Once Rudolf pulled him into the room, Kitahara immediately noticed it wasn't just Symboli Rudolf—the one who'd messaged him—inside. Sirius Symboli, who usually clashed with Rudolf, was sitting there too.
They were the same people as always, yet their appearance was completely different from how Kitahara remembered.
Both were wearing elegant formal gowns he'd practically never seen them in, along with makeup slightly more noticeable than usual—but perfectly applied, enhancing faces that were already naturally striking.
Logically speaking, anyone with normal aesthetics would've praised them immediately as beauties.
But for Kitahara—perhaps because he was so used to seeing their sharp, professional looks from the Student Council—he didn't feel dazzled at first glance.
Instead, it felt more like the uncanny discomfort of seeing a buddy he'd known for years suddenly appear cross-dressing…
"So," Kitahara said, suppressing this strange feeling as he glanced between them, "who wants to explain what's going on here?"
"I will."
After pulling Kitahara inside, Rudolf cautiously checked the hallway again.
Once certain no one had seen them, she closed the door and began explaining.
"Today is the day of the major Umamusume family gathering. You know that already, right, Trainer Kitahara?"
Kitahara nodded.
"Yeah, I just found out. But what's the issue?"
"The issue is huge…"
Rudolf sighed, then continued.
The Umamusume family gathering was a tradition passed down among Japan's Umamusume families for generations.
What happened was: each Umamusume-related faction was assigned quotas based on their power and accomplishments.
Within these quotas, each family selected promising youths to attend—to network, mingle, exchange contacts. In essence, it was a social event among Umamusume factions.
But though the main goal was factional introductions and networking, it also had other purposes.
"Anyone attending is basically someone their family has high hopes for. Whether in terms of status, ability, or even bloodline factors, they're considered top-tier…"
"So this gathering often doubles as a large-scale matchmaking event between Umamusume families—and a big recruitment event for Trainers, too."
"In the past, neither Sirius Symboli nor I ever attended. I avoided it because, due to my conflict with my family, I rarely go home. As for Sirius…" Rudolf glanced at her, "she always said that if I didn't come, she wouldn't either, so it dragged out until now…"
"But recently, when we investigated the 'Black Market,' I ended up owing the Symboli family a favor. I couldn't avoid going back this year, and they forced me to attend…"
"And not just that. Before we came, that old woman—I mean, my Grandmother—said my matchmaking meeting was today but gave me no further details."
"Honestly, I suspect she deliberately concealed it, and I wanted to warn you earlier."
"But Grandmother seemed ready for that too. She's been monitoring even my messages, so Sirius and I only just now got a chance to borrow a server's phone, send you that message, and call you here…"
"I see…"
Kitahara nodded.
Rudolf hadn't spelled everything out, but Kitahara could easily guess the rest.
If this gathering was also used as a massive matchmaking event, Rudolf—with multiple boosts like "undefeated Triple Crown winner," "single adult," "Trainer," and "rarely attends"—would undoubtedly be the brightest star at the event.
Add her Symboli family status, years dedicated to Umamusume administration, and limited romantic experience—and considering the sinister setup Rudolf described with her Grandmother—Kitahara felt chills on her behalf.
"So how do you want me to help?" he asked.
Rudolf met his gaze seriously.
"It's simple. Pretend to be my escort and stay with me until this event ends."
The moment Rudolf finished, before Kitahara could respond, Sirius Symboli abruptly spoke up, clearly dissatisfied.
"Hey, hold on. Rudolf—if you take him, what am I supposed to do?"
"Can't you figure something out yourself?"
"My solution's right here." Sirius stood up. "But someone insists on snatching him right in front of me—just like she's stolen things from me countless times before."
As she spoke, Sirius approached Rudolf.
"Besides—speaking as 'The Emperor,' if you can't even handle something this minor on your own and have to drag others in, that's hardly something to boast about…"
"Using people effectively is also a key skill for 'The Emperor.'"
Rudolf turned to look at Sirius without backing down an inch.
"Effectively using people and relying entirely on them are not the same, 'Emperor.'"
As the two stepped closer, the atmosphere in the room rapidly shifted.
Their personalities had always clashed. The only reason they'd stayed peacefully in the same room was to jointly contact Kitahara.
But now Kitahara was here—and there was only one shield available. Their conflict naturally shifted from "us versus outsiders" to competing against each other. The smell of gunpowder quickly intensified.
Watching this unfold, Kitahara felt helpless.
He'd only just been pulled into the room and given all this new information—on top of his existing problems. At this point, he had no idea how he was supposed to mediate between them.
Fortunately, he didn't have to think about it for long.
After facing off briefly, Rudolf and Sirius both realized this couldn't continue, especially after glancing at the clock and noticing the luncheon approaching.
So, almost simultaneously, the two turned toward Kitahara, looked directly at him, and spoke in unison:
"Trainer Kitahara."
"Who are you going with?"
---
T/N: CLIFFHANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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