Having trained real horses, why are we now training racehorse girls after time-traveling?

"...Perhaps what's bad isn't interests, nor family or honor," Jin Lang replied calmly, "but rather ourselves."

"...Can horse girls turn bad too?"

This time, however, no one could answer Madam Meguro's murmurs. After an unknown amount of time, Madam Meguro silently stood up and slowly walked towards the door.

As the sliding door slowly opened, McQueen and his group, who had been outside without leaving, met the gaze of Madam Mejiro as she emerged from the house. However, Madam Mejiro was not surprised to see them there. Instead, she looked at McQueen with a kind and clear gaze.

But the old lady said nothing, only gazing at McQueen, whose eyes still held tears. McQueen, in turn, looked at his beloved grandmother, and after a long while, he called out in a sobbing voice:

"Grandma..."

"..."

But Madam Meguro did not respond to McQueen. She simply patted McQueen's head gently and then slowly walked out of the house.

The moment Madam Mejiro left the izakaya, the previously noisy place fell silent. All the guests stood up and followed Madam Mejiro as she left the izakaya.

For a moment, even the usually busy shop manager was dumbfounded, watching as all the customers who had been there suddenly left. After a long while, he muttered to himself:

"What the hell... what's going on?"

Soon after, Imai slowly emerged from the izakaya. Seeing the three racehorse girls gathered around him, all looking at him, he finally regained his usual gentle demeanor and softly said:

"Let's go back. This... is not a place for children."

Chapter 504: McQueen's Confession

In the end, Jinlang returned to Treson Academy with several racehorse girls. Along the way, no one spoke, not even the usually quirky Golden Ship could tell a joke to ease the atmosphere. The silence continued until they returned to Treson Academy, and the group slowly got out of the taxi.

"The Emperor is asleep." The Emperor of the East Sea, whose sleep schedule was very childlike, had already fallen asleep early in the taxi. Rudolf gently lifted the Emperor out of the taxi, his gentle gaze sweeping over the Emperor's body before turning to look at Jin Lang.

"What happened today... Mr. Jinlang, you have truly broadened my horizons."

"I am so glad that the Empress chose you to be her trainer. This is probably the decision that the Empress and I will never regret in our lives."

Today, Jinlang's words to Madam Meguro were so persuasive that even the head of the Meguro family was eventually convinced. It has to be said that this scene allowed Rudol Symbol, who was born in Symbol Ranch and had experienced the majesty of the family head since childhood, to see something he had never imagined before—that someone actually dared to be angry with the head of a large family and could even silence him without any retaliation.

At least within Symbol Ranch, Rudol Symbol never considered the possibility of challenging the head of the family. This was impossible for a family like Symbol, with its long-standing bloodline and history. Even though Rudol Symbol was Symbol Ranch's number one racehorse girl and was likely groomed to be the next head of Symbol Ranch, she would still not dare to disrespect her elders, even if she did become the head of Symbol.

In a society like Japan, traditional class concepts are very strict, which is even more evident in larger families. Lu Duo Xiangyao dares not disobey the arrangements of her elders and the head of the family in the slightest. This is why Lu Duo Xiangyao chose to remain silent and do nothing when it came to Sirius, which directly led to the current estrangement between her and Sirius.

But now, Rudolph has witnessed that there really are people who can defy their elders' wishes, and people who can do things that even she couldn't do—even if the other party isn't someone of high status or power, but just a lowly trainer.

What Jinlang did today not only broadened Rudolph's horizons, but also convinced him that the Emperor's choice of Jinlang as her trainer was perhaps the best decision she had ever made.

This trainer is a pure trainer who is willing to be fearless of all other powerful figures for their sake.

The word "pure" sounds simple, but in this world, even the horse girls who can be called "pure to the extreme" among the creations of the three goddesses dare not say that they can all achieve it. It is truly rare for an ordinary person to be able to achieve a level of purity that most horse girls cannot.

Even Rudolf, who symbolizes a racehorse girl who has been exposed to the adult world, admits that he cannot do this.

A pure trainer who has always stayed true to himself... It has to be said that Rudolph couldn't help but feel envious this time. Why couldn't she have met such a trainer sooner?

If that's the case, then back at Symbol Ranch, perhaps... everything would have been different...

However, there are no "what ifs" in this world. Rudolf shook his head, embracing the emperor's petite body, and said to Jin Lang:

"You've had a hard day, Mr. Jinlang. I've taken the Emperor back to the dormitory."

"You've had so much to drink tonight, Mr. Jinlang, don't overexert yourself. Get some rest."

Rudolph, carrying the Emperor's body, slowly walked away. Meanwhile, McQueen, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke softly to the golden ship standing beside Jin Lang:

"Golden Ship...could...you give me and my trainer a little bit of private space?"

"I have something I want to say to the trainer alone."

"...Don't say anything cunning, okay, McQueen?"

Golden Ship was silent for a moment after hearing this. She was actually very reluctant to leave, but she also considered McQueen's feelings. McQueen looked so pitiful and really needed the old man's comfort. However, Golden Ship was also afraid that McQueen had deliberately chosen this time to sneak away.

However, the Golden Ship simply couldn't refuse McQueen's request in this state, and in the end, it had no choice but to resign itself to its fate, leaving with a face full of reluctance and looking back every three steps.

Only after the golden ship had sailed far away did McQueen, who had been keeping his head down the whole time, tug at Jin Lang's sleeve and whisper:

"...Could you walk with me for a little while, trainer?"

"of course."

Jin Lang still didn't reject McQueen's suggestion. He knew very well that McQueen needed to vent. From a carefree racehorse girl who only knew how to run, to now knowing how much profit was at play behind his running, McQueen naturally needed an adjustment period.

……

Jin Lang followed McQueen around Treson Academy. It was already time for the night, and everything at Treson Academy was very quiet. Occasionally, a few figures that seemed to be racehorse girls leading people could be seen walking by, but when they saw McQueen and Jin Lang, they would suddenly and quickly avoid them, making people wonder what this combination was up to at this time.

McQueen remained silent until he and Jin Lang reached a fountain with a statue of three goddesses. They finally stopped, and McQueen finally looked up, allowing Jin Lang to see his expression.

To his surprise, Jin Lang found McQueen's expression extremely calm, showing none of the sadness and distress he had imagined, and couldn't help but ask:

"McQuinn...are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, it's much better now." McQueen smoothed his hair and said in a very calm tone, "I can understand Grandmother's choice. After all, she is carrying the weight of the entire Mejiro family on her shoulders, and she seems to have come to her senses."

"However, I won't thank you, trainer, because you were too impulsive."

"Although Grandmother is usually very strict with us, she is very kind to you. If anyone in our family spoke to Grandmother like you did, she would probably be reprimanded. But Grandmother has chosen to tolerate you."

"I should say, thankfully Grandmother's personality is quite good, right? If it were any other family head, you would be in great danger, Trainer."

"...I just hope that you can all be a little more carefree." Jin Lang nodded upon hearing this. Of course, he knew that what he was doing was quite dangerous. He was an old man with a strong sense of morality. He knew very well what he was doing and what consequences he might suffer for speaking disrespectfully to someone whose social status was far higher than his own.

However, the reason why Jinlang is not worried is that he not only has the Mejiro family behind him, but also the horse racing girls of the Symbol, Tokai and Gold families. He was able to get away unscathed when he offended the shaman, and Jinlang also felt that he did not need to be too afraid of the old lady Mejiro.

"I know, trainer, but have you considered that even if Grandma doesn't do anything, if I anger her, I might be forced to leave the team?"

As he said this, a hint of displeasure appeared on McQueen's face. "Please don't do anything that puts me in a difficult position... The Mejiro family, and everyone else, are places I don't want to leave."

"Regarding the Mejiro family... I am actually very clear about what I am carrying on my back as I run. And sometimes, I am afraid that if I fall again one day, I will be able to get up."

"But trainer, it is because of you that I can keep running without thinking about these things, so please don't make this kind of difficult choice for me."

"...I'm terrified. When I really have to choose between the Mejiro family and you, I will choose the latter without hesitation."

When McQueen uttered those last words so naturally, Jin Lang's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at McQueen. This time, however, McQueen made no attempt to hide his deep affection, choosing instead to gaze tenderly at his trainer. Before Jin Lang could speak, McQueen softly said:

“I understand, trainer, so there’s no need to say more. I just hope you can witness all of this.”

"Perhaps I used to doubt my own feelings for you, but now I've chosen to let you witness my devotion. Then you'll understand that my feelings can withstand any test."

"I will wait until the day you can accept me. When that day comes, please give me a...decisive answer, okay?"

Under the gentle breeze, Megumi McQueen confessed her feelings to the person she admired for the first time. If she had hesitated about her feelings before, what happened today made her completely convinced that she had fallen in love with this person who was devoted to her wholeheartedly.

What reason would McQueen not to fall in love with someone who would give so much for her, watch over her all the time, just so she could run carefree, and even dare to defy the family she wouldn't dare to defy?

McQueen decided that she would treat him the same way he treated her, giving him her whole heart. Only in this way could love be equal and true mutual affection be achieved. For this, she was willing to wait as long as it took or gain the approval of many people.

Chapter 505: The Emperor's Temporarily Postponed McQueen Challenge

The conclusion of the Spring Emperor's Shot has further solidified McQueen's position in long-distance racing. Now, having achieved a two-peat in the Spring Emperor's Shot, everyone is anticipating that McQueen can achieve an unprecedented two-year consecutive Spring and Autumn Emperor's Shot victories. If McQueen can reach this unprecedented achievement, then he can undoubtedly ascend to the level of a legendary female racehorse.

However, now that McQueen has flown high enough, she used to worry that she might break her wings at this final step, but now she has nothing to worry about at all.

So what if her wings are broken? She has already obtained everything she wanted, and she no longer needs to fear anything. Even if she cannot achieve such a great feat in the Autumn Emperor's Gift this year, she is already content.

She is no longer afraid of breaking her leg, as her beloved trainer monitors her health at all times; she is no longer afraid of being overwhelmed by the expectations of her family, also because her beloved trainer is there to unlock those chains for her.

To be able to run carefree, without worrying about winning or losing, without caring about honor or disgrace—what more could McQueen possibly want from a racehorse like that?

With such happiness and contentment, what else could McQueen possibly be dissatisfied with, except for not knowing how to repay his trainer for giving him this life he had never imagined before, and intending to wholeheartedly share his trainer's burdens?

She felt she had achieved everything a racehorse girl could have: victory, honor, fame, and she had also experienced defeat, despair, outbursts, and resentment. She had also faced stronger opponents and given it her all.

Now that things have come to this, McQueen no longer wants to pursue anything. She has let go of many things, and what remains is to try her best to win some more competitions and make sufficient preparations for her future so that she can go and see this beautiful world.

She no longer intends to rely on the Mejiro family's wealth to realize her dreams; she wants to live independently as Mejiro McQueen's horse mother.

"...So, McQueen, you returned that final outfit to the Mejiro family?"

"Yes, although it is somewhat unfair to the craftsmen's skills, I have made this decision."

The next day, when Megumi McQueen reappeared before Jinlang and his group, she had already returned her original custom-made winning outfit with special enhancements to the Megumi family. At this moment, she was wearing the original black winning outfit that she had ordered through Treson Academy. Although it was exquisite, it no longer had any special enhancements.

“I grew up in the Mejiro family, received their education from a young age, and grew into the kind of racehorse girl that the Mejiro family hoped for and longed for… Everything I am today is given to me by the Mejiro family. I cannot reject this family, just as I cannot sever my blood ties with my sisters and ancestors.”

"But, apart from that, I hope to continue running in the team as a truly independent racehorse girl, not as a 'Mejiro family racehorse girl,' but as 'Mejiro McQueen.'"

"Please accept me as a racehorse girl who has just lost the power behind her and become an ordinary person. I will continue to give my all for this team."

"No matter what you become, we will always respond to you, McQueen."

Jinlang was overjoyed to receive McQueen's reply; in fact, he had been hoping to see McQueen like this. When McQueen returned as a free-spirited racer, everyone on the team was ecstatic, with Golden Ship so happy that he picked her up in a hug.

"Great, McQueen! From now on, you're one of the freest horse girls in the world!"

"That's a strange way of putting it... but I'm really happy about it."

McQueen, who had been lowered onto the golden ship, spoke with a joyful expression, while the Emperor of the East Sea, standing nearby, happily approached and took McQueen's hand, saying:

"Great, McQueen! From now on, we can run together forever!"

"Hmph, so that means next year, I can finally have a serious one-on-one match with McQueen! Alright, it's decided! Your Majesty, I will challenge McQueen at the Spring Emperor's Prize! I will defeat her in McQueen's strongest area!"

"Then you'd better think it through, Your Majesty." Hearing the Emperor's confident words, everyone chuckled. Rudolf, standing to the side, also chuckled and said, "McQueen's strength has improved again. Her aura is now comparable to that of a group of top-tier racehorse girls."

As he said this, Lu Duo also turned his gaze to McQueen and asked softly, "McQueen, after winning against Mi Yu, you broke through your cultivation level again, right?"

"As expected of Rudolf." McQueen implicitly acknowledged this, nodding with a smile. Under the astonished gazes of the golden ship and the somewhat frozen Emperor of the East Sea, he said softly:

"After defeating Mi Yu, I feel that I have indeed improved again... and I can feel that this is the limit of my potential. Next, after I absorb all these insights, I should reach the true upper limit that I can reach."

"I don't know if my [Domain] and [Aura] can reach a new height this time... but at least, in any case, my strength should reach its true peak after this."

"—That's it, Your Majesty. McQueen has reached his true peak; all he needs is time." Rudolf, with a smile, looked at the somewhat embarrassed Emperor and asked, "So, do you still intend to compete against McQueen in the Spring Imperial Prize?"

"Well, um, maybe mid-range is more suitable for me..."

Although the Empress initially spoke some nonsense in her excitement, after calming down, she was well aware of the significant gap in strength between herself and McQueen. She was still honing her [Aura], and her use of it had become much more refined, but she still couldn't compare to a monster like the Golden Ship with 100% compatibility. However, compared to McQueen, she was already quite formidable.

However, once McQueen uses his [Domain], he has the terrifying ability to extend the track by a full 700 meters, enough to wear down a racehorse like the Empress, who is only so-so at long-distance races.

But McQueen is the king of long distances now! He's practically unmatched in long-distance races. Even in middle-distance races, McQueen can extend the distance for those with his Emperor-level talent, like in the Spring Emperor's Slam...

The emperor felt he might really need to sober up a bit, assess his own strength, and then consider challenging McQueen.