Regarding how to discuss matters about Dancing Brave with Epsom Academy, Kitahara and Symboli Rudolf shared the same viewpoint:
The former would communicate with the team members to discuss an appropriate treatment plan, while the latter would be responsible for reaching out first, trying to learn what clear intentions the other side may have.
Originally, they planned to let Rudolf attempt negotiations once the others returned. But when the director of Epsom Academy finally came back, the ones following her were no longer Dancing Brave and Khalid.
Moonlight Lunacy… and Tony Bianca?
Seeing the two horse girls beside Lyphard, as well as a man and woman behind them, Kitahara was stunned.
Moonlight Lunacy's presence was understandable.
She was an exceptionally strong horse girl — British, with a career record of 23 races, 10 wins, including two G1 victories.
Aside from her strength, she was famous worldwide because every gesture exuded noble elegance.
This was British Tracen Academy after all, so it wasn't surprising to see a British horse girl here.
But… why was Tony Bianca here?
Hadn't she just finished participating in a G1 race on the European continent?How did she suddenly arrive in England?
While Kitahara was bewildered, Symboli Rudolf stepped forward.
She was also surprised by the appearance of the two horse girls, but as student council president of Japan's Tracen Academy, facing world-renowned elite competitors, even if surprised, she could not lose her manners.
"Director Lyphard, how is President Dancing Brave's condition?"
She asked first about Dancing Brave's situation. As she spoke, she intentionally or unintentionally glanced toward Moonlight Lunacy and Tony Bianca.
Clearly, the two horse girls recognized Japan's legendary horse girl standing before them. They must have been informed by Lyphard. Their expressions were calm, though their eyes held a hint of probing curiosity — whether probing her intentions or her strength, it was unclear.
"Her condition is stable. The medical team advised that she should rest more."
With concern in her eyes but a dignified posture, Lyphard replied:
"Thank you for your concern, President Rudolf. His Highness Khalid is taking care of her now. She will still be able to appear at the banquet tonight."
"If it becomes inconvenient, President Dancing Brave may rest more."
Rudolf nodded politely. Her gaze flickered.
"Later today, may I go visit President Dancing Brave? I have some medical suggestions I would like to discuss with her and her support team."
Hearing the first half of Rudolf's sentence, Rifaal hesitated slightly — but the moment she heard the latter half, her eyes lit up.
As administrators of Tracen Academies, she could easily hear the implication in Rudolf's words.
Lyphard had almost explicitly expressed earlier that if Japan or Kitahara's team had better medical options or advice, she hoped they could have an open discussion.
And Rudolf's words clearly meant they must have something — something she herself was unaware of.
Delighted internally, she kept her expression composed, as there was more to address here.
"Thank you very much, President Rudolf. I will arrange the meeting and discussion."
Transitioning smoothly, she turned sideways slightly.
"Although I believe President Rudolf and Chief Trainer Kitahara already understand some of the situation, allow me to make an introduction."
"These two are the Duchess Lavinia-Marie-Ficharen-Howard, and her horse girl, Moonlight Lunacy."
Gesturing toward Moonlight Lunacy and the elegant middle-aged woman beside her, Lyphard said with a light smile:
"I imagine that President Rudolf is already familiar with them. During last year's Japan Cup, thank you for assisting them."
"It was merely my duty. You flatter me."
After her modest reply, Rudolf bowed toward the smiling Duchess.
Lavinia was nobility — according to British etiquette, those below a duke must bow. Only those of equal status exchanged hand-kisses.
Even though Rudolf was extraordinarily renowned in the world of horse girls, she was still a commoner in aristocratic terms.
"An honor to see you again, Duchess Lavinia."
But Lavinia did not act proud. After Rudolf finished her bow, she smiled warmly and extended her hand.
"No need to be so formal. As I said in Japan — just treat me as an ordinary trainer."
Rudolf smiled, unfazed by nobility, and shook her hand.
Then she reached toward Moonlight Lunacy.
"I watched your first race of the year — the G2 Yorkshire Cup. A brilliant victory. Congratulations."
Moonlight Lunacy's original expression was calm.
Both she and her trainer possessed a noble aura — quiet, hands naturally folded before her, gaze forward, composed and dignified. Such presence made her feel unapproachable.
But once Rudolf extended her hand and acknowledged her record, some joy flashed instinctively in her eyes.
"I didn't expect the 'Emperor' from faraway Japan to pay attention to my races. I'm quite flattered."
Shaking Rudolf's hand, her lips curved upward.
"That victory was necessary."
"My performance at the Japan Cup was terrible — finishing only 5th. I needed a win to prove myself."
"Although I lost the subsequent Coronation Cup, I believe the Summer Championship ahead will belong to me."
"Then allow me to wish you the best of luck."
Rudolf smiled and nodded.
Before Lyphard introduced the others, she proactively extended her hand again.
"It might be a little rude to cut ahead, but the reputation of Italy's champion is well known.
An honor to finally meet you, Tony Bianca — and Trainer Antonio Bianca."
She faced Tony Bianca and the middle-aged man beside her.
Unlike the swordsman-style racing uniform often seen on TV, Tony Bianca today wore her triangular feathered rider hat and simple athletic clothing.
She already had the romantic beauty typical of Italians — dressed casually, she gave off the aura of an art student out gathering inspiration.
And compared to her, the middle-aged man beside her radiated even more artistic spirit:
Long hair tied back, thick beard, deep Italian features, dressed in medieval-style Italian garments — he looked more like a Renaissance painter than a trainer.
"Haha, Tony and I have heard much about you. How do the Japanese say it?"
Shaking Rudolf's hand naturally, Antonio smiled:
"Ah yes — どうぞよろしくお願いします."
[iyky]
"Did I say it right?"
The first half was in English, but the greeting was Japanese — spoken perfectly, clearly not memorized at the last moment.
Rudolf froze for a moment — she could tell it was fluent.
…don't tell me Tony Bianca intends to enter the Japan Cup this year?
Otherwise, why would her trainer seriously study Japanese?
No one learns a language this well just to greet visiting guests.
There was no mistake — Tony Bianca would definitely participate in the Japan Cup.
Though lacking Kitahara's foreknowledge, Rudolf deduced it through experience as student council president and elite competitor.
Instinctively, she glanced at Kitahara.
But right as she turned her head— a cold, slightly frustrated voice cut in.
"Antonio, you're already old, yet you still show off like a child."
Tony Bianca frowned, glaring at her trainer.
Ignoring Antonio's shocked then embarrassed expression entirely, her gaze slid past Rudolf, settling on someone behind her.
"That Japanese sentence completely exposed my plan to enter the Japan Cup.
I'm sure someone with the Emperor's mind already figured that out."
And now she also switched to Japanese — perfectly fluent, far above beginner level.
"But it doesn't matter. The schedule will be announced eventually. Revealing it early doesn't change anything."
"So, since we will eventually race— why not warm up now?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, locking onto someone behind Rudolf.
"That one over there — she's this year's Japanese Derby horse girl, right?"
"Interested in a race?"
"Of course, if you're not entering the Japan Cup, then forget it."
Her gaze shifted.
"You're the trainer of the Japanese Derby winner, right? I recall both the strongest Classic horsegirl and the strongest Senior Horsegirl are in your team."
"If your Classic champion won't run the Japan Cup, then your Older champion must run, right?"
"Don't tell me they're BOTH not entering. That would make the Japan Cup awfully boring."
Tony Bianca's words weren't loud, but the fighting intent inside them was powerful.
Everyone around was stunned.
Lyphard, who had been smiling calmly, stared at Tony Bianca with her mouth slightly open.
Moonlight Lunacy merely gave a wry smile — she clearly knew Tony Bianca's personality well.
But her trainer, Duchess Lavinia, gasped loudly:
"Oh! Mother of God—"
and quickly covered her mouth to preserve noble manners.
Antonio's emotional reaction was even bigger.
"NON MI DIRE!"
He jumped in front of Tony Bianca instantly, grabbing her shoulders.
"No, no, no, Tony! We're only here to adapt to the venue!President Rudolf and Chief Kitahara are guests — such a challenge is inappropriate!"
"We—"
"Adapting to the Japan Cup venue — isn't this also part of the venue?"
Without giving her trainer any face, Tony Bianca shot him a sideways glare.
"The opponent horse girls themselves are part of the battlefield."
"If the horse girls I will face in Japan are right here, why should I wait until I fly over to adapt?"
Her voice naturally radiated confidence.
"And the next two races — the Milan Championship and the King George Stakes — I ran last year."
"I won the Milan Championship. I have a high chance again."
"And the King George — if our plane hadn't been hit by a storm last time, the result might not have been what it was."
"Races and venues I've already run — I don't need extra adaptation time."
"Unless Chief Kitahara truly plans to keep his horse girls out of the Japan Cup. But I don't believe he would make that decision."
Her eyes locked directly on Kitahara and Oguri Cap behind him.
They were the only ones not shocked.
Kitahara, with knowledge of history, knew Tony Bianca was proud — ruthlessly proud. A "crazy one"… no— a "crazy horse."
In history, she did participate in the Japan Cup, finishing 5th despite suffering a bone fracture 300 meters from the finish line.
Among her opponents that year were champion Pay the Butler, second and third place Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap, and numerous other elite horse girls globally.
Moonlight Lunacy, who was here today, had even defeated Tony Bianca in France's G1 Saint-Cloud Grand Prix.
And despite severe injury and pain that would absolutely affect speed — Tony Bianca still ran 5th.
"Crazy horse" was the only apt description.
So for someone like her, saying something like this on first meeting — completely normal.
"…Hey, Kitahara, I think I can race her, right?"
As Tony Bianca spoke, Oguri Cap leaned over, eyes sparkling with excitement, nibbling sweets she had grabbed earlier.
"Our plan includes entering the Japan Cup, right?"
"Me, Super Creek, Ardan, Tamamo, and Inari — we all qualify."
"And that tall horse girl there — she's entering too, right? And the very well-built one beside her too, right?"
"With around ten racers — isn't that pretty much a Japan Cup matchup already?"
Growing more excited as she spoke—
The "tall one" was Tony Bianca (1.78 meters).
The "well-built one" was Moonlight Lunacy.
Kitahara estimated that if they sprinted upright at the finish line, the judgment might have a difference of 20cm.
"A pre-Japan-Cup match, huh…"
Kitahara involuntarily fell into thought.
Historically, the 1988 Japan Cup roster had 15 racers.
In that timeline, Oguri Cap couldn't run the Classic series and thus raced the Japan Cup as the youngest horse against older champions.
Tamamo Cross naturally attended as the strongest senior horsegirl.
Those two plus Tony Bianca and Moonlight Lunacy already made up over a quarter of the lineup.
And in this timeline, unlike history, Super Creek and Mejiro Ardan wouldn't be absent due to post-Classic adjustment issues.
Inari One, who joined early, could also participate.
There were seven racers in total—if this year's Japan Cup still has fifteen participants, that's already nearly half the lineup.
With this number, they could practically simulate most situations of the Japan Cup, and…
Kitahara quickly began thinking.
The very purpose of coming to Europe this time was to let Oguri Cap and the others adjust to the racing environment here in advance.
And what could be better for adaptation than actually running alongside European horse girls?
This Tony Bianca—wasn't she practically offering them a free "support card circle training session"?
If she runs, Moonlight Lunacy definitely won't sit it out—so double circle?
Kitahara's emotions surged for a moment, but he quickly calmed down.
If they really held a race, even just a practice run, the outcome would not look optimistic at all.
Oguri Cap and the others had only just arrived here—they hadn't even fully adjusted to the time difference yet.
They were completely unfamiliar with the race schedule, and any track chosen in the UK would be a foreign environment.
The turf conditions were totally different from Japan's. Tracks in Europe were all natural grass—and for first-timers, even something as basic as breaking from the gate might go wrong.
So even if they were going to run a practice race, they needed to prepare seriously…
As his thoughts reached that point, Tony Bianca happened to look over again, eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
Seeing this, Kitahara smiled slightly. Still thinking, he walked toward her proactively.
However, he didn't immediately respond to Tony Bianca. Even though he'd already decided to accept the practice match, he couldn't ignore the people at the side.
So he greeted Duchess Lavinia and Antonio first.
"An honor to meet you, Duchess Lavinia."
Bowing slightly like he had done with Symboli Rudolf earlier, Kitahara smiled.
"Your performance in 'Gosford Manor' was absolutely perfect. I believe your retirement from acting after marriage is a great loss for the British—and even the global—film industry."
From historical impressions and collected information, he understood that Lavinia's duchess title came from her late husband, Duke Bernard of Arundel, and that before marriage, she had been a very famous British actress.
Like in Japan, British nobles rarely continued their previous professions after marriage. And praise for such women came more naturally by appreciating their past achievements rather than emphasizing their noble status.
"Oh! Incredible—you've actually watched that series!"
Hearing his words, Lavinia covered her mouth in surprise. Then she formally spread her hands, lifted the hem of her dress, and offered a graceful curtsey.
"I am very proud that I could bring you enjoyment."
After greeting her, Kitahara extended his hand toward Antonio.
"Mr. Antonio, I've heard that outside of training, you also hold the title of an artist. I hope someday your works will be displayed in the Louvre, like Da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa.'"
"Wow! Chief Kitahara, you truly understand me!"
The moment he spoke, Antonio seized Kitahara's hand, shaking it vigorously up and down.
"I have always believed that painting is art—and horse girls are also art!"
"Art granted by the gods!"
"My lifelong dream is to capture the perfect moment of a horse girl running through painting. But my family always ridicules me—only you understand my dream, I—"
Just as the emotional trainer continued rambling, a tone filled with helplessness and annoyance cut in.
"That's enough, Antonio. I don't have the heart to describe the actual level of the portrait you made for me. Can't you tell that Chief Kitahara is just being polite?"
Cutting him off directly, Tony Bianca shot him a glance, then shifted her gaze to Kitahara.
"Moonlight told me that Japanese people are very polite in social interactions—always courteous in speech. But…"
She glanced at Moonlight Lunacy, who had returned to her usual calm expression.
"Between me and Moonlight, there's no need for unnecessary courtesy."
"Chief Kitahara, it's simple."
"A Japan Cup practice race."
"Me, Moonlight, and some horse girl students from Epsom Academy."
She then looked at the academy director, Lifal.
"With such an international exchange opportunity, Director Lifal won't refuse, right?"
"As for Japan—your team's five active horse girls are all present, so I imagine all can participate?"
"Five vs. five—ten participants. Enough for a proper race."
"So, how about it?"
The moment she finished, the place fell into another uproar.
"Wait! What are you talking about, Tony?!"
Moonlight Lunacy's calm expression cracked.
"What the hell are you saying?"
"And why are you dragging me in if you want to run?!"
Not only she, but Lavinia and Antonio also stared wide-eyed, speechless.
Only Lyphard and Symboli Rudolf, already shocked once tonight, simply exchanged thoughtful looks.
"Aren't you going to run in the Japan Cup too?"
Tony Bianca cast a sideways glance at the stunned Moonlight Madness.
"You were speaking Japanese earlier, weren't you? Seems like you spent quite some time practicing."
"A warm-up in the first half of the year in races you ran last year, then in the second half, the Arc Trial, the Arc, and afterward international races like the Japan Cup—that's the usual arrangement, isn't it?"
"And Duchess Lavinia's team follows that plan, correct?"
After a series of rhetorical questions, she continued:
"Not just the Japan Cup—the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. G1 turf, 2400 meters. Don't you want revenge?"
"That race was held at Ascot, under Duchess Lavinia's banner. You lost last time. Don't you want to win it back?"
"If you don't want revenge, I do."
"Because last time, I finished one place behind you—only 5th."
"…How come a G1 5th place finish sounds worthless when you say it…"
Clearly familiar with Tony Bianca, Moonlight Madness sighed helplessly, ignoring the provocation, and rubbed her forehead.
"Fine, fine—you win. If the Japanese side agrees, I don't mind running one race."
"You say it like you're being forced—but obviously you're excited. What's that Japanese term again…? Ah, right—tsundere."
Teasing her friend without hesitation, Tony Bianca ignored Moonlight's flushed cheeks and looked toward Kitahara.
"So, Chief Kitahara?"
"Everything on our side is ready. With me and Moonlight racing, I promise you won't be disappointed."
"Epsom Academy's course and Duchess Lavinia's Ascot—both are usable."
"Different tracks. You may choose whichever suits you more."
"We're fine with either."
Epsom and Ascot…
Instantly, Kitahara's mind recalled both tracks' layouts.
Objectively, Ascot would be slightly better for Oguri Cap and the others.
Epsom was a unique U-shaped course found nowhere in Japan—its length, slope and curvature were extremely unusual. Not only Japanese horse girls, even many European racers struggled to adapt.
Ascot was easier. While not a standard oval, it was at least a triangular loop. Straight lines, curves, uphills and downhills could be referenced with experience from Japanese racecourses.
So the choice was clear—
Just as he was about to speak, an excited voice erupted beside him.
"Can we run on both courses?"
Like she'd eaten sugar pellets, Oguri Cap practically teleported in front of Kitahara.
Clenching a fist against her chest, she exclaimed:
"Kitahara explained the track conditions to me—they sound incredibly fun!"
"And you're strong. I can feel it."
"So if possible, can we run two races?"
"I—ah right, I just spoke Japanese…"
Her excitement froze, then she waved both hands frantically, speaking awkwardly mixed English-Japanese:
"You and you—one race, no, no!"
She raised one finger and shook her head.
"Two race—yes, yes!"
Two fingers, nodding rapidly like a pecking chick.
"You, you—if not trouble, two race! I am OK!"
"If trouble, one race… one race is ok. I—I… I accept!"
Her English was broken, tangled, and clumsy—but she remained passionately hyped, fists tight, ears twitching.
"..." × N.
The entire group fell silent.
Not only Tony Bianca and Moonlight, but everyone—including Kitahara—looked completely stunned.
"…Kitahara, I think…"
After a long stunned moment, Symboli Rudolf whispered with half her face covered, filled with the expression of 'I don't know these people, please take me away'.
"You need to make Oguri Cap learn English ASAP…"
"It's too embarrassing…"
"I've never felt so humiliated—not even losing races felt this bad…"
"All my years as student council president, and nothing has been this embarrassing…"
"So embarrassing…"
"She… didn't notice they were already speaking Japanese just now…?"
Symboli Rudolf—absolutely shattered.
Kitahara wanted to cover his face too, but as Oguri Cap's trainer, that would only worsen the atmosphere, so he maintained a polite smile, enduring the pain.
Internally:
…Even if you say that to me, I don't exactly have a magic solution…
Oguri Cap…
Really isn't good at English…
What she just said was basically her entire lifetime of English study…
Still, Rudolf had a point—learning English, or rather foreign languages, was necessary.
He reflected further—
Race commentary and guest analysis were broadcast openly across the venue, same for crowd reactions.
These were part of the real-time information horse girls relied on—announcements, commentary, and audience voices helped them judge race conditions and make correct tactical decisions.
So if they couldn't understand the language, Oguri and the others would lose valuable input—and possibly get nervous from confusion.
So English lessons…
Just then, loud laughter cut into his thoughts.
"Hahaha! Moonlight, I didn't expect Japanese horse girls to be so different from the traditional and reserved image you described."
Tony Bianca and Moonlight clearly tried to hold composure, but Oguri Cap's "lifetime-English-output" broke them.
"The Japanese Derby horse girl is quite interesting. I can't wait to race her."
Moonlight tried to maintain her refined-lady expression—eyes curved, maybe slightly tearful from laughter—covering her mouth but speaking clearly:
"Yes, very interesting. And… extremely spirited."
A spark of fighting spirit flashed through her eyes.
"In that case, since preparation is needed for the practice match, and we already have the course nearby, why don't we try a short run now, Tony?"
"Yes, that was my intention."
After ending her English conversation, Tony Bianca walked toward the confused Oguri Cap, smile fading and gaze sharpening.
"Japanese Derby horse girl—Oguri Cap, right?"
Extending a hand, she said seriously:
"We'll discuss details after the trainers coordinate."
"Over there is the training course."
She jerked her chin toward the rolling hills behind Epsom Academy, an endless sea of grass.
"European tracks are no different from mountain pastures or open plains—we train on them regularly."
"So—shall we train together now?"
This time, she spoke entirely in Japanese.
"...Eh? You speak Japanese? Oh right, you already used Japanese earlier. That's great! I'm terrible at English."
Oguri Cap grinned innocently—then her aura changed instantly.
Her eyes sharpened, radiating ferocity equal to Tony Bianca's.
Grabbing Tony's hand firmly, she grinned:
"Run now?"
"Gladly!"
(End of chapter)