Ignoring the journalists' pleas to stay, the three followed the woman and several bodyguards surrounding her into a restaurant.
Inside the private room, without rushing to order, the woman first introduced herself to Polaris Glacier:
"Miss, my name is Yukishiro Ryoko, but you can just call me Yukishiro."
The Polaris Glacier nodded slightly, subtly scrutinizing her appearance.
Her face had a peculiar affinity; she looked younger than Kumi Trainer, somewhat like a recent college graduate.
She was dressed in a white shirt and a long skirt, with long black hair, of normal height, and her voice had the feel of an older sister.
"Regarding the external reports about Miss, such as newspapers and news, I am responsible for all of them."
After a slight pause, Yukishiro glanced at the Head Maid.
"We have already acquired several newspaper agencies, ensuring that Miss's image appears in the public eye in a correct and appropriate manner."
Polaris Glacier listened, following the woman's gaze to the Head Maid, who smiled and nodded, conveying a sense of permission.
"I understand. I'll leave it to you then, Yukishiro."
"Alright, let's discuss the interview later. Miss must be hungry after the race, so let's eat first and fill our stomachs."
Yukishiro tilted her head, signaling one of the bodyguards, who nodded and went to call a waiter.
It was then that Polaris Glacier realized all these bodyguards were Horse Girl, and all of them were young and strong.
If she stared closely, she would vaguely feel a strange sensation, somewhat like... aura.
???
Realizing her senses were not mistaken, Polaris Glacier couldn't help but tilt her head in confusion.
Is this right? Horse Girl who are bodyguards actually have an aura, and it's one that has been formed for a long time, like those who have been seasoned in races.
How did they manage this? Or rather, why would such Horse Girl become bodyguards?
The menu had pictures, and Polaris Glacier casually ordered a few dishes that looked good, then handed it to the Head Maid.
Her mind was no longer on eating; she was more curious about the origins of these Horse Girl, so she immediately asked:
"Yukishiro, these bodyguard Horse Girl are...?"
“Oh? Miss has already noticed?”
Yukishiro was slightly startled, a smile appearing on her face.
"They are all Horse Girl who received funding in their early years and are now willing to serve Miss."
Her gaze swept over them, one by one.
"Every one of them has won multiple races, and their physical condition is completely trustworthy."
Received funding in their early years? And every one of them has won multiple races?
So her family had also invested in Horse Girl?
But... just an investment can make Horse Girl willingly serve others? How substantial must this investment be?
Polaris Glacier didn't understand, but she was greatly shocked.
"That's indeed very trustworthy, in all aspects..."
For a moment, she didn't know what to say, and the Polaris Glacier silently closed her mouth, saying no more.
Seeing Miss in this state, Yukishiro smiled and turned to the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer, starting a new topic.
Roughly listening, the three seemed to have known each other for a long time, but later separated to study different specialties and undergo their respective training.
Now, because they all serve Miss, they have met again...
How should she put it? Listening to them reminisce, Polaris Glacier always had a subtle feeling.
Around 5:30 PM, after the four finished dinner, Yukishiro took out a pen and a notebook and officially began the interview with Miss's cooperation.
"Miss, please speak freely, without any reservations."
"Hmm."
"First question, what are your feelings after the race?"
"...It felt like training laps, not as interesting as I imagined."
"...?"
Yukishiro was slightly startled by the answer. She looked up at Miss's expression and confirmed that she was not joking.
Surprised, she pondered for a moment and wrote in her notebook:
【As smoothly as expected, the audience's cheers were enthusiastic, looking forward to the next race.】
"Second question, do you usually have a lot of training?"
"Hmm... I guess it's a lot."
Yukishiro continued to write: 【The training volume is at least double the usual, and she is exceptionally diligent.】
"Last question, what is the arrangement for the next race?"
"The G3-Grade Races Hakodate Kinen four days from now."
This last sentence was answered by Kumi Trainer.
"Four days from now?"
Yukishiro's writing hand paused, and she looked at Kumi Trainer in surprise, her expression as if to say:
"Is this a joke?"
In response, Kumi Trainer somewhat awkwardly explained the consecutive races.
"Phew... That's a crazy decision."
After listening, Yukishiro's brows furrowed deeply, feeling as if she had boarded a pirate ship.
"However, since it's Miss's decision, all I can do is support it."
Casually jotting it down in her notebook, she stood up and turned to the bodyguard Horse Girl:
"Shori Homare, come out and introduce yourself."
As her words fell, Polaris Glacier and the other two looked over.
A brown-haired Horse Girl stepped forward, took off her sunglasses, and bowed to Polaris Glacier:
"Nice to meet you, Miss. My name is Kita no Shori Homare. Please take care of me."
(Kita no Shori Homare, also known as Kita no Shori Homare, 1974 Japanese Horse of the Year, career record 11 wins in 15 starts, died of sudden heart attack in 1983 at only 12 years old.)
"Shori Homare, you will now be Miss's exclusive bodyguard, accompanying her. The other Horse Girl can be at your disposal."
"Understood."
Yukishiro nodded and turned to Polaris Glacier:
"Miss, please feel free to use them, even as training partners."
"Hmm? Oh, okay."
This reminded her; she couldn't always bother Sirius and Mihono Bourbon whenever she wanted to run together.
Counting the time, it was also time to go for the winner's stage rehearsal.
Yukishiro left first after exiting the restaurant, saying she needed to handle Miss's related reports.
The original three, plus the bodyguard Horse Girl led by Kita no Shori Homare, then took separate cars to the racecourse.
In the taxi, Kumi Trainer sat in the front, while the Head Maid, Polaris Glacier, and Kita no Shori Homare sat in the back.
Feeling that the Horse Girl beside her was a bit constrained, Polaris Glacier thought for a moment and suddenly spoke:
"Shori Homare, can I call you that?"
Upon hearing this, Kita no Shori Homare's ears perked up, and she turned with a smile, saying:
"It's my honor, Miss."
"Why did you come to be a bodyguard?"
It was still the same question from before. She said she received funding from the family, but in what aspect was it funded? She really wanted to understand.
"This is because... I received a very great kindness in the past," Kita no Shori Homare recalled.
This was not something that couldn't be said; on the contrary, Miss should know about it.
At the Polaris Glacier's prompting gaze, she continued:
"I once suffered from two difficult-to-treat injuries: one was a hereditary heart condition, and the other was during the Arima Kinen race, when I was about to retire. I tried to burst forward again, and as a result, both my legs accidentally fractured."
Her tone was light, but her words caused everyone in the car, even the old driver, to frown.
"And the one who healed me was your mother, Miss. At that time, she searched for doctors all over the country, even inviting doctors from abroad. It was quite exaggerated."
Mother?
Polaris Glacier completely understood at this point. No wonder Horse Girl like Kita no Shori Homare would willingly serve; the other bodyguard Horse Girl were probably in similar situations.
Although her impression of her mother wasn't very deep, judging by her care for Horse Girl, she must be a gentle person.
"So, when Madam said she needed someone to take care of you, Miss, I submitted my application without hesitation."
She seemed to have completely relaxed, her expression much more natural.
"Luckily, I successfully received permission and met you here, Miss."
"Hmm, are your injuries completely healed now? Are there any lingering issues?"
Kita no Shori Homare patted her still ample chest and tilted her head slightly:
"Miss, there's no need to worry. I've already fully recovered. I even feel like I could return to racing without any problems."
"Ahaha... That's great then."
Not long after the conversation ended, the group arrived at the Chukyo Racecourse.
The Head Maid and Kumi Trainer said a word, then went to wait in the audience seats in front of the stage, while the bodyguard Horse Girl led by Kita no Shori Homare followed Polaris Glacier backstage.
After Miss entered, they stood outside the rehearsal room, one by one, wearing sunglasses and looking serious, like guardian deities.
"Shori Homare, Miss is so cute. Her hair looks so soft. What should I do if I want to touch it?"
A Horse Girl with pink curly hair, exuding a demonic aura, standing on the left, suddenly spoke.
As if she had thought of something, her normally composed expression instantly melted, and the corners of her lips uncontrollably curved upwards.
"You can go ask Miss, Oguri Cap," Kita no Shori Homare said calmly, her expression unchanged.
"Really?! Then I'll go after the winner's stage is over~"
(Oguri Cap, 1974, 1975 Japanese Yushun Award Most Excellent Filly, career record 7 wins in 10 starts, died of sudden heart attack during training in 1977 at only 5 years old.)
The other bodyguard Horse Girl shook their heads helplessly after hearing this, looking as if there was nothing they could do.
Considering both her record and age, since Kita no Shori Homare, as the leader, had agreed, they simply couldn't stop the second strongest, Oguri Cap.
"Remember to be mindful of boundaries, don't be rude."
"Don't worry, Shori Homare, I understand."
Oguri Cap instantly reverted to her mature and composed state, the speed of the change making the other Horse Girl twitch their lips again.
Time passed unknowingly, and it was suddenly eight o'clock in the evening.
Polaris Glacier, dressed in her performance attire, once again stood on the stage.
As the lights came on and the music started, her singing voice immediately bloomed.
More spectators came this time than the last. Everyone waved glow sticks of various colors, cheering for the Polaris Glacier at the center C position.
The Head Maid, as before, took out her phone to record, her relieved smile completely undisguised.
Kumi Trainer and the bodyguard Horse Girl stood together. The latter had taken off their sunglasses to better enjoy Miss's performance.
Among them, Oguri Cap was waving her glow stick the most enthusiastically, her movements so exaggerated that they successfully broke the somewhat serious demeanor of the bodyguards.
【Yes, this is the feeling, this feeling of shining brightly and attracting everyone's attention!】
Polaris Glacier sang on stage, and the same excitement and exhilaration as last time surged within her again.
The victory in the race must not be given up, and she must stand in the center of the winner's stage. This is the most correct way!
When she came to her senses, she had already entered the backstage lounge. A desired sense of exhilaration filled her heart, her head slightly tilted back, her face showing complete satisfaction.
“Thump, thump, thump.”
As she sat in the chair in front of the mirror, eyes closed, a knock on the door suddenly sounded.
Polaris Glacier opened her eyes in confusion and allowed:
"Please come in."
"Excuse me~"
The moment permission was granted, Oguri Cap pushed the door open and walked in, a gentle smile on her face.
Carefully observing the newcomer, the Polaris Glacier blinked:
"I remember you're one of the bodyguard Horse Girl..."
"Oguri Cap, my name is Oguri Cap, and... Miss, I have an impolite request..."
"Hmm?"
Looking at the fidgeting Horse Girl in front of her, a question mark appeared above Polaris Glacier's head.
A few minutes later.
Miss had already changed back into her casual clothes and was still sitting in the chair, but Oguri Cap stood behind her, using a comb she had pulled out from somewhere to comb the former's long hair.
"Miss's hair is so soft; touching it makes me feel happy."
Oguri Cap's hands kept moving, her expression very pleasant.
"Thank you."
Polaris Glacier closed her eyes, thought for a moment, and still asked:
"By the way, Oguri Cap, are you really not going to do something about your aura?"
She had felt it since the other party entered, a very strange aura. If she felt it carefully, it was somewhat like having her throat squeezed by hands and her heart clutched, making it difficult to breathe.
It was her first time experiencing such an aura, a unique quality that neither Maruzensky nor Chitose Meiji possessed.
"I'm sorry, Miss, I can only try my best to contain it; I can't completely dissipate it. Has it affected you after all, Miss?"
Should it be called a talent or a curse? She was born with this aura, and with a little mastery, it would be a great asset on the racetrack.
But it was also because of this that, apart from Horse Girl who also possessed an aura, almost no one was willing to approach her.
Ordinary people might not feel it as clearly, but they would still get goosebumps and feel uncomfortable.
"It's okay, I'm just feeling it for the first time, and I'm a little curious."
Polaris Glacier still had her eyes closed, her tail gently swaying at her lower back.
"By the way, do you have any special hairstyles you're good at? Try one on me."
"A special hairstyle? I understand, please wait a moment."