After being stopped outside, Daijin and Xiao Hai Wan could only stand in the outer viewing area and watch the entire race.
Putting aside their original purpose, upon seeing Maruzensky's entire performance, as fellow athletes, both of them also realized firsthand the intensity of a G1 level race.
Although they frequently held simulated races at Tresen Academy, as two who had not yet made their debut, they still had a long way to go to reach such a height.
Amidst their reflections, on their way to the exhibition hall, they were informed that only those who had purchased tickets in advance could enter. Helplessly, they could only wait in the outer lounge area.
Logically, having watched a high-level race today, it was worth the ticket price. Daijin had originally wanted to leave, but Xiao Hai Wan kept pulling her, making it impossible for her to leave alone… Moreover, although she claimed not to care, she herself couldn't just leave Xiao Hai Wan here alone and go back.
So, reluctantly, Daijin, unable to resist Xiao Hai Wan, could only buy them both parfaits. Then they sat in the waiting area, watching the venue's broadcast signal, waiting outside for twenty minutes until the LIVE ended, and then Kazuo and Hayakawa finally arrived.
And the two of them skillfully found a corner to hide.
"I never thought…experiencing a live concert would be so impactful…"
As Kazuo walked out of the exhibition hall with Hayakawa, still holding his glow stick, he couldn't detach himself from the atmosphere he had just experienced.
This was Kazuo's first time experiencing a victory concert up close. It allowed him to be swept away by the atmosphere, shout along with others, and sway his body to the rhythm of the music. He enjoyed the post-race joy with the twelve girls on stage, their graceful dances illuminated by the vast sea of lights from the audience below.
The girls, dressed in matching uniforms, shone like an idol group on the stage and under the "starlight."
Hayakawa nodded in agreement, saying:
"Some Uma Musume run purely for victory, but others choose to bring smiles to everyone, standing on stage to give strength to others. This is the 'idol power' of a Horse Racing Uma Musume."
"But…even though Maruzensky was dancing so happily, how should I put it…I feel like her dance was subtly different from the others…"
Kazuo mumbled, a bit unsure.
Hearing him say that, Hayakawa couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, "Hehe…Asama-kun is actually right. Maruzensky got carried away and started dancing her own way, which is why it ended up like that."
"Uh…it felt like she was dancing disco…but everyone seemed happy, so they didn't pay too much attention to it."
"Actually, that's also a characteristic of Maruzensky; she likes nostalgic and retro things, in every sense. But these things, Asama-kun, you'll understand why she's like that once you get to know her."
"Is that so? I hope to have the chance to get to know her better in the future."
Hayakawa nodded while looking at her wristwatch, "Hmm, it's already this late. Before we end this viewing trip, shall I take Asama-kun to one more place?"
Kazuo was startled at first, but then quickly reacted, "Ah, could it be…that place…?"
Hayakawa smiled knowingly, clapping her hands and exclaiming, "BINGO!~"
.
"That place they mentioned…where is it?"
Xiao Hai Wan tilted her head, looking a bit confused; what the two said was utterly baffling.
Daijin, scrolling through her phone, shook her head indifferently, "Anyway, both of them are overly enthusiastic Horse Racing fans, so they're probably talking about a place related to that, right?"
After all this, Daijin had figured out that their relationship was indeed purely colleagues and friends, so she had become indifferent.
However, Xiao Hai Wan was a bit uneasy about Kazuo, especially after the Chloris incident, which subconsciously triggered a protective instinct in her.
It was probably—a protective instinct similar to "to prevent him from being seduced by bad women."
Although Daijin seemed unconcerned, she still followed Xiao Hai Wan.
.
"Hmm…good work."
Kiryuuin received the neatly arranged parts from Rice Shower, and after inspecting them all, he nodded slightly in approval.
"You did well, thank you for your hard work."
When Rice Shower heard this, her anxiousness eased, and she showed a serene smile, nodding happily: "If I can be helpful…Rice Shower is very content."
Through more than an hour of interaction, the two were now able to communicate normally.
Of course, Kiryuuin still needed to wear his mask to communicate with her, but compared to the beginning, the atmosphere between them was at least no longer as stiff as before.
"Alright, I can handle the rest by myself. You go and rest."
Kiryuuin said, then quickly remembered and added, "Oh, and please ask Aoi to come over; I want her to put these parts in the storage room."
However, perhaps because Rice Shower was in an exceptionally good mood today, she uncharacteristically took the initiative to ask, "Um…Rice Shower can help…"
"Oh? Can you?"
Although Kiryuuin had considered letting her put the items in the storage room as well, he dismissed the idea when he thought of Rice Shower's situation.
But now that Rice Shower had voluntarily offered, Kiryuuin pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement:
"Hmm, if you can, then I'll leave it to you."
The feeling of being entrusted with a task made her excitedly nod and respond, "Mm! Rice Shower will complete it well!"
"The room at the end of the corridor on the first floor. Just put the items there."
"Mm, got it."
Watching Rice Shower's rare burst of enthusiasm, Kiryuuin, wearing his mask, couldn't help but curve his lips slightly into a smile.
When Rice Shower carried the box of parts to the room, she placed them in the designated spot as Kiryuuin had instructed.
She inadvertently glanced inside, and her gaze seemed to be caught, unable to move.
The reason was none other than a knee-length, strapless wedding dress hanging on a hanger in the storage room. This bridal-style winning uniform, white with hints of pink, exuded a sense of sacredness with a touch of cuteness.
It was evident that this was a custom-made winning uniform for a certain Uma Musume, and it was from the bridal collection.
It was incredibly elegant, luxurious, and eye-catching.
Rice Shower was also amazed by the design and couldn't help but slowly walk towards it, wanting to observe it closely.
She clearly didn't notice the cardboard boxes stacked at her feet. This stumble caused her to instantly lose her balance, and she cried out as she fell forward.
Amidst the clattering of items being knocked over, a shrill tearing sound was so loud.
"What happened?"
Aoi heard such a loud noise from the inner room and quickly rushed over.
What lay before her eyes made her cover her mouth in shock.
"Xiao Rice Shower, are you okay? Did you fall?!"
Rice Shower was kneeling there, head bowed, her body trembling slightly. Aoi quickly went over to ask about her condition.
She just saw her shakily saying, "I'm sorry…I'm sorry…"
"Rice Shower, are you hurt…Ah, isn't this the winning uniform that was custom-made earlier…"
Aoi realized the seriousness of the problem halfway through her sentence.
Rice Shower had torn a large section right down the middle of the wedding uniform. The delicate tulle, which was once like a work of art, now had a huge gap, like a discordant note, making one feel jarring and heartbroken.
Realizing she had caused trouble, Rice Shower was trembling all over.
She had tried to help but only made things worse, and the guilt in her heart was almost overwhelming her nerves.
"What's wrong? I think I heard Rice Shower's voice…"
Kiryuuin's voice rang out, making Rice Shower's body tremble a few more times.
Looking at the messy scene before him, he clearly realized the situation.
Especially when he saw the Winning Robe torn in half on the ground, his expression changed slightly.
Seeing Rice Shower in this state, Kiryuuin's lips moved slightly, but in the end, he sighed and scratched his head, saying, "Anyway, Aoi, you take Rice Shower out first and see if there's anything wrong with her body… I'll handle things here."
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry… It's all Rice Shower's fault… Rice Shower shouldn't be like this…"
She, who had just become cheerful, was now withdrawn, muttering absentmindedly with her head down.
This made Aoi look at her with great heartache, hugging her and comforting her, "It's okay, this is just an accident. Little Rice Shower, come out with me first. I'll check if you're alright… Can you walk?"
"Alright! Get out first, don't cry here… What's done is done, there's no need to dwell on it."
Kiryuuin had taken off his mask at this moment, and his eyes had become somewhat fierce.
As his voice grew louder, Rice Shower's body immediately shivered in fright, and tears instantly fell from her eyes.
Seeing that he made Rice Shower cry, Aoi directly kicked her older brother.
"Don't be mean to Little Rice Shower!"
"Tsk, I wasn't mean to her. Anyway, take her out of here first. I'll see if there's any way to salvage this."
Although she was somewhat displeased with her older brother's attitude, Aoi also understood.
From the perspective of a store manager, this was a Winning Robe custom-made by a customer for a special performance. Now that there was a problem, the person who felt the most difficulty and pressure was Kiryuuin himself.
All she could do now was soothe Rice Shower's emotions and lead her out of the room.