-renewal and differentiation properties of stem cells to directly generate new, healthy lung tissue and vertebrae."
"In short, this is a treatment method that hasn't yet become mainstream but theoretically has the ability to cure all diseases."
Saying this, he looked at Miyamura Kyoko at another table.
"It's certainly unrealistic for Kyoko to independently develop such a therapy with her current level."
"But her grandfather and her family are among Japan's most outstanding doctors and medical families. Her own skills are excellent, and she understands Uma Musume thoroughly."
"All of Eisei's Uma Musume data pass through her hands. If Eisei is one of Japan's best teams, she is Japan's most knowledgeable chief physician regarding Uma Musume and medicine."
"In addition to what I just mentioned, we can ask Director Akikawa and Director Lyphard—those Uma Musume with 'clairvoyance'—for assistance, and ideally an Uma Musume who inherited a direct bloodline from the Three Goddesses, to find an Uma Musume with talent similar to Belno Light's."
"With multiple collaborations, Dancing Brave's illness can be cured."
"As for how to organize this method, how to present it to Epsom College, and how to negotiate, I'll have to trouble you, Rudolf. As for my idea..."
After a moment of contemplation, looking at Symboli Rudolph's astonished and expectant gaze, Kitahara smiled.
"I am just a trainer. If this method and exchange can bring some excellent Uma Musume to train alongside Oguri Cap and the others, that would be great."
"Or, I'm not that greedy. Just one would be fine."
(End of Chapter)