Chapter 3
A short while later, at a milk tea shop near the hospital.
"Two honey specials — one with extra honey, one with coffee. Thank you very much."
A petite, lively-looking horse girl placed the order, then turned and walked to a window seat. She sat down with her arms crossed, looking quite dignified and serious.
Sitting opposite her were the calm-faced Yasui Makoto and Kitasan Black, who looked like a child who had done something wrong — head lowered and fingers fidgeting.
The petite but stern horse girl glanced seriously at Kitasan Black, then turned to Yasui Makoto with an appreciative smile.
"It wasn't convenient to explain things at the hospital, so I came to find Trainer Yasui. I've contacted the parents of the child you saved. They really want to thank you in person.
"The driver who caused the accident has also been found and is currently giving a statement at the police station. He has admitted to fatigued driving and is willing to take full responsibility.
"Would you like to meet the child's parents and the driver?"
Yasui Makoto shook his head.
"No need. As long as the child is safe, that's enough.
"However, Kitasan Black said she wants to cover my medical examination fees. I think that cost should be borne by the driver instead.
"That shouldn't be a problem, right, President?"
"No problem at all. I'll arrange it right away."
The petite horse girl referred to as "President" nodded immediately, then turned her serious gaze back to Kitasan Black, who was still hanging her head.
"Now then… Kitasan, have you realized your mistake?"
"Yes! Emperor-senpai!"
Kitasan Black straightened up instantly like her tail had been grabbed. After answering loudly, she nervously shrank her neck.
"My mistake… was joining Mr. Yasui to save that child?"
Tokai Teio (Japan's Emperor) sighed and covered the white crescent-shaped bangs on her forehead.
"It seems you still don't understand…"
She crossed her arms and spoke with clear authority:
"There's nothing wrong with saving someone — that deserves praise. I've already drafted a commendation letter for you.
"The problem is that you failed to control your speed.
"Trainer Yasui was able to dodge you in that emergency situation, yet a horse girl like you couldn't even do that… Kitasan…"
She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head.
"I'm very disappointed in you."
Kitasan Black's ears instantly drooped — the most obvious sign of a horse girl feeling down. At the same time, her face filled with dejection and disappointment.
Yasui Makoto, on the other hand, was secretly surprised.
The horse girl sitting across from them was Tokai Teio, the student council president of both the junior and senior departments at Central Tracen Academy after the legendary Symboli Rudolf.
Her racing career was just as brilliant as her famous predecessors — 9 wins out of 12 major races, including 7 consecutive victories at the start.
Even after retiring and becoming student council president, she had shown outstanding ability in her work.
The accident had only happened a few hours ago, yet she already knew all the details, had handled the rescued child's parents and the driver, and had even located both parties involved. Her efficiency and decisiveness were truly impressive.
Beyond that, her professional insight was also remarkable.
Compared to race footage, the traffic camera recording wasn't very clear. Yet she could accurately determine what had happened in the instant before Yasui Makoto and Kitasan Black collided. That wasn't just skill — it was the talent of a top-tier horse girl.
"I'm sorry, Emperor-senpai…" Kitasan Black said dejectedly, lowering her head.
"Apologizing to me is meaningless."
Tokai Teio shook her head with her arms still crossed. Seeing Kitasan Black hesitantly glance at Yasui Makoto, she shook her head again.
"Apologizing to Trainer Yasui is also meaningless.
"Kitasan, you still don't understand. What you need to do right now isn't apologize — it's to reflect properly.
"Races are often very dangerous. If this is your current level of control over your speed and power…"
She sighed softly and shook her head for the third time.
"I was originally going to help you contact some excellent trainers, but with your current performance, I can't bring myself to recommend you.
"This isn't just my opinion as student council president. As your senior, I believe you are not ready yet."
Yasui Makoto faintly sensed that after Tokai Teio's words, a gray, defeated aura seemed to radiate from Kitasan Black beside him. She had clearly taken a heavy blow.
He also felt that Tokai Teio was right — Kitasan Black really wasn't ready yet.
Extreme stunts were highly dangerous; one wrong move could lead to injury. To ensure safety, a lot of training emphasized body control, and he had brought all of that knowledge to this world.
His self-training since childhood had given him exceptional flexibility and precise force control — levels that even many horse girls couldn't match.
In comparison, Kitasan Black's control over her own body was clearly lacking.
Horse girl races were intense. When two horse girls sprinting at dozens of kilometers per hour collided, the consequences would be very serious.
"I understand, Emperor-senpai…" Kitasan Black spoke again, her voice now filled with gratitude and admiration.
"My dream is to become a legendary horse girl just like you. But I know I'm not a genius.
"Many teachers and trainers have said that instead of aiming for the kind of career you had, I should probably focus on short-distance races in the future.
"But I still want to try! No matter what, I want to give it a shot!"
She suddenly became energetic and passionate.
"Your figure on the racetrack has always inspired me, so I will never give up until the very end!
"Even if no trainer acknowledges me, I will still challenge the Classic Triple Crown that you once conquered!"
Her loud declaration drew the attention of many people in the milk tea shop. Even Yasui Makoto looked at her with slight surprise. However, Tokai Teio remained calm from beginning to end.
"Without a trainer, you don't even have the right to apply for races. How are you going to challenge the Classic Triple Crown?"
With her arms still crossed, Tokai Teio calmly shook her head.
"Ah…? That's…"
Kitasan Black, who had just been full of ambition, instantly froze. Then she scratched her head with an embarrassed laugh:
"Oh… yeah, that's right… hehe…"
"Seriously, how do you even listen in class? That's the most basic knowledge…"
Tokai Teio sighed softly and gave Kitasan Black a reproachful look. Then, with a slightly serious expression, she turned to Yasui Makoto.
"However, there happens to be an excellent trainer right here.
"Passing the Central Trainer exam at only 18 years old is unprecedented.
"I've also noticed that in the few months since Trainer Yasui arrived at the academy, you've been looking for a horse girl to coach, but you've been rejected every time.
"So I have a request.
"This is not a request from the student council president, but from Kitasan's senior.
"I would like to ask Trainer Yasui to guide Kitasan. What do you think?"