Ayrton Symboli came to replace Thunder-san, who had been swept off by Rice and the others to go swimming.
Symboli in a black bikini was… formidable. Short like Rice-chan, but with a presence that made me think: maybe being big really is justice.
"Can I consult with you for a moment?"
"Viola Consultation is open. Fees payable in sweets."
"Then how about this."
She handed me a cup of shaved ice—Blue Hawaii flavor. I accepted it gratefully, pondering the eternal mystery: what even is Blue Hawaii supposed to taste like?
"Actually, it's about my family."
"Oh, heavy stuff."
"No genius horse girls have emerged from our house since Symboli Rudolf. Now it has become quite a burden."
"You're blunt. But yeah, that level of legacy is… unprecedented."
Symboli Rudolf. The undefeated Triple Crown winner with seven GI titles. The next best is Shinzan with five. The gap is enormous.
And there I was, casually declaring a nine-crown goal at that time.
Still, I don't think it's impossible for another horse girl of that caliber to appear someday.
"I think so too. That's why I came to you. I want to run freely."
"If you're willing to use what I can offer, then please—use it. I owe you a lot, especially for helping with Thank You."
Symboli probably has a trainer chosen by her family. But if she ever needs to run away and she plans to hide. I'll be here.
"We're classmates and friends. My trainer room is always open."
"Thanks."
You can't save everyone. But if you don't give them a place to escape, they'll have nowhere to go. Maybe I should plan an event—something fun, something light.
"And…"
"Hmm?"
"That swimsuit is a bit much. I can see it from the side."
"Tell that to Rice-chan and Thank You."
If you can't see it, it's not embarrassing. I've already left my shame behind.
While I was lounging, Lovely came over to check on me.
"Looking back… you look amazing, that's all I'll say."
"Say that to Rice-chan and Thank You."
"They both like you."
Lovely laughed.
If they both like me, I wish they'd think about it a little more seriously.
"You've been carrying a lot lately. Don't push yourself too hard."
"I'm not planning to."
"Well, I did bring some trouble this time."
"It's not your fault. I stuck my neck in on my own."
Lovely probably had his reasons for bringing Sanei Thank You. But I took it from there. She shouldn't feel guilty.
"That's what I mean—you're carrying too much. I brought some of the weight, so let me carry half. That's fair."
"Does it looks like I'm carrying too much?"
"You've been consulting with everyone, but who do you talk to? We're friends. If you're in trouble, talk to us."
Lovely was genuinely worried.
I usually talk to Rice-chan, but sometimes… it's hard. Especially when she's part of the problem.
"Then let's talk about love."
"…well, but…"
"I think Thank You might be interested in Rice-chan. When the three of us talk, she keeps glancing at her!"
"Well, if that's what you think…"
We kept chatting—about feelings, about friendships, about everything—until the others returned from the pool.
Lovely looked at me, stunned by how much I'd shared.