Uma Musume: From Being Knocked Ten Meters Away

Chapter 597 What reason could one possibly have to refuse?

The question about the Emperor of the East Sea came somewhat suddenly, but Megumi McQueen showed no unusual reaction.

Yasui Makoto had no idea that the topic would veer so directly in this direction.

He paused for a moment, his lips parted slightly, like a tape recorder stuck, unable to utter a sound for a moment.

He then fell silent, his eyelids lowered, his gaze fixed on his clasped hands, as if they held unfathomable answers.

Seeing this, McQueen stood up naturally and walked smoothly to the water dispenser, breaking the momentary stalemate with a gentle tone:
"Speaking of which, I'm a little thirsty... By the way, Yasui, would you like some more water?"

She picked up a paper cup, poured one for the Emperor of the East Sea first, and then poured one for herself.

Yasui Makoto's gaze unconsciously followed her movements for a moment, and taking advantage of this brief interruption, he unconsciously sorted out his thoughts.

"…No, thank you."

He glanced at the overflowing water glasses on the coffee table in front of him and took a deep breath.

He raised his eyes, his gaze filled with a mixture of confusion and inquiry, and looked at the Emperor of the East Sea:
"President of the Emperor Association...why did you suddenly think of asking this?" His voice was slightly lower than usual, with a serious tone of consideration.

The Emperor of the East Sea accepted the water cup handed to him by Megumi McQueen, holding it with both hands and meeting Yasui Makoto's gaze.

Her expression was calm and composed, revealing the student council president's composure and calmness:

"It wasn't entirely sudden. I've discussed this issue seriously with McQueen several times before."

She turned her head slightly and glanced at Megumi McQueen beside her.

The latter nodded slightly in agreement, indicating that it was indeed true.

"If it were a different trainer and a different racehorse girl pairing, well... how should I put it..."

Looking at Yasui Makoto again, the Emperor of the East Sea continued, then his tone became somewhat complicated.

She gave an awkward, wry smile and shrugged.

"To be honest, I'm afraid I wouldn't dare ask that directly."

"After all... the relationship between the trainer and the racehorse girl can easily become a source of trouble if not handled properly."

"Especially since the Shining Series also has a certain idol-like quality, attracting attention from fans, the media, and associations..."

"Yasui, you should be well aware of the complicated relationships involved, right?"

Her words were clear and logical, highlighting the sensitivity and potential impact of the issue.

It sounds like a responsible student council president carefully discussing a potentially risky situation, aiming to remind and clarify boundaries.

She knew very well that by saying this, she was both explaining the seriousness of the matter to the person behind the cabinet and laying the groundwork for further questioning.

Yasui listened attentively, his expression gradually shifting from initial surprise to understanding and seriousness.

"Yes, I understand, so..."

He nodded, seemingly lost in thought:
"So the president's meaning... is actually a reminder that I need to be mindful of these boundaries to avoid unnecessary trouble?"

The Emperor of the East Sea nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on him:
"You can think of it that way. So..."

She drew out her words slightly, steer the conversation back to the core issue:

"What is your answer? What would you do if that dependence and trust really changed?"

She paused, as if to allow the issue to settle deeper, or perhaps as if she had made a decision, and her tone became more direct:

"Or how about this, Yasui? I've always trusted your way of handling things, so I think we can be a little clearer about it."

Her voice softened, and she asked clearly, word by word:
"I want to ask, what if we make a hypothesis?"

"If Xiao Bei... develops feelings for you that go beyond dependence and trust..."

"Or, what would you do if I fell in love with you?"

Silence fell over the room once more.

The gazes of the East Sea Emperor and Megumi McQueen were both fixed silently on Yasui Makoto, awaiting his response. Behind the heavy display case, Kita Genko almost completely held his breath, his heart pounding wildly in his chest like a drum.

She unconsciously leaned forward, her ear pressed tightly against the cold cabinet.

Her crimson eyes were wide open, as if trying to pierce through the solid barrier in front of her, to clearly capture every subtle change in Yasui Makoto's face, and the answer that was about to come.

The silence didn't last long...

After bowing his head for a few seconds, Yasui Makoto raised his head and met the gaze of the East Sea Emperor with a frank and clear look.

"I... I probably can't refuse."

He spoke softly, his voice steady:

"Xiao Bei is a very pure, hardworking and kind child. Her enthusiasm and sincerity make it hard not to like her."

"She... is always full of energy, like a little sun."

"Seeing her running towards me waving her arms, it's as if all my troubles can be forgotten."

"She takes training more seriously than anyone else. Sometimes I think the intensity is already enough, but she will still do extra training on her own. That competitive spirit... makes it impossible not to watch."

He paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the air before him to see something else:
"She is actually very thoughtful. When she sees someone in trouble, she will always be the first to step forward to help, whether it is helping to move things or just listening to people's worries."

"Sometimes this will cause me to miss classes and training, and I almost missed a competition once, but... it's good, isn't it?"
“It’s the same for everyone. I can get along well with introverted kids like Gao Shangjunyi. I’ll remember which kind of carrot my good friend likes the most and I’ll bring it over to him.”

"He even enthusiastically said that he wanted to form a band with Gao Shangjunyi, hoping that it would cheer her up."

“I remember she had already decided on the band members: herself, Gao Shangjunyi, Satomi Crown, and Satomi Kozumi.”

She also mentioned the band's name, saying it should be called 'Lonely Rock'.

"Then... we gave it our all during the competition with the thunderous roar, and afterwards we could laugh and joke together without any reservations."

A faint smile unconsciously crept onto his lips:

"When she's happy, she can't help but hum a song, and the tune is always that one called 'Festival,' which makes people feel good just by listening to it."

"She also loves sweets, especially lemon-flavored gummies. Once she starts eating them, she can't stop. I have to remind her like I'm watching a child."

"My favorite drink is lemonade, but I prefer it when it's not too cold."

"Then I really like the tranquil and simple environment of the countryside."

I like snow scenes.

"He's really strong, and he always confidently says he can lift me up with one hand..."

He shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of helpless indulgence:

"She always seems to have endless expectations and courage for the future. Even if she loses occasionally and sheds tears of resentment, she can still continue to sprint with a smile the next day."

"She admires you, President of the Emperor Club, and she can't help but call out your name during training, she's so focused..."

"That's just how she is; once she sets her mind on something, she'll go all in."

Yasui Makoto's voice remained steady throughout, without excessive emotional embellishment.

He simply narrated calmly, recounting a series of ordinary daily moments.

Every detail is clear and specific, as if I had sketched it out in my mind many times.

"so……"

He concluded in a calm tone:

"Such a pure and hardworking child, her trust and reliance are precious in themselves."

"What reason do I have, or what ability do I have to refuse?"

(End of this chapter)