I decided to report the situation to the school.
They could help rein in Sanei Thank You's family—but they couldn't offer the kind of support she truly needed.
Asking the Kuri family was out of the question. That would mean aligning myself with them, and with a trainer contract looming, I couldn't afford to be pulled in too deep.
So I turned to the strongest name in my contacts.
"So you came to me?"
"There's no one more worthy than you—seven-crowned horse girl and Student council president."
Symboli Rudolf.
I'd reached her through Ayrton Symboli. Though she's now a university student and no longer active in racing her influence is still immense.
"But if I'm just supporting her against her family, it's not very compelling."
"What do you want, then?"
"Can I decide the trainer?"
"I don't mind."
"…Eh?"
Rudolf had expected a negotiation. She'd brought leverage, expecting resistance. But I agreed immediately.
If I'm removed as Sanei's trainer, I lose everything. But if I'm honest and open, maybe I would gain something more valuable. I didn't want to take on more responsibility—but I wouldn't abandon her either.
Rudolf narrowed her eyes, wary of how quickly I'd accepted.
"So what's left in your hands?"
"Don't ask a girl who hasn't turned ten to do math."
"I'm not foolish enough to be misled by your age or appearance, genius trainer."
She was calculating everything—family politics, reputational risk, the burden of backing a troubled horse girl. I could feel the gears turning.
"You're not lying. Your classmate cried and asked for help. That's the path of a horse girl worth saving."
"…"
"I'm not lying, though."
It sounded suspicious even to me. But I meant it.
"Rudolf, can't you just trust my face?"
"Maruzen, are you chewing on this?"
"Not really," said a new voice. "But her dad asked. Hehe, it's the first time that guy asked me for something. It's going to be fun."
Maruzensky had entered the room.
I'd greeted her at the party, but hadn't realized she was Rice's aunt. She wasn't part of the Kuri family, but her lineage was unmistakable.
She'd laughed at my and Rice's bold declarations at the party. I'd thought she liked us—but I hadn't expected her to step in now. Clearly, Rice's father had pulled strings behind the scenes.
I was starting to realize just how far ahead he had read the situation.
"If you're saying all this, I'm not afraid. But you'll explain everything behind the scenes."
"Viola-chan's just a little foolish. Like you used to be—wanting happiness for all horse girls."
"…I see."
I didn't know what passed between them in that moment. But something clicked.
"Alright. I'll be your backer for Sanei Thank You. But there are two conditions."
"What are they?"
"First—you take charge of her until the end."
"Uh… okay."
So the trainer role was officially mine. I'd hoped to avoid it, but it was better than letting Symboli shoulder everything. I'd take the burden.
"And second—your ideals are precious. But they'll reach their limits someday."
"I'll keep that in my heart."
I understood. Rudolf had helped many before me—and been betrayed just as often.
I bowed deeply, feeling the weight of her words settle into my chest.
Then I turned and quietly made my way home.