Looking at the mountain of nourishing medicinal herbs piled up in the dorm, and seeing the way Yaeno Muteki and Seiun Sky were becoming increasingly attentive, even starting to discuss "dietary therapy recipes", Myriad Dreams finally realized something was very wrong, no matter how emotionally dense she was!
'Wait... these supplements... Muteki and Sky's attitudes... and my moms' weird concerns lately...'
Vague thoughts flashed through her mind. Though she hadn't fully connected the dots, an instinctive sense of "danger" jolted her awake.
Her eyes began to wander, and her feet unconsciously shuffled toward the door.
She let out a dry laugh, interrupting their discussion.
"U-uh... I just remembered! President Rudolf seems to have something to discuss with me! Yes, something very urgent! I've got to go!"
The moment the words left her mouth, she practically exploded out the room.
With speed no less than a final-leg sprint on the racetrack, she whooshed out of the dormitory, leaving Yaeno Muteki's reaching hand frozen in mid-air and Seiun Sky with a knowing smirk on her face.
"Sigh..."
Yaeno Muteki sighed helplessly, looking at the freshly brewed, steaming cup of tea.
"What a waste..."
'It seems the "replenishment plan" has to be shelved for now.'
Myriad Dreams ran all the way, only stopping when she reached the Student Council room.
She patted her chest, heart still racing from the scare.
'I finally escaped...'
Myriad tidied her wind-blown hair and clothes, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Upon pushing the door open, she saw the Student Council President, Symboli Rudolf, sitting regally behind her desk.
Her posture was as dignified and perfect as ever.
She gestured for Myriad to take a seat in the chair opposite her.
"Myriad Dreams, first of all, please allow me to represent Tracen Academy in offering you our most sincere congratulations."
Rudolf's voice was steady and resonant.
"Successfully crowning yourself as the Dirt Triple Crown winner in America is a supreme honor that countless Uma Musume dream of but rarely achieve. You have not only proven your own strength but have also won great prestige for this Academy and the entire Japanese racing world."
"Your tenacity, wisdom, and powerful adaptability are exemplary..."
Rudolf began a ten-minute-long, rigorously worded, and all-encompassing official commendation.
She spoke of everything from Myriad's initial performance to the strategic significance of her overseas expedition, from dirt track adaptability to innovations in "Zone" usage...
At first, Myriad Dreams sat upright and listened intently.
However, perhaps because the earlier escape had drained her energy, or perhaps because the President's words were too "formal," the steady tone acted like the world's most effective lullaby.
Her eyelids began to fight an uncontrollable battle, and her head started to bob downward, bit by bit.
Her consciousness gradually blurred, and the President's voice seemed to drift further and further away...
'Zzz... it feels like... I'm about to... fall asleep...'
Just as her head was about to droop completely and her consciousness was about to sink into dreamland—
BANG!
Symboli Rudolf suddenly slammed her hand on the desk!
The loud crash echoed through the quiet office.
"Myriad Dreams! Are you even listening to me?!" Rudolf's voice carried an unmistakable edge of authority mixed with a hint of helplessness.
"Ah! Yes! I'm listening!"
Myriad Dreams jolted awake, snapping her body upright like an elementary schooler called on by a teacher.
Her heart was pounding wildly.
Looking at her obviously just-awakened and panicked expression, Rudolf sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Sigh... looking at you, I doubt you heard a single word..."
She shook her head and decided to stop beating around the bush.
Cutting straight to the point, her expression became serious and solemn once more.
"Myriad Dreams, I called you here today for an important matter. After a unanimous discussion among the core members of the Student Council and my own careful consideration..."
Symboli Rudolf's gaze was sharp as she looked Myriad Dreams directly in the eye, speaking clearly and forcefully.
"We officially invite you to join the Tracen Academy Student Council!"
"Wh... What?!"
Upon hearing this, Myriad Dreams' eyes went round as saucers, her mouth hanging open wide enough to fit an egg.
She froze in place as if struck by lightning.
After a brief moment of shock and stupor, a heart-wrenching, despair-filled cry escaped her lips, echoing throughout the entire Student Council office:
"NOOOOO—!! Join the Student Council?! Isn't that just— ISN'T THAT A JOB?!?!?!?!?!?!!"