Hachiman's POV
Rice's Father: "It has been quite a while, Trainer! We owe you a great debt for everything you've done. Truly, I cannot thank you enough for putting yourself on the line to protect our daughter."
Hachiman: "No, please... I couldn't just stand there and watch. Besides, I think I'd simply reached my own limit of what I could tolerate."
Rice's Father: "You're too modest. What you did wasn't something just anyone could do. It showed us all how deeply you truly care for Rice. And it isn't just us—everyone in this town is grateful to you. Words aren't enough to express it."
Hachiman: "I see... Thank you."
Rudolf: "You should show a little more joy, Brother. If not for your actions, the atmosphere at the racecourse wouldn't be what it is today. You saw it for yourself recently, didn't you? The way the crowd applauded when an underdog took the victory."
In a recent graded stakes race held at the Hanshin Racecourse, a girl ranked 15th in popularity—a total longshot—had managed to edge out the favorite by a neck. The final standings were a bit of a scramble—15th, 1st, 7th, 8th, then 5th—the kind of upset that usually leaves a crowd stunned or bitter. Yet, the spectators had offered a thunderous round of applause. They cheered not just for the winner, but for every girl who crossed the line. I'm just glad my interference actually had some sort of positive effect.
Mr. CB: "She's right. Compared to that Tenno Sho after Rice ran... well, the difference is night and day. It's amazing."
Hachiman: "I'm not sure we'll know for certain until we see a race where a Triple Crown or a three-peat is on the line. I agree that the attitude toward lower-ranked girls has improved, but I can't help but wonder how the crowd will react when the stakes are high enough to break someone's heart."
Rudolf: "Brother, the racecourse is not a laboratory for social experiments."
Hachiman: "I know that. I'm just... curious about how people behave, is all."
Luck (Rice's Mother): "I'm curious too, honestly. It would be so heartbreaking if the crowd reacted the same way they did with Rice-chan..."
Rudolf: "Lady Lilac Point, I believe we need not worry. My grandmother, Speed Symboli, made her stance very clear during that press conference. If anything like the Kikuka-sho or the Spring Tenno Sho were to happen again, she would undoubtedly suspend all public attendance once more."
Right, that press conference when racing resumed. Knowing that woman, she'd definitely follow through. The URA Chairman would probably just rubber-stamp the order like it was routine paperwork.
Rice's Father: "Well, I suppose we can only hope for the best and take the long view. Putting that aside, Trainer, what are your plans for Rice next year? If you don't mind sharing, of course."
Hachiman: "Of course. I intend to have her start with the Nikkei-sho and then aim for the Tenno Sho. Essentially, we'll be following the same route as this year."
Luck: "I see... and what is your honest take? Do you believe Rice-chan can win?"
Hachiman: "That's a difficult question. Even though she won this year, there are no certainties in racing. Mejiro McQueen suffered suspensory ligamentitis this October, so I don't expect her to make it back in time for the next Tenno Sho. But regardless of who the competition is, I will do my absolute best. I'll lead Rice to victory and help her secure that back-to-back title. Besides, I have a very reliable team behind me. I'm actually looking forward to next year's Classics."
Mr. CB: "Heh-hem!" (She strikes a smug pose)
Rudolf: "I should hope you haven't forgotten me, Brother."
Hachiman: "I haven't. So, as you can see, there's no need to worry."
In truth, those two really are dependable. Even now, they can keep up with Rice's long-distance pace during training, and when it comes to raw speed, they're both a cut above her.
Luck: "If you say so, Trainer, then we believe you. Rice-chan, make sure you listen to your Trainer and work hard, okay?"
Rice: "Right!"
Rice's Father: "Well, let's leave the heavy talk at that. ...Ah, by the way, Trainer. Do you mind if I ask something that's been on my mind?"
Hachiman: "? Sure, if it's something I can answer."
Rice's Father: "Are you and Symboli Rudolf siblings?"
Hachiman & Rudolf: "...Huh?"
Rice's Father: "Well, she calls you 'Brother,' so I simply assumed you were related."
...See? This is exactly the kind of misunderstanding I was afraid of.
Hachiman: "No, we aren't siblings. It's just a name she uses."
Rudolf: "My apologies for the confusion. There is actually a specific reason for this."
Hachiman: "Hey, Rudolf..."
Rudolf: "Is it not fine, Brother? It's hardly a secret worth keeping."
Hachiman: "I mean, technically, yeah, but..."
Luck: "Now I'm quite curious myself. If you don't mind, we'd love to hear it."
Hachiman: "...Fine. Rudolf, you tell them."
Rudolf: "Understood."
And so, Rudolf explained the origin of the "Brother" nickname from two years ago. I suppose it makes sense that Rice was the catalyst for it all. I remember CB trying to push for it back then, too... though she never actually went through with it. Now, people call me "Big Brother" or "Big Bro" all over the school and the track like it's the most natural thing in the world.
Rice's Father: "So that was the reason... It's clear you are very well-loved by the students. Now I understand."
Luck: "To think Rice-chan's 'Onii-sama' was the start of it all! Fufu. You should be happy, Rice-chan. It sounds like you're the only one the Trainer actually gave permission to."
Rice: "Ehehe... That makes me a little bit happy."
Well, it's true that Rice is the only one I ever explicitly told it was okay to call me that. But I don't see why she's acting like she just won a prize... Is having "official permission" some kind of status symbol?
Mr. CB: "Maybe I should start calling you 'Onii-chan' too?"
Hachiman: "...It wouldn't sound weird coming from you, but please, just stick to the usual."
Mr. CB: "Fair enough. I've gotten used to calling you Hachiman anyway, so I'll stick with that."
Hachiman: "That has its own set of problems, you know..."
Talking to an upperclassman without honorifics or formal speech is technically a breach of manners. I don't personally care, but still. Wait, if I'm worried about that, does that mean Rice and Rudolf are technically being rude too?
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