As President, I Don't Think You're Ready

A little while later, at a milk tea shop near the hospital.

"Two honey specials, one with extra honey, and one coffee. Thank you very much."

After placing her order, a petite, lively-looking Horse Girl turned and walked over to a window seat. She folded her arms and sat down with a stern expression.

Across from her sat Anjing Zhen, his expression calm, and Kitasan Black, who had her head bowed and was fidgeting with her hands like a child who'd done something wrong.

The petite, serious Horse Girl glanced sternly at Kitasan Black, then looked at Anjing Zhen with an appreciative smile.

"It wasn't convenient to explain at the hospital earlier. I came to find Trainer Yasui because I got in touch with the parents of the child you rescued. They really want to thank you in person.

"We've also found the driver responsible. He's giving a statement at the police station now. He admitted to driving while fatigued and is willing to take full responsibility.

"Would you like to meet the child's parents and the driver?"

Anjing Zhen shook his head.

"No need. I'm just glad the child is okay.

"But Kitasan Black said she'd cover the cost of my examination. I think the driver should be responsible for that.

"That shouldn't be a problem, right, President?"

"Not at all. I'll take care of it shortly."

The petite Horse Girl, whom they called "President," immediately nodded, then turned her stern gaze on Kitasan Black, who still had her head lowered.

"Now then... Little Kita, have you realized what you did wrong?"

"Yes! Teio-senpai!"

As if she'd been caught by the tail, Kitasan Black stiffened at once and lifted her head to answer. Then she shrank her neck, looking confused and uneasy.

"What I did wrong... was going with Mr. Anjing to rescue that child?"

Teio-senpai sighed and covered her pale-moon-colored, crescent-shaped bangs.

"Looks like you still don't understand..."

She folded her arms and said with an air of authority:

"There was nothing wrong with rescuing someone. It was praiseworthy, and I've already drafted a commendation letter for you.

"The problem was that you failed to control your speed.

"As a Trainer, Anjing-kun managed to dodge you in that emergency. But you, a Horse Girl, couldn't do the same. Little Kita..."

She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head.

"You've disappointed me."

Kitasan Black's ears drooped at once—the clearest sign that a Horse Girl was feeling down. Her face, too, was full of gloom and disappointment.

Anjing Zhen was quietly surprised.

The Horse Girl across from him was Tokai Teio, the Student Council President of Central Treisen Academy's middle and high school divisions, succeeding Symboli Rudolph.

Compared with her illustrious predecessor, Emperor (Teio) President's career was no less impressive: nine wins in twelve major races, including seven consecutive victories at the start.

After retiring and becoming Student Council President, she had shown herself equally capable in her work.

The accident had happened only a few hours ago, yet she already knew the details and had taken care of things with both the rescued child and the driver.

She'd also tracked down the two people involved. Her efficiency and decisiveness were truly admirable.

On top of that, her professional ability was enough to impress anyone.

Compared with race footage, unprocessed traffic camera recordings weren't very clear.

Yet from that footage, she had been able to judge what happened just before Anjing Zhen and Kitasan Black collided. That wasn't just ability—it was the talent of a top Horse Girl.

"I'm sorry, Teio-senpai..." Kitasan Black said dejectedly, lowering her head.

"Apologizing to me won't help."

Teio-senpai shook her head with her arms folded. When she saw Kitasan Black hesitantly glance at Anjing Zhen, she shook her head again.

"Apologizing to Trainer Yasui won't help, either.

"Little Kita, you still don't understand. What you need to do now isn't apologize, but reflect on what happened.

"Races can be dangerous. If you can only control your speed and strength to this extent..."

She sighed softly, and the Student Council President shook her head for a third time.

"I'd been putting in a good word for you with some excellent Trainers, but after seeing how you handled this, I can't bring myself to recommend you.

"That's not my opinion as Student Council President. As your senior, I don't think you're ready."

Anjing Zhen vaguely sensed an air of desolation radiating from Kitasan Black beside him after Tokai Teio said that. She was clearly shaken.

And he thought Tokai Teio was right: Kitasan Black wasn't ready yet.

Extreme Skills were highly dangerous. A moment's carelessness during many moves could lead to injury.

To ensure safety, a great deal of training had to emphasize body control, and he'd brought those exercises with him to this world.

Growing up with self-training had given him greater flexibility and control over his strength than most people—and even many Horse Girls.

By comparison, Kitasan Black had far less control over her own body.

Horse Girl races were fierce. When Horse Girls moving at dozens of kilometers per hour collided, the consequences were bound to be severe.

"I understand, Teio-senpai..."

Kitasan Black spoke again, still downcast, but this time her voice carried much more gratitude and admiration.

"My dream is to become a legendary Horse Girl like you, but I know I'm no genius.

"A lot of teachers and Trainers have said that, compared to your racing career, it might be better for me to focus on short-distance races in the future.

"But I still want to try. No matter what, I want to give it a try!"

She suddenly grew spirited and excited.

"Your presence on the track has always inspired me. I won't give up until the very end!

"Even if no Trainer believes in me, I'll still challenge myself to achieve the Triple Crown you once won!"

Her words made several people in the milk tea shop turn to look. Anjing Zhen also glanced at her, but Tokai Teio remained calm throughout.

"Without a Trainer, you can't even qualify to enter a race. How do you expect to achieve the Triple Crown?"

With her arms folded, Tokai Teio calmly shook her head.

"Huh? Oh..."

Kitasan Black, who had been full of determination just moments earlier, was stunned. Then she scratched her head with an awkward grin.

"Looks like... that's true. Hehehe..."

"Honestly, how do you listen in class? This is basic knowledge..."

Tokai Teio sighed quietly and gave Kitasan Black a reproachful look. Then she turned to Anjing Zhen, her expression a little more serious.

"But there's an excellent Trainer right here.

"Earning a Central Trainer License at the age of eighteen is unprecedented.

"I've also noticed that in the few months since Trainer Yasui arrived at the Academy, he's been looking for an Assigned Horse Girl, only to be turned down every time.

"So I have a request.

"Not as Student Council President, but as Little Kita's senior.

"I'd like to ask Trainer Yasui to coach Little Kita. What do you think, Trainer Yasui?"

(Could you get me a picture of Tei-bo all grown up?)