"Mr. Kitano, are you really sure you want to do this?"
"Yes. Sorry for the trouble, but please try once more."
"All right... we'll try again."
That was the conversation in the lounge that morning.
Google searched TWKAN.
News came from North America. Little Sakura had been sent abroad first, yet even now, after Clever Stratagem, Spirit Colt, and even Laurel, who had gone later, had all been successfully bred, she still had not conceived.
Following the news yesterday from Mr. Maeda that Nogimi Maeda, Viserys's sire, had received a poor prognosis, this was the second piece of bad news in recent days.
Although earlier today, there had also been good news from Shiga Prefecture: Mr. Yutaka Take had awakened from his coma.
Back to the matter at hand, Mr. Johnny was probably helpless too. Before ending the call, an obvious sigh could be heard.
What happened twice would happen a third time—
Though it still sounded like some superstitious saying, during the limited breeding season, three coverings were indeed about the limit for a broodmare in a single season. Even when breeding began as early as possible, the mare's physical endurance also had to be considered.
If it still did not work this time, they would follow Representative Miyauchi's original wishes and bring Little Sakura home to retire.
Though it was somewhat regrettable, that decision was made deep down.
"Is that the filly called Ichiban Sakura?"
As he spoke, Teacher Yahagi, who had been discussing tea ceremony topics with Teacher Matoba at the low table, turned to look over, curiosity appearing in his eyes.
Even Teacher Tanaka, who had maintained a perfectly proper sitting posture ever since entering, turned his gaze over as well.
It was the first normal visit from trainers that year, much later than usual.
"That's