Inside Tracen Academy, Tokai Teio was eagerly leading Mochizuki around the campus.
However, compared to Teio, the other Uma Musume students were far more interested in the human girl she was dragging around.
Apart from trainers and staff, humans rarely appeared inside Tracen Academy.
As a result, Mochizuki naturally attracted a large crowd of curious Uma Musume.
Of course, a pair gathering this much attention wouldn't go unnoticed by Symboli Rudolf.
Yet, she only watched from afar.
She didn't dare approach them.
Instead, she quietly turned to the two young Uma Musume in front of her. "Alright, your tour is finished. It's time to head back."
After addressing them, Rudolf added softly, "If there's anything else you'd like to see, you can still look around."
She smiled warmly as she spoke.
Seeing Rudolf's gentle expression, the two girls shook their heads and quietly left her side, heading straight toward the academy exit.
Watching them go, Rudolf straightened slightly.
She truly loved Tracen Academy and admired the Uma Musume here who fought passionately for their dreams.
But…
Recalling that those she'd arranged to replace her had already begun grumbling, Rudolf knew it was probably time to move forward with her original plan.
With that thought, Rudolf turned and walked deeper into the school.
Each guide could only handle a limited number of visitors per day—otherwise, one Tracen Academy wouldn't suffice for all of Tokyo.
Thus, the crowd soon began thinning out.
Even so…
After escorting the final two young Uma Musume back to their parents, Rudolf turned around—and saw a pair of children.
One was an Uma Musume, the other, a human.
In half a second, Rudolf recognized them:
Tokai Teio and Mochizuki.
Today, only those two fit that particular combination at Tracen Academy.
Rudolf wanted to avoid them, but at that moment, both girls turned toward her.
After all, they'd reached the academy's main gate, and no other Uma Musume would escort them further.
Even Rudolf couldn't slip away unnoticed now.
So…
"Ah! It's Emperor-san!"
"Eh? Emperor?"
Hearing Tokai Teio's excited voice, Mochizuki curiously looked in the direction Teio was staring.
Then she saw Aunt Luna from that day.
Noticing Luna standing near the academy gate, Mochizuki glanced back at Teio. "So, that's Emperor-san?"
"Yup!"
Teio's joy overflowed in her voice, causing Mochizuki to pause briefly before she nodded. "Well, let's go say hello—but we probably shouldn't stay too long."
"Yeah, okay!"
After a quick reply, Teio immediately bolted forward, dragging Mochizuki with her.
"Teio!"
Unlike before, Mochizuki couldn't stop Teio's excited dash and could only helplessly allow herself to be pulled along.
Fortunately, the distance was short enough that Mochizuki wasn't hurt. Instead, she was safely caught by a gentle embrace, preventing any injury from Teio's enthusiasm.
The one who caught her was none other than Symboli Rudolf.
Seeing Teio running toward her while dragging Mochizuki, Rudolf quickly reacted.
She first secured Mochizuki firmly, then grabbed Teio by the back of her collar.
After confirming Mochizuki wasn't hurt, Rudolf gently set her down before turning to Teio. "Tei—"
Nearly blurting out Teio's name, Rudolf quickly cleared her throat before continuing, "I know you're excited to see me, but next time, don't run so fast while holding someone's hand."
She deliberately avoided sounding overly familiar.
Instead, Rudolf's tone was that of a concerned senior gently reminding Teio. Then she turned back to Mochizuki. "Are you alright?"
"Ah—y-yeah. Thank you."
"That's good." Rudolf straightened fully now. "So, did you two need something?"
"Um, Emperor-san, I—"
"I know. You're my fan." Rudolf paused briefly before adding warmly, "I still remember you clearly. After all, you crashed my press conference once."
After saying this, Rudolf turned toward Mochizuki. "And you?"
"Aunt Luna?"
"Yes, it's me."
A simple question, a simple answer—their relationship was clear.
Seeing this strangely casual interaction, Teio tilted her head in confusion. "Mochizuki, you know Emperor-san?"
"Yeah, we met briefly before."
Giving Teio a casual reply, Mochizuki turned again to Rudolf.
Compared to Natural's embrace, Rudolf's earlier hug hadn't felt quite as gentle—but somehow it felt warmer.
What especially puzzled Mochizuki was the vague familiarity she sensed from Rudolf's embrace, similar to what she'd always felt around Tokai Natural.
Noticing Mochizuki's quiet contemplation, Rudolf didn't say anything further. Instead, she simply turned back to Teio. "Teio."
"Um, Emperor-san?"
"…No, it's nothing. You two should head out soon. Today's open house is almost over."
"Oh, it's already that late?"
"Yes."
After Rudolf's reply, Teio looked up at her, clearly wanting to say something.
But Rudolf spoke first. "Teio, I'll be waiting for you here at Tracen Academy. You don't have to worry."
Rudolf lied.
She knew very well that by the time Teio actually enrolled at Tracen Academy, she herself would likely have withdrawn due to the Climax Series.
It was a lie destined to be exposed.
Yet, for Rudolf, it was necessary.
A parent never tells their child they can't do something.
So Rudolf chose to lie.
Hearing Rudolf's words, Teio's expression brightened again. "Really? Don't lie to me, Emperor-san!"
"I wouldn't. I promise I'll wait for you at Tracen Academy."
Saying this, Rudolf gently guided the two children toward the academy gate. "I hope we'll meet again at Tracen Academy someday."
"Yeah!"
Teio's reply was simple and enthusiastic.
Mochizuki, however, remained silent, still staring intently at Rudolf and pondering that subtle, yet strangely familiar feeling.