The idea Tokai Teio brought up now was something Anjing Zhen had not expected, though he was not entirely unprepared for it.
He knew that considering Overseas Races was part of the Student Council President's responsibility, and after last year's Arima Kinen, she had already spoken with him about Kitasan Black's plans in that regard.
At the time, he had guessed that this Student Council President intended to support them in competing internationally and, like him, was not fixated on any single race.
But now, it seemed that this idea had not begun with that previous conversation. She had held it for a long time.
After pondering for a moment, he answered a question with a question instead:
"You said McQueen President has the same idea, and 'you all'... does that mean other seniors think the same way? And that they've felt this way for a long time?"
After thinking it over, he added:
"And why Little Kita and me?"
"You really are perceptive."
Tokai Teio nodded. "That's right. To put it bluntly, I don't entirely agree with the Association's current attitude toward Overseas Races.
"I already explained part of the reason just now. As for the other part—"
She suddenly sighed, then remarked as though she had gone off-topic:
"I admit that, from the Association's perspective—and as the Student Council President, too—I naturally hope our Horse Girls can win more and more races.
"But if it's only about winning, then many things lose their meaning.
"Take the Japan Cup. You should know that when that race was first established, not a single champion was a Japanese Horse Girl."
"...I know."
After a brief silence, Anjing Zhen nodded.
"But the ones who broke that awkward situation were first Senior Katsuragi Ace and Senior Symboli Rudolph, followed by President Teio."
Tokai