In a conference room, the Sakura Family Head, the Mejiro Family Grandmother, and Symboli Rudolf sat around a circular table at the center of the room.
In addition to these three, T was also present.
"It's about time to pay the price, T," the Sakura Family Head's deep voice opened the meeting.
"Fortunately, your daughter won, so you can easily afford it," the Grandmother said calmly.
"Indeed, it's truly astonishing. She actually won a race that even Teio or McQueen would have struggled with."
The Grandmother didn't refute the Sakura Family Head's words.
"I believe you both understand that nothing is absolute for Umamusume. You can never even be certain which runners will ultimately line up at the starting gate, can you?" T remarked with practiced nonchalance.
"Oh? Speaking such words before Her Majesty the Emperor?" the Sakura Family Head glanced at Symboli Rudolf.
"Please stop teasing me. I haven't raced in ages. How should I put it? I'm a remnant of the old era, and there's no ship in the new world to carry me." As the only Umamusume present and the youngest of the four, Symboli Rudolf's response was unusually humble.
"I never imagined you'd become the representative of the Symboli Family and yet remain so humble and composed. I still vividly remember your domineering presence on the racetrack, where you were unmatched and unforgiving," the Mejiro Family Grandmother remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she spoke of Rudolf.
"Is that so? I felt the same pressure at the Japan Cup as I did back then," T quipped, unable to resist teasing him.
"Compared to your brash arrogance back then, you've become far more restrained and composed now. I suppose that's just what happens with age. It's such a pity about Sirius. How wonderful it would be to see you two racing side-by-side again." Even the typically stern Sakura Family Head couldn't suppress a wistful smile.
At the mention of Sirius, a flicker of emotion crossed T's eyes.
"Enough reminiscing about this junior. You two came here to claim your rewards, after all."
Since Rudolf himself had chosen to avoid the topic, the two seniors naturally refrained from pressing further.
"While we call it a reward, it's just money. Surely you have something more important to tell us than that?" The Sakura Family Head's gaze sharpened.
"After all, Kousei won. Just let the system run for a while, and the money will naturally be credited to your accounts. As for the Chairman's matter, preparations are already underway."
"Preparations? You're not offering us any proof and expect us to believe your word alone?" Grandmother challenged the truthfulness of T's statement.
"Ehhh~ You don't trust me anymore, Grandma? That's so hurtful!" T feigned a pitiful expression.
"Stop acting coy. You're no longer that naive Rookie Trainer you once were. It seems your union with an Umamusume has tainted you with their mad blood."
T smiled at this. "So you no longer see me as a child, Grandma? I don't know much myself, but the Chairman is indeed making preparations. Most importantly, Kashimoto Riko is about to return."
Upon hearing Kashimoto Riko's name, the two Family Heads showed slight surprise.
"Is that true, Luna?"
"Yes, the Student Council has received reports confirming it."
"I've had enough of the Central's stagnation. It's time for a change of dynasty, to hand power over to those who truly love this world."
Because they didn't expect their desires to be projected, they chose to usurp power. Father and daughter, both Usurpers—truly, blood will tell, won't it?
"Power will return to your hands, Northern Chairman. Just wait."
"Speaking of which, Luna, you referred to the Kousei Japan Cup as a key. Has the key opened the Gate yet?" Grandmother suddenly asked.
"Grandmother, you're interested in that child too?"
"Naturally. She's not just T's daughter; more importantly, McQueen keeps chattering about her nonstop in the family. I can't help but hear! That girl McQueen... doesn't she know how precious an old lady's sleep is?" Though she complained, her tone lacked any real reproach.
Seeing all eyes turn to him, Symboli Rudolf's symbolic smile carried a hint of genuine delight.
"The Unruly Storm has pried open the Gate of Genius's reign. Peering through the crack, one sees countless pairs of eyes opening in the boundless darkness, like stars dotting the night sky.
Geniuses and mediocrities will coexist, and this field will be free for Umamusume to race across.
Until victory determines the outcome, the light of possibility remains.
This is the true dawn of a new era."