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With vacation approaching, Central Tracen Academy was growing quieter by the day.
The lively horse girls who always bounced along the pathways were now fewer and farther between.
A black Mejiro family car cruised steadily down the broad avenue outside campus.
Inside, Mejiro McQueen sat relaxed on the plush back seat, watching the scenery stream by with an easy smile.
Today was the day she would go abroad with her Trainer and teammates.
Even as the Mejiro family's young lady—accustomed as she should be to the world—McQueen had actually never seen a foreign country with her own eyes.
The thought of the journey ahead filled her with expectation.
Just then, a small, familiar silhouette appeared by the roadside.
"Please stop," McQueen said quickly to the driver.
Screech—
The vehicle pulled over smoothly.
The little figure noticed the luxury car stopping beside her and widened her round eyes.
The rear window slid down.
"McQueen!" the girl cried, delighted, as she saw who was inside.
"Teio."
McQueen leaned out a little, her expression gentle. "Where are you headed? Want me to give you a lift?"
Tokai Teio was sipping a honey drink. At the invitation, she shook her head airily. "Just out for a walk—so anywhere is fine."
Her mouth said one thing, but her body was very honest.
She popped the door open with well-practiced ease and plopped down right beside McQueen—clearly not her first time doing this.
Last year, when the two were still pre–True Blooming lolis, snuggling together like this simply made them look like two very cute kids.
Now, things were different.
After her True Blooming, McQueen's figure had fully grown; her height had shot up by more than forty centimeters. The baby-fat roundness of her cheeks had given way to refined lines, and every gesture carried elegance and poise.
Teio, on the other hand, remained petite and delicate.
Sitting together now, they looked more like affectionate sisters—an older sister smiling gently at her lively little sister.
"Uuu…"
Teio lifted a small hand, measuring the height gap between them. The undeniable difference made her sigh. Then she repeated—for who knew the how many-eth time—
"When will I have my True Blooming…?"
McQueen chuckled softly at the cute, grown-up worry. "Soon. Didn't Trainer say next year?"
"Mm… of course I believe Trainer," Teio muttered, cheeks puffed. "I'm just… just a little impatient…"
She brightened as a thought struck, neatly changing the topic. "Right, McQueen—where are you going? School's already on break, isn't it?"
McQueen smiled. "Did you forget? We're departing for our trip today."
"Today… ah—right…"
At once, Teio's perky ears drooped, her whole body sagging with dejection. "My parents said I'm still too small, so I can't go… uu, it's so frustrating!"
Seeing her pitiful look, McQueen soothed her with a smile.
"Don't worry, Teio. There will be plenty of chances. Once you have your True Blooming next year, there won't be so many restrictions."
She added, "Even if you can't come, you mustn't slack on training. Trainer said Aoi-san's family home is in Tokyo too—remember to visit her at least twice a week to maintain your basics, otherwise—"
Before she could finish, Teio cut in, brimming with confidence.
"Hmph! I'll go every day!"
She straightened her tiny chest and declared, "I'm going to be the undefeated Triple Crown! I won't slack off in a place like this!"
McQueen couldn't help a wry comment. "Aoi-san has her own work, too. Don't trouble her too much, okay?"
"Got it, got it~" Teio sang back with her characteristic playful lilt.
Soon, with their chatter still flowing, the car rolled to a stop by Central Tracen's main gate.
A Mejiro-style luxury minibus was already parked there.
Even though Teio wasn't coming this time, the group had grown again—Maruzensky had decided to join on a whim—so their number still held at eight. A normal car couldn't possibly carry that many people and all their luggage.
The door opened, and McQueen and Teio got out one after the other.
Everyone waiting by the bus turned their heads.
"Yahho, little McQueen—little Teio, you made it!"
A bright, lively voice rang out. Maruzensky, dressed in stylish casual wear, leaned with easy flair against the bus door and waved.
Inari One, Fujimasa March, and the others were there too, their baggage already neatly stowed in the luggage bay.
Kuroha stood with the driver, confirming the route to the airport.
"Maruzensky-senpai!" McQueen greeted politely.
Teio's eyes sparkled when she saw Maruzensky—but the moment she remembered she couldn't go, dejection crept back in, her little face scrunching into a bun.
"Oh my, what's wrong, Teio?"
Maruzensky saw through her in a glance. She walked over, ruffled the girl's hair, and laughed. "Can't bear to part with your beautiful onee-sans?"
"N-no I can't!" Teio protested, all tsun and no dere—though those drooping ears gave her away.
"Alright, alright."
Maruzensky slipped an arm around her and soothed, "When we get back, I'll bring you Tōkō's tastiest snacks and the coolest gift, okay?"
"Really?" Teio's eyes lit up at once.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"
Just then, Kuroha finished with the driver and came over.
"Teio."
"Mm… Trainer…"
Seeing her reluctance, Kuroha crouched to meet her eyes.
"Teio, I'm counting on you to handle your training during the break," he said seriously. "I've already spoken to Aoi. If anything comes up, you can go to her anytime.
Remember, your goal is the undefeated Triple Crown. Your effort this vacation is the first cornerstone toward that goal."
"Mm!"
The moment she heard Trainer's words, Teio snapped ramrod straight. The gloom vanished from her face, replaced by burning determination.
"Leave it to me, Trainer! I won't slack off!"
"Good." Kuroha smiled, satisfied, and stood. "Then—we're off."
"Everyone—safe travels!"
Teio stood at the gate, waving with all her might until the luxury bus disappeared down the road.
Then, the little loli with the crescent bangs clenched her fists and gave herself a pep talk.
"Come on, Teio—you can't let the President or Trainer down. You have to become a horse girl who shines even brighter than the President!"
(End of Chapter)
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