Hokkai Ranch.
Neigh-!
Neigh-!
The moment Gold Ship stepped out of the vehicle, he neighed twice toward the stables.
Your emperor has returned.
After being away from his territory for so long, he was naturally delighted to be back. Even his steps as he got out carried an air of dominance.
Neigh-
At the sound of Gold Ship's call, the racehorses in the stables pricked up their ears.
Quite a few even called back.
But this time, One-Way Passage's voice was missing.
One-Way Passage had left a few days earlier to compete in his two-year-old Newcomer Race.
Japan Jordan had also returned to his stall to rest after running in the Takarazuka Kinen.
There had simply been too many strong contenders in this year's Takarazuka Kinen.
Dream Journey hadn't achieved a good result either, and his Retirement Ceremony had been held right there.
After the summer break, he would also enter Shadai Ranch and begin his Second Horse Life.
"Come on, let's get you back for a rest. I'll take you out again this afternoon."
After parking, Koichi handed the keys straight to a ranch employee.
He was a little tired himself after driving all that way.
Neigh-
Gold Ship quickly followed him.
There really was nothing like coming home. Now he could spend all his time slacking off.
Then he noticed that One-Way Passage was missing, and even poked his head into the stall to check.
Where's One-Way Passage?
"Stop looking. One-Way Passage will be away for a while. He should be back around the end of the month."
Koichi opened Gold Ship's stall door and led him inside.
Once that was done, he went in and removed all the equipment Gold Ship was wearing.
All done.
"All right, rest in here for a bit this afternoon, and later