"You're aware of the situation regarding the 'Black Ghost,' I assume."
The Central Committee Chairwoman fixed her gaze on Rudolf.
Her sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing straight through her heart.
"During the period Central has been searching for her, where exactly has she been?"
Playing deliberately ignorant would only put her in a more disadvantageous position.
Central already possessed a considerable amount of intelligence.
Even without it being spelled out, Rudolf understood the Chairwoman's meaning.
Don't even think about lying.
She couldn't deceive her way through this anymore.
"That's correct."
Rudolf nodded, responding with calm composure.
"In truth, I had my suspicions about her identity for some time, but lacked direct evidence."
The Student Council had also searched for traces of her and had achieved some results in the past.
Rudolf answered, "We knew she was active within the academy grounds—the library, training fields, academic buildings—all places where signs of her activity were found."
"If that's the case, why didn't you report it to Central immediately?"
The Central Committee Chairwoman interlocked her fingers, resting them beneath her chin as she inquired.
"To create a safe environment for her."
The Central Committee Chairwoman narrowed her eyes.
"What do you mean by that?"
"May I ask, Chairwoman, do you know why she appeared on the racetrack?"
"I don't. Is that relevant to our discussion?"
"It is, and significantly so."
Rudolf looked at her.
"Since she chose to remain at Tracen, there must be a reason. So what exactly does she want?"
Fame, status, glory, the praise of the world…
"Through these races, I believe everyone has come to understand that what she wants is not any of those things."
Rudolf said, "What she wants is competition—constant competition, races that prove she is stronger than anyone else."
For that, she could fearlessly intrude upon Central's races, and without hesitation trample over Central's rules.
And what allows her to prove herself isn't the scale of the events.
"Opponents," Rudolf stated, her posture straight and unwavering.
"What draws her to Tracen are the countless Uma Musume who come here aspiring to stand on this stage, the Uma Musume who give their all for their dreams!"
They train day and night, grow stronger, and become remarkable powerhouses.
And her goal is to battle these Uma Musume.
Narita Brian is the perfect example.
"If her true aim was really to bring down Central, then why would she choose to appear in only a handful of the many major stakes races?"
From the Kyoto race, it was clear she had the capability to appear at other venues.
If that's the case, then she could have continuously sabotaged major stakes events across multiple racecourses managed by Central.
"This might sound somewhat disrespectful, Chairwoman, but if she truly had that intention, Japan's racing world absolutely would not be as it is now."
Thud!
A pen on the desk rolled to the floor.
Facing the Central Committee Chairwoman's sharp, almost tangible gaze, Rudolf remained unmoved.
After a moment.
"As you say, Symboli Rudolf," the Chairwoman finally spoke. "If she truly had that intention, we would be in serious trouble. But the disruption she has caused is an undeniable fact. Are you going to try and argue otherwise?"
"No, the trouble she has brought is clear for all to see. That is precisely why I kept her at Tracen and did not investigate further."
"Continue…"
The Central Committee Chairwoman waited patiently.
"To control her actions."
The Central Committee Chairwoman raised an eyebrow.
"Since she remains at Tracen, it means she still maintains her desire for competition, hoping to face stronger Uma Musume."
"Thus, she won't target ordinary races, which indirectly controls her frequency of appearances."
"That's why I decided to make Tracen a relatively safe environment for her."
She could carry out her activities here, searching for worthy opponents.
And in turn, Tracen could restrain her movements.
"So that's it? That's why you decided not to report to Central?"
The Central Committee Chairwoman demanded.
"Correct. If word got out, Central would inevitably take action and launch an investigation into Tracen."
If she became aware of it and left Tracen, then there would be no further means to observe her.
Every single Central race could then potentially be sabotaged.
That would deal a blow to the entire Japanese racing world.
"So I instructed the students that even if they noticed anything unusual, they should act as if nothing happened."
"For this reason, I also brought the students who had excessive contact with her into the Student Council."
All to better monitor the 'Ghost's' movements.
Everything was done under her direction.
Everything was for Tracen.
Watching Rudolf's righteous and solemn expression, the Central Committee Chairwoman frowned.
Impeccable…
She couldn't find a flaw in Rudolf's logic.
But!
"The final judgment should lie with Central, not with you, Symboli Rudolf."
"Yes, regarding that point, I deeply apologize. I overstepped."
Watching the bowing Symboli Rudolf, the Central Committee Chairwoman's eyes shifted slightly.
Although her words were all for Central's sake, the reality was that she had sheltered that black Uma Musume.
And furthermore…
Rudolf had taken full responsibility upon herself.
"Rudolf, do you realize what you've done?"
You've cut off the subsequent interrogation of those students!
"Chairwoman, I was merely fulfilling my responsibilities."
Symboli Rudolf's expression did not change.
"I can give you another chance to explain yourself, Rudolf."
"Thank you very much, Chairwoman, but I have said all I need to say."
Seeing this, the Central Committee Chairwoman sighed.
She leaned back wearily in her chair.
"Rudolf, during the inspection period, you have diligently fulfilled your duties as Student Council President without neglect."
"However, your act of overstepping by making decisions on Central's behalf has caused considerable trouble for Central. Given that your intentions were good, Central hereby issues you the following notice…"
The Chairwoman looked up.
"Symboli Rudolf, for the duration of the investigation into the Black Ghost incident, you are hereby stripped of your position as Student Council President and are barred from participating in any Tracen Academy affairs!"
"Only after the Ghost incident is resolved will your position as Student Council President be reinstated."
So it was going to be like this after all.
Rudolf had anticipated it.
But this was the best possible outcome.
At least she had spared students like Manhattan Cafe and Agnes Tachyon from punishment.
Even Central couldn't issue suspensions to them after stripping her of her position.
This was the last thing she could do as Student Council President.
The 'Ghost' was indeed her natural enemy.
But right now, they couldn't afford to lose this 'enemy.'
In her, Rudolf saw the potential to push Uma Musume to a higher level.
"Understood."
"You may return now."
Rudolf bowed and left the room.
So…
You are on her side after all.
The Central Committee Chairwoman lowered her eyes.
About fifteen minutes later, a knock sounded on the office door.
A petite woman who looked far younger and shorter than her age would suggest, wearing a purple round hat with long orange hair, entered the room.
Accompanying her was a tall, brown-haired woman dressed in green.
Principal Akikawa Yayoi.
And the Principal's Secretary, Hayakawa Tazuna.
The two highest authorities of Tracen Academy entered the room.
"Long time no see, Yayoi, and Tazuna."
"It has been a while, Chairwoman. Last time was at the International Exchange Committee, I believe," Hayakawa Tazuna greeted.
"Ah, yes. I was truly indebted to you back then."
"I'm fairly adept at handling relations. It was nothing."
Hayakawa Tazuna gave a slight bow.
"So then, what brings us here today?"
Akikawa Yayoi asked, arms crossed.
Actually, only you were called. Why is Tazuna here as well…
The Central Committee Chairwoman glanced at her but didn't adopt the same forceful attitude she had used with Rudolf.
"Yayoi, you're aware of the situation at Tracen, correct?"
"Generally, yes."
"Tracen's actions have compromised Central's interests."
"Is it my students' fault?"
"There is no direct evidence at present."
Just as Rudolf had said.
Their actions could also be attributed to 'protecting Central,' so it couldn't be definitively judged now.
However, one thing was certain.
"Within Central, this matter is already viewed as a result of inadequate internal management at Tracen."
Hearing this, both Akikawa Yayoi and Hayakawa Tazuna frowned simultaneously.
"Chairwoman, that's really going too far…"
"I know. This conclusion is somewhat rash," the Central Committee Chairwoman said, looking at the protesting Hayakawa Tazuna.
"But you must understand, when matters involve Tracen's management, it's no longer something a single individual can decide. It requires an assessment meeting by the Central Committee."
And the result of the discussions regarding the 'Black Ghost' was that the trouble stemmed from Tracen's lax oversight.
"But isn't it a ghost? We can't control ghosts. She can float, you know."
Akikawa Yayoi argued.
"Yayoi…"
The Chairwoman spoke slowly.
She had naturally seen the news reports too, suggesting the black Uma Musume's true identity might be a visible ghost never seen before.
But—
"Central doesn't care."
She revealed the internal stance.
"You see, Yayoi, Central doesn't give a damn whether she's really a ghost or not. Even if she is, it's not Central's responsibility. Whether she's captured for research or locked up, it's not something Central would be involved in."
There is only one thing.
"Because of these races, Central's international standing has declined."
Central's ratings would no longer hold international credibility, directly impacting Central's future development.
"Yayoi, they couldn't care less if she's a real ghost or not. They just want that individual off the racetrack. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
The Central Committee Chairwoman's words were already this blunt. How could Akikawa Yayoi not understand?
"What do you intend to do?"
Akikawa Yayoi asked.
"The 'Ghost' is hiding within Tracen. Find her, then hand her over to the relevant authorities for processing."
"Are we to be the ones to find her?" Hayakawa Tazuna quickly followed up.
"No, it won't be your responsibility." The Chairwoman shook her head, then stood up, delivering the notice to the two highest authorities of Tracen.
"Effective immediately, the final decision-making authority for Tracen Academy will be held by a Principal Proxy dispatched by Central. All matters at Tracen must be submitted to the Principal Proxy for review."
"Principal Proxy?" Akikawa Yayoi's eyes widened.
"Correct. Following an internal vote within the Central Committee, over two-thirds deemed that Tracen currently lacks the capability to resolve this issue and requires Central to personally assign an executive."
"You're trying to sideline me!" Akikawa Yayoi said angrily.
"This seems against regulations," Hayakawa Tazuna also frowned.
"I submitted a dissenting vote, but unfortunately, the committee's proposal received approval from the board of directors."
In other words, Tracen's final decision-making authority had already changed.
"However, it's not permanent. Once the Ghost incident is resolved, the Principal Proxy will return to Central, and Tracen can resume its autonomous operations. So…"
The Central Committee Chairwoman looked at the two of them.
"If you don't want Central to forcibly interfere with Tracen's operations, you'd best quickly dig out that individual hiding inside."
The expressions on both their faces were decidedly unpleasant.
Even if you say that…
"May I ask who the Principal Proxy assigned to Tracen is?"
Hayakawa Tazuna inquired.
"She is an elite executive from Central and also a trainer. Her abilities are unquestionable; she will undoubtedly manage Tracen well while searching for that black Uma Musume. Originally, this wasn't to be shown to you, but…"
This time the committee's actions were indeed excessive.
The Central Committee Chairwoman pulled out a document with the individual's name on it.
Senior Trainer, Coach, Management Executive.
"Kashimoto Riko."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.