He personally hated facing things like confessions.
As long as the words weren't spoken aloud, he could pretend he didn't know. Even if he did know, he could stubbornly claim he didn't understand... It was a shameless but highly effective method of escapism. That was why, whenever Rudolf brought up anything related to her feelings, he would either laugh it off to change the subject or interrupt her before she could even open her mouth.
Of course—one could still flee even after the words were said. He could play the scoundrel and pretend he didn't get it—and aside from potential threats to his physical safety, there didn't seem to be any other downsides.
However, Nakagaki Kazuma was a man with a strange sense of ritual in his life. To him, as long as he hadn't faced a problem yet, he could run as much as he liked. But once it was right in front of him, he didn't plan on hiding. Even the worst possible way of handling a situation was better than not handling it at all.
"Well... we aren't exactly surprised."
It just wasn't his turn to speak yet. Before he could say a word, Byerley stepped in to answer Rudolf's question.
"When we met last Christmas, this kid mentioned something about this. We had a premonition back then... that the pig at home might have finally rooted up a prize cabbage somewhere."
That is a remarkably earthy metaphor, Kazuma thought.
"But, little filly..."
Then, Darley tilted her head with a helpless smile.
"How should I put this—speaking strictly as his sister and relative, I wouldn't recommend you getting involved with a guy like Kazuma."
Usually, the Three Goddesses took turns finishing each other's sentences to keep the conversation flowing. This time, however, after Darley and Byerley spoke, Godolphin didn't immediately chime in. The blue goddess simply stared at Rudolf from the back row in silence for a moment before shaking her head and sighing.
"I don't mean to make things difficult for you," Godolphin said. "But, Student Rudolf—I assume I can call you that?—how much do you actually know about him?"
Thank you, Three Goddesses...
Though they had initially said they would leave everything to Kazuma, when the moment actually came, the Goddesses did indeed help shoulder some of the mental burden, acting as his spokespeople.
"Let's use the simplest example," Kazuma finally spoke, picking up where his "sisters" left off. "Ru—Rudolf, have you ever considered what my hobbies are?"
The "Emperor" did not panic at the question. Instead, she nodded with an air of absolute confidence.
"Racing," Rudolf said. "Trainer, you only seem truly vibrant—as if you've become a different person—when you're facing an important race, preparing race data, or watching a match in person."
You really have been watching closely, Kazuma thought.
However, while that answer wasn't entirely wrong, it wasn't entirely right either.
Nakagaki Kazuma was a horse racing enthusiast. He had been one in his previous life, too. Even if he couldn't afford to eat, most of the meager money he earned went into buying betting tickets for the horses he liked. He didn't even expect to win—he just felt proud when he saw his favorite horses gain popularity. It was only when he saw a horse receive high support from the public that he could occasionally feel he wasn't alone, that there were many people just like him.
—No, no, no, that thought process is way too lonely... looking for a sense of belonging in a place like that.
Byerley's retort echoed in his mind.
Maybe it is... but I don't care, Kazuma replied internally.
From that perspective, he certainly liked horses.
But that wasn't quite it either. If he only liked horses, there were better ways than racing... like visiting ranches.
Kazuma did indeed love the races. Watching them made his blood pump. It was even more intense when a horse he liked won. The sound of hooves thundering across the turf or dirt, the raw display of power and speed—it was his only spiritual solace outside of being a salaryman who clocked out on time and went to bed early.
Simply put, he liked horses, and he liked the process of horses competing to determine a winner—he just liked horse racing.
But to say he loved the entire racing industry... that wasn't necessarily true.
Only those who truly love something know how filthy it can be. Only those who have been "degenerate gamblers" understand the darkness within—especially since Kazuma, in his past life, had become a "pillar of the nation's economy" precisely because of his gambling losses.
"If you want the 'correct' answer, I suppose I like everything in the chain from the Horse Girl to the race itself," he said.
Fortunately, this world didn't have nearly as much darkness. Horse racing in this world... the races of Horse Girls, were incredibly pure sporting events, so pure that Kazuma found it hard to fathom. While prize money existed, it was more of a reward for the girls' hard work, funded by URA's profits from fans buying merchandise. Add to that the Winning Live performances for the fans... racing in this world actually felt more like an idol activity.
"That answer is a bit of a cheat..."
Rudolf shook her head helplessly.
Indeed, compared to Rudolf's specific answer... his response felt like he was intentionally picking a fight.
"So, I can't say you were wrong," Kazuma nodded.
"Then that proves I am serious about you, Trainer. I originally wanted to make things clear with you today while your relatives were present."
"I never doubted that for a second."
After all, she was someone capable of inviting him over just to drug and imprison him—though those were events from a timeline that had been reversed. Having had that experience, Kazuma couldn't possibly doubt the sincerity of Rudolf's feelings.
"I just feel there are two issues..." Kazuma scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "First, why do you like me? What I mean is, I don't think I have many merits worth liking."
Maybe his face was the only thing worth mentioning.
In his previous life, Kazuma had actually had the chance to work as a host and live off his looks, but it didn't work out because of his personality... which meant that once you factored in his character, the charm of his face was only "so-so."
"Then I would like to ask you a question in return, Trainer. What parts of yourself do you think are not worth liking?"
Rudolf didn't answer his question; she countered it with one of her own.
"Plenty. I'm fickle, cunning, casual, and lazy. Most of the time, I have no ambition—as long as I have a meal, I'm happy to just exist. Aren't I the complete opposite of the 'Emperor'?"
—Add 'perverted' and 'lecherous' to the list...
That was Godolphin's voice.
—He's got the heart of a thief but not the guts for it, Byerley added.
Kazuma thought to himself: Look, observing is fine, but do you really have to provide a running commentary like we're at a movie screening?
—No can do. Opportunities like this don't come often. Besides—only you can hear our teasing, little lamb.
Darley dismissed his protest.
Is it possible that I'm the only one suffering from the awkwardness and shame of these comments? Kazuma was speechless.
"I see." After listening to Kazuma, Rudolf nodded solemnly.
Now that you've heard it, be a dear and stop liking me, okay? But just as Kazuma thought this, the Emperor spoke again.
"In that case, I love everything about you aside from those things. To the point where I can turn a blind eye to them all."
Girl, don't be so brain-rotted by love... Before Kazuma could speak, Rudolf continued.
"Furthermore, I won't deny that you are fickle and cunning... Trainer really does love to suddenly overturn previous plans right before a race. But as for being casual, lazy, and lacking ambition—I don't know how you are when I'm not around, but when you were the 'Prime Minister' to my 'Emperor,' I never felt that way."
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The Unhinged Trainer
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Rudolf smiled at Kazuma tenderly.
"From the moment you jumped straight down from the stands to talk to me after the selection race when no one else was looking, I knew you weren't someone truly devoid of ambition. That includes the challenge of a 1000m debut race that defied your aptitudes... and the way you put your heart and soul into analyzing opponents to make plans for the Triple Crown, and later the plan for Europe. All of those were steps toward higher ground. On the contrary, during that first Japan Cup... it was my own arrogance that led to that result. My goal is to become the Emperor, yes, but wasn't it you, Trainer, who led me toward that goal? I think—you just don't care about your own affairs, to the point where you have no ambition to improve yourself."
"First of all, looking back at that first Japan Cup, I think we should share the blame; it wasn't all on you."
Kazuma raised his hands and waved them slightly, requesting the floor.
"Secondly... fine. Let's skip the 'secondly.'"
He couldn't think of a rebuttal... and he felt there wasn't much to refute anyway.
He did indeed treat Horse Girl matters and his own life as two completely separate things. One was a passion... the other was just mundane existence.
"Let's move straight to the second issue... Second, don't you think that everything you just said—everything you've seen—is only what you saw when we were Trainer and Trainee? In the end, it's just the 'imprinting effect.' You only like me because I did what a trainer is supposed to do. But to put it another way, even if someone else were in this position and did the same things, you might have developed feelings for them instead."
"Trainer, if you keep talking like that, I'm going to get truly angry."
Rudolf... the Emperor, shook her head with a mix of disappointment and helplessness.
"First, while I won't deny that the imprinting effect was the starting point that catalyzed my feelings for you... that would only amount to 'liking' at most. I just said 'I love you.' Liking and admiration stem from goodwill. But a feeling like 'love' can only be born from a connection of hearts. Why do you think I agreed to let you leave back then?"
Because the reason Kazuma had given was "for Rudolf's dream"—thinking of this, the man sighed even more helplessly.
Damn it, my excuse turned into leverage for her.
"It seems you understand now, Trainer." The Emperor smiled. "Because, beyond mere goodwill, I felt that we shared a similar dream—we aren't just Trainer and Trainee; we are kindred spirits. But it's more than that. Even before that—from a long time ago—I knew that you were someone who would give your all for my wishes, and someone who could correct me... It was under the influence of all these things that 'liking' was forged into 'love.'"
Her response was so earnest that Kazuma felt like if he said "no," he would be the world's biggest jerk. Honestly, if Rudolf had answered in a heavier, more "yandere" way, he would have felt better about explaining himself.
Rudolf had indeed answered his two questions. But—
—Though I shouldn't need to remind you, remember the bottom line.
Byerley spoke.
—Actually... there's one more crucial thing.
Darley's voice in Kazuma's mind sounded a bit lonely.
As Kazuma sat in helpless contemplation following the two goddesses, Rudolf spoke again.
"On the contrary, I have a question for you, Trainer."
"Go ahead."
"I love you, but what about you?" Rudolf tilted her head. "I'm waiting for an answer—"
It was a total interrogation. Kazuma felt his head spinning. After a long silence, he spoke helplessly.
"To be honest—I don't know."
"That doesn't count as an answer..."
"Yes." Kazuma nodded. "Because unlike you—who can develop feelings for various reasons—our time together was truly just a part of my career as a trainer. I won't deny that while spending time with you, I was attracted to you because you're beautiful, strong, and kind... and I won't deny that 'Luna' is indeed very cute. But beyond that, whether those things can add up to 'liking' or 'love'... I don't think they can. So, there is one thing I can answer very clearly. If you are waiting for an answer, then my answer must be—"
"Then you'd better not say it." Rudolf pursed her lips and interrupted him. Then, she sighed with a hint of loneliness and shrugged. "Fine, I think I understand—"
"What do you understand? I wasn't finished."
Kazuma reached out in annoyance and ruffled Rudolf's hair, leaving the Emperor—leaving Luna—looking a bit dazed and confused as she looked up at him. He sighed before continuing.
"The point is... because of the very reliable upbringing from my sisters at home—since two of the three of them are educators—I've developed the instincts and habits of an educator myself, and I keep to their boundaries. As long as you are still a student, it is absolutely impossible for me to give you a positive answer, and impossible for me to let my heart be moved by you."
"Is that true?" Luna shrank back slightly, leaning against the back of her chair and covering her head to protest Kazuma's casual ruffling. "Is it impossible no matter what—?"
If it were the "Emperor" saying this, it would be quite intimidating. Fortunately, she seemed to be in "Luna mode" right now.
"Impossible," Kazuma nodded.
"Then does that mean, conversely... what if I graduate?"
As if you could ever graduate that early, Kazuma thought.
There might not be a Crown Prince for twenty years under the sun, but in this world, there might very well be a Student Council President for twenty years. After all, the passage of time in this world... was truly bizarre.
[ —That being said, don't go lumping us into your generalizations, little lamb! —Exactly. Protest! —Byerley is starting to act like Darley... ]
"That depends on whether you have confidence in your personal charm."
Extra (3): Tracking Teio, Move Out!
Nakagaki Kazuma had other arrangements today.
To his current trainee, Tokai Teio, this was not a good sign.
If it were anyone else—perhaps there was some work-related business—but please, this was Nakagaki Kazuma... This was a man whose life was a strict triangle between the prep room, his home, and the cafeteria. He almost never had any work outside of handling matters for his Horse Girls... and he practically had no social circle. He was always alone, or at most, accompanied by one of the girls in the team.
How could a person like that have "other arrangements"?
Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.
Tokai Teio didn't quite know why she was doing this... but the moment she heard Kazuma mention it, she made up her mind almost instantly.
"I'll follow him secretly!"
No matter how you looked at it, the trainer was just a normal person. If he was walking, he shouldn't be able to outrun a Horse Girl's speed... and even if he got in a car, he wouldn't be able to shake the great Teio-sama!
The only problem... was not getting caught, or else the whole "tracking" thing would be meaningless...
The Horse Girl, caught up in her thoughts, never stopped to consider that the act itself might be a bit inappropriate. Instead, she immediately began considering a disguise.
After last year's Christmas party, some toy mustaches and big noses had been left in the team's prep room—there! Got them! There wasn't enough time to change clothes... she would just use the coat the trainer himself had left behind. The trainer probably wouldn't stare too long at someone wearing the same coat—that would be pretty awkward, after all. The Horse Girl suddenly felt she had a talent for reconnaissance.
After finding the cheaply made little mustache and sticking it on her face, Teio looked in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction. Perfect. No one would recognize her now. As for Kazuma's trench coat... honestly, because of the massive height difference, the coat that fit the man perfectly looked like a wizard's long cloak on Teio. Not only were the sleeves so long her hands disappeared—creating a "moe sleeve" look—but the hem was nearly dragging on the ground... forcing her to lift the bottom of the coat with her hands, looking like a princess lifting her skirt for a curtsy.
"It smells like Trainer..."
In the now-empty prep room, the Horse Girl talked to herself.
No, no, what am I thinking? The priority was tracking!