Kousei's remarks at the press conference rapidly went viral, stirring up a storm. Whether the reporters were seeking sensational stories or promoting their own agendas, her words undeniably reached the ears of The Quartet and the entire Racing World.
The anonymous challenger's audacious declaration grew even bolder after the media's embellishments. The heated debate surrounding the issue persisted relentlessly. People suddenly recalled Kousei's promise to challenge the Emperor upon her enrollment.
Even if she couldn't win, her courage to confront the Emperor directly would save her from complete humiliation. A small fraction of public opinion shifted slightly in her favor.
While this marginal support fell short of meeting the criteria for participation in the competition, every significant change begins with a tiny seed.
In her hospital bed, Leo Durban watched Kousei's interview on television. Behind her, someone slowly entered carrying a fruit basket.
"Good afternoon, Hero. How's your recovery going?"
"Onee-san!"
Leo Durban's delight was evident.
"Please don't tease me with that 'Hero' title anymore."
"Why not? Everyone calls you that. Doesn't someone who dares challenge the Emperor deserve a word of praise?"
Her sister sat beside her, and Leo Durban smiled without responding.
"You're also watching that girl, aren't you?" Her sister was naturally referring to Kousei.
"Really? You're watching Kousei too, Onee-san?"
Onee-san's interest piqued. "Is my little Hero getting jealous?"
"No, I was just asking casually." Judging by Leo Durban's expression, she genuinely seemed unconcerned.
This time, it was Onee-san who looked hurt. She sniffled dramatically, "Why? When we were little, you used to cling to me all the time! You'd even scare away other kids who came near me. I still remember..."
"Enough! Stop! Can we please drop this topic?"
The mention of her childhood made Leo Durban flush with embarrassment. Her childhood self was far too blunt for her current sensibilities. Facing one's childhood self is often the most difficult thing.
Onee-san smirked mischievously, finding the present Leo Durban even more amusing than her younger counterpart.
"So, why are you watching Kousei, Onee-san?" Leo Durban pressed, refusing to let it go.
"Actually, I heard about her from Luna. Luna seems very interested in that child."
This left Leo Durban utterly confused. "Luna? Who's Luna?"
It was only then that Onee-san realized Leo Durban didn't know who "Luna" referred to.
Onee-san glanced around furtively, then leaned in conspiratorially, as if afraid of being overheard.
Munching noises
"Eh! Really? His Majesty the Emperor?! Such an adorable nickname?"
"Absolutely true. Would your onee-san ever lie to you?"
"Why?"
"Well, according to Luna herself, it seems her family gave her the nickname 'Goddess of the Moon' because of her crescent moon-shaped highlights."
Leo Durban tried to imagine Luna doing something Rudolf-like. How bizarre! Let me think about it again.
"No! Back to the main topic! Why is the President so interested in Kousei?"
Leo Durban's self-control far surpassed her sister's. Sensing her sister's eagerness to continue the gossip, Leo Durban immediately cut her off.
"I don't know much about the Student Council's affairs. I know the Japan Cup is important and everyone takes it seriously, but according to Luna, Kousei's participation in this year's Japan Cup carries a special significance."
"What do you mean?"
"Luna calls it 'the key.'"
"A key? Why?"
"Don't ask your onee-san. I have no idea either."
Leo Durban's expression turned subtle. It seems my sister has changed a lot since we last saw each other.
Suddenly, Leo Durban realized a blind spot: "When did you get so close to the President, onee-san?"
"What do you mean 'when'? We were classmates, so it's only natural we'd be close, right?"
Leo Durban couldn't understand. "But! Onee-san, you were so resentful when we were young! I clearly saw it with my own eyes..."
Leo Durban had witnessed the hatred in her sister's eyes firsthand.
"Ah, I see now. So I was the one holding you back." Her sister's expression cleared with understanding. "That was the dark side of my nature—the malice I harbored toward Luna for always standing in my way.
But it made you, as a child, mistakenly believe that was all there was to it.
Actually, Luna and I got along quite well. Even though I resented her back then, so what? We were still dearest friends, running on the same racetrack, and that bond transcended everything. I was even there when His Majesty the Emperor ascended the throne, you know."
Leo Durban pondered her sister's words repeatedly. Her sister chuckled softly. "But you crossed the Forbidden Gate early on, unlike my awkward self. You'll definitely forge a different future. Tokai Teio is a worthy opponent."
On the television, Kousei's dazzling press conference continued to broadcast. Leo Durban gazed at the screen, muttering to herself, "Not just Teio..."
The scenery Teio wanted them to see was far grander than this alone. Leo Durban unconsciously reached for her knee.
"When will it be my turn to take the stage?"