Surrounded by the crowd, Maruzensky returned to the waiting area for contestants. She still had the usual procedures to follow later, so she needed to prepare in the contestant lounge.
However, Chloris was already standing there, fully prepared and waiting for her.
Upon seeing the beautiful Chairman, Maruzensky didn't seem particularly surprised; instead, she greeted her with a smile: "What a coincidence, Miss Chloris. Are you also here to watch the race?"
The two had actually met frequently at their parents' gatherings in the past and knew each other well.
Maruzensky wasn't surprised to meet her here.
"Of course, it was an excellent race. Even with some unexpected events, she adjusted very quickly. She truly lives up to her title as the 'Red Flame Supercar'."
Chloris clapped and smiled, "This is your strength. Honestly, as a foreign competitor, I'd prefer you to come to me. I believe I have the ability to create an even better environment for you."
Chloris made no secret of her need for talent, whether it was subordinates or competitors.
Maruzensky indeed met the talent standards for their academy.
Or rather, Chloris was confident she could mold her into an international competitor in Japan. If CB took a more approachable route, Maruzensky was exactly what she wanted – a figure who could be established as the flag or benchmark for professional foreign competitors in the country.
Hearing this, Maruzensky simply smiled and shook her head, "While that certainly sounds interesting... I'll pass. I'm not really interested in that... At least, I'm quite satisfied with my current situation."
This polite refusal essentially closed the door. Although seemingly approachable, Maruzensky had her own strong convictions on many matters.
Chloris was unfazed and continued, "However, as far as I know, your Trainer, Toujou Hana, who is also my university classmate. She didn't seem to be here today to watch your race, did she?"
This statement was quite pointed, but Maruzensky replied with a smile, "Tojo-sensei has her own matters, and this race was just an open race. She's been incredibly busy lately and also quite exhausted. If she doesn't get a single day of rest during Golden Week, she'll reach her limit. Moreover, she still has to prepare for Symboli Rudolf's Tokyo Yushun."
"How considerate of you. But I want to tell you, staying with Tojo might lead to some achievements, but you'll never reach the same heights as Symboli Rudolf and others. At least for now, it's very difficult for you to have the chance to participate in the Triple Crown races like Symboli Rudolf. I'm sure you know this, right?"
Chloris brought up a very sharp topic.
As she said, for Maruzensky, what constrained her wasn't her strength, but her identity.
Even though she was a foreign Uma Musume who had lived in Japan since childhood, and even though she possessed extraordinary strength, the only way for her to compete against Symboli Rudolf right now was in the Arima Kinen at the end of the year.
Races like the Classic Triple Crown would reject her simply because of her identity.
This was a very realistic, yet unavoidable, fact.
As long as Maruzensky continued to race, she would inevitably face such situations again.
The race she was currently participating in was only a G1 level open invitational. Although the scale was already considerable, compared to Symboli Rudolf and Representative Chiaki, she couldn't even obtain the qualification to participate in their races.
"No matter how much Toujou Hana is recognized by the world, she is still a Trainer within the system. No one will make an exception for her. But if Maruzensky, you were to come to me, the situation would be completely different."
Chloris continued, "Although this race was hosted by NHK, our group is also a sponsor. And the founding philosophy of our academy is actually to integrate with international standards and improve the difficulties faced by students like you."
"As long as you join us, I can personally pressure the JRA Association. After all, my identity is different from hers, and I have more say and fewer concerns... I think the conditions on my side should be very good for Maruzensky, wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed... If you put it that way, it is indeed the optimal solution."
Maruzensky finally put away her smile and said seriously, "But I refuse."
"How to put it, although what you said is indeed reasonable, I am not the kind of person who only fights for honor. Compared to these, I prefer to enjoy more things. Racing is necessary for me, but it is not my whole life."
"Is that so... Then I won't say anything more."
Chloris clearly understood the look in the eyes of determined people. Honestly, she also admired such people; even though their approach seemed foolish, they had their own will.
People who are both foolish and indecisive are truly 'ignorant masses'.
With Maruzensky having spoken her mind so clearly, Chloris could only wish her good luck.
However, just as Chloris said, her original intention had not changed.
"Although it's a pity, I will continue to work hard here and actively communicate with the association. After all, it has always been our original intention for more foreign competitors in Japan to be able to participate in races here."
Maruzensky smiled and nodded, "Yes, I also hope to meet more competitors from your academy in races. The girl today... Perfect Start, also performed very well."
At this moment, the announcement in the lounge suddenly rang out:
"Maruzensky, please proceed to the changing room to get ready for the upcoming LIVE concert."
Hearing this, both of them knew that this rare conversation would probably come to an end.
Before leaving, Chloris didn't forget to remind her, "Have Toujou Hana pay more attention to your injuries. If the condition recurs, injury is the 'poison' most likely to kill a competitor."
This was advice, and also advice given purely from the perspective of a Horse Racing enthusiast.
Maruzensky didn't speak this time, just nodded silently, then walked towards the changing room.
Chloris, standing still, was suddenly called out by the girl behind her.
"Chairman... I didn't win the championship..."
Perfect Start looked very disheartened; nothing is more painful than seeing the hope of victory only to have it extinguished.
Chloris chuckled and stroked her head, "No, you didn't lose. The one in front of you is a star competitor not recognized by this generation. You can proudly hold your head high, because you once scored a point against her... Alright, you should also go prepare for the concert later. You know, both you and she are the protagonists today."
-------------------------------
I've posted 40+ chapters on Patreon so far.
If you've been enjoying the story and want to catch up with the latest parts, here's the link:
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your continued support.