After everyone woke up and enjoyed breakfast, Daijin and Xiao Hai Wan bid farewell to everyone and headed to the flower shop.
Although Kazuo wanted to entertain them well, he had another identity, so he could only instruct the two to be safe before sending them off.
Xiao Hai Wan, of course, expressed her understanding and support for this. To thank Daijin's mother for her help, Xiao Hai Wan also planned to go to their flower shop to help today.
After Xiao Hai Wan and Daijin left the shop, everything returned to normal.
Miko and Aoi were still in charge of the front desk business, while Rice Shower helped Kazuo with tasks, working like a machine, eagerly taking on any dirty or strenuous work. Although Aoi was a bit worried, Kazuo and Kiryuuin both signaled her not to interfere.
Therefore, a small figure was often seen shuttling through the shop. It's no exaggeration to say that Rice Shower completed almost two to three people's workload today.
Especially since today was the last weekend before the holidays ended, Odaiba had more than double the usual customer traffic. Thanks to Rice Shower's help, Aoi was able to devote more energy to the front desk, and today's turnover reached its highest in recent days.
The intense busyness continued until the shop closed in the evening.
And this was also the last day before the holidays ended, and the last day for Kazuo and Rice Shower to work part-time at Grand BLUE.
After closing, Aoi had already called the others to the staff lounge.
Kiryuuin, who had slept from morning until now, was already sitting there, waiting for them.
When Rice Shower saw Kiryuuin, it was as if it triggered previous memories, and since he wasn't wearing a mask this time, Rice Shower kept her head down, clutching her skirt and looking at her toes after coming in.
Perhaps she didn't have the courage to face the person involved yet, or perhaps it was because Kiryuuin wasn't wearing a mask to hide his gaze.
Guilt, unease, and an unresolved feeling spread in her heart. She endured the nervousness, looking somewhat tormented as she hid herself in an inconspicuous corner.
The others obviously noticed Rice Shower's condition, but before that, Kazuo and Kiryuuin had already conspired, along with Miko and Aoi, to hold this ceremony for her—
That's right, this would be a lesson they would all teach Rice Shower together.
.
"First, I want to thank everyone for your help these past few days, for coming to work part-time during the holidays. Staying in the shop all day to help, I truly appreciate everyone's efforts and assistance during this time!"
Aoi, as the leader in livening the atmosphere, first delivered the opening remarks for the work meeting in her capacity as "Assistant Manager." Led by Kazuo, the others also applauded.
"Then let's settle everyone's wages here."
Saying that, Aoi took out envelopes, already prepared and marked "Salary," from her bag.
"Kazuo, please step forward."
He stepped forward, and an envelope marked "Asama-dono" was handed directly to him.
"Thank you for helping out at the shop during this time. This is the salary your older brother personally gave you, you know? Don't let his perpetually grim expression fool you; your brother is actually very happy when someone listens to those things that ordinary Trainers wouldn't pay much attention to."
"Mind your own business! I wasn't happy at all!"
Kiryuuin retorted with a twitch of his mouth, but when he looked at Kazuo, he also sighed softly and said:
"Anyway, thank you for your help these past few days. As for the feedback, I will report it truthfully to Ahua."
Taking the envelope, Kazuo bowed seriously and nodded sincerely:
"Thank you for your care. I've really caused you trouble during this time."
When it was Miko's turn, Aoi immediately made to hug her, but Miko deftly dodged, precisely taking her payment from Aoi's hand, then bowed slightly to everyone and moved to the side.
Next was the last active employee of the shop.
"Little Rice Shower, please come here."
Perhaps even Rice Shower herself didn't expect that Aoi had also prepared her wages.
"You worked very hard today. This is your payment."
She stood still for a moment, then, after realizing what was happening, immediately waved her hands in panic and said:
"No, I can't accept this money..."
Who would have thought that Aoi would show a surprised expression and ask:
"Eh, why can't you accept it?"
Having caused so much trouble for the shop, especially having damaged valuable merchandise and caused so many losses—Rice Shower couldn't even imagine receiving wages. Logically, she should have to compensate the shop for the losses caused... Rice Shower mumbled, looking down at her toes, full of guilt and a bit of shame:
"Why... Rice Shower caused everyone so much trouble yesterday, ruined the custom-made winning uniform, and even ran off on her own, making everyone worry..."
She herself knew very well what she had done yesterday. Thinking of these things, she felt so uncomfortable she could barely breathe.
Staring at her toes, she didn't dare to look up at everyone, nor could she know their reactions.
Only after this subtle pause, Aoi said in a very gentle tone:
"There's nothing to be done about that. Besides, it's also because my older brother was lazy and left everything to Rice Shower, which caused this, right? Logically, he himself is very clear about the situation here, so he should have considered putting the precious custom-made uniform in a safer place. This can also be considered a lesson for him."
Faced with Aoi's criticism, Kiryuuin could only close his eyes and shrug helplessly.
"But—"
As Rice Shower was about to say something else, Kazuo, who was nearby, also spoke up to persuade her:
"Rice Shower, actually, it should also be said that it was my own fault for asking you to fill in for me. In fact, I also bear some responsibility for the incident."
This made Rice Shower somewhat unable to accept it. She shook her head repeatedly and said: "No... It's Rice Shower's fault... At least, at least let Rice Shower compensate for the losses caused! I can't take this money!"
This was the first time she had shown such a strong attitude. When it came to this matter, there were things she could not back down from.
"Wait a moment..."
Kiryuuin, who had been silent, spoke at this moment:
"There's something I want you to understand. This is the salary generated based on your workload these past few days. And this money also represents our employer's recognition. As for compensation, you don't need to worry about that; that's for management to consider. This salary has already been reasonably deducted before being given to you."
What's more, there's something you probably don't know, right? The batch of components I asked you to help with yesterday, the finished products you made can also bring considerable income to the store. Plus, you've been busy working in the store all day today, haven't you? So, you deserve this money, understand?"
"But…"
Rice Shower was still hesitant, while Kazuo patted her on the shoulder.
"It's okay. People often can't avoid making mistakes, but the key is to know how to repent after making a mistake and not to make the same mistake again. This is easy to say but difficult to do. There are too many people who fall twice in the same place… But given Rice Shower's attitude these past two days, her deep understanding of her mistake, I believe she will definitely be more careful and diligent in how she approaches things in the future, right?"
She had heard this from Xiao Hai Wan too… "This is Kiryu and my recognition of Rice Shower's work performance and attitude, so please, little Rice Shower, don't refuse anymore, okay?"
Miko also helped persuade her from the side.
As she hesitated, Kazuo spoke again:
"Rice Shower, please try to lift your head and look into their eyes, try it properly—"
These words seemed to strike a chord deep within her.
Slowly, slowly, she tried to lift her head.
From Miko's eyes, she read anticipation.
From Kazuo's eyes, she read encouragement.
—For the first time, from Kiryuuin's eyes, she read seriousness.
Slowly, she extended her hand and, with great solemnity, took the payment from Miko's hand.
As if it were a precious item, she clutched it tightly.
"Thank you… Thank you, everyone… Rice Shower will treat all of this well…"
Miko looked at Rice Shower's strong and serious demeanor and, in an excited rush, pulled her into a hug.
"Why is this child so cute!! I really want a younger sister!! Little Rice Shower, Miko, let's call Xiao Hai Wan and Daijin and go to that new dessert shop nearby!!"
"Eh…!"
Before Rice Shower could react, Miko had already taken her out of the room.
Kazuo watched all of this with a wry smile, but then he turned around and bowed his head to thank Kiryuuin:
"You really went to a lot of trouble, Senior."
Regarding Rice Shower's matter, Kiryuuin must have mediated for a long time in his negotiations with the other party.
However, Kiryuuin merely shrugged indifferently, saying, "I didn't do anything. She deserved all of it."
"But I know, Senior, you mentioned a loss of over a hundred thousand, didn't you? You must have found a way to help negotiate that sum, right?"
"Ha… It was nothing, just came up with a plan overnight and sent the design sketches to both parties. It involved making bold changes to the damaged wedding dress, essentially abandoning the original style and trying to incorporate some new elements, plus reducing fabric to maximize the repair of the previously damaged garment."
"This plan was discussed and negotiated all night yesterday. It basically came down to us not charging the client and instead subsidizing our own costs to the production workshop we were negotiating with. This order didn't make a profit, and with the cost and additional expenses, the loss was reduced to under fifty thousand."
"And as I said, after deducting a portion of the amount, what Rice Shower received is the amount she should have received. She deserved it, and there's nothing more to say."
He spoke so lightly, yet Kazuo could imagine him constantly trying to communicate with clients and discuss plans all last night.
"…You're truly amazing, Kiryuuin Senior."
Kazuo genuinely marveled, but Kiryuuin shook his head and said, "I'm not the amazing one, she is."
"After going through something like this, she will surely remember what happened during this part-time job even more clearly. Whether it's the experience, the lesson, or the truth she learned from it. The remuneration received after hard work, especially for a student, is a hard-earned reward. She should not use it for foolish things."
Kiryuuin sighed with his eyes slightly closed.
"Only fools spend money on useless things, while smart people invest in their own growth. A person's value is often reflected in how they spend money. Rice Shower… Honestly, I'm really looking forward to her performance as an Uma Musume."
This payment, besides being an affirmation of Rice Shower's work, also contained Kiryuuin's expectations as the store manager, didn't it?
Kazuo couldn't help but recall what Yoshida had mentioned to him earlier. Kiryuuin, in terms of his Trainer qualifications, was even on par with Toujou Hana.
And now, it seemed there was an even deeper meaning behind this.
"Asama."
Kiryuuin turned his head, looking at him with a serious expression.
"I wonder if you've noticed Rice Shower's special quality?"
"Are you suggesting… her…"
Kazuo was silent for a moment, then spoke at the same time as him.
"Imitation ability."
"…You noticed it too, after all. In terms of learning ability or reception ability, she has an extremely strong talent."
Kiryuuin said thoughtfully, arms crossed:
"In various fields of sports, especially competitive events, there is a unique type of individual. They are good at imitating, capable of reading an opponent's characteristics, techniques, and even abilities… I mentioned it before, didn't I? Rice Shower previously completed the sample I gave her, but there's something you should know. I originally only asked her to do some simple processing, but she, when I wasn't paying attention, completely replicated my method and produced an almost identical finished product."
"You've also tried it a few times with me; you should know the level of intricacy involved, right?"
"Don't let her appearance, perhaps prone to tears, fool you. She possesses her own kind of tenacity. Once her fighting spirit is ignited, she might possess resilience far exceeding that of ordinary people. Her focus and imitation ability can both become her secret weapons on the racetrack. I hope you remember this."
It was the first time Kiryuuin had spoken so much, but it was clear that he had genuinely been observing Rice Shower carefully, both as a person and as an Uma Musume.
Kazuo had vaguely felt this before, but Kiryuuin directly articulated his vague feeling, which immediately gave Kazuo a sense of clarity.
Actually, Yoshida hadn't told Kazuo one more thing.
That is, among the original trio of Toujou Hana, Okino Kouji, and Kiryuuin Kiryu, the person whose style most closely aligned with Kazuo was precisely Kiryuuin, who chose to support Uma Musume in a different way.
Namely, a keen sense for discovering potential abilities.
"This… why are you telling me?"
Although Kazuo understood his meaning, he didn't quite grasp his motive.
Kiryuuin gave him a direct glare and said:
"Aren't you the most suitable Trainer for her right now? Show some initiative! It's true that an Uma Musume should choose her Trainer herself, but if it's for her sake, you have to make the first move when it's time to act!"
Although Kazuo could understand what he was trying to express, the more he listened, the stranger it sounded…
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