Hachiman's POV
"Sir, Ma'am... thank you for everything this year. I truly appreciate your hospitality."
Rice's father let out a long, wistful sigh. "Hrrrm… the time spent with you, Trainer, always seems to fly by. You feel like you've only just arrived, and suddenly it's the day you leave. I was hoping we'd have more time to talk."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but—"
"Oh, no! I'm not trying to hold you back!" he added quickly, waving his hands. "A Trainer has work to do, after all. It can't be helped."
Rudolf bowed elegantly. "Thank you for having me. My stay here was exceptionally comfortable."
"Please, come back whenever you like," Luck, Rice's mother, said with a warm smile. "And Rice-chan, remember—you're welcome home anytime."
"Thanks, Mom," Rice replied, though her expression was a bit sheepish. "But the racing season is starting up again soon, so it might be a while before I can make it back."
"I know, I know. Don't you worry about us."
I nodded to them one last time. "Well then, we'll be out of your hair now."
"Trainer-san," Luck called out.
I paused. "Yes?"
She gave me a knowing, gentle smile. "When you're leaving home, it's better to say, 'I'm heading out.'"
The weight of the words hit me. She wasn't treating me like a guest anymore; she was treating me like family. "…Right. I'm heading out."
"That's the spirit! Take care of yourselves!"
On the Train
And so, our New Year's stay at Rice's family home came to an end. As the train rattled toward Tracen Academy, I found myself looking out the window. It really was a cozy home in a peaceful town. If I ever retired from being a trainer, settling down in a place like that wouldn't be half bad.
Though, looking at the girls sitting across from me, that day felt like it was a long, long way off.
"Hachiman, Hachiman! The next race is mine, right?" C.B. asked, leaning into my space with her usual boundless energy.
"Yeah. Our season opener starts with you at the Kyodo Tsushin Hai. The momentum for the whole team depends on how you perform, so I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me! Honestly, I might just sweep the entire Triple Crown while I'm at it!" she chirped.
"Ambitious. Well, I suppose you need that kind of confidence to survive the Classics. Just don't let that fire burn out, alright?" I said, reaching over to give her a quick pat on the head.
"Ehehe~ I know, I know~"
"After that is Rice's run in the Nikkei-sho," I continued, checking the mental calendar. "We'll cycle through the others, and then, in July… the 'Emperor' finally makes her move."
Rudolf let out a soft, melodic chuckle. "Fufu. So, it is finally time..."
"Yeah. You've spent a year refining your craft. I expect a performance that matches the effort."
"You have my word," Rudolf said, her eyes flashing with a sharp, regal intensity. "I will show you a run that will leave even you breathless."
It was going to be a busy year. With more girls under my care and a packed racing schedule, the pressure was on. Rice, in particular, would be facing her first title defense; I'd have to be doubly sure her conditioning was flawless.
"Rice," I said, looking her in the eye. "We're going to win the Tenno Sho again this year. Let's show everyone that your first win wasn't a fluke."
"Right! Rice will give it everything she's got!"
"Then starting tomorrow, it's back to the grind!" C.B. cheered, throwing a fist into the air. "Let's go, team!"
"Yeah!" Rice echoed.
C.B. nudged us. "Come on, Hachiman, Rudolf! Join in!"
"I'll pass..." I muttered.
"As will I," Rudolf added, though her lips were quirked in a small smile.
Tracen Academy – Main Gate
"Alright, we're here," I said as we hopped off the bus. "See you all tomorrow. C.B., go straight back to your dorm, no detours."
"I get it, I get it~"
Rudolf tilted her head, noticing me turning a different direction. "Oh? Brother, that isn't the way to the Trainers' dorms."
"I've got an errand to run. And before you ask—don't follow me."
Rice jumped, waving her hands frantically. "W-we wouldn't do that! Rice is a good girl! Right, President? C.B.-san?"
"O-of course!" C.B. added a little too quickly.
They were definitely planning on following me, I thought.
"Anyone caught tailing me is going to spend their afternoon helping with Student Council paperwork," I threatened.
"A wonderful idea," Rudolf agreed immediately.
"Okay, okay! We're going! We're not following you!" C.B. shouted, dragging Rice toward the dorms.
A Certain Shop
"Welcome... Oh, Mr. Hikigaya! It's been a while."
"It has," I said, getting straight to business. "About that matter we discussed..."
The shopkeeper nodded. "No need to worry. Since you asked me to keep it on hold, I haven't shown it to anyone else."
"Good to hear. When can we start?"
"Everything is ready on our end. We can begin whenever you like."
"Then let's aim for the middle of next month. Everyone's usually closed for the first week of the year anyway."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
"Thanks. Send the invoices and estimates directly to Tracen Academy."
"Certainly. I'll just need you to sign a few documents over here."
Thirty Minutes Later
"Alright, that's that," I muttered, stepping back out into the chilly air. I was actually starting to look forward to it. "Now, for the next item on the list..."
I pulled out my phone and dialed. It rang twice before a familiar, sharp voice answered.
"Hello? Hikigaya?"
"Kawasaki. Happy holidays. You got a minute?"
"I'm free. What is it? You need a restaurant reservation?"
"No, not this time. I'm calling about your 'real' job. I need to consult with you about some racing silks."
I could practically hear her posture straighten through the phone. "I'm listening. Give me the details."
"Wow, you're eager."
"Your commissions pay well," Saki replied bluntly. "Besides, you don't exactly go to anyone else for this kind of work, do you?"
Technically, I'd only ever commissioned Rice's silks from her, but… she wasn't wrong. I didn't plan on changing that.
"Fair point. I don't intend to go anywhere else. Can I drop by soon to discuss the designs?"
"Fine. Send me the details on LANE when you know your schedule. I'll make it work."
"Got it. Talk to you soon."
"Wait," Saki stopped me. "Do you have any plans to come by the restaurant?"
"Not at the moment. Why?"
"You never properly celebrated Rice-chan's overseas victory," she said, her voice softening just a fraction. "I wanted to do something special for her. On the house."
I blinked. I'd been so caught up in the whirlwind of her return that a formal celebration had completely slipped my mind. "I see. You're right. I'll talk to Rice about it and include that in the LANE message."
"Looking forward to it. Bye."
I hung up and let out a sigh that turned into a cloud of mist. Between the secret project, the new silks, and Rice's celebration, my "quiet" New Year was already looking incredibly hectic.
Typical, I thought, a small smile tugging at my lips. It wouldn't be 'December' without a frantic rush.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"