Just as Myriad Dreams and her two mothers were immersed in their heartwarming conversation about heritage, a steady and very present voice joined in.
"Excuse me, if I may interrupt."
Student Council President Symboli Rudolf approached them, holding a glass of champagne (non-alcoholic).
A rare, almost gentle smile was on her face.
She first politely nodded to Brilliant Radiance and Swift Stride, then her gaze fully settled on Dreams.
"Myriad Dreams."
Rudolf's voice was clear and strong, easily audible even amidst the banquet's clamor.
"On behalf of the academy, I once again extend my highest respect to you. You have accomplished a great feat that no one before you has, bringing the glory of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe back to Japan."
"Now, you are truly Japan's Number One."
Such direct and weighty praise coming from the usually strict President Rudolf carried extraordinary significance.
Myriad Dreams immediately felt a bit embarrassed by the compliments, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she quickly waved her hands.
"President, you overpraise me... I was just lucky, and everyone helped me a lot..."
"Excessive modesty is unnecessary, strength is strength," Rudolf interrupted her self-deprecating words with a firm tone.
But then, she changed the subject, and a familiar, undeniable hint of professional seriousness emerged from that gentle smile.
"Therefore, to fully showcase this honor and to respond to the immense attention from all parts of society, tomorrow at 2 PM, in the academy's main auditorium, a special press conference will be held for your Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory."
"You must attend on time."
"A press conference?! Tomorrow?!" The blush on Myriad Dreams's face instantly faded, replaced by shock and resistance.
She had an instinctive aversion to such formal occasions, surrounded by countless microphones and flashlights.
The experience of being 'supervised' by Air Groove during an interview after returning from America was still fresh in her memory.
"Um... President, can I not attend? It feels like too much trouble... And didn't we already have a press conference after returning from America?"
Rudolf seemed to have anticipated her response, slowly shaking her head, her tone calm yet leaving no room for negotiation.
"The nature is different. The last press conference's core purpose was to celebrate your American Dirt Triple Crown victory and share related experiences."
"Tomorrow's is specifically for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion."
"These are two independent and milestone achievements that must be explained and presented separately and formally to the public and media. This is your responsibility, and it is the academy's arrangement."
Myriad Dreams showed a pleading expression, trying to make a final struggle.
"But... can I really not refuse? Or... just issue a simple announcement?"
Rudolf's gaze instantly sharpened, and her voice deepened, carrying the gravity of the Studen Council President.
"No."
She specifically emphasized the word.
"This is not negotiable."
"Given your... occasionally unexpected remarks in similar situations in the past."
She paused, clearly recalling Dreams's 'so tired, want to sleep' comment during the last interview.
"To ensure the smooth running of the press conference and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, Air Groove will accompany you throughout and assist you with the interview, just like last time. She will ensure your remarks are... appropriate and proper."
"Assist... it's supervision, isn't it?!" Myriad Dreams wailed inwardly.
She could almost see Air Groove senpai's stern gaze, and those fingers precisely pinching her waist if she were to say something wrong.
Seeing Dreams's crestfallen expression, as if she wished to disappear immediately, Rudolf's expression softened slightly, and she continued speaking.
"Relax, Dreams."
"You just need to answer reporters' questions truthfully and concisely. This is a moment to share the joy of victory and an opportunity to inspire future generations. Be prepared."
After speaking, Rudolf nodded again to Brilliant Radiance and Swift Stride, then turned and left to attend to other guests offering congratulations, leaving Myriad Dreams alone, on the verge of tears, facing the empty air.
'Sigh... I escaped the Gold Family's sacks, I escaped the fans' encirclement, but how can I not escape this formal press conference...'
Myriad Dreams made a bitter face, feeling that the fighting spirit ignited by her mothers' encouragement had been extinguished by this sudden mission.
It seems that life after winning the championship truly leaves no moment of peace.