The Last Page of the Fairy Tale

On the first Sunday of April, the morning mist along the Fuwu River had yet to clear.

Mejiro Sakuya was about to set off for the place where she had won her first race—the starting point of her Cinderella tale, Monbetsu Racecourse, brimming with memories—for one final farewell with her fans in Japan.

With limited capacity, only seven thousand lottery-selected racing fans would be allowed into the venue.

Yet it was said that, since before dawn, countless fervent fans from outside Hokkaido had gathered in the parking lot before the racecourse, where temporary broadcast screens had been set up.

"Thanks for the effort, Ravide."

Saying that, he patted the shoulder of the Indian man, who looked utterly exhausted.

"No, it's a good thing we managed to finalize it in time."

Shaking his head, Ravide could not help yawning again.

The result of negotiations between the two farms the day before the retirement ceremony was—

If the following year's breeding partner could be announced at the retirement ceremony, Three Chimneys Farm would designate Sakuya as Take the Risk's "highest-priority" breeding partner and waive the next two breeding fees.

The sound of leather shoes crossing the floor echoed through the corridor. Looking at the several formally dressed people before her, Sakuya in her stall wore a somewhat puzzled expression.

"Eh, are we racing again?"

Perhaps that was what she was thinking. The bay mare reluctantly stopped chewing, lowered her head, and let them put the bridle on her.

The moment the lead rope was clipped on, emotions he had thought settled surged up in his chest once more.

"Time to go, Sakuya."

Saying that, he took up the lead rope and headed toward the NAR horse transporter waiting outside the stable.

As she walked, the bay mare looked around curiously, seemingly confused