Sometimes, things develop unexpectedly.
It was widely believed that with Polaris Glare campaigning overseas, the winner of this year's Takarazuka Kinen would surely be the Emperor.
Even Rudolph Symboli, who was the Emperor, felt that no one could stop her from winning.
However, it was under these circumstances that an accident occurred.
During an inspection of Hanshin Racecourse, Rudolph Symboli accidentally twisted her ankle by stepping on an exposed part of the turf that had not yet been fully replaced.
Affected by muscle pain, she ultimately had no choice but to withdraw from the Takarazuka Kinen.
With both champions absent, this year's Takarazuka Kinen suddenly became rather dull.
News reports once referred to it as:
【"Champions Absent, a Takarazuka like a Warring States Period Melee."】
8 PM, inside the student council office.
"Seriously, Rudolf, you're so careless."
Rudolph Symboli sat on the sofa, while Maruzensky sat beside her, examining the former's left leg:
"Does it still hurt? Do you want to go to the infirmary again?"
"It still hurts, it's been continuous."
Rudolph Symboli frowned, vaguely feeling that this was not a simple sprain, but something more serious...
"There's no need to go to the infirmary, I want to rest first."
"Sorry, Maruzensky, could you please help me back to the dormitory?"
"Still trying to act tough even in this state, Rudolf, you really are something..."
Maruzensky was a bit helpless, she stood up first and extended her hand, preparing to let her lean on her shoulder for support:
"Come on, if Polaris saw you like this, she might make fun of you, Rudolf."
"Hehe, is that so? I think Polaris would show concern instead."
Rudolph Symboli raised her hand and took Maruzensky's shoulder, enduring the pain in her leg as she stood up:
【"Damn it, why now..."】
If she could, she really wanted to travel back in time and stop herself from going on that inspection.
No hope of competing in the Takarazuka Kinen, and the pain in her leg continued without subsiding, it was truly terrible.
She wouldn't be unable to run anymore, would she? She wouldn't have to retire from the racecourse like this, would she?
【"What a joke..."】
【"I haven't even had a showdown with Polaris on the racecourse yet, how can it end like this..."】
Even as she thought this, a shadow unconsciously appeared in Rudolph Symboli's eyes.
The next morning, unable to accept it, she went to the hospital again for several days of examinations and treatment.
However, the truth was that even after treatment, and despite being able to walk normally, the pain lingering in her leg muscles had not faded.
Affected by this pain, it would be very difficult for her to run, and it might even worsen.
"Maruzensky, please, don't tell Polaris about this..."
Still in the student council office, Rudolph Symboli, who had been processing documents, suddenly whispered.
Maruzensky, who was making tea nearby, twitched her ears and nodded slightly:
"Mm, I know, I won't tell Polaris."
Would the five-crowned Horse Girl Emperor really come to an end like this?
Switching perspective, we arrive at Paris International Airport.
After a 13-hour flight, Polaris Absolute Speed and the others finally landed.
It was afternoon in Paris at this time, and the waiting driver was already in position.
Without delay, they immediately took a car to Mother's residence in the area.