Although Symboli Rudolf had phrased it as a question, her tone held an air of finality that did not permit refusal.
In fact, long before Shinji Kitahara arrived, she had already investigated him through various channels. Coincidentally, because she didn't have a trainer of her own and her authority was primarily focused on the students, the scope of her information gathering had neatly avoided the very people who truly knew Shinji.
As a result, despite her efforts and the considerable information she had gathered, she had ultimately dismissed Shinji Kitahara as an ordinary trainer who had gotten into Tracen by a stroke of luck.
It wasn't that she looked down on him; after all, luck was a form of strength. And any trainer who could get into Tracen, even by a fluke, couldn't be a nobody. Furthermore, according to the information she had found, this person had managed to pull together a team in less than three days after being hired. Rudolf refused to believe he didn't have some ability.
But even so, she was not prepared to let him be in charge of Tokai Teio.
That child's talent was so immense that Rudolf saw a reflection of her former self.
She believed that Shinji was more capable than he let on. But at the same time, she was convinced that even if Shinji was hiding his true abilities, he couldn't possibly train Tokai Teio properly.
The reason was simple: he was too young.
Veteran trainers were sought after not just because they were rare, but also because they were experienced. They possessed an eye for detail and a wealth of experience in guiding horse girls that young people could hardly match, and they were unlikely to make the kinds of mistakes that rookies often did.
And at twenty-one years old, even if he had started as a trainer right after graduating from school at eighteen, he would have at most three years of experience. No matter how gifted he was, it was impossible for him to be more experienced or excellent than those veteran trainers.
"But the problem is, she doesn't want a trainer herself," Shinji said, scratching his head. "And President Rudolf, didn't you achieve an undefeated Triple Crown and seven G1 victories without a trainer?"
"That's different."
At the mention of this, Rudolf sighed. "Although I didn't have a trainer, I did have guidance from the Symboli family."
"That's still very impressive. Guidance is guidance, and a trainer is a trainer. There's a big difference."
Guidance was a level even below that of a team horse girl. It was the kind of thing where, if you had a good relationship, someone might give you some advice out of friendship. It wasn't nothing, but it was on a completely different level from a trainer who accompanied you almost twenty-four seven.
"But even so, that guide provided me with a great deal of help, and in some aspects, her guidance was even more effective than a trainer's. Without her, I could not have achieved what I have today."
Staring into Shinji's eyes, Rudolf continued, "An outstanding horse girl must be paired with an equally outstanding trainer to maximize her talent. As a trainer yourself, you know this better than I do."
Shinji was silent for a moment, then sighed.
"President Rudolf, let's not beat around the bush. If you have something to say, just say it directly."
Hearing him say that, Rudolf didn't waste any more words.
"I hope you will reconsider your charge relationship with Teio."
"Well, about that..." Shinji's face showed his difficulty.
Rudolf seemed to have anticipated this reaction and immediately changed her tack. "I know this request may put you in a very difficult position. Terminating a contract with a charge horse girl just a few days after signing it is something that's hard for any trainer to accept. It's a stain that will follow you for your entire career."
"Therefore, I have another proposal. Would you like to hear it?"
Shinji nodded. "I'm all ears."
Rudolf crossed her arms and spoke slowly. "You don't need to terminate the contract with Tokai Teio. However, I will find another trainer to train her. The prize money and fame she earns will still belong to you. All that's required is your cooperation..."
"Ah, that's a deal-breaker."
Before she could even finish her sentence, Shinji shook his head.
Rudolf frowned, not understanding why he would refuse. "Why? This proposal should be beneficial to you without any drawbacks..."
"No, it's not about the proposal," Shinji said, shaking his head hurriedly. "To be honest, I don't really care about a black mark on my career or my reputation as a trainer. If Teio really wanted to terminate the contract with me, I would agree immediately."
"But the problem is, I've already promised her that I would be her trainer. So, according to our agreement, no matter what happens, until she takes the initiative to ask for a termination, I am her trainer, and she is my charge."
"We can negotiate other things, but when it comes to keeping a promise, I'm a little insistent."
"So, I'm sorry, President Rudolf."
He paused, then added, "But perhaps you could try talking to Teio in private. If you can persuade her to ask for a termination herself, then I have no problem. But if she doesn't want to... as her trainer, I can't possibly abandon my own charge."
Shinji's tone was sincere.
Symboli Rudolf's eyes narrowed slightly.
Although she had appeared reasonable so far, in reality, as a member of the Symboli family, which was famous for its 'tyrannical cruelty,' her temper was not as mild as it seemed. And this matter concerned Tokai Teio, her most promising successor, which had already touched her bottom line.
While she had been speaking to Shinji in a consultative tone, for an emperor, her 'consultation' was a command to her subjects. Moreover, the price she offered was not low; it could be said that she had given Shinji plenty of face, a fact that Shinji himself acknowledged.
But no meant no.
He had promised Tokai Teio that he would not interfere with her training in any way, and he had even received double the share of her prize money. Whether for profit or for principle, he could not agree to Rudolf's terms.
This money is getting a bit too hot to handle...
Looking at Rudolf, Shinji smiled bitterly in his heart.
The atmosphere in the student council room grew heavy. Symboli Rudolf stared at Shinji's face, her tone gradually turning cold.
"I suggest you think this over carefully, Trainer Kitahara."
"You are still young and have many opportunities in the future. What I need now isn't even a termination, just a little cooperation. I can also help with Teio's side of things."
"And you should know in your heart that the child is just fooling around right now. She's still young and doesn't understand many things. But Trainer Kitahara, you are an adult. You should understand what is truly right for her."
"No, President Rudolf," Shinji sighed. "I know you've made a huge concession and given me plenty of face. I'm very tempted."
He sat up from his chair, straightened his back, and met Rudolf's gaze without showing any weakness.
"But, since I have already promised that child and become her trainer, I have a responsibility to respect her choice and be responsible for her to the end."
It wasn't that he had any particular feelings for Tokai Teio; in fact, he wished she would find another trainer. But again, since he had agreed to her request and signed the contract, he would honor it. Get paid, get the job done, and keep his word. That had always been his style.
Visibly, after he said this, Rudolf's gaze grew even more unfriendly.
No one could defy the emperor's will, let alone a mere rookie trainer.
The atmosphere in the student council room grew even heavier as the emperor's威压 (wei ya - imposing aura) began to spread.
Rudolf stared at Shinji for a long time. Just as she was about to speak again, before the words could leave her mouth, the door to the student council room was thrown open with a 'bang'.
Both of them turned their heads simultaneously and saw Tokai Teio striding into the room. She stood between Symboli Rudolf and Shinji Kitahara, facing Rudolf, her expression looking a little nervous.
Outside the door, Special Week and Oguri Cap's hands were still in mid-air, as if they had tried to hold her back but were a step too late.
"President."
Looking at Symboli Rudolf, Tokai Teio took a deep breath and said seriously, "The matter of the contract was all my own willfulness and decision. It has nothing to do with Trainer Kitahara. Please don't make things difficult for him anymore."
-------
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