After a while, the Infirmary at Nakayama Racecourse.
Inside, behind a desk, a middle-aged doctor studied the X-ray in his hands.
A moment later, he nodded slightly and looked across from him.
Opposite him, Anjing Zhen sat in a chair, his left arm secured in a splint and suspended from his neck by a bandage.
Beside him stood Kitasan Black, her face full of worry, anxiety, and distress.
Behind them were Tokai Teio, Deep Impact, Gold Artisan, Gold Ship, and The Matriarch, each wearing a different expression.
The middle-aged doctor pondered for a moment before saying:
"A hairline fracture. Commonly known as a minor bone crack.
"Generally speaking, this can easily happen after a violent collision or blow.
"Or if someone accidentally slips and falls, landing on their hand, with the force traveling through the palm to the wrist and arm, that can also cause a hairline fracture.
"Cumulative strain is another possible cause.
"Based on your description..."
After a pause, the middle-aged doctor looked uncertainly at Gold Artisan across from him.
At the same time, every Horse Girl except Anjing Zhen turned to look at Gold Artisan.
In an instant, her ears folded back, while the fur on her ears and her tail bristled. Gold Artisan cried out in exasperation:
"Come on, it wasn't me this time!
"He's not even my trainer. Why would I beat him up?
"Besides, didn't we just say this was caused by her?"
Angry and flustered, she abruptly pointed at The Matriarch.
The Horse Girls' gazes immediately shifted in unison toward The Matriarch. Kitasan Black's expression was especially complicated, carrying resentment, hesitation, and confusion.
The middle-aged doctor looked over as well. After a moment, he nodded slightly.
"My apologies. Then it seems I misunderstood. After all, during Gold Artisan's Debut Race, I happened to