"Oh, your father and mother?"
"They just left."
"I mean… what were you talking about?"
"About Rice-chan's growth."
I knew better than to bring up the topic of who Rice Shower might like. I'm probably a horse girl who can read the room—at least a little. Still, I couldn't help but be curious.
"Come to think of it, what should I do at a summer resort?"
"I think you should rest."
"Rest…"
What does that even mean?
When I think about it, I've never really taken a break in the past nine years of my life. Even on days off, I'm usually reading trainer papers. Sure, I go out with Rice-chan or classmates sometimes, so maybe that counts… but true rest?
"Just do nothing and be in a daze."
"I… guess?"
"Let's go to my room and rest for now."
"Okay…"
My rule of thumb: when I don't understand something, I leave it to someone else.
Rice-chan led me to a spacious bedroom. A king-sized bed dominated the room, and my luggage had already been placed neatly in the corner.
The furniture was luxurious—definitely villa-grade. I was still admiring it when Rice suddenly hugged me and gently pushed me onto the bed.
"Huh-!?"
"You should just take a break like this."
"Fluffy…"
My face squished into Rice-chan's chest—soft and warm. Her physique had changed a lot over the past six months. She'd gone from modest curves to a body built through training and care.
I'd focused on injury prevention, but clearly, the results were more visible than expected.
As I lay there, wrapped in warmth, my consciousness slowly drifted away.
When I woke up, it was evening.
Rice-chan was gone, and I'd apparently slept alone. Maybe I was more tired than I realized—traveling for the first time in ages had taken its toll.
Downstairs, I heard voices—Rice and her parents talking.
"Hehehe, there's no one Rice-chan likes…"
That was her mother's voice.
They were still discussing the topic I'd awkwardly brought up earlier. I hesitated, then quietly listened from the hallway.
"I thought Rice liked dependable adults, but I never imagined someone younger."
"Mmm… not really, Father. It's amazing to rely on someone like that."
So the person Rice liked was younger?
I thought about who that could be. Someone younger at the Tracen Academy… Nishino Flower came to mind. She skipped a grade, so she's technically younger. Kind, dependable… it fits.
But Nishino is always close to Mihono Bourbon. They're practically inseparable. That would make Mihono not just a classical rival—but a romantic one too.
I didn't want to eavesdrop any longer, so I knocked gently on the door.
"Hey."
"Sorry, I fell asleep."
"It's okay. You must've been tired. Take it easy."
Rice-chan smiled warmly.
As her trainer, I wanted to show more composure… but her parents just watched us with gentle, approving eyes.