Kousei was completely unaware of Central's sudden visit.
While Reiko and Ivan were meeting, Kousei had just parted ways with Tides at the training track. She had finished her final set of hill sprints right as the session ended.
After quickly packing up, Kousei slung her bag over her shoulder and left the track, wondering what to eat. Suddenly, her ears twitched alertly, and she frowned, scanning her surroundings. She felt like someone was watching her.
Who is it this time? Kousei thought, annoyed. This never ends.
As if sensing her irritation, a figure slowly emerged from the shadows, a mocking smile on their face. "Hello there, Monster."
Kousei froze, stunned by the newcomer's appearance.
The woman was tall and imposing, her hair dancing in the evening breeze like waves of wheat. Her gaze was sharp and piercing, and her mere presence radiated an intimidating aura.
A golden... lion?
Kousei's shock lasted only a moment. As she recognized the woman's face, her body tensed instinctively.
It's her!
Kousei knew that face. The newcomer was Amel, the reigning champion known as the Golden Lion, who had led her legion to a clean sweep of last year's Japan Cup.
"You seem tense. Don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble."
Kousei was indeed nervous, so much so that she began swallowing involuntarily. The memory of Amel's arrogant and domineering display at the Japan Cup was still fresh in her mind. Amel herself constantly radiated a frenzied energy.
Her gaze was incredibly oppressive. Kousei hadn't felt such emotional turmoil in a long time; it was like being stared down by a real lion.
She feels different.
Unlike the regal aura of Caesar or Rudolf, Amel didn't project a sense of condescending superiority. Her presence was more akin to the dangerous vibe of Narita Brian.
They're both golden, just like Caesar, yet the difference is so stark.
Kousei remained silent, her eyes fixed on Amel.
"The rumors say you're a woman of few words. I see they're true," Amel said, feigning ignorance. "Why such obvious hostility? This is our first meeting, isn't it? Let me think... what have I done recently?
"Oh, right. You're from Central, aren't you?"
Amel knew the answer perfectly well. She was deliberately provoking Kousei, eager to see her reaction.
"Perhaps. But my official registration with the NAU lists me as from Northern Academy."
Kousei wouldn't fall for such a tired old trick.
"So, what's the renowned Golden Lion doing here at the NAU?"
"Naturally, I came to see the rumored Monster," Amel replied. "After all, you're all over the headlines. When someone attracts so much attention, it's only natural to want to learn more about them, wouldn't you agree?"
"I have nothing to talk to you about."
Kousei's scalp tingled. She'd felt something was off ever since her encounter with Tides earlier. She had temporarily pushed the feeling aside because of Yurei's letter, but now, one thing after another kept piling up.
Something's wrong. What's happening? Where's Reiko? What is she doing?
Countless thoughts raced through Kousei's mind, each one making her more agitated. Unwilling to get entangled with Amel, she took a step to leave.
Suddenly, she froze. An immense pressure settled on her shoulders. Kousei shuddered as a familiar sensation washed over her.
It's exactly like with the President back then!
Rudolf had demonstrated this kind of pressure once while teaching Kousei about aura. Now, she felt that same overwhelming force radiating from Amel.
Amel stood perfectly still, yet she exuded the presence of a ferocious beast, making Kousei's heart pound wildly.
Kousei retracted her foot and turned to face Amel squarely.
"You want to talk, right? Fine! Then I'll face you!"
Kousei's expression hardened, her eyes turning crimson as the silhouette of a giant scarlet serpent began to materialize behind her. The tension between them was suffocating. A pleased smile touched Amel's lips as she became the first to withdraw her hostility.
"Impressive courage," Amel said. "I like you."
The phantom serpent gradually faded. Once both had calmed down, Amel waved her hand. "Let's go."
Having already decided to talk, Kousei shed her reservations and followed Amel.
They found a secluded spot and sat side-by-side on a flight of steps.
"Did you know Central sent someone?" Amel asked, breaking the silence.
"Central? Why?" Kousei asked, surprised.
But before her surprise could fully register, she seemed to recall something more important and quickly added, "Who did they send? Was it McQueen?"
Amel understood immediately and chuckled. "My apologies, I wasn't clear. It was the Central Committee that sent someone."
"Oh—"
A hint of disappointment colored Kousei's tone. Right, she thought silently. Why would McQueen ever show up here?
"So, when did the person from the Central Committee arrive?"
"About four or five hours ago, I'd say."
"Four or five hours?" Kousei mused, realizing it was around the same time she had encountered Tides. "Is she from the Central Committee?"
Ivan had once told Kousei that all participants in the NAU were exceptional Beginner Grade Umamusume. If Central had truly produced such a talented newcomer, Kousei thought, there's no way I wouldn't have heard about her.
"Did Lord Ivan tell you that Beginner Grade Umamusume would be participating in the NAU?" Amel asked.
"Of course." Kousei glanced at Amel. She knows Lord Ivan?
"Good. Saves me the trouble of explaining everything from the start. Listen carefully—this time is different. Among this batch of Beginner Grade Umamusume, five were specifically planted here by the Central Committee. I imagine they're meeting with Lord Ivan right now."
Kousei frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
"Why would they do that?"
"Isn't the answer obvious? To deal with you, Kousei."
Everything suddenly clicked into place.
"Without a doubt, you'll be completely cornered in this race. The Central Committee wants to stop you from advancing any further; your actions are too dangerous. Your high-profile comeback was practically an invitation for them to interfere. I really don't understand why you did it."
"I have my reasons. But how can the Central Committee extend its reach here? Do they truly have absolute power?"
"Good question. Of course not. The real issue is whether the NAU Committee is willing. If the NAU truly didn't want Central involved, they have a hundred ways to keep them out."
"But the problem now is that they're already in. So the NAU tacitly approved their actions, right?"
"Exactly."
Kousei's expression turned troubled. Amel prodded, "Don't understand the NAU Committee's intentions?"
Kousei nodded. How could I explain it? My conflict with the Central Committee is practically public knowledge. I'm the NAU's star, their flagship talent. Logically, the NAU should be on my side.
"If you can't figure out why something is happening," Amel said, "try thinking about what benefits it brings."