Sakura Baimu listened to Symboli Rudolf's question with a sense of helplessness.
"The old driver didn't say Symboli Rudolf was coming either!!"
From what Sakura Baimu knew, Symboli Rudolf was actually a seemingly cold but warm-hearted Umamusume.
Aside from exchanging corny, cold jokes, Sakura Baimu had practically no interaction with Symboli Rudolf.
Therefore, Sakura Baimu didn't know Symboli Rudolf very well.
Sakura Baimu remembered that when Oguri Cap lost her chance to participate in the once-in-a-lifetime Japanese Derby because she hadn't registered for the Classic Triple Crown, she had pleaded with Symboli Rudolf.
But in the end, Symboli Rudolf still refused Oguri Cap's suggestion.
After Oguri Cap left Symboli Rudolf's student council president's office, Symboli Rudolf went to find the URA officials and bowed, requesting them to change the rules for the Classic Triple Crown tournament.
This clearly showed that Symboli Rudolf, though outwardly serious, was actually quite gentle.
Despite this, Sakura Baimu still didn't want more people to know her identity.
Everyone feels they have someone they can trust, but if word spreads like wildfire, wouldn't the whole school eventually know?
The fewer people who knew her identity, the better, at least until her suspension ended.
Sakura Baimu was lost in thought and didn't answer Symboli Rudolf's question immediately.
Seeing Sakura Baimu's hesitation, Symboli Rudolf spoke regretfully.
"I saw your strength today, Ogura. I realized that someone with your abilities really doesn't need to join our academy. Tracen Academy doesn't seem to have much to offer you."
"No... I didn't mean that. For some reasons, I really can't join your academy," Sakura Baimu said softly, slightly changing her tone.
"Actually, Ogura, you don't need to be so secretive. If you want to use the track at night in the future, you're welcome anytime. Not just during this campus open day, but in the future as well," Symboli Rudolf said softly.
"Thank you," Sakura Baimu said, pulling at her hat and looking flustered as she thanked her repeatedly.
Maruzensky stood to the side, watching Sakura Baimu's behavior—a departure from her usual self to avoid revealing her identity—and found her increasingly amusing.
Her eyes were practically crescent-shaped; while finding Sakura Baimu's antics endearing, she also stepped in to help her out of the predicament.
"Rudolf, there's plenty of time. No need to rush. Ogura just finished a run with Obey Your Master; she must be exhausted."
Sakura Baimu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Maruzensky's words.
Maruzensky did have some conscience, knowing to help her out.
But then, a second later, she heard Maruzensky say with a laugh:
"Rudolf, you go back first. I'll drive 'Ta-chan' and take Ogura home."
Sakura Baimu: "?"
What's this experienced driver up to?
Sakura Baimu had heard that even Ms. Junkawa couldn't stand Maruzensky's driving skills.
Previously, Maruzensky deliberately dragged Junkawa Tazuna, the chairperson's secretary, off on the last train at a bar, then drove her home.
Since then, Junkawa Tazuna had basically avoided Maruzensky whenever she saw her at the academy.
Sakura Baimu didn't know Junkawa Tazuna was also an Umamusume before; she just thought Junkawa Tazuna was too weak and didn't take her seriously.
But after discovering Junkawa Tazuna's terrifying strength, Sakura Baimu finally understood the danger of Maruzensky's driving skills.
"She's starting to harass me now that Miss Junkawa is ignoring her!"
Sakura Baimu felt a chill run down her spine and quickly refused:
"No... no need, my house is very close. I can walk home."
"It's alright, I'm going home anyway. I'll give you a ride on my way." Maruzensky smiled and walked to Sakura Baimu's side, patting her on the shoulder.
Symboli Rudolf looked at Maruzensky and Sakura Baimu and suddenly felt that Sakura Baimu didn't seem as resistant to them as last time, so she tentatively asked:
"Ogura, could you tell me why you can't join the academy? I've been struggling with this lately and I'm genuinely curious. Or, if you don't want to tell me, could you at least tell me your real name? Someone of your caliber shouldn't be so unknown. I really have high hopes for you."
Suddenly, Maruzensky whispered in Sakura Baimu's ear:
"Come with me, and you won't have to answer Rudolf's questions~"
Upon hearing this, Sakura Baimu's face, hidden beneath her hoodie's hood, instantly contorted into a look of utter disbelief.
"What's going on! Tonight it's either my identity exposed or ride this old driver's death trap, right?! Seriously, is there even a difference between these two options? One's a social death, the other's a real death, right?"
"Didn't Matikanefukukitaru say that finding some blue roses can ward off bad luck? I've spent the whole afternoon with Rice Shower. It doesn't seem to be working!!"
Sakura Baimu felt like she had no choice. Just as she was about to take advantage of the two's inattention and speed away...
Suddenly, a high-pitched, resonant voice, like that of a savior, rang out in the silent night sky.
"Gentlewomen!"
When Sakura Baimu heard that incredibly familiar voice, and those classic two words at the beginning, her tense body instantly relaxed.
It was Akikawa Yayoi.
Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky, both with smirks on their faces, froze upon hearing the voice. They turned to look at the petite figure towering over them.
This scene felt strangely familiar.
The last time they caught Sakura Baimu, it was Akikawa Yayoi who had intervened.
"Ogura, I'm done. Come back with me."
Akikawa Yayoi smiled, flicked her fan, and gracefully descended the steps toward Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky.
"Chairperson."
"Chairperson Akikawa."
Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky quickly greeted Akikawa Yayoi.
Both of them looked somewhat embarrassed upon seeing Akikawa Yayoi.
They weren't leaving in the middle of the night, surrounding Sakura Baimu and asking her all sorts of questions. Akikawa Yayoi had already caught them once before.
And now, Akikawa Yayoi had caught them again.
What a coincidence!
Akikawa Yayoi smiled and walked up to Sakura Baimu, and Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky quickly made way for her.
"Luna, sky, don't mind her. Ogura is a little shy. She's only normal during matches; normally, she finds it hard to talk to strangers."
"I'm sorry, Chairman," Symboli Rudolf said.
"It's alright. You've been patrolling so late to prevent further harm to the students in the academy. It's truly commendable."
Akikawa Yayoi showed no sign of reproach. She smiled and praised Symboli Rudolf and Maruzensky, making the two of them feel increasingly embarrassed.
Akikawa Yayoi gently took Sakura Baimu's hand and led her outside, leaving the apologetic Symboli Rudolf and regretful Maruzensky standing there.
--
A moment later, Sakura Baimu finally heard Akikawa Yayoi's voice.
"Alright, they can't see us anymore."
Sakura Baimu finally dared to raise her head and look at Akikawa Yayoi, who was a head shorter than her, walking ahead of her.
"Thank you, Yayoi."
Sakura Baimu was incredibly grateful, knowing that Akikawa Yayoi was probably waiting at school for her to come for her run again.
If nothing happened, Akikawa Yayoi wouldn't intervene, just watching silently.
But if something did happen to her, Akikawa Yayoi would immediately step in to help.
"I just did the same thing as Luna and Ski." Akikawa Yayoi chuckled, turning to look at Sakura Baimu.
"Sakura, don't hold a grudge against them. After all, they've been waiting for you every night."
"Unfortunately, Maru-zen-san already knows my identity," Sakura Baimu said with a helpless shrug.
"Pfft—then Sakura, you're in for it." Akikawa Yayoi suddenly burst out laughing.
"Actually, even if they found out your identity, it wouldn't be a problem. They're not the kind of kids who would gossip."
"Hmm…" Sakura Baimu nodded, looking at Akikawa Yayoi in front of her.
Suddenly, Sakura Baimu's eyes lit up.
She noticed that on the right side of the white lady's hat on Akikawa Yayoi's head, there was also an embroidered blue rose.