After the "education race," Kitahara very much wanted to have a talk with Oguri Cap and the other two.
He was quite certain that during the race, his three horse girls must have experienced a major shift in mindset.
This judgment did not come only from observing the race itself.
Afterward, through video footage and confirmation from various instruments, it was possible to accurately determine the lead of Secretariat and Hayakawa Tazuna.
Thirty-six lengths—an entire 90 meters—ten meters longer than the distance Secretariat had won by when she captured the Belmont Stakes years ago.
If such a distance appeared in an official race, it would certainly be a shocking, world-shaking result. Even in a race organized outside the URA Association, it would still be enough to astonish anyone who knew about it.
That astonishment was another key reason why Kitahara believed his horse girls would experience a change in mentality.
However, turning that thought into action encountered a small problem.
After the race, there was a banquet. The competitors who had participated in the event, key members from both academies, and invited guests were all present.
At such banquets, discussions about cooperation were unavoidable. In fact, arranging such discussions had been one of the major purposes of Kitahara's trip to the United States.
And after the "education race," no matter what opinions people had held before, the American horse girls, academies, and association members had developed a new perspective and a higher evaluation of Japan's horse girl industry.
Under such favorable circumstances, failing to strike while the iron was hot and finalize some cooperation details would be too wasteful.
Because of that, any heart-to-heart conversations would naturally have to wait a little.
Especially during the discussions, when Symboli Rudolf brought up the matter, and both student council officers from the two academies—Maruzensky, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed—expressed agreement, a "new race proposal" emerged.
"A race where horse girls at a level similar to yours are organized together, referencing this 'education race' format…"
The one speaking was Secretariat.
As the chairman of the American Federal Tracen Academy, the authority she held was far greater than student council presidents like Symboli Rudolf or Seattle Slew.
Moreover, within the global horse girl industry, the United States was among the most developed. Because of that, Secretariat's influence was even somewhat greater than that of Akikawa Yayoi.
Whether it was the newly proposed race being discussed now or the previously mentioned "Youth Cup," once someone as important in the industry as Secretariat spoke, many matters could move forward extremely smoothly.
"I strongly agree with this idea."
After pondering for a moment, Secretariat slowly said:
"In the past, it wasn't possible for several reasons. On one hand, there were regulations from the International Horse Girl Association. On the other hand, there were very practical issues."
"Take this education race as an example. Racing active horse girls against people like us—some trainers may have thought about it before."
"But if you want to guarantee results, your own training schedule is already very tight."
"To arrange a race that is both meaningful and does not interfere with training or official competitions… that's not something that can be organized just by talking about it."
"There's also scheduling."
"To be honest, even this race was a coincidence. If Ms. Kurokawa hadn't contacted Penny in advance, I might not have been able to spare the time to participate."
"There are many similar situations…"
She suddenly smiled and changed the topic.
"I've gone a bit off track. In any case, since this education race was able to take place, I think similar events can also be organized."
"Especially now that we have this experience. Holding races between horse girls from different countries and generations should become easier."
As she spoke, the smile on her face grew warmer.
Secretariat herself had once been an active horse girl. Having the strength but being unable to run freely was something she understood deeply—how regretful it felt.
Especially for her, that regret was even more obvious.
Today, the world acknowledged her extraordinary talent. Yet very few people knew that her debut had not been smooth.
Among the horse girls who had entered the academy at the same time, she had not been the most outstanding performer.
It was similar to her racing results during her active years. Her victories were indeed eye-catching, but it wasn't as if she had never lost.
If one looked purely at the win-loss records, there had been many horse girls more dazzling than her.
Before her debut, this translated into "a lack of proof of top-tier talent."
Training resources were limited at the time, and because of that, when she debuted she had not even encountered a trainer willing to choose her as their trainee.
Meeting Penny Chenery later—she still found it somewhat amusing.
Just like how she herself had not attracted much attention at the time, this trainer had been in a similar situation.
In fact, even worse.
Penny's father had been a trainer, but he had mediocre talent. His management ability was average, and due to various reasons he had accumulated considerable debt.
When arranging his daughter's future, the old man had not even considered letting her become a trainer. Instead, he had prepared a path for her to become a housewife.
Unfortunately, due to an accident, Penny's father fell seriously ill, making the situation with training, the team, and the debts even worse.
When Penny took over everything, the situation was already that disastrous.
At that time, the young "future trainer" had no other choice. Even if she sold all of the team's assets and family property, it still wouldn't be enough to completely settle the debts.
Moreover, the United States also had heavy inheritance taxes. In other words, before the debts could even be resolved, the family business might already be completely consumed.
In order to deal with all this, the young Penny defied the path arranged by her father and taught herself to become a trainer.
A trainer who entered the industry halfway like that naturally received no attention. Not only were there no senior trainers willing to guide her, there were not even any horse girls willing to sign a contract with her.
Their eventual meeting happened because of a coin toss.
In order to sign a trainee horse girl as soon as possible, Penny—who was not taken seriously by the academy—actively submitted many proposals to both the academy and the association.
These included the distribution of race prize money, the future arrangements for horse girls, her own future plans, and more.
Every contract was extremely beneficial for the academy and the association.
On Penny's side, aside from a small possibility of resolving her debts and the academy and association arranging a trainee horse girl for her, there were no benefits at all.
This almost "suicidal" behavior made the academy and association think it was childish nonsense.
And precisely because they thought it was nonsense, those big figures proposed another "childish" condition.
A coin toss.
If Penny won, those contracts would take effect. Otherwise, everything would be treated as if it had never happened.
Penny won.
And the horse girl arranged by the academy and association was Secretariat.
That was the part Secretariat found amusing.
A childish method of decision had allowed an ignored horse girl and an ignored trainer to meet.
After that, they became the absolute focal point of the entire generation.
If that brilliance could have continued forever, perhaps everything they had endured before would not have mattered.
But those contracts stipulated that Secretariat's active racing period was limited.
At first, this restriction had been set to prevent Penny from wasting industry resources.
But very quickly, its nature changed.
It became a barrier protecting the academy, other horse girls and trainers, and especially the shareholders of the American URA Association.
If Secretariat kept winning forever, wouldn't the investments of the other shareholders all go down the drain?
At that time, Secretariat had neither understood nor cared about such things.
Now that she understood them, she found it difficult not to care.
Sometimes she thought—if the industry had not been filled with so many complicated rules that made her frown in disgust, then perhaps the contracts Penny signed would never have existed in the first place.
And she herself would not have had to retire at the peak of her career.
Back when she ran freely, she once told Hayakawa Tezuna that she might have hated those contracts signed by her trainer.
But thinking about it now… what other choice had Penny had at that time?
Now she herself had become the chairman of the American Federal Tracen Academy.
If the current her returned to that time, what could she have done differently?
The answer was: nothing.
That was simply reality.
She had thought about these experiences and the truths behind them more than once, and many times she had wanted to try changing something.
She felt that she and Hayakawa Tazuna were not the same type of horse girl, yet they had similar thoughts.
That "secretary" had retired due to past injuries and hoped her juniors would not suffer the same fate.
And she herself—did she not also hope her juniors would avoid repeating her path?
These thoughts she had previously only shared with Penny. Now the only additional person who knew was Hayakawa Tezuna, whom she had just acknowledged.
But if possible, she truly hoped that—if she could not accomplish it herself—someone who understood these matters even better, whether horse girl or human, would step forward and provide better solutions.
Even if they were only ideas.
As long as those regrets could be avoided.
And now, it seemed she might be seeing such a possibility. Naturally, she was willing to support it.
"That kind of race… you've been looking forward to it for a long time, haven't you?"
Holding onto her decision, she smiled and looked toward Symboli Rudolf and the others.
"You've seen right through us."
Meeting Secretariat's gaze, Symboli Rudolf smiled slightly. After exchanging glances with Maruzensky beside her and with Seattle Slew and Affirmed beside Secretariat, she spoke seriously.
"That's right. This idea… we discussed it many times after the race."
"In the past there was no such race. The rules, regulations, and practical difficulties—we talked about all of them."
"It's precisely because we longed for that kind of competition, because we wanted to run on the track again, that we discussed it so much and came to seek your approval."
"And just as you said, with the experience of this education race and our previous relay race experience…"
"It's not impossible to replicate and expand it into a whole series of races."
"And…"
Her gaze drifted into the distance, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curving into a trusting smile.
"I think the person over there might already have some basic plans in mind…"
"Maybe even a very complete one."
"Oh? You mean that Kitahara… that's his name, right?"
The one responding to Rudolf was not Secretariat but the curious-looking Seattle Slew.
Following Symboli Rudolf's gaze, the horse girl stroked her chin.
"Although I said it once before, but…"
"You all really trust that trainer."
"Is that a Japanese specialty? Do trainers have a lot of authority when it comes to races?"
"Here in America, if any trainer tried to organize something like this, the proposal would probably be blocked by some congressman before it even reached the URA Association."
"They'd say things like impossible, unrealistic, meaningless."
"That's what American politicians are like."
Shrugging indifferently, Seattle Slew's expression looked careless—almost slightly contemptuous.
"Oh ho, American politicians are like that too?"
Without hesitation, Maruzensky suddenly laughed and nodded seriously.
"Looks like politicians everywhere in the world are the same."
"Right? So it's the same on your side too."
Her eyes lighting up, Seattle Slew exchanged a glance with Maruzensky and exaggerated her shrug even further.
"In short, people like that are just—"
She didn't finish.
"…Slew."
Secretariat didn't say anything to her student council president. Instead, Affirmed—who had been silent the whole time—suddenly called her colleague's name in a low voice while subtly glancing to the sides.
"…Maruzensky, that was a little impolite."
Almost at the same time as Affirmed spoke, Symboli Rudolf tugged lightly on Maruzensky's sleeve and reminded her quietly.
"Hm? Did I say something just now?"
Maruzensky's arm swayed as she was pulled, and she looked at Rudolf with a surprised expression, blinking.
"I don't think so."
She turned to Seattle Slew and blinked again.
"Did you hear anything?"
"What… Oh, nonono, I've said nothing."
Startled for a moment, Seattle Slew caught Maruzensky's look and suddenly understood. She immediately raised both hands in surrender, shaking her head repeatedly.
"I didn't say anything, right? Affirmed, you can testify for me next to the judge's seat, can't you?"
She turned toward her colleague with an innocent look.
"..."
Affirmed didn't answer. She seemed to sigh slightly and turned her gaze away, looking as if she had heard nothing.
Symboli Rudolf looked much the same. She didn't really want to speak anymore.
She had begun to realize that the interpersonal dynamics of the American student council seemed to be the opposite of Japan's.
Here in America, it seemed Affirmed handled more of the practical work—documents, daily arrangements—just as Rudolf herself did at the academy.
Meanwhile Seattle Slew, like Maruzensky, handled more external affairs and communication.
Because of that, both of them seemed very skilled at playing dumb and adapting their words depending on the person they were speaking to.
At this moment they certainly knew what they had said, and since it was clear Secretariat didn't mind those remarks, they deliberately said them anyway.
In a different situation—such as actually facing politicians or URA Association members—they would definitely speak extremely politely and never risk being rude.
Secretariat indeed didn't care about Seattle Slew and Maruzensky pretending to be clueless.
"Since Rudolf praises him so much…"
Ignoring the previous conversation, she turned and tilted her chin slightly.
"Let's go ask him."
"Let's see whether the trainer that your Japan Tracen Academy values and expects so much can produce an interesting proposal."
The trainer the horse girls were talking about was naturally Kitahara, though he himself had no idea about any of this.
At that moment, he was speaking with Penny Chenery together with Kurokawa Miyu about another matter.
Academy cooperation and race arrangements had already been discussed. Now they were talking about a movie.
Before coming to the United States, Kitahara had already drafted a script outline for Secretariat.
Having watched the original film many times, writing a synopsis was not difficult.
Naturally, all detailed writing was left to Kurokawa Miyu. Kitahara didn't think his creative ability could compare with that of a world-class filmmaker like her.
And Kurokawa Miyu's talent was indeed exceptional. After receiving the draft—while still in Japan, on the plane, and over the past few days—she had already nearly completed the full script.
She had also shown it to Penny Chenery, who gave it extremely enthusiastic praise.
Kurokawa Miyu, who refined the script, and Kitahara, who provided the draft, both thought that reaction was perfectly natural.
For the former, it was because of her talent.
For the latter, it was because he knew the script itself was adapted directly from Penny Chenery's own experiences.
Moreover, the original film starred Hollywood actress Diane Lane, who had been nominated multiple times for both the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance vividly portrayed those experiences.
Therefore, just recalling the viewing experience, Kitahara was confident that the synopsis he wrote would resonate strongly with Penny Chenery.
However, standing beside Kurokawa Miyu, he felt he could not take credit for the final script.
"The fact that you praise the script for Secretariat so highly makes me feel somewhat unworthy."
Looking at Penny Chenery's delighted expression, Kitahara said sincerely:
"But the one who truly deserves thanks is not me."
"I only provided the general concept of the script based on my understanding of horse girls."
"So the one who should be thanked is Ms. Kurokawa, who fully realized that idea."
He instinctively looked at Kurokawa Miyu, only to see her shake her head.
"Kitahara, you're being too modest."
With a slightly serious tone, she said:
"Refining a script requires technique, and technique can be trained."
"I simply studied that aspect more."
"But an outstanding inspiration cannot be trained or learned."
"Secretariat, the adaptation of The Phantom Horse, the 'Cute Monster' anime series, and the 'Horse Girl Movie'—all of these require talent to produce such inspiration."
"And you happen to possess that talent. These works that have already been produced and those yet to come all originate from that talent."
Before Kitahara could say anything, Penny Chenery's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Mr. Kitahara has even more excellent scripts?"
Looking toward Kurokawa Miyu and receiving confirmation, she turned back to him with great interest.
"Would I have the honor of seeing them?"
"My judgment isn't as professional as yours, but I truly love horse girls."
"If it's a horse girl movie, I'm very interested."
As she spoke, her gaze moved between the two people in front of her.
Without hesitation, Kurokawa Miyu took the initiative.
"The 'Cute Monster Series'—if you also enjoy animation, I will have my son visit you later and deliver a complete collector's edition."
As one of the earliest projects in Kitahara's team's cooperation with Nishichin Company, the "Cute Monster Series" had been on sale for quite a long time, and its popularity and profits had exceeded most horse girl products.
Normally, famous horse girls would produce various merchandise through URA Association operations—plush toys, desk calendars, posters, and so on.
These products generated corresponding profits. Part of the revenue was used for association operations, shareholder dividends, and the expenses of various Tracen academies, while the rest was distributed to the respective horse girls and trainers.
Such profits were usually comparable to those of most celebrity products.
However, the "Cute Monster Series" was different.
Because of its collaboration with Godzilla, a national-level Japanese icon, the project achieved popularity far beyond the average.
Products frequently sold out immediately after release, and sometimes even before release due to pre-orders.
Because of this success, Kawawan Enterprises and Nishichin Company continued expanding development and adding more collaborations.
Especially after the Satomi family joined the project, in addition to the game related to the "Uma Musume Twinkle Race," they also developed several other types of games.
For example, using the "monster" concept, they combined it with shooting and combat gameplay—essentially "monster-fighting" games.
These games were currently still in demo versions used for testing and were circulating among some professional players.
Basically every player who tried the demo gave the same feedback: high praise, along with the comment that they didn't actually want to play a game like this for real.
According to them, although they really wanted to see "cute-style monsters" appear in all kinds of games—
once they actually saw the adorably clumsy "Uma Musume monsters," even though each one was gigantic, they simply couldn't bring themselves to fight them.
"Compared to knocking down Hat-sla, I'd rather be stepped flat or punched flying."
This was a comment from a game forum discussing the demo. The remark received countless views and approvals.
There were all sorts of amusing little incidents during the development of the project, and no matter what type they were, they all served to prove one thing:
the popularity of the "cute monster" concept.
Or rather—
the popularity of the horse girls themselves.
Especially Oguri Cap and the others.
After finishing the topic of animation, Kurokawa Miyu pondered for a moment before continuing.
"As for the movie, if Ms. Penny would like to watch it as soon as possible, you might need to wait about a month—or perhaps a bit longer."
"Movies are different from animation. Their production cycle tends to be longer."
"For animation production, the steps may look complicated—briefings, scriptwriting, concept art, storyboards, illustrations, production, post-processing—but in reality it can be completed in one to three months."
"What usually takes longer is full-length animated films. Those require much more work in planning, scriptwriting, storyboards, voice acting, and music."
"As for the Cute Monster project and the other animations, the planning began quite early, so there's no problem watching them right now."
"But movies are different. Since you've had some contact with Hollywood, you probably understand that they take more time."
Hearing this, Penny Chenery nodded.
"Yes, I do have some understanding."
"Is it mainly because post-production takes longer?" she asked tentatively.
"Post-production does indeed take longer. In most cases it takes two to three months, and sometimes nearly a year."
Kurokawa Miyu nodded.
"The pre-production phase is also longer."
"Props, makeup, costumes, sets—if you want outstanding results, all of these need to be prepared in advance."
As she spoke, she returned to the earlier timeline.
"Fortunately, the concept Kitahara provided was relatively complete, and the subject matter itself is very grounded in reality—the Shining Star races—and the real-life inspirations are very clear."
"That saves a lot of time in the early stages of production."
"Additionally, Nishichin Company's film production structure is quite solid, so both filming and post-production will proceed faster."
"So in the few months since Kitahara proposed the project, most of the work has already been completed."
"When I said about one month—that refers to the final part of the Uma Musume movie."
Kurokawa Miyu smiled.
"At that time, the sample screening will be ready."
"If you're available, I could invite you to Japan to watch it."
"Or I could come here again and watch it with you in Hollywood."
"I plan to submit this film to Hollywood and try to expand the market there."
"As for the longer timeline I mentioned earlier—that refers to the films 'Secretariat' and the one I plan to shoot afterward, 'The Phantom Horse.'"
"For both of those, when the sample versions are ready, I'll invite you again—just like this time."
"That's wonderful! And please don't feel like you need to explain or reassure me so carefully."
Penny Chenery said happily,
"I may not understand film production, but I know it takes time."
"So I'll look forward to it patiently—whether it's in Japan or the United States."
While the two women discussed the movie, Kitahara did not interrupt much.
Film production was not his area of expertise.
But when the conversation seemed to reach a pause, he planned to bring up another matter.
For example—
the corner of the room some distance away.
Since shortly after the banquet began, Oguri Cap, Super Creek, Mejiro Ardan, and Hayakawa Tazuna had been talking there.
Kitahara didn't know what they were discussing.
But he felt that Tezuna probably hadn't gone there to avoid Kurokawa Miyu.
He still didn't know what the horse girl had talked about with his former trainer.
The only thing he could be certain of was that the old barrier between them seemed to have faded somewhat.
He still remembered the training before the education race.
Although Tezuna had taken the initiative to say she wanted to speak with Kurokawa Miyu, when they actually met she had not behaved with the same friendliness she showed toward horse girls.
She probably still cared about what had happened back then—
and about the fact that her former trainer had avoided the issue for so many years.
That was Kitahara's guess.
But after the race ended, although Tezuna didn't actively approach her, Kitahara could no longer sense that lingering tension from her.
It felt as if the barrier between them had disappeared.
However—
while that trainer–horse girl barrier had vanished,
the relationship between him and his own horse girls seemed to have become slightly awkward.
In the past, after every race, whether it was about their thoughts, feelings, or requests for advice—
Oguri Cap and the others would always come to him first.
But this time they hadn't.
Just like how Tezuna had avoided Kurokawa Miyu earlier,
the three of them seemed to be avoiding him a little.
Kitahara didn't know if that was really the case.
Nor could he figure out why.
Maybe…
they thought his race arrangement this time had been too harsh?
It did seem possible.
After all—
facing opponents like Hayakawa Tazuna and Secretariat and losing by over thirty lengths…
that must be very difficult for them to accept.
Still—
that was exactly why he wanted to talk to them.
If they kept avoiding the topic, misunderstandings might arise.
Better to talk sooner rather than later.
At the very least, he wanted to know what they had been discussing earlier.
And ideally—
he wanted to understand what they were thinking.
Just as he made that decision, the conversation between Kurokawa Miyu and Penny Chenery about the movie reached its conclusion.
When the topic ended and a new one had not yet begun, Kitahara gathered his thoughts.
"Ladies, please excuse me for a moment."
With an apologetic smile, he pointed toward the direction he had been watching.
"I think I need to go over there."
As he pointed, he glanced over again.
Oguri Cap and the others were still there with Tezuna.
However, the group had grown.
As if drawn by a magnet, besides Special Week, others had joined as well—
Seiun Sky, King Halo, Grass Wonder, and El Condor Pasa.
He had no idea why they had gone there or what they were talking about.
But after they arrived, Oguri Cap and the others seemed to glance in this direction before quickly looking away again.
So yes—
he really needed to go talk to them.
At least to find out what they were discussing.
When Kurokawa Miyu and Penny Chenery followed his gesture and looked over—
they saw two horse girls arguing animatedly.
"Oh my God, those two children are arguing again?"
Penny Chenery covered her forehead and laughed helplessly.
"They're always like this. I don't know why, but whenever they meet, they start arguing."
"Maybe they just want to compete with each other. In any case, even the smallest reason can lead to this."
She pinched her fingers together to illustrate "a tiny reason" and sighed.
"It looks like we'll have to act as teachers—or babysitters—for the academy."
"Mr. Kitahara, we'll go with you and see what those two kids are arguing about."
She clearly assumed that Kitahara had noticed the quarrel and wanted to mediate.
Without waiting, she walked toward the corner.
Kurokawa Miyu nodded to Kitahara and followed.
This wasn't actually Kitahara's intention.
But now that he had seen the situation, it didn't matter much if things turned out that way.
Just as he was about to respond—
a puzzled voice sounded nearby.
"Excuse me…"
It was Secretariat, arriving with Symboli Rudolf and the others.
Seeing that Kitahara and the others were about to leave, she looked confused.
But before finishing her question, she looked toward the corner—
and immediately held her forehead.
"God damn it… those two little brats…"
Clearly she had seen this scene many times before.
She waved quickly at Kitahara.
"Sorry, Mr. Kitahara. I had something I wanted to discuss with you, but…"
"Please allow me to deal with a little… uh…"
"specialty of Federa; Tracen Academy."
"Yes. Specialty."
"Please wait here. I'll come back shortly."
"Seattle Slew, stay here with Mr. Kitahara."
"Affirmed, come with me. Compared to Slew, Sunday Silence is closer to you."
With that, Secretariat hurried toward the corner.
Affirmed7 silently followed.
"Well… I should go take a look too."
Maruzensky joked.
"Rudolf, you stay here with Seattle Slew and keep Mr. Kitahara company."
Ignoring Rudolf's helpless expression, she laughed and followed them.
Now Kitahara felt a little awkward.
He had only wanted to talk with his horse girls—
but it looked like that corner was about to become very lively.
He probably wouldn't get a chance to talk with them now.
And more importantly—
the argument between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer looked different from the quarrels he was used to.
The quarrels he knew were things like Tamamo Cross and Inari One bickering over trivial matters—
like how much soy sauce belongs in udon.
Or Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen, who teased each other despite caring deeply.
But this argument—
was very real.
They looked ready to start fighting.
Even when Oguri Cap and Tazuna lifted them off the ground to hold them back—
they were still pointing fingers and shouting across the air.
Perhaps this was just how American horse girls expressed their feelings.
Just then, Seattle Slew suddenly spoke up eagerly.
"Hey, let me ask you something!"
"If horse girls like me and Rudolf wanted to participate in a race, how would you design it?"
She looked at Kitahara with excitement.
"Remember earlier? Before the race we talked about this."
"Like me and Affirmed going to Japan, or Rudolf and the others coming to America."
"Not something like the Japan Cup."
"And not the Twinkle Series."
"Something like your relay race or today's exchange race."
"Do you have any ideas for organizing something like that?"
Kitahara remembered that conversation clearly.
If it involved horse girls at Rudolf's level, designing a relay race would actually be complicated.
But if enough strong competitors participated, it could be structured like the Shining Star Series.
He had already had some ideas back then.
Without thinking too much, he answered instinctively:
"You mean something like a 'Summit Cup'?"
Seattle Slew's eyes lit up instantly.
"Nice! Summit Cup, exactly—wait… what?"
"You said Summit Cup?"
"Yes," Kitahara replied.
"That's just a name I came up with."
"If we're talking about races suitable for horse girls like you, Rudolf, Maruzensky, and Affirmed—I do have some ideas."
"Actually, we can use the 'Youth Cup' in my club development plan as a reference."
"That race is for horse girls who haven't debuted yet or who have just entered their full development stage."
"Basically similar to elementary or middle school leagues in human sports."
"After debut, there's already the Twinkle Series, so that part is covered."
"But after retiring from the Shining Star Series…"
"there could be a Summit Cup corresponding to the Youth Cup."
"As long as you didn't retire due to irreversible injuries, horse girls like you could completely master your domains."
"Especially strong racers like you."
"So having you compete again—even internationally—would perfectly match the name 'Summit.'"
"Perhaps at the end of the Summit Cup there could even be a champion challenge format."
"For example, the best performer in the Summit Cup could challenge someone like Secretariat or Ms. Tazuna one-on-one."
"Of course, that idea is still rough."
"But on top of that, I've also been considering introducing point systems and round-robin formats…"
"Wait! Wait! I need time to think about what you just said!"
Seattle Slew suddenly interrupted.
Her eyes had turned into spirals.
Her mouth hung open.
"Uh… excuse me?"
"Quiet! I am thinking quickly!"
Realizing Kitahara might not understand English, she awkwardly translated into Japanese:
"Don't disturb me! I'm taking the college entrance exam!"
"…What?"
You mean thinking at high speed, right?
How did that turn into college entrance exam?!
Your Japanese is wild, Seattle Slew…
Kitahara rubbed his temples helplessly.
He looked toward Symboli Rudolf.
Rudolf wore an expression that clearly said "I knew it."
She smiled happily.
"I told Slew earlier."
"If she wanted a race like that, she should just ask you directly."
"You'd definitely have a solution."
"Summit Cup…"
She murmured softly.
"What an incredibly exciting race."
"I already feel like I can't wait to participate."
Her smile grew brighter.