Chapter 587

He rode here on horseback partly out of curiosity, and also because he had mentioned to Sakurajima Mai that he would come back to visit again; and partly because he had ridden a horse today...

Speaking of horses, he naturally thought of someone here.

Before the steed had even run for a minute, he pulled on the reins to signal it to slow down—I told you, this place is really small.

He rode slowly along the driveway and mountain path around the hill, admiring the surrounding flowers, trees, and shrubs.

Perhaps it's because we're away from the city's landmass, or perhaps it's because there's so much greenery around, but in any case, the air here is much fresher than in Tokyo or Fujisawa, even in the cool morning breeze.

On the surface of the lush green grass and shrubs, one can occasionally see abundant and vibrant hydrangea flowers, in both blue and pink.

Although it is a narrow path, the ground is covered with neat and densely packed small stones, just like a dry landscape garden, so there is no difficulty in walking on it.

That looks like a temple, doesn't it?

Sure enough, not long after, he saw the temple's plaque and the steps of the sidewalk.

It seems the horse's path isn't this way...

While pondering whether to continue upwards or, after enjoying the experience, consider heading back.

"Whoa! Kokoro! Sabure!"

A flustered shout drew his attention from the temple gate back to what was in front of him.

In front of him was... a horse? And a girl on the horse.

Although it's embarrassing to say this, what immediately caught his eye was indeed the tall, magnificent horse that resembled his mount.

Its fur is dark brown, with a vertical white stripe down the middle of its face—a white face (pronounced: Omosiroy)?

That's a lame joke.

I don't know how old it is, but judging from its cloudy eyes, it's probably not young, and its pedigree is probably... well, owning a horse as a pet still puts it ahead of most people, doesn't it?

Incidentally, this mountain and temple also belong to her family.

Yes, she...

He focused his gaze on the girl on horseback. She wore a black top hat with a mid-brimmed brim, had brown hair and brown eyes, and wore an off-the-shoulder pleated dress and mid-calf socks, giving her the appearance of a female knight.

He's quite tall, almost as Ouka Mai... Why would he care about that now?

Because the thought of his dark past came to mind again, he quickly shook his head, trying to banish this chilling idea.

It's terrifying! Big cities are terrifying! Everywhere there are perverts lusting after him... Father, Mother, I want to go back to the mansion in New York!

In the female knight's hasty turn, the two horses narrowly missed each other, avoiding a collision.

After traveling a short distance, Okita Sawa steered her horse around and quickly apologized, "Sorry! I was distracted!"

As for why she was distracted, it was because she saw the other person and the foal in such an incongruous scene in the woods... she would never say that out loud!

He was also controlling the steering wheel, somewhat surprised. Although he had come on horseback, he thought he would never see the other person again and was preparing to go down the mountain and leave.

Although her is the target, it doesn't really matter if I don't see her at this point.

It's the kind of situation where you see someone if you can, but don't feel bad if you don't... In just a few months, my circumstances have really changed dramatically.

"No, it's alright," he shook his head gently. "I didn't expect there to be people raising horses here. It's really heartwarming!"

"Ah..." Okita Sawa tightened her grip on the reins, her joy mirroring his own. "Yes! I thought my family was the only ones on the island who kept horses! Are you a new resident of the island?"

"Ah, my name is Okita Sawa! This child is Sabure!"

She first introduced herself, then pointed to the brown horse she was riding and said...

He couldn't remain silent when she looked at him with expectant, shimmering eyes.

"No, I'm not a resident of the island either. I was just feeling a bit down today and wanted to take a walk here... My name is Himemiya Chihaya, and this child is... the Radiant Sanctuary."

After a brief silence of two or three seconds, he had a sudden inspiration and said the name he had just chosen.

Since he is the master, naming his mount is his duty.

The inspiration comes from the Angel "Sanctuary of All Things," and the "radiance" is chosen to match its color. The name also fits the style of horse racing—surprisingly, it's quite good!

Wow~ What a cool name~

Okita Sawa covered her mouth and nose, her delicate eyebrows trembling slightly. She then immediately dismounted and rushed over to observe the Radiant Sanctuary up close.

She was clearly more interested in it than he was.

Of course, the fact that I mentioned his name is cool has nothing to do with him...

She couldn't help but slowly extend her right hand, then suddenly stopped just before it touched it, looking up expectantly and asking, "Excuse me! May I touch it?"

"Sure~" He chuckled softly, tilted his head, dismounted, and took control of the reins of the Radiant Sanctuary.

Okita Sawa touched it, gently stroking its smooth, shiny fur.

"The color and feel are amazing, it's clearly been raised very well, I'm so touched..." Her eyes glistened with tears; it was the first time in her life she had ever encountered such a high-class horse race.

"This is a race-quality horse, right? It's fantastic... Oh, I didn't mean to say anything bad about Sabure!"

She quickly turned around and hurriedly explained to Sabure, who was staring in their direction in a daze.

"Haha~" Ogura Asahi couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Miss Sawa really likes horses."

"Of course! I love it the most!"

Okita Sawa reluctantly looked up, and paused for a moment when she saw him.

She only just realized how tall he was after dismounting—taller than her!

"Um... Hinomiya (Sang), you're really tall."

Chapter 530 The Knight's Dream

"I roughly know what you're thinking, but I'm a guy, you know?"

"Huh?"

Okita Sawa froze, her warm hand firmly covering the equally alluring and enchanting profile of the Radiant Sanctuary, feeling its healthy, burning heat.

She glanced at his flawless white hair again, unwilling to give up. Hmm, there are guys growing their hair like that these days...

Then the face... Are you kidding me!

This face is way too feminine!

And she's so beautiful! I think she's even prettier than her, Rika, and Kanade!

However... if he were a boy, it would explain his height... and his pitiful chest.

"I'm sorry."

"I feel that asking this would hurt my pride, so please stop."

"..."

Fortunately, Himemiya Chihaya was already used to this and skillfully changed the subject.

The awkwardness didn't last long; the two quickly engaged in a relatively enthusiastic discussion about horses.

"How does Mr. Hinomiya (still Sang) usually feed the Radiant Sanctuary? What is its diet?" Okita Sawa asked curiously.

"Just call me Chihaya... I mostly keep it at the horse farm." That would probably be the best answer for most people, right?

Tch~tch~tch~So saying that other people aren't him doesn't work.

At times like these, you need to draw on the knowledge you've gained from reading to keep the conversation going.

"For daily feed, coarse grains generally make up 50%, such as alfalfa hay, timothy hay, sheep grass, and ryegrass. These high-fiber hays can maintain intestinal health, prevent colic, and stabilize digestion."

"Because it's still quite young, it probably eats about four or five kilograms a day."

"Then there are grains used as concentrated feed, usually oats, corn, barley, wheat, etc. However, these are high in calories, and it's easy to become obese if you're not careful."

"Other supplements include protein to build muscle, fats like rice bran oil and soybean oil to enhance endurance and smooth coat, as well as micronutrients, vitamins, electrolytes, and probiotics."

"Normally, we follow the principle of small, frequent meals, feeding three or four times a day. On training days, the menu will be different."

"Wow~~~" Okita Sawa listened intently, her beautiful eyes shining, much more attentive than usual in class. "So professional! Is this the daily care of a show -Thoroughbred?!"

"I usually feed Sabure hay, carrots, apples, and things like that... By the way, are the Radiant Sanctuary's horses kept at a horse farm? How much is the annual membership fee? I heard it's very expensive..."

Not far away, Sabure heard his name called, looked up, and seeing that his master wasn't looking at him, he lowered his head again dejectedly to smell the flowers.

"It will eat carrots and apples too, but those are just rewards for completing tasks occasionally. The membership fee... is indeed not cheap." Himemiya Chihaya patted the healthy, bulging belly of the Radiant Sanctuary with a sigh.

Even for ordinary horses, the annual membership fee at horse farms near the city can be over eight figures in yen. Thoroughbred racehorses are even more expensive because their daily maintenance and feeding require a lot of effort.

Compared to this, the price of the horses themselves is quite cheap, offering absolutely no value for money.

Of course, after adoption, the owner can go to the site anytime and ride horses around, which is an expensive sport like golf—but just as unproductive.

If the horse riding area is located in a remote area, it will be much cheaper; if it's on the grassland... well, you know.

The most economical way is like Okita Sawa's family, where if the environment near their home allows, they build a stable and ride around the area every day. However, they have to take care of the daily feeding, watering, cleaning up manure, and medical check-ups themselves.

"Oh, I see~ How old is the Radiant Sanctuary now? Will it participate in professional competitions in the future? Will it go to the Central Government?!" The more she talked, the more excited she became.

Especially when talking about the central government, the envy and anticipation in his eyes were almost overflowing.

Japan horse racing is divided into JRA (Japan Racing Association) and NAR (National Association of Racing).

The former is a national competition, only Thoroughbred are eligible to participate, the event is uniformly speed racing, and it brings together famous horses, representing the highest level;

The latter are local races, which not only have lower prize money but also a more rugged style, and even include races for draft horses.

The former competitions are divided into internationally renowned high-stakes competitions such as G1, G2, and G3, while the latter, the highest level, A1—a competition that most people have never even heard of—is only equivalent to a central Open Race.

Now you know what the Emperor's statement, "No disrespect to the Central Government is allowed!" really meant, right?

Actually, that's a euphemism. It's really too difficult for an ordinary country bumpkin to win an award at the central level.

"A little over a year old, not even two yet, um~ maybe she'll participate~ I'm not sure." Himemiya Chihaya responded relaxedly.

"Eh~~ Why?! Wouldn't it be such a waste not to go?!" Okita Sawa stared wide-eyed in disbelief. "Let's go! The Radiant Sanctuary will definitely shine! I have a feeling about it!"

"Let's talk about that when it's two years old." He remained noncommittal, not yet deciding whether to do it. If that day ever came, it would be the day a legend was born!

"Is Miss Sawa interested in horse racing? Are you perhaps a jockey now?"

Even though it might slightly touch a sore spot, let's use that to change the subject.

"Uh," Okita Sawa paused, a wry smile tinged with embarrassment, "No, not yet, although my dream is to become a rider."

"I'm currently a third-year student at the nearby Shirahamasaka High School, and I plan to go to a racing school after graduation."

"That's a very nice dream," Himemiya Chihaya affirmed, then frowned slightly, hesitating to speak further, "I apologize if I have offended you, but..."

"It's okay, I know..." She managed a small, forced smile.

"Yes, I think you know this, Miss Sawa," he turned to look at the lush greenery below the hill, "That the requirements for riders are very high in terms of height and weight, and they must maintain their weight for life."

"Ah, I didn't mean you're fat. Rather, you're actually in a very healthy physique. But let alone the Central Horse Racing School, which only accepts boys, even the NAR (National Association of Athletics Federations) has very strict requirements for its students, and the competition is extremely fierce. They only admit a dozen or so students a year..."

The JRA Horse Racing School in the central area goes without saying; although admission is free, it probably only accepts about ten students a year.

Visual acuity must be 0.8 or higher without glasses, and physical strength must be excellent—but these are not a problem for her, since she can easily do a side somersault on the spot.

But the fact that she only accepts male students immediately knocked her out.

The reason is simple: the profession of rider has very strict weight requirements. To ensure fairness, riders are weighed before and after each competition.

Aside from special adjustments based on factors such as the horse's sex and age, the overall weight limit is extremely strict, with a tolerance of only about 2 kg.

The total load of the rider, saddle, and lead weights is only about 50 kg.

Therefore, the weight requirements for riders are quite high, essentially requiring lifelong weight loss.

Women are more prone to weight fluctuations due to the possibility of pregnancy, their higher body fat percentage compared to men, and the fact that men are more resistant to injury in the event of a fall... Therefore, they were banned by the Central Horse Racing School.

In some local areas, although tuition is not free, the requirements are slightly lower and women are allowed to apply, with the application age being between 15 and 20 years old. However, the requirements in this respect are still the same.

Okay, those were professional players, so what about the requirements for trainees?

The answer is: basically, the weight should be between 46 and 49 kg.

So, how much does our Miss Sawa weigh...? He's never held her, how would he know?

But it seems, perhaps, maybe... that it's 57kg now?

Okay~ pass!

If even gaining 0.5kg is not an option, then there's practically no hope for her—at least not in China.