Hachiman's POV
The Prix de Royallieu ended in a landslide victory for Rice. As the race concluded, the crowd erupted, showering her with a thunderous ovation. Standing there, I felt a long-forgotten sense of conviction: this is how things are supposed to be. It was a sight that genuinely lifted my spirits.
Rice returned to my side, waving to the fans with a shy, bashful smile on her face.
"Big Brother… Rice won! I really did it!"
"Yeah, I saw. Great work out there," I replied. "So, tell me—how did the race feel today?"
"Mm…" She gave me a radiant smile. "It felt wonderful!"
"I figured as much." I reached out and gave her head a gentle pat.
"Ehehe…" She leaned into it, her ears twitching with delight.
Afterward, we were cornered for an interview. The primary focus was, of course, her becoming the first Japanese horse girl to conquer an overseas race. But when the reporter asked about the atmosphere following the win, I couldn't help but speak my mind.
"I think this is exactly how a winning horse girl should be treated," I told them. "In my opinion, this is the one thing Japan lacks most right now. Since the Tenno Sho, I haven't set foot in a Japanese racecourse once. It is my sincere hope that one day, the environment back home changes—that they learn to applaud the victor regardless of their country, or whether the result was what the crowd wanted. Just like the fans here at Longchamp."
My words would surely reach Japan; Rice's race was likely being broadcast live.
After the interview came the awards ceremony. We were surrounded by a chorus of "congratulations" from fellow competitors and their trainers. For some reason, Krone, the British representative, was being particularly clingy with Rice.
"..."
Rice looked a bit daze, a soft flush on her cheeks.
(She's probably in a trance from all the good news. She's clutching that trophy like it's the most precious thing in the world.)
"Rice? If you keep spacing out, you're going to trip over something."
"Huh? Oh… ehehe, sorry, Big Brother."
"Well, I can't blame you. You've had more people congratulating you today than you've had in the last year combined. It's only natural to be a little overwhelmed."
"Yeah… I've never had so many people say those things to me. Rice is… just so happy."
"I'm sure. Besides, you're the first to win abroad. Because of you, Japan is going to start taking international racing much more seriously. What you achieved today is massive. Things might get a little hectic once we're back home."
"I see… Hey, Big Brother? When is our next race? Later this year? Or next year?"
"Next year, as of now. I'm thinking we'll start with the Nikkei Sho, just like this year. There's no need to rush, and besides, we have CB's races to think about."
I could practically imagine Mr. C.B. back home, pouting and thinking, "Hurry up and come back already!"
— In front of the Chantilly Academy Gates —
"Then we'll go to tomorrow's race together, right?" Rice asked.
"Yeah… Hm? Carnegie?"
"Ah, finally! Welcome back, Rice! Welcome back, Trainer!"
Carnegie, one of the local students, came rushing toward us.
"W-we're back," Rice stammered. "Um… did something happen?"
"I'm here to celebrate, duh! My friend just won a G1—we have to have a victory party!"
"B-but… Rice beat the people from your own academy…"
"Eh, that doesn't matter. I won't say I don't have mixed feelings, but I want to celebrate you, Rice. Plus, there are four or five others waiting for us. I'll be in big trouble if I don't bring the guest of honor!"
Rice looked at me hesitantly, seeking permission.
"Go ahead," I said. "Don't worry about being late. As long as you're back in time for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe tomorrow, we're fine."
"Okay! I will!" Rice beamed and hurried off toward the academy with Carnegie.
Left behind in the quiet, I found myself alone. It was the perfect atmosphere to let the day's events sink in.
"Phew…"
The year wasn't over yet, and so much had already happened… but today was easily the happiest day of the year. I hadn't dared to hope that the world would embrace Rice's victory so warmly.
I'd spoken briefly with some Japanese fans who had traveled all the way here. They were good people—they cheered during the other races and gave sincere applause to every winner, not just Rice. I actually apologized to them for our hiatus from the Japanese tracks; after all, I was the one who suggested she stop running there.
But they didn't seem to mind. In fact, one of them told me, "Actually, it made us happy. It showed us just how much you cherish Rice Shower."
My phone began to chime in my pocket.
"Hm? Who's calling at this hour… Sensei?" I flipped it open. "Hello?"
"Hachiman? Is now a good time?" Taliat's voice came through the line.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just got back to the academy and was settling in."
"I see. Good. I saw the race. Brilliant management on your part—you made Rice's victory truly shine."
"Thank you. By the way, is it just you, Sensei? Ah, right—it's 11 PM back there. The students must be asleep."
"C.B. was disappointed she couldn't talk to you, but there's always tomorrow. Even over here, everyone was ecstatic over Rice's win. I'll admit, my heart skipped a beat when she took the lead before the final corner, but seeing her pull away like that was magnificent."
"I appreciate that. I'll pass the message along to Rice. She's at a party with some French friends right now, so I'll tell her tomorrow."
"I'm glad to hear she's making friends locally. Will you be returning in two weeks?"
"That's the plan, though I haven't booked the flight yet. Don't worry, I'll bring back souvenirs. Though I doubt you're particularly interested in French trinkets, Sensei."
"True enough. In that case, when you return, I'll treat you to a proper dinner. It's been a while."
I paused, a small smile tugging at my lips. "…I'll look forward to it."
"Good. I'll contact you tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
I tucked the phone away and let out a long breath. I think I'll head back to my room and savor this feeling a little longer until dinner.
Yeah. After a day like this, I think I'm allowed to indulge in the afterglow.
-------------------------------
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!"