"Princess! The princess widened the gap—her final strides are terrifying!"
With an eight-horse lead, Peach Waves crossed the finish line, claiming the championship.
She slowed to a graceful stop before the audience and, just like her debut, performed an elegant bow.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, a wave of admiration responding to her poise.
But behind her,—Grass Wonder—stumbled across the finish. A sharp pain in her thigh sent her collapsing to the ground.
"Tear—!"
The Rigil team's cheers halted. Concern replaced celebration.
Peach Waves turned, spotted her fallen rival, and sprinted over without hesitation.
"Grass Wonder! Are you okay?"
Her voice, her scent—familiar.
Grass Wonder blinked up at her.
That smell… is it… Peach-chan?
"I'm fine…"
"Shh. Don't talk. I'm taking you to get treated."
Without waiting, Peach Waves scooped her up and ran toward the infirmary.
In her arms, Grass Wonder felt the warmth, the comfort. Even the pain dulled.
"You smell… like someone I know."
"Ahaha… maybe we use the same shower gel?"
Peach Waves coughed awkwardly, trying to deflect.
On the stage, Rudolf watched with a soft smile.
"She rushed to help her injured rival. That's commendable."
Then she turned to her team.
"As teammates of Grass Wonder—go thank her! Block the door and—no, wait, just thank her!"
The Rigil girls, already halfway through pulling out sacks, ropes, and shackles, froze.
"Wait! We meant thank you! Not… that!"
Even Rudolf staggered at the sight.
Air Groove waved frantically. The girls scrambled to hide their gear.
Hishi Amazon, confused, tugged a sack into a spectator's face.
The crowd turned.
Rudolf's voice cracked.
"Hishi! A! Ma! Zon—!"
Hishi Amazon shoved the sack into her bag with a sheepish grin.
"Sorry, President… I didn't mean to…"
"Put everything away. We'll plan the abduction later. Right now, focus on Grass Wonder's injury."
Rudolf sighed, barely holding back her frustration.
Hana Toujou, watching from afar, shook her head.
Outside the temporary infirmary, Peach Waves gently set Grass Wonder down on a bench.
"Does it still hurt?"
Grass Wonder winced, rubbing her thigh.
Peach Waves didn't hesitate. She took Grass Wonder's hand, moved it aside, and sprayed the sore spot.
Cool mist spread warmth through Grass Wonder's leg. And the pain eased.
"How's that?"
Grass Wonder looked up, meeting Peach Waves' ice-crystal eyes.
Behind the mask, she could almost see her face.
"It doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you… Princess."
"Good. You scared me when you fell."
Grass Wonder smiled, remembering the moment Peach Waves rushed to her side.
"You ran really well today."
"No… you're amazing. I've never run like that."
"If you'd followed me earlier, you might've overtaken me on the ramp."
"But—"
Peach Waves pressed a finger to her lips.
"You ran beautifully. You're recovering now. If you beat me next time, I'll be happy."
"Why would you want me to beat you?"
"Don't you want to?"
Grass Wonder nodded.
"Then I want you to surpass me. Because if you're happy, I'll be happy too."
"But I'll give it my all. If you win, it'll be because you earned it—not because I let you."
Grass Wonder stared, stunned.
An opponent… who inspires me like a friend?
Peach Waves stood to leave.
Grass Wonder reached out, grabbing her arm.
"Can I be friends with you?"
"Of course. But can you let go first?"
"Why?"
Peach Waves glanced behind her.
A group of black-clad horse girls were approaching.
Oh no… they're coming for me!
"I-I have something to do. Can I go?"
"But we haven't exchanged contact info!"
"Find King Halo—she has it! I really need to go!"
Just as she was about to escape, Condor's voice rang out.
"Beautifully done, Grass Wonder! Don't let her go—we haven't thanked her yet!"
Grass Wonder tightened her grip.
Peach Waves stared in disbelief.
I helped you! And now you're playing farmer and snake?!
Too late.
Team Rigil, led by Rudolf, surrounded her.
Peach Waves yanked her arm free and backed away.
"What are you going to do…?"
Rudolf stepped forward, smiling.
"Don't worry, Princess. We're here to thank you. For helping Grass Wonder."
Peach Waves eyed them suspiciously.
Rudolf gestured.
The team bowed.
Bang-dang.
Then unknowingly ropes, shackles, and sacks spilled out from behind their backs.