"That's all the report I can deliver. As for Gavi… she still wasn't fully ready for yesterday's race."
Inside the room, Thalassa stood while holding a tablet. She presented various data and information regarding the Series-2 race that had taken place the day before.
Across from her sat a middle-aged man behind a desk. His body leaned back casually against the chair. One hand supported his cheek, while the other scrolled through the data on the tablet he was holding.
After examining it for a while, the man placed the tablet on the desk.
"And… what about Argentine?"
"Argentine showed quite an impressive performance. Even though she finished in second place, it's still an outstanding result considering it was only her second race."
"Hmm…" The man hummed softly. "So it was Argentine who recorded the positive result."
"That's correct. In fact, during yesterday's race, Argentine nearly caught up to the strongest horse girl in their generation—Caraxes Nagari."
"…I see."
The room fell silent again.
Thalassa paused for a moment. She weighed something in her mind before finally taking a slow breath.
"As for Gavi… could she be given one more chance? At least until the Indonesia Derby."
The man's eyebrow lifted slightly.
"Hm? Give me your reason."
"Even though she hasn't fully recovered yet, her acceleration performance has actually improved. Her speed is even better than before her injury."
Thalassa paused briefly before continuing in a firmer tone.
"The track conditions yesterday also affected her stamina quite a bit. And since the next race will be held in Bantul, I believe Gavi can show her true potential there. Bantul is her favorite track."
The man did not respond immediately.
The hand that had been supporting his cheek moved to his chin. He seemed to be thinking.
That silence only made Thalassa grow more uneasy. Without realizing it, she held the tablet in her hands a little tighter.
After a few moments, the man exhaled slowly. He leaned forward slightly and placed both hands on the desk.
"Well... Gavi will receive one more chance."
Thalassa's eyes immediately lit up.
"But if she fails—at the very least, if she doesn't make the podium—then Gavi will have to undergo special training."
Thalassa lowered her head in relief.
"Thank you very much."
"And as for Argentine… she will have to join as well."
"Eh?"
"She also has great potential. At the very least, it will serve as preparation in case Gavi's performance begins to decline. Besides, the two of them surely wouldn't want to be separated."
Thalassa nodded slowly.
"Understood. I'll inform them right away."
The man then looked at her again.
"And what about you, Thalassa? How is your own preparation?"
"My condition is far better now. I'm ready to return to the field."
"I see." The man nodded. "Well... take good care of yourself. Don't let anything unfortunate happen. You must stay focused."
He paused briefly before adding,
"Because after the Indonesia Derby… the next event will be far bigger."
Thalassa's smile widened.
"Understood. Leave it to me, Father."
—
𓃗 𓃗 𓃗
—
Walking alone along the corridor, a girl with a small butterfly-shaped crown on her left ear moved forward calmly.
The sound of her high heels echoed across the polished marble floor. Along the corridor, ornamental plants lined both sides neatly, their flowers blooming beautifully. Their fresh fragrance filled the air, making the atmosphere even more soothing.
Before long, a pair of large doors came into view, decorated with intricate floral carvings. Two guards stood on either side of them, dressed in traditional West Javanese attire. As soon as they saw the girl approaching, they immediately opened the doors.
A cool, gentle breeze welcomed her from inside.
Beyond the doors stretched a courtyard used as a place to relax. Various flowering plants decorated its corners, while a fairly large pond lay at the center. Even though night had fallen, the entire area remained clearly visible thanks to the lamps illuminating the space.
In the middle of the courtyard stood several wooden tables and chairs. At one of them sat two horse girls with their backs facing the door. They appeared relaxed, each reading something in her hands.
So absorbed were they in their reading that they did not even turn when the door opened—as if they had not noticed someone arriving, even though the creaking sound had been quite clear.
The casual dresses they wore gave them a calm and relaxed impression. Their neatly arranged long hair further highlighted their beauty.
Only when the newly arrived girl stepped closer and stopped near their sofa did the two finally turn their heads. Warm smiles immediately formed on their faces.
"Ah, welcome, Ayunda! How was your meeting with Father earlier?" one of them asked. (*note: "Ayunda" is Elder Sister)
"Well, the usual, Zedna," Thalassa replied.
She briefly glanced at the book resting on the other girl's lap.
"Hm? Isn't that…?"
"Ah, this is the novel I told you about before. Would you like to read it too, Ayunda?"
"Yes, I'd like to. After you're finished with it, Divona."
Thalassa then sat down on the other side of the sofa. But not long after, she realized something.
"It's only the two of you here. Where are the others?"
"Our younger KHalim sisters are busy with something. Kudeta and Gavi went to see a doctor for a check-up. Arion and Loupan also went out," Divona explained.
"I see. So it's just the three of us relaxing at home."
"Do you want to go out too, Ayunda?" Zedna asked.
"Maybe later." Thalassa stretched her body slowly. "I'd like to rest for a bit."
Divona placed her book on the table.
"By the way, how is Gavi doing? I heard she's been gloomy ever since that day."
"Yeah… her condition isn't very good right now, especially her mood."
Thalassa let out a light sigh.
"That crushing defeat in the last race really hit her hard. Especially with that girl named Caraxes Nagari."
Zedna added. "Ayunda. I heard Caraxes used to be Sunny's junior back in Bendang, right?"
"Ya. Sunny herself didn't realize it at first, until Caraxes defeated Milord in Series 1. I was quite surprised by her ability. Even in the Beginner Class 1200-meter, she could sprint that fast."
"Do you think she'll become the strongest candidate next year? She's completely dominating the Beginner Class."
"There's a good chance—as long as she can stay consistent."
Thalassa crossed her arms.
"Her sprint ability is truly terrifying. And it feels like she always has a hidden weapon. We don't even know yet whether she can run long distances or not."
"Well, in that regard, you would definitely have the advantage, Ayunda. After all, you have your own title as the 'Queen of Long Distance,'" Divona added.
Thalassa smiled faintly.
"Don't say that. We don't know what will happen in the future. Besides, it's still too early to judge. She's only raced twice."
"Oh right, weren't you planning to join the StarofStars, Divona?" Zedna asked.
"Yaeh. I want to try my luck there. Especially since this year... Ayunda is focusing on two other races, right?"
"That's right. Also... I want to test my ability in the SuperSprint," Thalassa replied.
Zedna smiled.
"For someone with the title 'Queen of Long Distance' to enter the SuperSprint… that will definitely surprise a lot of people."
"Well, that's how it is."
"And then, the next one will be for the two of you…"
Thalassa and Divona fell silent upon hearing Zedna's words. They exchanged glances.
"Ya. We'll be competing there, Ayunda," Zedna said with a faint smile.
"The day we face each other in battle, huh?" Thalassa replied in the same tone.
"But don't forget one more person, Ayunda," Zedna continued.
"Hm?"
Thalassa seemed to think for a moment.
"Ah, you mean Noel Sion? She's indeed a tough rival. She was incredibly persistent when she raced against me."
She crossed her arms again.
"Well, we'll see what happens after the Indonesia Derby."
Divona suddenly remembered something.
"Oh right, speaking of the last Series... how is Argentine doing?"
"She's doing fine. Her condition isn't too bad," Thalassa answered.
"Then why didn't she go home during a long holiday like this? The Indonesia Derby schedule is still far away, isn't it?" Zedna asked.
Thalassa fell silent for a moment.
"Maybe... she still feels hesitant around us."
"Huh? Hesitant? Why? She's part of our family too!" Zedna exclaimed.
"…Is it because Father pays more attention to Gavi?" Divona asked softly.
Thalassa's expression turned slightly gloomy.
"Maybe." She lowered her gaze briefly. "Even so, she keeps trying to match Gavi. Honestly… I'm also very worried about her. But I don't even know what I should do."
"Well… as older sisters, we don't always know what we should do either," Divona said gently.
"But I believe in Argentine-chan. Someday, she will definitely give her best for our family," Zedna added.
Thalassa remained silent for a moment.
"…Yeah... I hope so too."
※ ※ ※ (Chapter—12A) ※ ※ ※