Time advanced to December 22nd.
Today was a bit special; it was both the Winter Solstice and Polaris Glacier's birthday.
As the birthday girl, she received blessings from everyone early in the morning, and her room was practically overflowing with gifts.
Among them, the Head Maid gave her various styles of bow hair accessories, and Kumi Trainer gave her specially made training running shoes.
Yuu Mai gave her a scarf, saying that Polaris's skin was too cold, and she was worried she would catch a cold, so she wanted to take more warming measures.
Mother gave her a snow lotus-patterned brooch, which was said to have an unexpected effect when worn with her winning uniform.
Regarding her schedule, Polaris Glacier proactively suggested that she wanted to visit the racecourse.
There were virtually no races during this period; she simply wanted to satisfy her curiosity about the Y country's race tracks.
So, with Mother's arrangements and accompaniment, she roughly toured some of the venues where G1 races would be held.
Newmarket, Newbury, Epsom, Ascot, Sandown Park…
Goodwood, York, Haydock, Doncaster…
While slowly walking on the grass at the Epsom racecourse, Mother suddenly asked:
"Polaris, do you have any goals you want to achieve in your current running journey?"
"Hmm… For now, I'm thinking of winning both the Classic Triple Crown and the Three Triple Crown in Japan."
Polaris Glacier replied, turning her head while feeling the soft grass under her feet.
"Oh? The Classic Triple Crown and the Three Triple Crown, huh? The race schedule is really… tight."
Mother clearly hesitated, probably wanting to say 'crazy'.
"Mother, I know my physical condition; there won't be any problems."
Polaris Glacier also knew how crazy her race schedule was; if it were an ordinary Horse Girl, she certainly couldn't do it this way.
It's just that she was no ordinary Horse Girl; intense battles would only make her stronger.
Seeing this, Mother smiled and nodded slightly:
"Yes, Mother believes in you, after all, you are my daughter."
Fly even higher, and achieve feats that no one else but you can accomplish.
You were born to shine in favor and sparkle amidst people's cheers.
"By the way, Mother can recommend… or rather, ask you to add an extra race to your schedule?"
"Hmm? Yes, Mother, please tell me."
Mother pointed to the grass under their feet and said:
"The Epsom Derby, which will start at this racecourse next June."
The so-called Epsom Derby is actually the Y country's Derby, the origin of all Derby races in history.
It is a grand stage that the Horse Girl of this country dream of once in their lives, both an aspiration and a dream.
To dominate this event basically means declaring oneself at the pinnacle of their generation.
"The M country's Kentucky Derby, or the F country's Derby, would also work."
In short, she should at least win one international Derby race to truly stand on the world stage.
Upon hearing this, Polaris Glacier also lowered her gaze in thought.
The Epsom Derby, the Kentucky Derby, and the F country's Derby… they all sound very good.
As long as the timings didn't overlap and there was time to travel by plane, she felt she could try them all.
And regarding this, after she asked, Mother also gave her a reply.
Among the three, the first to take place was the Kentucky Derby, on May 4th of next year.
Then came the F country's Derby, on June 2nd of next year.
Finally, the Epsom Derby was on June 5th.
Among these, the two closest events only had two days of free time in between.
However, there was still some free time; flying from the Y country to the F country would take at most two hours, so she could clearly make it.
Coincidentally, her unique skill, Cold Body, had leveled up a few days ago, making her less prone to fatigue, both mentally and physically.
So she seemed… she really could try it…?
Polaris Glacier looked up, intentionally feigning an uncertain expression, and said:
"Mother, could you first send me the information related to these three races, or send it to Kumi Trainer?"
"I'm still not very sure which one I want to participate in; I want to learn more first."
Adding the original race schedule in Japan, it was already quite daunting, and she didn't want Mother to worry even more about it.
For now, she would indulge herself and keep it a secret temporarily.
Of course, Kumi Trainer would also have to be silenced, and it would be best to get the Head Maid to help.
"Yes, I'll send you the race information when we get back; no need to rush, just take your time to consider."
Looking at the gentle smile on her Mother's face, Polaris Glacier felt a growing sense of guilt, and instinctively turned her head to change the subject, saying:
"The Arima Kinen in Japan will start tomorrow morning, Mother, do you want to watch it with me?"
It actually started at 4:30 PM, but due to the time difference, it would be 8:00 AM here.
"Unfortunately, Mother has business in the M country tomorrow and a 5 AM flight, so I don't have time to stay."
In fact, she had quite a few things to deal with these past few days, but she had stayed just to spend her daughter's birthday with her.
"Is that so… I understand."
Although she felt a little reluctant, sticking close to her Mother was not Polaris Glacier's preferred style.
They both still needed to run and move forward in their respective careers; hindering each other wouldn't do.
Having walked almost a full lap along the track, it was about time to leave.
In the car returning to the manor, Mother spoke again:
"Polaris, Yuu Mai has a lot of potential; you two can do more parallel runs and confrontations, and try to get used to each other's aura as much as possible."
Polaris Glacier's aura interference and first-sight kill ability were truly too strong.
Any opponent who competed with her for the first time was inevitably surprised.
If the race was shorter, it was fine; the remaining stamina after being consumed could still support a straight sprint.
But if the race was even slightly longer, then it was 100% certain to lose speed, which was terrifying.
And there was only one way to resist the cold air: stacking cold resistance.
Currently, only Mihono Bourbon and Sirius Symboli had stacked relatively high, allowing them to block it with their derived special aura.
But that was only limited to normal cold air.
After the winning uniform's effect was applied, they would most likely be helpless and just have to endure it.
Just like last time, sirius was frozen in the starting gate, unable to start the race for a long time.
"I know. Whether as an opponent or a friend, I hope she can get used to my aura and become stronger."
Polaris Glacier nodded slightly; Yuu Mai was the one who could catch up to her the most and make her feel the most joy so far.
To continue this joy, she had to make Yuu Mai stack cold resistance as well.
Don't say things like, "Wouldn't it be fine not to use your aura in a race?"
What she wanted was the intense heat pursuing her from behind, which she still couldn't shake off even after running with all her might.
If she didn't use her aura, didn't go all out, it would only be very boring, like playing with a child.
If that were the case, she might as well find Tokai Teio for a parallel run, just controlling the distance between them, like toying with her.
"Yes, that's good. I won't interfere much with your interactions. Develop your relationship well, just remember not to do anything out of line."
Mother implied, then closed her eyes to rest, no longer speaking.
Seeing this, Polaris Glacier paused slightly, blinked, and tactfully turned her head to look out the car window, remaining silent.
In the evening, everyone at the manor held a birthday party as planned.
The food was exceptionally rich, and they even had a super large multi-layered cake.
Even when lying in bed, about to fall asleep, the sounds of laughter and joy still lingered in her mind.
Polaris Glacier would carry this memory and continue to move forward on her path.
The Empress of Cold Snow officially entered the Classic class after today.