Just yesterday, word reached Rudolf that Sirius Symboli, that trailblazer who'd been competing overseas, was about to return home.
"This is early. Weren't you still scheduled to run in France's 'Prix de Royal Oak'? Why are you coming back so soon?"
Over the phone, Rudolf questioned Sirius Symboli, who was living in England at the time.
"Well, it's actually a few friends from the training grounds. They were talking to me about things in Japan," Sirius Symboli replied.
"About Japan? Don't tell me you were the one who told them?"
After the 'New Zealand Trophy' concluded, Sirius Symboli had called Rudolf to ask about the situation at the Central circuit, mainly about that black-horse girl who'd stormed onto the racecourse. She wanted to know if the rumors were true.
Naturally, Rudolf didn't hide anything from her childhood friend, telling her everything she knew.
Back then, Sirius Symboli had just said, 'I'll contact you again later,' and hurriedly hung up.
She never expected that before their next call, the Chairman would personally inform her of Sirius Symboli's intention to return.
That's why Rudolf couldn't wait and called her directly.
"I told them part of it. I just confirmed that the international news about Japan's Central circuit is true. I didn't say anything beyond that."
"Even so, you shouldn't let foreign horse girls know too much about our domestic affairs."
"Haha, of course I know that. Don't worry." On the other end, Sirius Symboli let out a hearty laugh. "But Rudolf, even if I didn't tell them, these girls have already made up their minds."
"About what?"
"To compete in the next 'Japan Cup.'"
"Isn't that normal? The 'Japan Cup' is an international event, after all."
"No, it's different this time," Sirius Symboli denied. "In the past, when these girls entered the 'Japan Cup,' it always felt like they were searching for a stage more suited to them."
"But now, it feels like they're entering because they feel they have to."
"It's as if they must clear this hurdle to reach a higher world. Do you understand what I mean?"
Sirius's words made Rudolf narrow her eyes.
"Me too... I'm starting to feel that if I want to reach a higher, more distant place, my next stop isn't France, Germany, or America."
"It's the place that seems to silently call out to the souls of the strong."
It felt like a touchstone for everyone. Sirius Symboli had to overcome this challenge.
"I see. So that's your reason for returning."
Rudolf finally understood.
"Exactly. I've already bought my ticket for next week."
"Remember to come to the airport to welcome me back. Make sure to hold up a sign saying something like 'Sirius is the Brightest Star!' Next time we meet, it'll be on home soil."
With that, Sirius Symboli hung up.
Even after being abroad for so long, she's still as casual as ever, Rudolf thought. I thought competing overseas might have smoothed out her edges, but it seems I was overthinking it.
Rudolf slowly put the phone down.
"President! Come train with me!"
Not long after Sirius ended the call, Tokai Teio barged through the door.
"Sorry, Teio. I probably won't have much time lately."
Symboli Rudolf declined.
"The day Sirius Symboli returns, I need to keep my schedule completely clear."
That meant Rudolf had to finish her work ahead of time.
Not only that, but Rudolf also needed to find a suitable trainer for Sirius Symboli—someone who could help her readjust.
The training rhythm overseas was vastly different from domestic training, so she needed to find someone with experience training abroad to help Sirius transition.
The workload was substantial. Rudolf had to work efficiently to get it all done, which meant she wouldn't have any opportunities to train with Teio during this period.
"Eh? Whyyy…"
"Sorry. Once this busy period is over, I'll try my best to make time for you."
--+--
"'Overseas Expeditioners.' To improve their skills, they go abroad to unfamiliar places and triumph over everyone there. Truly remarkable."
Sunday Serenity couldn't help but nod in admiration.
So that was also a possibility.
"That's not the point! The point is the President has no time for me now…"
Tokai Teio's ears drooped. Propping her chin in her hands, she looked utterly bored.
"I can see it now. You only came to find me because the President is busy."
And she calls me a playgirl? You're the real deal here, Teio-chan.
To think she's using me as a substitute for Rudolf to kill time.
"Hey, that's not the same thing! Even if the President trained with me, I'd still come see you!"
"Really?"
"Really..." Her voice grew much smaller.
"Huff... huff…"
Heavy, rapid breathing suddenly came from beside them.
Only then did Sunday Serenity notice Green Grass, her face in her hands, eyes brimming with unconcealable envy.
She was breathing rapidly, like someone lovestruck, and couldn't help exclaiming, "I can feel it! This pure, mutual care and concern between an upperclassman and underclassman. I call you 'senpai' out of respect, and you call me 'kohai' out of affection."
"This is the special bond between students at Tracen Academy! A unique connection between upper and lowerclassmen that can't be replicated!"
"Green Grass-senpai, are you okay…?"
"I long for such a bond too! Cafe, Teio, my adorable kohai… Would you like to build such a relationship with me?"
Her large, blue, watery eyes gazed at the two. Her demeanor made Teio suspect a few screws were loose upstairs.
She'd probably just skyrocketed to the top of Teio's 'Senpai I Least Want to Be Associated With' rankings.
Though, if she praised Teio lavishly like she did a moment ago, Teio might just tear up that list and place Green Grass right below Rudolf.
"Um, senpai, how about we just eat for now?"
Sensing Tokai Teio's strong resistance, Sunday Serenity couldn't help but suggest.
"You're right. I've been talking for so long without realizing. How irresponsible of me. As everyone's senpai, I can't even get this small thing right."
"Ahaha…"
Can someone like this really get along well with Manhattan Cafe?
Picking up her now almost cold coffee, Sunday Serenity decided to see if she could actually stomach it.
She parted her lips slightly. The rich coffee flavor enveloped her tongue.
Her senses were normal; her taste buds were still working.
Just as Sunday Serenity was about to swallow, a girl with a waterfall of raven-black hair passed by her peripheral vision.
Pfft—!
Sunday Serenity spat it out on the spot.
Manhattan Cafe!?
She's in the cafeteria too?
Not only that, but Admire Vega was with her. The two seemed to be deep in conversation.
"Hey... Cafe-senpai…"
A deeply resentful voice sounded beside her.
The girl who'd been sprayed full in the face with coffee stared at her with hollow eyes.
Brown droplets dripped continuously from her hair tips. Coffee seemed to have gotten in her ears too, making them twitch incessantly. She looked a complete mess.
"Do you have some kind of grudge against me, Cafe-senpai…?"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.