“So strong… Polaris’s final sprint… it’s truly incredible!”
In the spectator stands, Yuzao Cross exclaimed, her gaze completely fixed on the blue-haired Horse Girl on the track.
It was her first time realizing that a Horse Girl’s run could be like that—that state of extreme mental focus, with only the finish line in her eyes…
“Thank you, Polaris. I don’t think I’ll ever forget today’s race.”
Having witnessed such a sight, even if she didn’t want to admit it, that moment was indeed deeply etched into her memory.
In her future runs, her body would likely unconsciously fall into a state of pursuit, trying to push forward with all her might, no matter what.
“Komiya-san, let’s go back.”
Yuzao Cross said, then turned to leave.
“Eh? Aren’t you going to meet Han Hime?”
“There’s no need anymore. I just want to have a big run on the training track and let out all this energy.”
On the track, a surge of warmth from deep within her heart brought Polaris Absolute Speed back to her senses.
Listening to the waves of cheers from the audience, she, as usual, turned and raised her hand, giving a slight wave.
【My condition is excellent this time. My focus was much sharper throughout the entire run than before.】
Why?
Was it because Karen-chan, Yuzao, and the Head Maid’s cheers heightened her excitement?
Or was it because the state she was in after wearing her winning outfit that night hadn’t completely faded?
Polaris Absolute Speed shook her head slightly. None of that mattered. What mattered was that she had once again demonstrated her strength and won the race again.
And after this, during the winner’s stage, she would once again be the center of everyone’s attention.
She was about to turn and walk towards the athlete’s passage when a voice from the side of the track caught Polaris Absolute Speed’s attention:
“Han Hime… what your running contains is truly intriguing.”
“Hmm? May I ask who you are?”
Her steps halted. She turned her head in confusion, seeing a Horse Girl with black hair, a white streak of highlight slightly to the left of her forehead, wearing a Central Tracen Academy uniform, and exuding a captivating aura.
Her appearance seemed to be… well… the kind that made it hard to guess her exact age.
At least, when Polaris Absolute Speed looked at her, she couldn’t tell if the other party was a junior or a senior.
To say she was a senior, yet she had been at the Academy for so long and had never seen her, so she was clearly a new face.
To say she was a junior, yet her mature figure and facial features made her unsure.
Moreover, the other party, similar to Oguri Cap, had a captivating aura about her, clearly not just anyone.
“Excuse me, my name is Mejiro Takamine. I was drawn in by your recent race and specifically came here to speak with you.”
Mejiro? Mejiro? Is she McQueen’s relative or something?
From her words and actions, she certainly had the aura of a noble family’s young lady.
“Hmm… then, Miss Mejiro Takamine, what would you like to discuss with me?”
Polaris Absolute Speed pondered for a moment, a smile gracing her face, and stepped closer. The two were now face to face.
“First, thank you for allowing me to witness such a unique race.”
Mejiro Takamine’s speech was a bit slow, her tone very formal, each word articulated clearly:
“Both your strength and that intense obsession with victory have deepened my love for racing.”
Love? Does she mean she likes racing?
Polaris Absolute Speed, understanding that the other party likely had more to say, remained silent, just listening quietly.
Mejiro Takamine, after a slight pause, continued:
“And then, your sprint on the final straightaway, that form enveloped in wind and snow, was that a state of entering another realm?”
Is she talking about the domain this time?
To be able to perceive the domain from a spectator’s perspective, she truly is a talented Horse Girl.
“What do you think, Miss Mejiro Takamine?”
Polaris Absolute Speed did not answer directly, but instead threw the question back.
The domain, in essence, is a burst state that Horse Girl achieve after breaking through their limits.
Its appearance should be unexpected but reasonable.
“Is that so? It seems I was a bit too hasty.”
Looking at Polaris Absolute Speed’s smiling face, which in reality showed no emotion, Mejiro Takamine lowered her gaze and pondered for a moment. Her clear mind quickly made her realize the impropriety of her action.
Rather than explicitly knowing the existence of that realm and becoming overly fixated on pursuing it, it was better to continue exploring it with a sense of wonder.
She believed that as long as the strength of the body and will met the conditions, coupled with the stimulation of a decisive race, it would eventually be achieved one day.
Mejiro Takamine raised her eyes to Polaris Absolute Speed again, a slight smile appearing on her lips. She didn’t continue the previous topic, but instead opened a new one:
“My younger sister, who transferred from a branch family, seems to have a strong liking for Miss Polaris Absolute Speed.”
Saying this, she extended a hand, making an inviting gesture.
“If possible, would you be able to visit the Mejiro mansion so we can properly host you?”
A younger sister who transferred from a branch family? Is she talking about McQueen? Are they sisters?
“Sister!”
“Polaris Sister!”
Before Polaris Absolute Speed could reply, two different shouts suddenly came.
Turning her head, she saw six young Horse Girl had arrived at the trackside at some point, and McQueen was among them.
Their appearances and temperaments varied, but without exception, they were all lovely, likely all young ladies of the Mejiro family.
They were looking at Polaris Absolute Speed and Mejiro Takamine, their faces filled with curiosity and confusion.
“I understand. Please allow me a moment to prepare. We can meet outside the venue later.”
Polaris Absolute Speed nodded slightly, agreeing.
Although it was a bit sudden, she had no other plans for today, and the winner’s stage wouldn’t start until the evening.
For now, she would accept their kind invitation and be a guest.
Smiling, she waved to the young Horse Girl, then continued walking towards the athlete’s passage as originally planned.
“Sister, what was that just now?”
Glancing at the blue-haired Horse Girl who was gradually walking away, Ardan leaned close to Takamine and asked softly.
“We simply discussed the race and invited her to be a guest at the mansion.”
“Really? Did Polaris Sister agree?!”
Upon hearing this, McQueen immediately became excited.
Heaven knew how much she had longed for Polaris Sister to proactively send her a message after that farewell, saying she wanted to meet, and then they could enjoy desserts together.
“That’s great, McQueen, but you haven’t forgotten how much weight you gained after you came back last time, have you?”
“What?! How did Ryan know?!”
“Hehe, through your descriptions of your wonderful memories with Han Hime at the tea party, plus the fact that you abstained from desserts for a while, I pretty much guessed it.”
Ryan put one hand on her hip, a clear smile on her face:
“By the way, Zenno also knows.”
“Wuwu… this is such a disgrace…”
“Speaking of which, Han Hime’s hair and Ardan Sister’s hair are the same color.”
Kitasan was still holding Dober’s hand, watching the interaction between McQueen and Ryan, and as if she had thought of something, she suddenly spoke.
“Hehe~ It’s true, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s some kind of destiny.”
Ardan chuckled softly, then turned to Takamine and said:
“Then, Sister, let’s go prepare as well. We can’t let Miss Polaris Absolute Speed wait for us, can we?”
“Yes, you’re right.”
And so, the seven Mejiro sisters went ahead to outside the venue.
Meanwhile, inside the athlete’s passage.
“Young Lady, you’re back a bit late this time. Did something happen?”
“I met a young lady from the Mejiro family at the trackside and was invited to be a guest at their mansion.”
Polaris Absolute Speed took the thermos handed to her by Kumi Trainer, sipped a small amount through the straw:
“I accepted. I’m supposed to meet them outside the venue later.”
“I see.”
Both the Head Maid and Kumi Trainer showed understanding. A moment later, the former reminded her:
“Young Lady, Matikane said she wants to see you. She’s already waiting in the lounge.”
“Karen-chan? I understand.”
She probably wants to take a photo again. She’s such a sweet little sister.
Returning to the lounge, as soon as she pushed the door open, Matikane, who was sitting on a chair, turned her head and looked at her with anticipation:
“Han Hime Sister~ Today’s race was amazing too! Karen was so excited!”
“Thank you, Karen-chan.”
Polaris Absolute Speed replied with a smile. She first went into the changing room to change into a blue and white dress, and then prepared to take a photo with Matikane.
“Karen-chan, how do you want to take it this time?”
“Hmm… Can Karen sit in Han Hime Sister’s lap like last time?”
“Yes, you can.”
The blue-haired Horse Girl sat on the chair, holding a gray-haired young Horse Girl in her arms, their cheeks pressed against each other.
“Han Hime Sister’s skin is cool and comfortable.”
“Is that so? Conversely, I think you’re warm and cozy, Karen-chan.”
Pointing the phone at the mirror, the shot was quickly composed.
With a “click,” a newly recorded photo was saved.
Afterwards, the two Horse Girl waved goodbye.
Matikane went home with her mother, while Polaris Absolute Speed, escorted by Kita no Shori Homare and others, arrived on the street outside the racecourse.
“Miss Polaris Absolute Speed~ Over here~”
After walking only a few steps, a voice floated over.
Turning her head towards the source of the sound, she saw the blue-haired Horse Girl from the Mejiro family.
A stretched Maybach was parked beside her, and the Mejiro family’s Old Butler was also there, seemingly having waited for a while.
“Head Maid, everyone, I’ll go over now. I’ll be back at the manor before dinner.”