Evening

Student Council President's Office

Symboli Rudolf sat at her desk, dark circles beneath her eyes even heavier than this morning, her usually immaculate hair slightly disheveled. Yet she was still diligently going through documents. The pile on her desk had shrunk considerably, leaving only a small stack.

Knock, Knock, Knock.

"Come in."

"Prez~!" Tokai Teio hopped energetically into the room.

Seeing her favorite junior, Rudolf smiled softly, fatigue instantly vanishing as fresh energy surged within her.

Teio's energy sure seems abundant today!

"Prez~!" Teio quickly circled around the desk, hugging Rudolf affectionately from behind.

"Teio, you recovered already?" Rudolf set down her pen and gently stroked Teio's head.

"Mmhm! Someone took really good care of me…" Teio replied with a gentle smile.

"I see." Rudolf nodded knowingly.

It must've been her roommate, Mayano Top Gun. She's a good child.

"I'm sorry, Teio, but I'm still busy right now. Can you wait just a little?" Rudolf asked softly.

"Of course! Prez, you look so cool when you're focused on paperwork—I could watch forever~!"

Teio let go and stood obediently to the side.

Seeing how understanding Teio was, Rudolf felt even more gratified.

Alright, let's finish this quickly and spend time with Teio!

Determined, Rudolf picked up her pen again, her pace several times faster than before.

...

About ten minutes later, she finally completed her last document.

"Amazing, Prez!" Teio praised enthusiastically.

"Mm." Rudolf appeared calm on the surface, but inside she was over the moon.

Is there anything happier than getting praised by Teio?

Well, maybe except when she laughs at my jokes.

Next, it was time for a heart-to-heart conversation between this father-and-son pair.

"Prez, listen to this..." Teio excitedly chatted about everything that happened these past two days—except, of course, for Mizuno Sora sneaking into her room earlier today—while Rudolf listened patiently, smiling warmly.

Then…

"Oh, right! Prez, can I take a look at the academy's trainer list?" Teio suddenly asked.

"Trainer list?" Rudolf looked at her curiously.

Why does Teio want to see the trainer list? Could it be...?

"Teio, are you looking for a trainer?" Rudolf asked tentatively.

"...No..." Teio averted her eyes guiltily.

This little movement didn't escape Rudolf's keen eyes.

I see. So Teio wants a trainer now!

She must finally be serious about racing, aiming to fulfill her dream of becoming an undefeated [Triple Crown Uma Musume].

Perfect—I can finally recommend Mizuno-san!

"Teio, actually, I happen to know an excellent trainer who would be perfect for you—"

"No need, Prez..." Teio shook her head, uninterested.

"Huh?" Rudolf suddenly felt uneasy.

Teio rejected my recommendation? She doesn't even know who I'm recommending, yet she's not interested?

Other than pride, Rudolf could only think of one possibility.

"Teio... Could it be you've already set your eyes on someone?" Rudolf asked anxiously.

Teio lowered her head, silent.

"..." Rudolf's heart sank painfully.

"Teio..."

"Yes, Prez." Teio raised her head, determination clear in her eyes.

"I already have someone in mind."

"Ugh—!" Rudolf's heart instantly shattered.

Teio just called that trainer her "someone"!

The very thought of Teio someday letting another trainer pat her head, hold her hand, or even kiss her made Rudolf tremble with anger.

No! Losing Teio to some gentle trainer? Absolutely unacceptable!

Mizuno-san, please help me!

"Teio, won't you reconsider? The trainer I know is extremely capable—"

"Not as capable as the one I chose!" Teio replied stubbornly.

Yet from her confidence, she genuinely believed this trainer was incredibly strong.

"Oh? Is that so?" Rudolf narrowed her eyes.

During Haru Urara's Selection Race, Urara had finished dead last—six horse-lengths behind second-to-last place. Mizuno's initial training couldn't be described as anything but poor.

Yet yesterday, according to reports from the spies Rudolf planted in the academy, Mizuno had held a friendly match with trainers whose trainees had ranked top three in the previous selection. Astonishingly, Urara finished just two lengths behind them!

Turning such a weak Uma Musume into a competitor within a few days—Mizuno was unquestionably a trainer far beyond ordinary standards.

A rookie? More like a veteran.

The trainer Teio chose certainly couldn't be stronger than Mizuno.

"Teio, do you doubt my judgment?"

An aura emanated from Rudolf, enveloping the entire office.

The majestic presence of the "Emperor"!

"Ugh…" Teio struggled beneath the oppressive aura.

Yet she gritted her teeth, bravely lifting her head to meet Rudolf's intimidating gaze.

"Of course I trust you, Prez…" Teio's voice grew even firmer.

"But I also trust myself! The trainer I chose is absolutely stronger!"

Teio's own powerful aura began to rise, countering Rudolf's overwhelming presence.

Their gazes clashed fiercely, neither willing to back down.

"..." Rudolf frowned slightly.

She could tell Teio was dead serious.

Teio was stubborn; once she made up her mind, nothing could shake her resolve.

Rudolf realized Teio would only understand after tasting defeat.

Thus, Rudolf proposed a challenge:

"How about this, Teio? Bring your trainer here for me to test. If he passes, I'll accept him as your trainer. But if he fails, you'll listen to me obediently."

Teio considered briefly, then confidently replied:

"Fine! Mizuno-san will definitely pass your test!"

Rudolf smiled inwardly.

Oh, Teio. You're still too naïve.

The test I've prepared is practically impossible! Among the trainers I know, only Mizuno Sora can pass!

When your chosen trainer inevitably fails, you'll accept Mizuno Sora as your trainer willingly!

"Hmph. Let's wait and see… Wait, Mizuno-san?!"

Rudolf suddenly realized something.

Wait a second—Teio's chosen trainer was Mizuno-san all along?!

"Ugh... I should've realized sooner…" Rudolf rubbed her tired forehead.

Who else could it be but Mizuno, given how close he is with Teio?

"Ahem, Mizuno-san? Good choice! Teio, I fully support your decision—no need for any test."

Rudolf's demeanor abruptly shifted from strict to warmly supportive.

"Eh?" Teio tilted her head in confusion.

Just seconds ago, the Prez was like a strict father figure. Why the sudden kindness now?

"Actually, Mizuno-san was exactly the person I was going to recommend to you," Rudolf explained patiently.

"EHHHH?!" Teio exclaimed in shock.

"You know Mizuno-san, Prez?!"

"Of course. I'm familiar with every trainer who's registered officially, Mizuno-san included," Rudolf replied proudly.

"He's indeed exceptionally talented…"

"Right~?" Hearing Rudolf praise Mizuno, Teio felt inexplicably happy.

Finally, they both realized the trainer they'd each been discussing was actually Mizuno all along.

The misunderstanding cleared up.

Now, it was time to figure out how Teio could officially become Mizuno's trainee.

"Mizuno-san is very responsible—perhaps a bit too responsible…" Rudolf sighed helplessly.

Mizuno stubbornly insisted on training only Urara. No matter how talented others might be, he refused to accept anyone else, greatly frustrating Rudolf.

So how could she ensure her beloved Teio ended up under Mizuno's care?

Actually, there was one method:

"Teio, I could slightly abuse my authority as Student Council President and forcibly assign you to Mizuno-san's team…"

Once Teio was assigned, someone as responsible as Mizuno would definitely look after her properly.

But hearing Rudolf's suggestion, Teio firmly shook her head.

"No, Prez. I want to earn Mizuno-san's approval with my own strength! I refuse to rely on underhanded methods!"

"With my talent and hard work, I'm confident I can achieve everything I desire!"

"Be it victory—or my trainer!"

Teio confidently placed one hand on her hip, raising three fingers with a proud smile.

"Because I'm the future undefeated [Triple Crown Uma Musume]!"

Seeing Teio's unwavering confidence, Rudolf proudly nodded.

"Teio, you truly make me proud."

Since Teio insisted, Rudolf respected her decision, abandoning any forceful methods.

However…

She promised not to use forceful means—but nobody said anything about other strategies…

"Hehe~"

As the Emperor, I'll secretly assist Teio in getting exactly what she wants!