[player]Um...
*Clip-clop, clip-clop* While I'm hesitating, a trainer leads a group of fine horses in front of me. The white horse at the front has slender limbs and a shiny long mane around his neck, which immediately attracts my attention.
[player]I've decided. I choose this horse!
[Worker]What an excellent choice. This is the only Akhal-Teke horse among the horses that can be chosen. It's also known as a Ferghana horse. I'll get Shadow Conqueror to come over here for you.
I feel excited that I chose such a precious horse among all these horses with my own judgment. Because of this, I'm quite puzzled when I see Hideki's worried expression from the corner of my eye.
[player]Hideki, is something wrong?
[Hideki Akechi]...Nothing. Don't worry, I'll help you.
[player]...Hmm?
When the worker pulls the steed over to me, I finally understand why Hideki said that.
The dark blue eyes of the steed are shining with disdain and exude strength and majesty. Sure enough, all precious horses have their own temper. It won't be as easy to get along with this horse as I imagined.
But it also triggered a strange desire to win in me. I must conquer this horse today and make him my mount.
[Hideki Akechi]It's very dangerous to suddenly get close to a horse that doesn't know you. You can try to call his name first to familiarize him with your voice.
Hideki has been standing closer to me ever since the white horse was brought over here, but he doesn't ask me to choose another horse. Instead, he patiently guides me through all the steps to gain the trust of a horse. Even the worker next to us praises his meticulousness.
[Hideki Akechi]Yes, just like that... You can touch his neck carefully now. This will help Shadow Conqueror calm down.
[Shining Night]*Neigh—*
[Hideki Akechi]Don't be nervous. This neighing is a sound of joy. He has tentatively accepted you, so you can get on now. Hold the reins tightly and sit still. Be careful not to shift your center of gravity.
[player]Okay.
Although this Ferghana horse called Shadow Conqueror has a temper of its own, he is still an excellent domesticated animal, so he walks around the training ground with me on his back. To ensure my safety, Hideki stands in front of me the whole time, holding the rein tightly while I am riding.
The summer sun is not gentle at all, and even I'm sweating while sitting on the horse's back, let alone Hideki, who is leading the horse for me. After a few laps, I choose to dismount 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?
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
[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.
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