"Wait a second, I can't run anymore," Kousei panted, waving her hands dismissively.
"Nngh—Yada! We've only been running for a little while!" Sweep Tosho insisted, tugging relentlessly at Kousei's arm. "Come on! Let me see that 'Magic'!!!"
"I don't know any magic!"
The two were on completely different wavelengths. Kousei could only selectively ignore Sweep Tosho, letting her throw her tantrum.
"It's rare to see you alone with the Little Witch," Just a Way remarked, appearing at just the right moment as always.
"Way? You've been gone for days. I was actually getting worried," Kousei said, chatting calmly with Just a Way as if nothing was wrong, completely unfazed by Sweep Tosho's futile tugging.
"I went to another city for some merch I was interested in."
Since Just a Way often disappeared, Kousei naturally accepted her explanation without question.
"By the way, what are you doing at the training track?" Just a Way asked, looking puzzled.
Kousei smiled. "Dr. Takuya's medicine has been really effective. I've barely had any episodes these past few days, so I thought I might be able to start my rehabilitation."
"I tried jogging a bit on the training track, but I didn't expect Sweep Tosho to see me. And... well, this is the result."
"You just can't sit still, can you?"
"It's in my nature."
"And what happened?" Just a Way didn't press the matter further.
"As a rehabilitation partner, someone was being a little too demanding," Kousei said pointedly.
Just a Way understood immediately and turned to Sweep Tosho. "Kousei hasn't fully recovered yet, so you can't push her too hard, okay?"
"No! Just let me see the Magic one more time! I promise I'll be good!" Sweep Tosho insisted stubbornly.
Just a Way glanced at Kousei, who shrugged, indicating she had no idea what the girl was talking about.
"You've been searching for Magic, haven't you?" Just a Way knelt down to meet Sweep Tosho's gaze.
"That's right! I'm sure the Magic is inside Kousei!" Sweep Tosho grew excited at the mention of magic.
"As expected of a Witch Candidate. You truly have a sharp eye."
"Hehe!" Sweep Tosho puffed out her chest and placed her hands on her hips proudly.
"The Magic is indeed within Kousei."
"Huh?" Kousei froze, thinking to herself, It's inside me?
"I knew it! I knew I wasn't mistaken!" Sweep Tosho exclaimed eagerly. "Quick, cast some magic!"
"Now, now, don't be so hasty," Just a Way said calmly, luring her in step by step. "Since you love magic so much, you must know it has to be learned gradually. You're only a Witch Candidate right now. The magic on Kousei is Advanced Magic—far beyond what you can grasp at your current level."
"Question! What's the first requirement to become a witch?"
Sweep Tosho mumbled reluctantly, "Studying..."
"Correct! The number one rule for becoming a witch is to study. Given your status as a Witch Candidate, let's start with Basic Magic!"
After a moment of internal struggle, Sweep Tosho reluctantly agreed. "Fine..."
Kousei clapped her hands from the side. "Masterful!"
Just a Way shot Kousei a meaningful glance before leading Sweep Tosho in another direction.
"Do you really know magic?" Sweep Tosho asked.
"Of course. Cross my heart and hope to die."
"So you're a witch too?"
"Naturally."
"That's amazing! I've never met another witch besides my grandmother! What's your specialty?"
"That's a secret."
The two chatted and laughed as they walked. It seemed Just a Way really was good at handling "kids."
Left alone on the training track, Kousei considered leaving, but her eyes drifted back to the runway, and a familiar urge stirred within her.
Maybe... just one more lap?
Reason lost. Once again, Kousei surrendered to her desire.
-
In the meeting room, Kashimoto Riko faced the committee members.
"I never expected that 'Heretic' to actually win the Takarazuka Memorial," one member remarked.
"Dark horses occasionally pull off upsets," another countered dismissively.
"Even so, we cannot afford to be complacent. They haven't self-destructed as we predicted. We must crush even the faintest possibility of their success. You understand what we mean, don't you, Acting Director?"
Kashimoto Riko met the committee's collective gaze, her expression calm. "Little Cocon and Bitter Glasse will also be racing in the Autumn Tenno Sho. I trust I don't need to explain their capabilities to you, esteemed members."
"Haha! Of course! They are the Acting Director's trusted lieutenants, who have served the Director so admirably," a member sneered. "Speaking of which, your rise to power owes a great deal to their invaluable support, wouldn't you say?"
Among the numerous committee members, there were plenty of despicable individuals.
"They did indeed contribute significantly," Kashimoto Riko replied, ignoring the jab.
"Sweep Tosho is also racing in the Autumn Tenno Sho," another member chimed in. "That girl may be willful, but her skills are undeniable. With two G1 victories under her belt, can the Acting Director's charges truly handle her?"
"I will keep that in mind."
"Sweep Tosho is one of your charges too, isn't she? Surely the Acting Director wouldn't go easy on her?"
"Of course not."
Kashimoto Riko's emotionless response left the member feeling foolish, and he dropped the matter. Only then did the other members, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, step in to smooth things over.
"The Acting Director is our partner. We have complete and utter faith in you."
"Thank you."
"However..."
The member's tone shifted. Kashimoto Riko had anticipated this and simply listened in silence.
"It's not that we don't trust you, Acting Director. We just want to ensure a foolproof victory. Therefore, we will also be entering one of our own racers in the Autumn Tenno Sho. We trust this will add another glorious achievement to your record."
Kashimoto Riko nodded in agreement. Her docile demeanor greatly pleased the committee members.
"By the way, T," one of them said, turning their attention from Kashimoto Riko. "How is Contrail's condition lately?"
At these words, Rudolf, who had been looking utterly bored, suddenly sharpened her gaze. Kashimoto Riko also turned to look.
For a moment, all eyes were on T. This was no time to be evasive, so he answered truthfully: "Her condition is excellent. There's no need to worry."
"Good. We hope her loss at the Osaka Cup hasn't affected her. You should focus your efforts on Contrail. After all, she is our designated Central Commander-in-Chief. Sooner or later, she will be the one to carry Tracen Academy on her shoulders."
"I understand."
T's gaze secretly flickered toward Rudolf. The Committee was now openly discussing the Commander-in-Chief title. With the Emperor's authority still formidable, what was the point of this move?
Rudolf's smile was enigmatic. Faced with such a blatant challenge to her authority, she simply laughed it off.
This reaction did not escape the Committee members' notice. They silently speculated on its meaning, but none dared to probe further.
The meeting ended in this strange, heavy silence.
"Your Majesty the Emperor, please wait a moment."
As they were leaving, a member suddenly called out to Rudolf.
"The meeting should be over. Do the members have some private matter to discuss with me?" Rudolf glanced at her, her tone casual.
"How would we dare? It's not us who wish to see you, but That Person," the member said deferentially. Rudolf understood immediately.
"In that case, let's go."
Kashimoto Riko and T watched as Rudolf left with the member. They noted each other's presence before quickly heading off in opposite directions.
"Please, come in."
The member respectfully pulled open the door. Rudolf strode in casually, while the member did not follow.
"So you've come, Luna."
A man tending to a bonsai plant set down his tools. As he turned, a face etched by the passage of time came into Rudolf's view.
Rudolf seemed momentarily dazed before quickly composing herself, her gaze locking onto him. "Good afternoon, Chief Judge. Or perhaps... I should call you Trainer-kun."