Like a kitten carried off by its parent, Agnes Digital was dragged toward the Student Council office by Zhou Yuang.
"What are you doing?!"
Before Agnes Digital could lose her temper, Zhou Yuang pushed open the Student Council door.
He shut it behind him as he dragged her inside.
"Huh? Why did you drag Agnes Digital here, you idiot?"
Air Groove's habitual scolding slipped out at the sight. Some might say teasing was a sign of affection, but not every Uma Musume saw it that way.
Katsuragi Ace froze. Given what had happened earlier, she had no idea whether she should speak up.
Takamine had no such reservations. Her eyes, closed until now as she rested, snapped open. Her deep gaze flicked toward Air Groove, then settled on Zhou Yuang.
She reached for a lock of her hair and rubbed it between her index and middle fingers. Her eyes swept over Agnes Digital in Zhou Yuang's grip like a security camera.
"We have a lot to do, so the more hands we have, the better."
Strength in numbers. Zhou Yuang shrugged. Sensing everyone's curious gazes, he pushed Agnes Digital forward.
With several Uma Musume staring at her—and famous ones at that—Agnes Digital went as still as a statue.
She seemed to have entered a state of reverence... or suspended animation.
"I'm sure she'll be happy to help."
Zhou Yuang patted Agnes Digital on the head. Only then did she come back to herself. Finding the Uma Musume still watching her, she snapped to attention.
"So what were you talking about just now?"
"Nothing much. We were just dividing up the work."
Rudolf shrugged. After Katsuragi Ace's comment had brought the conversation to a halt, Rudolf had stepped in to assign their tasks.
Takamine would handle discussions with the Mejiro Family.