I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

Chapter 499 - 498 An Invitation to Tea

Mr. CB's POV

The Derby is only three weeks away. Seeing Rice clinch that victory at the Tenno Sho did something to me; suddenly, I'm actually feeling the itch to grab the Derby trophy myself. It's not like me to get this worked up, but here we are.

As for Rice, she's set her sights on the Takarazuka Kinen next. Hachiman mentioned that since she hasn't run a Grand Prix race yet—and because it's being held at Kyoto this year—it's the perfect stage for her. It makes sense. Rice is undefeated at Kyoto, after all. Sending her in with that kind of momentum is just good strategy.

So, while I prep for the Derby and Rice gears up for the Takarazuka, Rudolph has been grinding away toward her debut. We're all working hard, but… things have been weird lately. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but the "vibe" is definitely off.

I mean, just look at this.

"I see," Hachiman said, looking over a clipboard. "In that case, try swapping the cornering drills for a speed-focused menu. Ramone, what do you think of that?"

Mejiro Ramone leaned against the railing, her eyes hooded and unreadable. "If it's your suggestion, I shall follow it."

Ramone's trainer rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "Ahaha… sorry about this, Hikigaya. I keep dragging you into our sessions."

"Don't worry about it," Hachiman replied, his tone as flat as ever. "Feel free to swing by if you're stuck. I don't mind giving a bit of advice. Just make sure she doesn't get too selfish with the workload, okay?"

"Hey, now, Ramone isn't like that. I was the one who couldn't decide on the direction," the trainer defended.

"...If you say so."

"Well, we should get going. See you around, Hikigaya."

"Yes," Ramone added, a playful, almost sharp glint in her eyes. "Until next time… Onii-sama."

Hachiman let out a heavy, soul-weary sigh. "I've told you a dozen times. Drop the 'Big Brother' act. It sounds completely fake coming from you."

This has been the new normal since May started. Ramone and her trainer show up around Hachiman constantly. Sometimes we train together, but more often than not, they're here just to pick his brain about menus. Like I said: weird, right?

"Hey, Hachiman~," I called out as I jogged over. "They were here again, huh?"

"Yeah. It's been happening a lot lately," Hachiman muttered. "I don't mind the questions, but they never come looking for me at any other time. They always show up exactly when we're in the middle of a session. I can't figure out why."

Rudolph crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps they're trying to scout your techniques? You are Secretariat's apprentice and Man o' War's grand-apprentice, Brother. That pedigree alone is enough to draw eyes, but your results speak for themselves. Any trainer would kill for a glimpse into your methodology."

"I don't know," Hachiman countered. "That trainer doesn't seem like the type to pull something so underhanded. And besides, Ramone is right there. Do you really think she'd stand for someone 'stealing' knowledge like that?"

"True. She has far too much pride for that," Rudolph admitted.

"Hafuu~… is something wrong?" Rice asked, walking up to us while wiping sweat from her brow.

"Good work, Rice," Hachiman said. "We were just wondering why Ramone and her trainer have been hovering around so much lately."

"Hmm… Rice doesn't really know either," she said, tilting her head. "But I do see Ramone-san around a lot. Like the other day, when she was with you in the cafeteria, Big Brother—"

"Wait, with Hachiman?!" I practically barked. Rice jumped about three inches into the air.

"CB, chill," Hachiman said, holding up a hand.

"Right! Sorry. But, Rice? What do you mean they were in the cafeteria together?"

"Um… they were just having tea together. There were cups and little tea cakes on the table and everything."

Excuse me? That is news to me. Total news. So, what? While we're off training our hearts out, Hachiman is having a cozy little tea party with Mejiro Ramone?

"We just ran into each other by chance," Hachiman said, sensing the rising tension. "I didn't plan for it to turn into a whole thing. She just… keeps appearing. I have to say, though, she's surprisingly fond of sweets for someone who looks so stoic."

"If she heard you call her a glutton, she'd deny it instantly," Rudolph remarked dryly. "But Brother, why were you in the cafeteria to begin with? Were you… cooking?"

"Baking, mostly. I can do it at home, sure, but I'm used to the academy's kitchen. It's easier to work there."

I leaned in close, giving Hachiman my best pouting look. "Hey, Hachiman? Next time, you should have tea with us. Or better yet, just with me. You've never done that before, have you?"

"I would also like to request an audience, Brother," Rudolph added, her voice gaining a competitive edge. "Opportunities to sit down and talk with you over tea are far too rare."

"J-just Rice too!"

Hachiman looked at the three of us and sighed. "I don't mind the tea, but you'd have to bring something to the table. Brew the tea, bring the snacks—something."

"But I want your snacks, Hachiman~."

"Yeah! Your cooking and sweets are the best, Big Brother!" Rice chirped. "Oh! What if we made them together? That could be fun!"

Hachiman nodded slowly. "I guess I could live with that."

I see. By suggesting they bake together, Rice is essentially doubling her time alone with Hachiman. For a girl who looks so innocent, she's a terrifyingly good tactician.

(Editor's note: Rice is not a tactician. You are overthinking this.)

"Then it's settled! We'll do it at Hachiman's house—"

"And that's where I stop you," Hachiman interrupted.

"Ehhh?! Why?!"

"Think about it. You're a student, I'm a trainer. I am not letting a minor into my house when we aren't even dating. Have some common sense. Don't you have a reputation to maintain?"

"I don't care about that! If it's your house, I'm all in! In fact, I'm waiting for the invite!"

Hachiman rubbed his temples. "She's a lost cause. Someone save her."

"In that case, Brother, how about the student council office?" Rudolph suggested, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "Actually, I know a few other locations that would be quite suitable."

"We're talking about a tea party, right? Just a tea party?" Hachiman asked, looking suspicious. "Where exactly are you planning on taking me?"

"Rudolph, where is this 'suitable' place?" I asked.

"Hehe. It's a trade secret."

"That's terrifying," Hachiman muttered.

"Awawawa…" Rice whimpered, looking between everyone.

Hachiman looked at Rice and softened slightly. "...Fine. Rice, how about we go shopping for ingredients, get everything ready, and then have the tea party?"

"Fueh? O-oh! Yes! Let's do it!"

"Hey! I want to go shopping too, Hachiman!" I shouted.

"I believe I shall join as well," Rudolph added smoothly.

Hachiman sighed again, though he didn't look entirely annoyed. "So much for a quiet afternoon. Looks like everyone's coming."

Mejiro Ramone and her trainer: Pursuing Hachiman with surprise visits.

The Tea Party: No longer a private affair, but a chaotic group event.

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