Chapter 191: Are you at the age where you know about love already!?

As has practically become a tradition by now.

Within our team, whenever one of the girls finishes a race, we hold a small after-party—if they win, it’s a victory celebration; if they lose, it becomes a consolation party.

…That said, aside from Wilm’s loss at the Arima Kinen, our team hasn’t lost an official race yet, so we’ve never actually held a consolation party.

Even after the Arima Kinen, things were chaotic with my re-hospitalization, rehabilitation, and the year-end rush, so there was no way we could have held any kind of celebration anyway.

This tradition actually started with Masa’s suggestion—she said the horse girl who ran the race deserved some kind of appreciation.

Truthfully, I’d started feeling the same way around the middle of this year.

Both humans and horse girls can’t stay wound up and tense forever. Physically and mentally, you need moments where you loosen up.

Now that I’ve experienced that firsthand through my own body rather than just understanding it logically, I really get it.

Letting loose once in a while—celebrating loudly—and clearly drawing a line between the extraordinary world of racing and everyday life… that kind of ritual has real meaning and value.

The fact that Masa was able to propose something so thoughtful back when she was still new to being a trainer honestly amazes me all over again… but anyway.

Naturally, the day Bourbon achieved her brilliant victory in the Kikuka Sho was no exception—we held a celebration.

I initially suggested we move it to another day since Bourbon must have been tired, but she strongly insisted on holding it that same night.

Normally, Bourbon would probably say something like, "As long as the meal provides sufficient quantity and nutrition, I have no strong preference regarding its content."

But today she requested "a place with atmosphere."

So I shamelessly combined the influence of the Horino family and the growing power of my own name to force a reservation through.

And that’s how the four of us ended up holding what could hardly be called a modest celebration.

…However—

"Master, I would like to raise a question. When shall we register our marriage?"

"Whaaaat!? Hardcore NTR is banned under the pure-love tag rules, right!? I mean—can we all calm down for a second, junior!?"

"First of all! Brother, you make women miserable way too often! Stop saying things that sound suggestive when you don’t even mean them! Do you know how much trouble I have to deal with afterward!?"

…Don’t you think this might be taking things a bit too far?

---

The first faint sense of unease came right after the Kikuka Sho ended.

Souri Cross had shown a finishing kick after a massive breakaway that almost resembled Wilm’s style.

Rice Shower had chased relentlessly from behind, as if driving herself into a corner.

And Mihono Bourbon, running alongside them both, held true to her own style all the way to the very end.

Each of the three must have carried their own prayers and determination. The Kikuka Sho had been so fierce that it hardly felt like a typical Classic-class race.

After it was over, Bourbon exited the main track and met up with us in the underground passage.

Her eyes trembled with stronger emotion than I had ever seen before.

"Master… I—I… the Triple Crown…"

Her voice came out as barely more than a whisper.

Now that the heat of the race had faded and she was looking at our faces, she must have finally realized what she had accomplished.

The emotion of finally reaching the place she had dreamed of for so long—and the satisfaction of standing just slightly ahead of her many rivals—must have rushed over her all at once.

…Ah, yes. Even though the circumstances were different, I recognized that look.

After all, when Wilm won the Takarazuka Kinen during her Classic year, she had worn a very similar smile.

Without a doubt—

Mihono Bourbon had taken a step forward into the future with her own will and her own legs.

Without realizing it, I smiled and said, "Welcome back, Bourbon," while gently patting her head.

Wilm, acting like a senior, embraced her and absorbed the impact. Despite the size difference, she stopped Bourbon’s momentum effortlessly. The strength of racing horse girls really is something.

"Good job," she said softly.

Masa, perhaps because it was the first time she had clearly witnessed the growth of a horse girl—or perhaps because she was overwhelmed by Bourbon’s achievement after running alongside her all this time—turned her face away and wiped her eyes.

"C-Congratulations…!"

And then, a few minutes later.

Having calmed down somewhat, Bourbon stepped out of Wilm’s arms and looked at me with reddened eyes.

"Once again… I offer my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much, Master.

Because of you, I was able to achieve my first goal… and I believe I have also discovered the path I wish to run.

From here on, please continue to operate Mihono Bourbon."

She smiled brightly as she said that.

That expression was unmistakably the face of a racing horse girl—one I had seen many times before.

There was no trace left of the girl she once was: the blind, mechanical child with little sense of self.

Once, she had admired the backs of Triple Crown horse girls and been inspired by the proud smile of her father. She had defined her only goal as the Classic Triple Crown.

But the true root of her heart had always been something else.

A thirst to surpass the strong.

And the fulfillment that came from making someone happy through racing.

Neither of those things had to be confined to the stage of the Classic races.

Mihono Bourbon had realized that herself.

And she had discovered the joy of running alongside others… and surpassing them.

Feeling genuine happiness, I smiled back at her.

"I see… I’m glad. Of course I’m happy you won, but if I was able to show you even a glimpse of the road beyond that, then as a trainer, nothing could make me happier.

Congratulations again, Miho—no, Bourbon. This is the end of your first battle, and the beginning of a new journey."

We celebrated the victory as a team, shared in her emotions, and dreamed about the future.

And with that, our Kikuka Sho came to its close.

Yes.

Up until that point, things were fine.

…Well, actually, not really.

To be honest, even then something about Bourbon felt slightly off.

But it was small enough to ignore, and as a trainer and his horse girl, I thought we’d had an incredibly good conversation.

Wilm was also making a lot of excited squeaky noises, but since she looked adorable, I just patted her head until she calmed down.

After that, I handled a quick meeting and the winner’s interview. Then, together with Bourbon—who somehow felt closer to me than usual—we announced our future goals.

Her winning live performance seemed a little softer in expression than usual, and I couldn’t help smiling wryly as Wilm waved her penlight wildly while cheering.

Once all the work was finished, we changed into casual clothes and put on light disguises.

Then we left the racecourse and headed to a traditional restaurant to hold the Kikuka Sho celebration, just as Bourbon had requested.

But along the way—

The sense of unease finally became impossible to ignore.

"B-Bourbon-chan?"

"What is it?"

"Well… um…"

You see.

Whenever we walk somewhere, the space to my left basically belongs to Wilm.

Whether we’re going to URA headquarters, heading to a lesson studio, or even walking down the underground passage to pick up Bourbon—since I’m the trainer, I naturally walk with my assigned horse girl, Wilm, most of the time.

So it’s always me on the right, and Wilm on the left.

After three years together, it’s become an unconscious formation.

Even if I say nothing, Wilm naturally lines up beside me on the left. Even if she says nothing, I adjust my pace to match hers.

This positioning hasn’t changed for about two years now, and I doubt it ever will.

…Well, if I had to point out one change—

Back then there used to be about fifty centimeters between us.

Now it’s closer to five.

Sometimes it’s even zero.

But that’s beside the point.

That day, on the way to the restaurant, Wilm was walking beside me on the left as usual, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid attention.

But beside us—

There was an irregularity.

Bourbon, who normally followed quietly behind us, was walking right beside me on my right.

And not just beside me.

Close enough to touch.

On top of that, she kept staring directly at my face.

Something’s wrong.

This is definitely strange. The distance is way too close.

"M-Mihono Bourbon… um… the distance between you and my brother is…"

"I am Master’s horse girl. Therefore, I believe this distance is appropriate."

"No, Bourbon, there’s such a thing as appropriate boundaries. And people are watching—"

"But Senior Wilm is holding Master’s arm."

"Well, that’s Wilm… and with her body type, people don’t really see it that way…"

"Hmmm? I feel like I just heard something I can’t ignore, Ayumu?"

Regardless of how I personally see her, from the outside world’s perspective…

With a horse girl as small as Wilm, the situation actually stops looking suspicious.

She’s 145 centimeters tall.

I’m about 185.

That forty-centimeter height difference makes us look more like a father and daughter than anything else.

On top of that, both Wilm and I are now internationally recognizable faces—specifically as a trainer and horse girl pair.

So even if we stick close together, people tend to think, "Oh, they’re a trainer and his horse girl."

But with Bourbon, it’s different.

Sure, Bourbon is famous too. Anyone interested in racing would recognize her and understand our relationship.

But she’s not at the level where even people with no interest in racing know her face and name.

And unlike Wilm, Bourbon has an incredibly mature physique for her age.

Yet at the same time, she still has a youthful face and a slightly childish atmosphere.

So if someone who didn’t know us saw us together—

It would look like a full-blown incident.

My social standing would be in serious danger. I’d hate to have my trainer license revoked over a misunderstanding like that after everything we’ve worked for.

While I was stressing over that—

"But come on, Bourbon-chan? You’re super popular right now, right? If you walk around stuck to Ayumu like that… what if the media catches it? That’d be bad, right?"

"I believe Senior Wilm’s popularity is greater."

"Huh? That’s weird. Bourbon-chan suddenly lost all her usual honesty and became a a thousand times more shameless!"

No matter what we said, Bourbon refused to step away.

And since she was the star of the day, it was hard to strongly oppose her wishes.

So I walked all the way to the restaurant while feeling the prickling stares of everyone around us.

We finally reached our destination, and since we had reserved a private room, I sighed in relief.

But in fact—

That was when the real hell began.

"After graduating from Tracen Academy, I propose the following flow: 'Process: Greetings' → marriage registration.

Based on previous data, I predict Master and my father will get along well. I would like to invite you to visit my family home."

"Wait, wait! Don’t leave me behind! I was the one who fell in love first! Me!!

Besides, I’ve already greeted your family! If anything, I’m the one seconds away from marriage registration! And just so you know, that’s not a brag—that’s simply a fact based on objective data!"

"Do you get it!? This is all your fault, Brother! I’ve been secretly adjusting the distance between everyone for you, and you keep saying things that make people misunderstand! Even back in college! Do you know how much I had to cover for you!? You even dropped hints like that with Wilm! And now you’re leading Bourbon on too!?"

Bourbon started saying outrageous things with a perfectly serious face.

Wilm, her face pale, grabbed Bourbon by the collar and began shaking her violently. Despite the size difference, the fact that she could swing her around just showed once again how strong racing horse girls are.

And Masa…

People say you should drink alcohol, not be drunk by it.

But for once—something truly rare for her—

She was making a complete drunken spectacle of herself.

What is this?

Why has the victory celebration turned into something that looks like a battlefield?

---

As I stared vacantly ahead, waiting for time to pass, I vaguely wondered how things had ended up like this.

First, there was Masa—the one who seemed to be causing the biggest scene.

In her case… this was partly my mistake. Or rather, my misjudgment.

I had underestimated the amount of pressure and restraint she had been under.

My own sense of what a G1 race means is probably already broken.

Thinking back, two years ago when I sent Wilm out for the Hopeful Stakes, I clearly remember feeling a strong tension along with the certainty of "There’s no way we’ll lose this."

After all, it was a G1 race—the pinnacle of racing in this country. A dream stage where countless trainers and horse girls challenge themselves, only to fall short, and where only one can stand victorious in all of Japan.

Winning something like that would bring immense honor to me—and to the Horino family.

In my previous life’s game, going undefeated was pretty normal. But living in this world for real, you can’t help but understand how difficult it truly is to win a G1 race—and what an incredible achievement it is.

Back then, I tried my best to suppress my personal feelings, but I’m pretty sure I was still nervous. My memory’s fuzzy, though, so that’s just a guess.

But if you keep running together with Wilm, that kind of feeling eventually shatters without a trace.

How many G1 races have we run in by now?

How many have we won?

These days, the only races Wilm enters are G1 races.

In the past, people suggested she should run G2 races occasionally for conditioning. But now it’s the opposite—people complain if she enters anything below G1, saying, "Don’t waste Hoshino Wilm’s legs."

At this point, for us, aiming for a G1 race, preparing for it, doing final training runs, and then entering the race…

That’s just part of everyday life.

It’s no different from waking up and eating breakfast, or taking a bath after finishing work at night.

And in that situation, could anyone really keep their sense of tension?

No.

Right now, for better or worse, I’m raising these girls with a completely natural state of mind.

But… that’s only because it’s me.

Even though Masa is far more capable than I am in many ways, she had almost no experience supporting a horse girl entirely on her own until now.

…No, if I’m being a little mean about it—
for Masa, who couldn’t bring Wilm to victory at last year’s Arima Kinen…

During the two months I was gone, Mihono Bourbon had been standing just one step away from the dream she had pursued.

And Masa had been the one supporting her—alone.

How heavy that burden must have been.

How great the responsibility must have felt as an adult, protecting Bourbon’s determination to challenge the Kikuka Sho.

And when Bourbon’s challenge finally succeeded…

How overwhelming the sense of accomplishment must have been.

How much relief she must have felt.

Masa rarely talks about her struggles or worries. She has an independent spirit in the best sense of the word.

But because of that, I had failed to fully understand her situation.

As her brother, that’s honestly pretty shameful.

So… well.

I don’t really feel like blaming her for letting loose right now.

Sure, it’s unbecoming of someone from a distinguished family.

But at the end of the day, we’re human before we’re heirs of some prestigious house.

Just like the two horse girls with us, sometimes we all need a moment to relax.

And for Masa, who had just been released from enormous pressure, this was probably exactly that moment.

…That much, at least, is definitely true.

"Maaaan, you’ve always been like this, big brother! If I’m not around, you’re completely hopeless… Seriously, how did you even survive before last year? Oh, and another glass of the Dikem, please. The fifteen-year one!"

Still…

Drinking even more than usual and getting completely drunk because you’ve relaxed too much is… kind of questionable, little sister.

If it were just the two of us, fine.

But right now your trainees—kids, technically—are sitting right here.

Also, please stop kicking my shins so hard.

It actually hurts.

Now then.

Masa—who will probably wake up tomorrow morning pale-faced and clutching her head—was sitting across from me, resting her cheek against her hand on the armrest while lazily swirling a wine glass and endlessly venting her complaints.

Meanwhile…

What were my two trainees doing?

"Well, I mean, Bourbon-chan! Don’t you think you should learn the word 'modesty'?"

"Searching archive for the word 'modesty'… Result: zero hits."

"That’s the worst Napoleon reference in the world!"

Without even glancing at Masa—who had fallen from the rank of responsible adult to possibly questionable adult—

The two of them had taken seats on either side of me, each clinging to one of my arms while chattering noisily at each other.

Of course, they weren’t actually hostile.

It was more like playful teasing.

Just cute communication between a senior and a junior.

Probably.

At least partially.

But even so, I felt incredibly relieved that we had reserved a private room.

If the public ever saw this scene—two hugely popular stars hanging off both my arms—

I’d probably end up crucified.

…Then again, maybe not?

This world is apparently extremely tolerant about that whole trainer–Uma Musume relationship… what was it called again? TreUma?

No, no.

Even so, having two of them at once would definitely be crossing the line.

I’d probably get stabbed.

And not just by women.

Men too.

“…Right.”

Enough of this pointless escapism. I should stop drifting off into thought.

I hate to pour cold water on everyone’s fun, but as a trainer, there are things I’m obligated to address.

I called out to Bourbon, who was glued to my right side, glancing my way while happily sipping fruit juice in small, cheerful sips.

"Ah—Bourbon, could I have a moment?"

"I will leave the format of the ceremony to you, Master."

"…You’re reading way too much between the lines there. Could you maybe listen to what I’m actually saying first?"

Normally, she has trouble expressing emotions outwardly.

Not that she chooses not to—she simply can’t.

It’s not something she’s ever done before, and she doesn’t really know how.

Even now, she looked calm and expressionless on the surface.

But we’ve known each other long enough that I can finally see the faint emotions hidden beneath that blank expression.

Well, it’s only natural, really.

Bourbon is apparently quite excited right now.

People often misunderstand her because her emotional expression is so faint, but she’s still just a normal girl.

Her emotions may be subtler than most, but she still feels joy when something good happens and sadness when something bad happens.

It’s just that those feelings don’t easily show on the surface.

Inside her is the heart of a perfectly ordinary, kind girl.

And that girl had just achieved the single goal she had pursued for so long.

Of course she would be over the moon.

That’s why she’s joking around and acting a little selfish like this—she’s enjoying the moment.

The fact that she can be like this… that she trusts Wilm and me enough to relax like this…

That honestly makes me incredibly happy.

It really does.

But even so.

There are still questions that need to be asked.

I’m her trainer, after all.

"So… um… how did you arrive at that conclusion? About marriage registration and all that…"

When I asked, her expression barely changed.

But she tightened her grip around my arm.

Give me a break. I’m still a man, you know—this kind of thing puts me in a difficult spot.

…Well, I’ve trained myself well enough to shut down certain thoughts, so there won’t be any problems.

While mentally flipping that switch, Bourbon looked up at me and spoke.

"Master is Mihono Bourbon’s one and only Master. That is how I have defined it.

For me—for a woman—the existence of a single, irreplaceable man suggests a marital relationship."

"…Ah. I see."

Master = one special man.

One special man = husband.

Wow. That’s quite the faulty syllogism.

Honestly… this girl.

She’s definitely messing with me on purpose.

Still feeling a little amused, I gently scolded her.

"Bourbon, I know you’re having fun—I really do—but teasing your senior like that might be in poor taste."

"Fufu… my apologies. I may have played around a bit too much."

Letting out a rare, small laugh, she released my arm and swallowed another sip of juice.

Meanwhile, the koala-like horse girl clinging to my left arm stared with her eyes wide as saucers.

"W-Wait, what!? That was a joke!?"

"Yes. A mechanical joke. …Half of it."

"Where was the ‘mechanical’ part!? And what do you mean half!?"

There’s no way Bourbon—a logical thinker just like me—would make such an obvious mistake in syllogistic reasoning.

…Well, sure, it’s obvious she admires me as her trainer.

But jumping straight to marriage and registration? There’s no way she’s actually thinking that far ahead.

Up until now, she had defined her entire life around a single path—almost like a curse.

She couldn’t even imagine any future beyond that one goal.

So there’s no way she could suddenly start planning what would happen between us.

In other words, it was just a joke.

Still, Masa and I—and probably Wilm too—had been worried about the fragility of someone who could only see the present moment like that.

But then Bourbon spoke again.

"For Mihono Bourbon, the fact that Master is a special man… is the truth.

You fulfilled the dreams of my father, myself, and even Master.

And you reminded me of my true goal—the future that lies ahead.

…That is why, to me, Master is the one and only 'Master.'

The single person with whom I should walk forward."

Holding her glass of juice, Mihono Bourbon closed her eyes.

It almost looked as though she were reminiscing.

No—

More like she was imagining a joyful tomorrow.

Now that she has started walking forward on her own two feet, I probably don’t need to worry about her anymore.

Pursuing a single goal with unwavering dedication might very well be Mihono Bourbon’s nature.

But even so…

There’s a world of difference between seeing only that goal and being able to see everything around you as well.

From this point onward, everything is overtime—free time.

She has achieved the goal she set for herself.

From here on, she will choose her own objectives and run forward by her own will.

She will pick her path from everything within her sight.

…and if she wishes for it, I will walk that path alongside her.

The Mihono Bourbon who lives in this world will never stop running until she is completely satisfied.

I’ll support her when she needs it, and sometimes she’ll support me in return.

Together, we’ll continue racing forward as trainer and racing horse girl.

That is the future she chose—one that surpasses destiny itself.

In a sense, today might be both the end of her story…

and the beginning.

Being able to witness this moment—

And continue walking alongside her—

As a trainer, there’s nothing that could make me happier.

I am Hoshino Wilm’s trainer.

And at the same time, I am Mihono Bourbon’s trainer.

Just as I support Wilm, I’ll support Bourbon too—as much as I possibly can.

…

While I was soaking in that emotional moment beside them—

"So, if Senior does not require Master, I will requisition Master instead.

Mihono Bourbon requires Master in her life—both now and in the future."

"Hey!? Hey, hold on!? Bourbon-chan, rooftop—no, actually, let’s go to the turf. I’ll crush you so thoroughly you’ll never talk back again. Trying to steal what’s mine? Come back after you’ve won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe♡"

"Is this fun for you!? Picking up two young horse girls like this, you harem bastard! What happened to the pride of the Horino family!? Since when did you become a playboy!?"

"If winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will allow me to claim Master, then Master, I shall set that as my next achievement target—"

"N-No—wait—gah—AAAH!! Stop treating Ayumu like he’s some trophy or prize!! He’s an independent human being and my precious trainer!!"

"Take responsibility! Responsibility! Either choose one clearly or reject both! This isn’t some isekai fantasy world where polygamy is normal! …Are you even listening, big brother!? Here—drink more!!"

The women were in complete chaos.

Three women together—well, you know the saying.

As the only man present, I felt incredibly outnumbered.

Honestly… it was pretty painful.

Personally, I thought that on a day like this, it might have been nice to end things on a slightly more serious note.

…

Well.

Bourbon looks like she’s having fun, so I guess it’s fine.