You are here

馬に乗ってみたい。

Character: 
categoryStory: 

[player]I want to try riding a horse so badly...
[Hideki Akechi]Of course you can. Silver Snow probably wants to go out for a walk too.
Only after hearing Hideki's reply do I realize that I spoke my thoughts out loud.
[player]Huh? You mean... you're willing to let me ride Silver Snow?
[Hideki Akechi]Don't worry, I think Silver Snow won't mind.
[Shadow Conqueror]*Neigh—*
As if he is responding to Hideki's words, Silver Snow stomps twice and lowers his head in a lovely manner. Seeing this, I stop hesitating and guide it out of the stable with Hideki.
A worker tells Hideki that the racetrack is temporarily closed because they are preparing for a large competition, so we take Silver Snow to the training grounds on the other side.
[Hideki Akechi]Hold the reins tightly and sit still. Be careful not to shift your center of gravity.
[Shadow Conqueror]*Neigh—*
Following the orders of his trusted owner, the steed obediently rides a few laps around the training grounds with me on his back. To my surprise, although this is the first time I've been in close contact with him, we seem to have some tacit understanding. From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Hideki who is watching me carefully at all times... Well, I guess it might just be due to his master's training.
Although it looks really cool to ride a horse, the summer sun is a little too hot for me. It isn't long before I choose to dismount, let another worker take care of Silver Snow for me, and prepare to return to the air-conditioned hall with Hideki.
[Hideki Akechi]PLAYER, you're very talented at horse riding.
[player]All I did was ride on his back for a few laps...
[Hideki Akechi]Don't look down on yourself. I'm usually right about people. Silver Snow loves you. If you're okay with it, can I invite you to visit him again another time?
[player]Sure thing! I love Silver Snow too.
Everyone loves to receive compliments, especially when the person complimenting you is President Akechi who has high standards. When I am immersed in joy, Hideki suddenly stops moving next to me.
[player]Hideki, what's wrong?
[Hideki Akechi]Ahem, nothing. Why don't we return from another route?
[player]Hmm...
This suggestion comes so suddenly that it's obvious Hideki wants to avoid something. Unfortunately... it's too late. I follow his gaze and see someone galloping toward us on horseback.
*Clip-clop, clip-clop* Just as the rider and the horse are about to collide with us, the rider controls the horse to side-step perfectly, stopping steadily right in front of Hideki and me.
It's obvious that this person hasn't come with kind intentions.
[???]I just bought this Hest Warmblood and started training it yesterday. If everything goes to plan, it'll be my partner in the next race.
[Hideki Akechi]It's very suitable for you.
[???]You haven't changed at all. Have you lost even the most basic of emotions after you stopped horse racing?
Wait a minute. Horse racing... These distinct words job my memory. Although this person's figure has changed slightly, I remember this person is Levine, the runner-up and "Mr. Unhappy" in the photo.
Levine takes a step closer and speaks in a tone that expresses strong dissatisfaction when he sees that Hideki is unmoved.
[Levine]You won that equestrian competition that year. How could you stop racing out of fear of losing? Are you really willing to rest on your laurels like that?
[Levine]I feel sorry for your horse for having a master like you.
After speaking, Levine turns and prepares to leave.