Walking alone down the school corridor, a chestnut-haired girl moved at an unhurried pace. Several sheets of paper were pressed gently against her chest. A soft smile curved on her lips as she exchanged greetings with another student passing by.
"Good morning, Gavi-chan!"
A horse girl with long, shimmering silver hair stood before her. Two gambir flower buds adorned her left ear. She looked elegant, wearing a warm smile with a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Merlin Gray—a horse girl from Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. The leader of Team Ruby.
"Good morning, Merlin-chan!"
"Turning in your holiday assignment?" Gavi asked.
"Yeah. Oh, and congratulations on Emerald Team's achievement yesterday!"
"Ah, congratulations to Ruby Team as well. You all achieved something even better than we did."
"Ah, thank you. By the way, how was your holiday? I heard you went to Tegalwaton."
"Yes. We went there to check out the track as well."
Merlin's gaze briefly dropped to Gavi's leg. "I heard you'll be racing in Series 2. Is your leg fully healed?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"Yes. It's getting much better. I've also been training on my own while I was home."
"Oh? If I'm not mistaken, your house is near the beach, right? Must be nice—training while enjoying a free vacation. Meanwhile, I…" she gave a small, playful sigh.
"Don't say that. I hardly ever go home anyway. I'm more comfortable staying at the dorm." Gavi glanced at the documents in Merlin's arms. "By the way, are you joining too?"
"Yes. Hopefully nothing gets in the way. And…"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Merlin's expression turned serious. She stepped a little closer and lowered her voice.
"Do you remember the girl from Onyx Team who won yesterday's race?"
"Eh? You mean…?"
"Yes. Caraxes Nagari. After watching that race, she was truly extraordinary. Not just her—even someone from her same lineage won decisively."
Gavi hummed thoughtfully. "I didn't get to watch the next race after Milord-san's, but if I'm not mistaken, her name was Sidney, right?"
"Yes. Caraxes Nagari and Sidney Allstar—a tough horse girl from North Sulawesi. And Onyx Team's leader, Kamaka Eclipse, is just as strong. Not to mention Rapid Dash-senpai is there too, right?"
"…Yes. For now, Onyx is filled with the strongest racers in our year."
"I'm not sure if this rumor is true or not, but Caraxes is apparently aiming for the Triple Crown and the Pertiwi Cup next year."
Gavi's eyes widened. "Eh? That's impossible! Isn't that an insane goal?!"
"I thought so too. But seeing how strong she is, I think it's possible. At the very least, one of them will probably claim one of those titles."
"I see…"
"Onyx truly has big ambitions. Even Rapid-senpai is targeting victory in the main race of Series 2 and the Indonesia Derby this year."
Gavi fell silent in thought—especially upon hearing the name of someone from her own lineage.
"But," Merlin's eyes sparkled, "I'm the one who will claim the Pertiwi Cup next year!"
"…!"
A powerful determination radiated from her face.
Even Gavi found herself speechless, staring at the girl before her. It wasn't just admiration she felt—memories from a year ago surfaced as well.
Of Gavi standing there in silence, watching a girl crying alone. Filled with regret, mourning her defeat.
"I'll be waiting for you there, Gavi-chan!"
Snapped out of her brief reverie, Gavi smiled once more. "Yes. I hope we can compete against each other."
"Alright then, I'll get going. Bye!"
"Bye."
Gavi's eyes followed the silver-haired horse girl as she walked away.
Her gaze then lowered, catching sight of a black silhouette clinging to her feet—like a shadow from the past that refused to disappear.
"The Pertiwi Cup, huh?" she whispered.
Gavi steadied herself, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
Time kept moving. There were many things she had to face for now. So she chose to keep walking.
Her destination was close. A small plaque hung by the corner of the door:
TeacherRoom
Gavi stepped inside. Her eyes scanned the room before settling on an adult man wearing his trademark white cap. He seemed completely absorbed in the monitor on his desk, fingers dancing across the keyboard.
She approached him and greeted, "Good morning, Trainer-san!"
"Hm? Gavi! Morning!"
"This is… our holiday research assignment."
"Ah, thank you. I'll review it first and return it after grading."
"Alright, Trainer-san. I'll take my leave then."
"Oh, Gavi!"
"Hm?" She had already turned around but now faced him again. "Ya?"
"After classes end, tell all the members to gather in the team room. We're training today."
"Eh? Training?"
"Yes. Sorry for the short notice. We don't have much time. Series-2 is less than three weeks away, and once you subtract holidays and other breaks, we only have about ten effective days of practice."
"…Yes. I understand. I'll inform the others."
"Oh, one more thing."
"Yes?"
"To fill the remaining slot in your team, it looks like you'll be getting it soon. Two transfer students want to register."
"Tr-Transfer students?" Gavi smiled wryly.
"What's wrong?"
"N-No, it's just… for some reason our team keeps getting new members."
"Relax. They're not as troublesome as Milord. Probably."
"You just said 'probably,' Trainer-san."
"At least we'll finally meet the team requirements before the deadline. I'll send their profiles after the Indonesia Derby."
"Eh? That long?"
"Yup. They just moved into the dorm, so they still have a lot to take care of. Just like Milord did."
"So they're recommendation students?"
"Exactly. Which means they're accomplished as well. Our team will be filled with talented horse girls again. So I'm counting on you to help guide them, Gavi."
Gavi let out a quiet breath, aware of the heavy responsibility placed on her shoulders. Then she smiled once more.
"Understood, Trainer-san."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: Milord]
—
"… Um… I don't know why, but it's really crowded today."
I stopped at the edge of the field, looking out over the training track.
Dozens of students were practicing across nearly every lane available. Even under the blazing sun, they ran back and forth as if there were no tomorrow.
As I watched, something dawned on me.
"Wait. Aren't they in the same year as us?" I asked.
"Yup! There'll be a lot of participants filling up Series-2," Trainer replied, along with the three others behind me. "Some of them are already training from now to compete in the Indonesia Derby later on."
"Seriously? They're that dedicated?"
"That's usually how it goes," Gavi said while stretching. "A lot of them are aiming for victory at the Indonesia Derby. It's the peak of the National Series."
Salva and Argentine, carrying a cooler box, set it down near the stands. After that, they walked over and began warming up by the track.
"You two are entering as well, right?" I asked, joining their warm-up.
"Y-Yes!" Salva answered enthusiastically. "We want to experience the atmosphere of the Indonesia Derby before moving up to the Derby Class next year."
"That makes sense. The more experience, the better."
My eyes shifted to the Introvert, who was effortlessly doing the splits. It was the first time I'd seen her body that flexible. No wonder she could accelerate so well on sharp turns.
I honestly couldn't wait for the day we'd face each other on the track. But before that, I had to defeat that Bastard first.
"Alright! Warm-up's enough! Line up!"
"Yes!" we answered.
"Today we'll keep it light after the long break. Though I know you all trained on your own during the holidays—especially you, Argentine."
"Huh?"
"Pretty obvious," I teased.
Gavi and Salva gave bitter smiles.
"You too, Gavi."
"…!"
"I heard you trained quite hard. Staying in shape is important, but I told you not to overdo it during the long break."
"… I'm sorry, Trainer-san."
Seeing Gavi lower her head, Trainer sighed.
"Well, what's done is done," he muttered. "Alright! Same as before, we'll split into two teams. Since everyone's here today, we'll change the brackets. Team A: Milord and Argentine. Team B: Gavi and Salva. Understood?!"
"Understood!"
"As before, each team will have different training. Milord and Argentine can move on to the next stage, but Gavi and Salva—you haven't raced in a while, so I need to assess your abilities first."
"Y-Yes!"
"Understood!"
"Good! Team A, your distance difference is only 200 meters, so your training will be the same. Focus on improving your physical strength."
"No problem," I replied.
"I'm ready," the Introvert added.
"Team B, you'll start with basics and gate training."
"Yes!"
"Alright! Get to it!"
"Yes, sir!" we answered in unison.
We split up. Argentine and I headed to the outer track, while Gavi and Salva moved to the long straight lane. Since gate training could be done independently, Trainer left them to focus more on us.
As usual, we began by circling the track at a slow pace, then moderate, then fast. Honestly, since entering the academy, my training load had increased. I went to the gym almost every day. Gradually, I could feel my body improving—my muscles were stronger, my stamina lasting longer.
Even so, it still wasn't enough.
My loss in Series-1, and my match against Noel-senpai, made it clear how far I still was from being the best at the national level. I didn't expect to win the Triple Crown next year—but that didn't mean I wouldn't chase it. If the opportunity came, I wouldn't let it slip away. Even if my opponent was my own teammate.
Still, every memory of those races filled me with fury.
For now, the strongest in our year was that Bastard. I would seize the throne before next season began.
Before long, the western sky turned orange. Only a few students remained on the field—maybe six, including us. For something labeled "light training," today felt intense. Time was limited, after all.
We gathered near the stands to cool down, grabbing drinks from the cooler box.
"Alright! That's enough for today! We'll continue tomorrow after classes as usual. Go home, rest immediately, and don't stay up late. Remember—maintain your condition! Understood?!"
"Understood!"
"Good. Pack up. Gavi, Salva—head back first and bring the cooler box to the team room. Milord, Argentine—help me move the gates."
"Yes!"
Gavi and Salva left. Argentine and I followed Trainer.
I briefly glanced at Tosca before looking forward again.
Trainer pulled the gates from the inner side while we pushed from the outer side. Thankfully, there were only six gates, so it wasn't too hard.
After finishing, Trainer told us to head home. Now it was just the two of us walking back.
For a moment, I played with my long shadow stretching at my feet. The Introvert walked silently as usual. The quiet bothered me, so I brought up what had been on my mind.
"Hey, Introvert."
"Argentine," she corrected.
"Your sister's doing okay, right? She didn't seem very calm."
She glanced at me, then looked ahead again. "Ya."
"If this keeps up, she won't be able to perform later."
"Ya."
"… That's it?" I stopped walking.
"…?" Argentine turned back as well.
"You're not worried about Gavi?"
"… Of course I am."
"But your eyes don't say that."
"…"
"Seems like you're not even surprised I can tell."
This time she fell completely silent, shifting her gaze to the massive glowing orb sinking in the west.
"Can I ask you something?" she said. "If one day Sunny-senpai were to face Sis Thalassa, and your big sis looked troubled—would you comfort her?"
"Huh? Of course I…"
I was about to answer, but something hit me.
Seeing my silence, she continued.
"Why? Why did you stop?" She looked at me. "You realize it's pointless? Everyone tries to comfort someone—but sometimes that only adds to their burden. You see them smile for your sake, but that's not what you truly want. What you need is peace—until you choose to come to them yourself."
"So... what are you saying is... ?"
"Yeah. I'm waiting for Gavi."
I looked away, unsatisfied. "Why?"
"Because I believe in her abilities. Just like you believe in Sunny-senpai."
"…"
"Since we were little, my family trusted Gavi more than me. I don't mind. I've always gladly supported her so she can become the best horse girl one day—just like our older sisters before us."
"That's why you don't have a reason for yourself?"
"… Ya. Like you once said, I am weak. I admit it. That's why I work as hard as I can, just to stand beside Gavi. I want to stay by her side. But…"
Melancholy settled between us. Her gaze drifted to the twilight sky.
"Ever since Gavi suffered that severe injury, she's been declining. Her leg has long healed—but the fear hasn't."
"… Then do you want to replace her?"
"I told you—I'm not as talented as Gavi. It takes tremendous effort for me to reach this point. All I can do now is give everything I have. I enjoy being the one who supports Gavi from behind."
"…"
She turned to me, smiling.
"Because she's my most precious sister."
"…!"
Golden light bathed her dirt-stained jersey. With her blocking the sun's glare, I could clearly see the sincerity in her smile. It wasn't the first time I'd seen Argentine smile—but this time, it felt warmer.
I was captivated. Silent. A quiet warmth spread through my chest. Thoughts about the meaning of family began to form—after witnessing their bond and everything those two sisters had done.
So this was the answer to that strange feeling I had when I saw Gavi's back that day?
My eyes closed. A smile formed on my lips.
Right now, I had truly lost to the two of them.
"You'd better comfort Gavi—because I'm going to win the race."
I resumed walking after declaring my provocation. Argentine didn't respond, simply walking beside me.
We moved quietly along the red pavement. The glass spheres lining the road lit up one by one.
Then I heard a soft thud beside me.
"Ah! Sorry!"
Argentine had bumped into another student.
"I'm sorry too. I wasn't paying attention," Argentine replied.
My gaze lingered on them—if I wasn't mistaken, they were the last two students training on the track earlier besides us.
I noticed the accessories on their left ears: a Cupid's Arrow flower on the crimson-haired girl, and a Kecombrang bloom on the girl with deep jragem-colored hair—two flowers distinctive to West Sumatra.
So I'd finally met horse girls from West Sumatra besides Salva. They were fairly tall, well-proportioned—especially the one with the Kecombrang. Her muscles looked dense and solid.
I didn't expect anyone with a physique that good besides that Bastard.
"Well then, we'll excuse ourselves," said the torch ginger girl.
"Yeah."
They walked away calmly. Just as silent as we were. No conversation between them as we watched them leave.
Then I noticed Argentine staring after them, her expression slightly puzzled.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"… I've never seen them before."
"Really? Don't tell me they're transfer students too."
"I don't know. I haven't heard anything about new students joining this academy."
"You've been here longer than me and even you don't know. I just transferred in myself. Oh well—let's hurry back."
Argentine kept watching them for a moment longer. The serious look she'd been wearing finally faded as she turned forward and walked beside me.
"… Yeah."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
[POV: 3]
—
Moving in silence, the two horse girls remained wrapped in a calm atmosphere.
It didn't take long before the girl adorned with a Kecombrang flower came to a stop and glanced over her shoulder.
"What is it?" asked the girl wearing the Cupid's Arrow flower.
"…You know them?"
"Hm? You mean those students earlier? Of course I do. Just look at the accessory on their right ears—it's obvious, isn't it? Oriole feathers, and also Manguni feathers."
"…Ya. Just like in the race broadcast we watched back then."
"Seems like they're going to compete again. If you're interested, how about we watch them in person later?"
The Kecombrang girl's gaze still lingered on the backs of the two students. Curiosity continued to stir within her—about how capable she truly was when the time came to face them.
Amidst that lingering question, she finally turned around and resumed walking forward.
"…Yeah."
※ ※ ※ (Chapter - 09) ※ ※ ※