Even though she couldn't feel the scorching heat surging from behind her, their daily parallel runs continued.
Yuu Mai was, after all, still a Horse Girl who hadn't even reached her junior year; most of her potential had yet to be unleashed.
There was still hope.
Who knew, maybe one day she would awaken and be able to catch up again?
After several days of parallel runs, up until the 31st, Yuu Mai's most significant growth was in her stamina.
She went from exhausting her stamina after 1000 meters to having energy left even after 1200 meters.
Of course, this was with Polaris Absolute Speed's full-force aura interfering, and it also included a winter bonus.
Normally, Yuu Mai would have no problem running 1800 meters.
One could only say that the suppressive power of the stamina-draining aura was still too strong.
On the evening of December 31st, the night before the New Year arrived.
After setting up timed New Year's greetings for her friends in Japan and her Mother,
Polaris Absolute Speed, Yuu Mai, Head Maid, and Kumi Trainer went out together, planning to watch the fireworks display near the London Eye Ferris wheel.
When Big Ben's chimes rang out, over ten thousand fireworks continuously streaked across the night sky, blooming intensely.
Like a waterfall, unrestrained and fervent, the colorful fireworks instantly illuminated the city and lit up the people's aspirations for the future.
Polaris Absolute Speed looked up slightly, watching, and suddenly felt the grip of the hand she was holding with the person beside her tighten a bit.
"Polaris, you are the strongest Horse Girl I have ever met. You are now, and you will certainly be in the future."
Yuu Mai spoke, then continued:
"I won't give up. I will definitely become stronger and compete alongside you again someday in the future."
Hearing this, Polaris Absolute Speed's tail at her lower back wagged slightly, and a smile appeared on her lips as she said:
"Mm, I believe in you, and I will wait for you. That day will surely..."
It would arrive soon.
Although she hoped for it, Yuu Mai still hadn't caught up by early March, when Polaris Absolute Speed was preparing to return to Japan.
On the day of their departure, in the airport lobby.
"Then I'll head back to Japan first. Yuu Mai, remember to take care of yourself. If you want to say anything, you can video call me or something."
Polaris Absolute Speed stood with Head Maid and Kumi Trainer on either side, facing Yuu Mai, smiling as she spoke.
"I will, Polaris, you too."
Yuu Mai nodded slightly, her expression and aura still as proud and strong as when they first met.
However, perhaps because their relationship had grown closer, the fiery spirit in her eyes had receded significantly, replaced by gentleness.
Of course, it's also possible that the not-so-pleasant parallel runs over the past few months had simply worn down her sharp edges.
After all, losing once every day, and in a way that couldn't be resisted even with all her might...
She didn't show any reluctance, knowing full well that as Horse Girl, as long as they continued to run, they would certainly meet again.
Moreover, the race schedule was indeed set that way; after all, Polaris was planning to participate in the Derby, so she would likely return to London again in June.
Yes, not only Yuu Mai, but Kumi Trainer and Head Maid also knew about this.
When Polaris Absolute Speed stated her intentions, Kumi Trainer was, predictably, the most astonished.
However, she quickly calmed down after a short while, without even needing Head Maid to set an example.
Perhaps she had truly been shocked too many times by her young mistress and had developed a resistance.
Polaris Absolute Speed and Yuu Mai hugged each other one last time, then parted ways for now.
Boarding the plane and settling into first class, the next leg was a 13-hour journey through the air.
Including the time difference, by the time her feet touched the ground again, it was already 7 AM in Japan.
Hmm, it was just the usual time she woke up.
After getting off the plane and into the Old Butler's car that had come to pick them up, they returned to the manor.
The maids had thoughtfully prepared breakfast, and after eating, she finally felt the reality of being back in a familiar environment.
The winter break had passed without her realizing it, and classes at the academy had resumed.
Polaris Absolute Speed assessed her mental state and found it to be quite good, or rather, exceptionally good.
So, after washing up, she changed into her uniform and rode in the Old Butler's car to the academy.
She arrived around just past 8 AM. After greeting Miss Junchuan, she walked down the corridor and entered the teaching building.
After some thought, she didn't head straight to the classroom but instead went towards the student council room.
Inside the student council room at this moment.
Rudolph Symboli, who had already eaten breakfast, was, as usual, processing documents, while Maruzensky was brewing tea, looking quite content.
"Knock knock knock."
A sudden knock on the door drew both of their attention.
"Please come in."
As Rudolph Symboli's permission fell, the door opened, and a Horse Girl with long blue hair walked in.
Seeing the newcomer, they paused for a moment, then smiled and said:
"Polaris, you're back."
"Oh my, Polaris, welcome back."
The blue-haired Horse Girl was naturally Polaris Absolute Speed. She also waved and greeted them:
"I'm back. Rudolf and Maruzensky, you two are still the same."
Sitting on the sofa, Maruzensky poured the brewed tea into a cup and placed it on the table, asking with a smile:
"Polaris, how was your trip to London?"
"It was wonderful. Not only did I make many beautiful memories, but I also met a new friend and rival."
Guided by Maruzensky's question, Polaris Absolute Speed also took the opportunity to recount her experiences in London.
This included visiting famous attractions, the differences in the turf there, and the general process of her many parallel runs with Yuu Mai.
Unfortunately, time was limited, and she had to go to class when the bell rang before she could finish talking about everything.
Watching her leave, Rudolph Symboli and Maruzensky suddenly chuckled softly in unison, with the former saying:
"I wonder if it's just my imagination, but I feel like Polaris's personality and aura have changed somewhat after her trip to the UK."
As for her personality, how should I put it? She's become much more cheerful?
During her narration just now, the smile on her face never faded, clearly showing how happy she was.
As for her aura, if before it was like wind and snow, giving off a chilling sensation...
Now it was like fire infused with snow; while feeling cold, there was also a burning sensation, an unusually harmonious blend.
"I don't think that's your imagination, Polaris has truly undergone some kind of change."
Maruzensky paused slightly, then continued:
"And to understand it, perhaps the only way is to watch and feel her run."
"Is that so? Then Maruzensky, would you mind having a parallel run with Polaris this afternoon?"
"Hehe, even if you didn't say so, I was already planning to do that."
They looked at each other and quickly reached a consensus.
On the other side, when Polaris Absolute Speed opened the classroom door, the teacher and students all looked somewhat surprised.
The reason was simple: this Polaris Glare had been on leave since the end of last year, and it had been two months since then.
There had been no news of her return, and suddenly she appeared outside the classroom.
Even Sirius Symboli and Mihono Bourbon were stunned for a moment before reacting, the former even instinctively stood up:
"You're already back, Polaris!"
"Mm, I'm back, sirius."
Polaris Absolute Speed nodded slightly with a smile. The teacher also came back to her senses at this time and motioned:
"Student Polaris, since you're back, please take your seat."
"Okay."
After she settled into her chair, the teacher confirmed there were no issues, then turned to write with chalk.
Seeing the teacher turn around, Mihono Bourbon, in the front row, decisively seized the opportunity to turn her head and say:
"Student Polaris, welcome back."
After speaking, she didn't wait for Polaris Absolute Speed's response and turned back around, as if nothing had happened.
Seeing this, Polaris Absolute Speed's smile remained unchanged, and she silently replied in her heart:
"I'm back, Student Mihono Bourbon."
During the break, Sirius Symboli purposefully approached, hands on hips, and said:
"Polaris, you look pretty good. I guess your overseas trip was a great experience."
"It was indeed great. sirius, would you like to go abroad with me next time?"
Polaris Absolute Speed thought for a moment, then continued:
"For example, during the summer? To run two races overseas?"
"Oh? With Polaris? That sounds pretty good."
If she had to go abroad alone, she probably wouldn't be willing, but if it was with Polaris, that was another matter.
She still wanted to surpass her and make her taste defeat, to get revenge for being mocked as a stray dog last time.
Ultimately, the point wasn't going abroad, but being able to compete in the same race as Polaris; she couldn't get that wrong.
As she spoke, Sirius Symboli seemed to remember something and changed the subject:
"Speaking of which, Polaris, have you planned which races you'll participate in? It's already March, you know."
"About that, my Trainer has already arranged it."
A look of recollection flashed in Polaris Absolute Speed's eyes as she recalled what happened on the flight back.
At that time, she asked Kumi Trainer about the upcoming race schedule, and she gave a corresponding reply:
"Hmm... the Classic races will start next month. The Sakura Laurels and Yayoi Sho are on the 7th and 14th, respectively."
"This month, I recommend you enter the Yayoi Sho, as it can help you get back into the feel of racing."
The G2 Yayoi Sho, a prelude to the Satsuki Sho.
She thought it was fine and agreed on the spot.
This was her first race of her Classic year, after ten wins out of ten last year, and she was quite looking forward to it.
"Yayoi Sho, huh..."
Sirius Symboli was thoughtful, glancing at Mihono Bourbon, who showed no reaction:
"I'm planning to participate in the Wakaba Sho on the 30th. What are your plans, Mihono?"
Hearing this, she also turned around and replied:
"I'm planning to participate in the Mainichi Hai. It seems our plans are all different."