Igo Heita clearly sees where McQueen gets her gene from. Mejiro Asama's hair is similar to McQueen's, with the difference that Asama's hair leans more toward gray and is a bit darker in shade. While McQueen's hair extends only to her back, Asama's hair stretches to the base of her tail. If the hair cupping McQueen's face is straight, Asama's hair is twirling like a drill.
Not only McQueen, but Igo Heita can also see Ramonu in Asama. Her sharp eyes and intimidating presence. The beauty spot under their right eye, and most importantly, their body. There's a Goddesses-damn reason why Mejiro Asama is on every cover of umamusume racing magazine during her era.
The only thing that troubles him is the color of her eyes. It closely resembles his own eyes, only darker.
"Please sit down. Your journey must have been arduous."
"With all due respect, I have been sitting down for more than nine hours. It is far more relaxing for me to stand up.
If I may."
"..."
The maid who had guided the young man to the matriarch's office couldn't believe her ears. She had guided a lot of people before, but none had ever been so bold as this one. It's no secret that a guest has to take whatever the host offers, as it would be seen as rude, but that rule is multiplied by a thousand when your host is THE Mejiro Asama.
"Very well, if that is your request. Ayaka, you may leave us."
"As you wish, Lady Asama."
With the command of her master, the young maid made her exit from the office. There's a slight bit of reluctance inside of her after seeing how Igo Heita acted, but her sense of duty is greater than her own concern. Besides, it's Mejiro Asama that she is worrying about. She can take care of herself.
*Click* *Clack*
"May I ask you one thing, Mister Igo Heita?" The young man slightly nods his head in response to Asama's inquiry. "Is there something that is not to your liking?"
You damn well know what it is, you old hag.
Even though she should be hella old, Asama doesn't look like someone older than 40. If Igo Heita had to figure out why, it has to be all the exercise she did during her racing years. That, and most likely some special skin treatment you could get if you're filthy rich.
"We will make whatever change you desire so that your stay will be comfortable. Please, do not be afraid to ask."
"Then may I ask why you think there is something that I don't like?"
"I've sensed an air of hostility around you."
I'm not asking what part of me makes you think I'm uncomfortable. I want you to say THE REASON why I'm acting this way!!!
Fucking insesitive HAG!!!
In his anger, Igo Heita steps closer toward the wooden table until he is standing directly in front of it. After such a long time, the sitting matriarch has to finally lift her chin to look at someone.
This perspective…
Being a matriarch of a renowned family makes it so that you are rarely ever looked down on by anyone. Most would bend their knees so that they would be the one to look up at the matriarch.
But this time the guest has not done so.
The young man confidently walked up to the matriarch's table and looked at her dead in the eyes without bending his knees. Even when she is standing, he would be towering over her, but the fact that she is sitting only worsens the degree to which the matriarch has to lift her chin.
If that isn't rude enough, the blaze of anger in his eyes is.
Mejiro Asama has seen all kinds of eyes after she ascended to become the Matriarch of the Mejiro Family. Shrewd, lying, cowardly, stupid, and empty. But only one has ever looked at her with eyes full of anger.
Dear Husband…
When you reach so far above everyone, the sight of you would put out any fire inside everyone's heart. Everyone except for one person in Asama's life, and that is her late husband. He is the only person who is brave enough to scold Asama when she steps out of bounds.
In front of the nostalgic flaming eyes, the matriarch straightens her back, closes her things, and puts her hands on the railings of her chair. Her ears stand up straight, ready to hear the young man's words.
Igo Heita moves his head forward until his mouth is right in front of Mejiro Asama's ear. With words full of conviction, he whispers in her ear.
"I will never leave McQueen's side."
The words weren't a statement. It was a declaration.
A declaration someone would make when he is ready to fight against the entire world all on his own.
A declaration that is backed by absolute faith in oneself and one's partner.
"I–I see…"
The young man didn't continue with his declaration and retreated. He felt like he had made his words clear enough, and there was absolutely no need to explain even further.
He turned around and made his way to the door in one swift motion. He entered rudely and would leave rudely. It was what the hag deserved, in the mind of the young man.
*Clack* *Cluck*
"...
Sigh…
Damn you, Aurola…
Why didn't you tell me that your daughter is betrothed to him?"