"You won't accept it?"
"That's not responsible."
I couldn't fully grasp what Rivera was carrying—but it was heavy. Heavy enough that Symboli Rudolf herself had stepped in.
And me? I'm just the youngest horse girl trainer. My experience is limited, my skills probably below average. I've been lucky—blessed with two talented horse girls. Some say luck is the most important trait in a trainer. But when I looked at Rivera, I couldn't see the path to success.
"I'm heading out for a bit. Will you come with me?"
"Where?"
"To see Ms. Rudolf. I owe her a report."
"I'm coming."
It was Rudolf's introduction, after all. I had to follow through.
Thank You came with me.
Meeting Rudolf wasn't difficult. She works as a URA employee now, and with the right connections, you can book an appointment at the URA headquarters near Tokyo Race Course.
I contacted her, explained Rivera's story, and we were ushered in.
"So Mejiro Rivera came to see you?"
"Hmm. Right away."
"She asked me to help her run. But it seemed impossible, so I refused."
"Even for the genius girl trainer of the moment?"
"That's unreasonable. Trainer Toujou might be able to help. But it'll be tough."
Uma Musume racing is a sport where effort can overturn talent—but only if you have the mental strength and physical resilience. Rivera's leg condition made that gamble dangerous.
I could already see the odds. And they weren't good.
"What's your relationship with Rivera, anyway?"
"…"
"?"
"She's my daughter."
"Daughter?!"
Rudolf… how old is she?
Horse girls don't show age the same way. But still—Ramonu and Rudolf? I'd never heard rumors of marriage or dating.
They were legends. The first undefeated Triple Crown horse girl. The first Tiara Triple Crown horse girl. Even I, with little worldly knowledge, knew their names.
Rivera must be an illegitimate child then.
"I wish she could forget all that and live freely."
"I think she's deeply affected."
Honestly, I'm the type who pushes too hard—ninety-nine parts recklessness to one part miracle. Somehow, that one part worked out. But Rivera? She's a bad bet.
"It's difficult for me to accept her."
"Can you do something about that?"
"Why me? I'm mediocre as a trainer."
"No. I admire your body-building skills. Please take care of her health. Make sure she's okay."
A troublesome mission, handed to me without warning.
But I've already asked so much of Thank You. Maybe this is my turn to carry someone.
"It's a loan then."
"Of course."
Well then.
I'll try my best.