“Is that so? I'm not very clear on it myself.”
In the rehearsal room, facing Polaris Glacier's question, Mihono Bourbon shook her head:
“I was just single-mindedly thinking about catching up to Polaris, I don't know anything more than that.”
She didn't really understand what 'momentum' or 'aura' meant, nor could she intentionally control it.
She was just single-mindedly thinking about catching up to Polaris Glacier, making her her goal.
She thought about how her body needed to be able to withstand Polaris Glare's chilling aura blowing from the front, so as not to lose stamina.
She thought about running faster and becoming stronger, and then trained diligently; that was all.
The subtle changes that occurred in her during this process only began to show themselves in this race.
“Hmm… this is quite unexpected, isn't it?”
Polaris Glacier lowered her gaze in thought, feeling, for some reason, the existence of a spiritual power.
After all, simply desiring to catch up to herself could unconsciously release an aura specifically designed to resist Polaris Glare's chilling aura…
What else could this be if not spiritual power?
Of course, one couldn't ignore Mihono Bourbon's extremely rigorous daily training, but she still wanted to ask:
【Can it really be like this? Relying on spiritual power to stimulate potential in the body that even one doesn't know about…】
“Horse Girl are indeed very mysterious beings.”
Suddenly, Polaris Glacier murmured with emotion, causing Mihono Bourbon to tilt her head slightly, a faint question mark appearing.
After that, the two performed together on the winner's stage.
Polaris Glacier once again enjoyed the feeling of standing in the Central stage, sparkling amidst everyone's cheers.
Around noon, in a certain buffet restaurant.
“Polaris, I've felt this for a long time, but it turns out you really are a young lady from a prominent family.”
Mihono Bourbon and Polaris Glacier sat opposite each other, appearing exceptionally reserved, every movement unnatural.
Normally, given their relationship, even if she knew the other's family background wasn't ordinary, she wouldn't be like this.
The main reason was the gazes occasionally cast by the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer, who were seated at a nearby table…
And the gazes from the bodyguard Horse Girl, led by Kita no Shori Homare… they were simply too meaningful.
There was curiosity and scrutiny, as well as admiration and amusement; various gazes with different meanings were cast over just once…
Mihono Bourbon unconsciously became timid, then became reserved.
Noticing her state, Polaris Glacier first gave a look to the others at the other table, telling them to hold back a bit, then proactively started a topic more suitable for them:
“Mihono Bourbon, your performance today was really excellent. Sirius Symboli will probably be very surprised when she finds out.”
Hearing this, Mihono Bourbon also raised her head, her attention focused:
“It was alright. Sirius Symboli is also very strong. She also participated in a race today, at the Tokyo Racecourse.”
Sirius Symboli raced today?
Polaris Glacier paused her action of picking up food; she hadn't heard her mention it at all, nor had she seen her post any race predictions on Jun Yu Circle.
“So, what was the result?”
“She won very easily, pulling five lengths ahead of the second-place Horse Girl.”
Mihono Bourbon had specifically checked the race results on her phone earlier in the rehearsal room, so she knew.
“Not bad, her talent is starting to show itself too.”
“Yes, next time she might specifically look for us to race together.”
After a slight pause, Mihono Bourbon thought for a moment and then continued:
“However, I don't plan to race again this year. I want to rest until next year and then focus on preparing for the Classic races. What are your plans, Polaris?”
Her training volume had indeed been quite high recently; it would be good to reduce it appropriately and then focus on preparing for the Classic races next year.
“As for me…”
A look of recollection flashed across Polaris Glacier's face, as if she thought of something:
“I don't plan to race this month, but I should participate in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in December.”
This was recommended by Kumi Trainer at the time, and she thought it was quite good.
“Hanshin Juvenile Fillies? Are you talking about the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes?”
Mihono Bourbon looked a bit surprised, but then her expression turned to understanding:
“Polaris, you're already planning to compete in a G1 race. As expected of you.”
“When that time comes, I'll go to the venue to cheer for you.”
“Mm, thank you, Mihono Bourbon.”
After lunch, they didn't linger and went straight back to Fuchu, with everyone riding in the Old Butler's car.
The next day, a new week began, and the Horse Girl in the academy returned to the ocean of knowledge.
“Polaris, I want to race too. Let's run a race together.”
In the classroom, during a break, Sirius Symboli suddenly leaned over and spoke.
Seeing this, Polaris Glacier put down her notebook and looked up at her:
“Hmm? Sirius Symboli, you're also going to race in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes?”
(The Hanshin Juvenile Fillies was changed to be fillies-only in 1991. Before that, it was mixed male and female. And since everyone is a Horse Girl now, the gender restrictions for races don't need to be so strict.)
“That's right, for a race against you.”
Sirius Symboli nodded, then turned to look at Mihono Bourbon:
“While Mihono Bourbon was getting stronger, I wasn't falling behind either. Now, it definitely won't be like our previous parallel runs.”
“Hee hee, Sirius Symboli, you're very confident.”
Polaris Glacier chuckled, thinking to herself that the other party wouldn't be like Mihono Bourbon, also developing an aura specifically to resist Polaris Glare's chilling aura, would she?
“I understand. Then let's do it together. I look forward to your pursuit.”
No matter what, when other Horse Girl express a desire to run alongside her, she generally tries not to refuse if she can help it.
And whether it would be as she guessed, they would naturally know when both sides competed in the same race and ran together.
“Pursuit, huh…”
A smile suddenly appeared on Sirius Symboli's lips, and her begonia-red eyes stared at Polaris Glacier's face:
“Polaris, you've already assumed that every Horse Girl who races against you is pursuing you.”
“Isn't that how it is?”
Polaris Glacier's tail flicked slightly at her lower back, and she met the gaze without the slightest concern:
“Among the Horse Girl of the same generation, who can surpass me? Can you, Sirius Symboli?”
“Heh heh… who knows…”
She didn't answer directly, because Sirius Symboli also didn't know who could truly dispel the chilling aura that permeated the racecourse.
She really wanted to say she could, but if she actually said it, that would be blind arrogance.
And blind arrogance couldn't truly help her surpass Polaris Glacier.
“Alright, let's not talk about this.”
Polaris Glacier's face broke into a smile fitting her young lady persona, and she clapped her hands lightly:
“Let's go watch the Japan Cup live this weekend~”