The day after the race, thanks to Yukishiro's efforts, news of what happened at Hanshin Racecourse spread like wildfire.
Whether in newspapers or online, information about Polaris Absolute Speed filled the air.
Inside the student council room at Central Tracen Academy.
"A figure galloping through the snow, breaking the limits of speed, the Polaris Glare is born..."
Maruzensky leaned back on the sofa, holding a newspaper, and softly read, "Polaris Glare? Polaris's light is truly becoming more and more dazzling."
"Ah, yes, it is."
Rudolph Symboli, who had been processing documents, stopped and looked up in agreement, "Polaris's performance yesterday was simply too shocking, it was impossible to look away."
A margin of over 500 meters, it could be said it was entirely a one-person race.
No one at the scene at that time was not surprised, including her and Maruzensky.
From the moment the race started, there were constant disturbances. Other spectators couldn't see it, but she and Maruzensky saw it clearly.
That sudden burst of icy cold air froze all the other Horse Girl in place, preventing them from bursting out of the gate immediately.
Even breaking free afterwards took a lot of effort and time.
By that time, Polaris had already finished the initial straight and entered the bend.
Such a gap was simply impossible to close.
Not to mention that Polaris's speed further increased after she passed the bend and entered the final straight.
This was also one of her racing characteristics; she always liked to accelerate after passing the bend.
When you thought she was going all out, she would tell you with even faster steps that it wasn't the case.
And since she wasn't using her full strength, her stamina naturally wouldn't be over-expended.
Clearly, the word 'monster' was no longer sufficient to describe her.
Compared to Han Hime, the more dominant title of Empress was clearly more recognized by people.
Coupled with the deeply impressive image of her galloping through the snow, the prefix 'Cold Snow' was added.
"To be honest, I thought Rudolf, you would be angry."
Maruzensky put down the newspaper and turned to look over.
"Angry? Why?"
"Hmm... like thinking Polaris used unfair means to hinder other competitors from starting... something like that?"
Hearing this, Rudolph Symboli also reacted and couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head, "If it were truly unfair means, of course I would be angry, but that was just the application of aura."
She paused slightly.
"On the racecourse, aura is also a part of a Horse Girl's strength. Polaris's yesterday was just a bit out of the ordinary."
That's right, just a bit out of the ordinary.
Shifting the scene to the classroom, it was now break time.
As if nothing had happened yesterday, Sirius Symboli approached Polaris Absolute Speed's desk as usual and chatted, "Polaris, I heard the cafeteria has limited Mont Blanc desserts today. Let's go eat together during lunch break."
"Mont Blanc?"
Polaris Absolute Speed had a smile befitting a young lady on her face and lightly clapped her hands, "Although I haven't heard of it, I'm very willing to try it."
"Okay, Mihono, how about you, coming along?"
Hearing the voice, Mihono Bourbon also turned around and nodded, "Of course."
Mont Blanc is a classic French dessert, primarily made from chestnut puree.
However, when it arrived in Japan, elements like matcha and cocoa powder were additionally incorporated, and two different ingredient options, sweet potato puree and pumpkin puree, were added.
The filling contains cream and milk; just putting it in your mouth and letting it melt on your taste buds allows you to experience a unique sense of happiness.
At least at lunch, Polaris Absolute Speed genuinely felt that way.
As time passed, that evening, a major piece of news suddenly spread.
The source was a press conference currently underway, and the main figure in it was none other than Katsuragi Ace.
The The first Japanese general announced, "I, Katsuragi Ace, will retire from the Twinkle Series after this month's Arima Kinen and officially transfer to the Dream Cup."
In other words, Katsuragi Ace was preparing to retire.
At once, people's reactions varied. Rudolph Symboli, who was in the student council room, widened her eyes upon hearing the news, "Katsuragi Ace... is retiring? And right after this month's Arima Kinen?"
Although she said 'this month,' it was actually happening this weekend.
The Arima Kinen would start this weekend!
"What a joke... How could I let you just run away like that? How could I let you win and then just run!"
The defeat at the Japan Cup and Katsuragi Ace's victory had been deeply rooted in Rudolph Symboli's heart these past few days.
She had been waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to directly defeat Katsuragi Ace and prove that her strength was greater than the opponent's.
But now, the opponent was actually planning to retire?!
She couldn't wait any longer. Rest and recuperation could wait until next year. If she didn't get her revenge now, there would never be another chance.
Having made up her mind, Rudolph Symboli took a deep breath, picked up her phone, logged onto the race website, and registered herself.
The Arima Kinen has a fan voting mechanism, and with her popularity, as long as she registered, she would definitely be able to participate smoothly.
【Katsuragi Ace, this time I will keep a close eye on you. I won't let you run away again!】
Meanwhile, at a massage parlor, in the Horse Girl' exclusive area.
Chitose Meiji lay on a soft mat, enjoying the soothing handiwork of the masseuse on her legs, while looking at the news report on her phone, a thoughtful expression flashing in her eyes:
【Katsuragi Ace is already planning to retire. Does she have no regrets?】
【As for Rudolf, with her somewhat vengeful personality, she will likely follow suit and compete.】
She had already completed her registration, and the strain on her legs had eased somewhat with the massages these past few days.
This Arima Kinen would likely be the second and last time the three of them stood on the same stage.
She must give her all and cherish it well.
【Rudolf and Katsuragi Ace, this time I will definitely charge to the front. Let's have a thrilling showdown.】
Time moved to evening, inside the manor.
Polaris Absolute Speed walked out of the bathroom in her nightgown, about to blow-dry her hair, when her phone on the table suddenly vibrated.
It was continuous, clearly a call.
"At this hour... someone calling me?"
She walked to the table in confusion, picked up her phone, and looked down. The caller ID displayed:
【Mother】
Without the slightest hesitation, Polaris Absolute Speed immediately answered the call:
"Moshi moshi, Mother?"
"Afternoon... good evening, Polaris. Are you able to talk for a while now?"
On the other side, inside a private training center in England.
Lingdu Juechi stood by the field, her gaze fixed on a brown-haired figure galloping on the field, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes.
"Yes, I am, Mother. Just say what you want to say."
Polaris Absolute Speed sat down in a chair, looking up at the time on the clock.
"It's like this, your birthday is coming up soon, so Mother was thinking of having the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer bring you over to England. We can meet up, have a birthday party, and so on."
Birthday?
Polaris Absolute Speed paused slightly, and hidden memories gradually emerged. She remembered that December 22nd was her birthday.
But... to make a special trip to England...
It wasn't impossible.
She could meet her Mother, have a birthday, and the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer would accompany her. What was there to overthink?
The only point of hesitation might be the Arima Kinen, which was starting in a few days.
However, she could also watch the live broadcast on her phone; she didn't necessarily have to be there in person.
"Mm, I understand. When are we leaving?"
Understanding that her daughter had agreed, Lingdu Juechi's lips unconsciously curved into a smile:
"Come over tomorrow, is that okay?"
"Tomorrow, you say..."
Today was the 17th, so tomorrow would be the 18th. There were still classes at the academy, but it was fine to ask for leave.
"Okay, I'll go tell the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer shortly. We'll leave tomorrow."
The matter was thus decided, and Polaris Absolute Speed was about to embark on her first overseas trip.
However, the call did not end there. The voice continued to come through:
"Now, Polaris, Mother heard from Kumi that you seem to be competing continuously. Is that true?"
She paused slightly.
"Ah, of course, Mother doesn't mean to blame you. I just want to say to pay more attention to your health, especially the condition of your legs."
"If you feel any discomfort, go to the hospital for a check-up promptly, and your training should also be moderate..."
Polaris Absolute Speed listened quietly, her expression unknowingly softening.
"Cough, cough, by the way, do you really enjoy the feeling of opponents chasing you from behind during races?"
This was probably what Kumi Trainer told Mother, too.
She didn't deny it and readily admitted, "Yes, when there are strong opponents chasing me from behind, I always feel more or less satisfied and exhilarated."
"I see."
The voice continued:
"Speaking of which, Mother has found another good prospect."
"No, no, saying 'good prospect' somewhat belittles her. 'Extraordinary monster' is more fitting."
"If it's her, someday in the future, she should give you an unprecedented chase. You can look forward to it."
