"I was shocked when I heard you were joining the Mejiro family," Rudolf said, catching me by chance a few days after the tea party. I was puffing on my herb cigar, as usual, and gave a slight nod with a chuckle. His face took on a mischievous glint.
"Could've come to the Symboli family instead, you know."
"Nah, I'd pass. We've got no connection."
"Harsh."
He laughed it off, but I could tell part of him meant it. Rudolf's the type to want the best for those he cares about, so his offer came from a place of goodwill. Still, my heart's set on the Mejiro family.
"How's Senior Monsny doing?" he asked.
"Hard to say, since it was my first time meeting her. Seemed lively enough, though."
"I see… I'd love to see her again."
"What, she doesn't like you or something?"
"No way, absolutely not!"
Rudolf bristled, denying it with a huff. To him, Mejiro Monsny is a revered senior, a Horse Girl whose fierce battles with CB ignited his own passion. Her gallant yet resolute spirit still commands his respect.
"She retired due to injury and stepped away from Horse Girl affairs," he said.
"Huh. But I heard she's been mentoring the Mejiro family's younger girls."
"…That's not fair."
"Not fair? It's her family. Nothing sneaky about teaching her own."
Rudolf's expression was unreadable as I gave him a skeptical look. Monsny may not race anymore, but she's passing down her skills to the next generation—names like Mejiro Dobel and Mejiro Bright come to mind.
"She's probably setting boundaries," I said. "Plus, CB visits her sometimes."
"I haven't heard anything about that."
"Guess there's a difference between a rival and a junior."
He fell silent for a moment, then walked off. A flicker of something—anger, maybe jealousy—burned in his eyes. Monsny was always nurturing, likely looking after Rudolf back when they trained together. That bond must fuel his admiration. I bet he's about to challenge CB to a mock race, stirring up some chaos. I exhaled a cloud of cigar smoke.
"What a mess."
I pulled out my Tressen Academy ID from my pocket. My photo and details stared back, but it was a new card. The name field had changed. Etched there was… Mejiro Rampage. After deciding to join the Mejiro family, I'd agonized over my name but chose to carry the Mejiro legacy.
"Mejiro… Rampage…"
My new name, my new symbol. A rush of emotions welled up—pride, resolve, anticipation. From now on, I'd run as a Mejiro Horse Girl.
"Ran! There you are!" Turbo's voice cut through my thoughts as she bounded over. "Big news, big news!"
"What's up?"
"The President and CB are gonna race! 2400 meters!"
"No way, he actually challenged her?"
I couldn't believe it, but Turbo grabbed my hand, dragging me along. "Let's go watch!" Watching their showdown didn't sound half bad. Then she piped up again.
"Is it true you joined the Mejiro family?"
"Yeah. How'd you know? I only told Nan-chan and the chairman."
"Heh! Brace yourself—Turbo's actually related to the Mejiro family!"
"What? No way!"
"For real!"
Turns out, Turbo's connected through her great-grandmother's lineage to Mejiro Hope, making her a distant relative. That's how she heard about me joining.
"So, what, you're some branch family princess?"
"Nope! I don't get all that fancy stuff."
"Figures."
"Hey, are you mocking me?!"
"Nah, nah. I wouldn't get it either."
"Same as Turbo!"
Her energy was infectious, lifting my mood. Turbo's the mood-maker of Canopus, boosting everyone's spirits just by being herself. Maybe she's got the makings of a team leader. I squeezed her small hand back.
"Let's go watch Rudolf and CB's race."
"Yay! Who do you think'll win?"
"2400 meters is Japan Cup distance. Rudolf's got the edge there… though he's beaten CB in every Twinkle Series race."
"I'm rooting for CB! Zooming from behind to overtake—super cool!"
"Says the one who loves a big lead."
"It's just more fun that way!"
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