"Ugh… I said too much."
After the party, the weight of my bold declaration hit me like a brick. I was mortified. But Rice Shower, her father, and her mother didn't seem bothered at all.
"Honestly, the Kuri family hasn't been focused on racing lately," Mom said cheerfully. "Their main business is thriving, and it's been over ten years since we won a major prize. So it's fine to stir things up a little."
She sounded pleased, but that didn't mean she had confidence in me.
Rice-chan's talent is undeniable. But I'm just a smart kid with a fast-track education. Can someone like me really guide her to victory?
"Big dreams are better," Dad said with a smile. "You just have to chase them down. Viola-chan and Rice-chan can do it."
He said it so lightly. I wished I could borrow even a fraction of his confidence.
"Boo! I'm going to win more than ten titles!" Rice-chan huffed.
Apparently, she was more annoyed by my modesty than my exaggeration. Her confidence was… something else.
"If it doesn't work out," Mom added with a teasing grin, "just take responsibility and let her become yours."
"Mom, I don't think that counts as taking responsibility…"
I couldn't help but poke fun. These parents were far too kind to ever impose harsh consequences. Even if they claimed to be strict, they were clearly soft-hearted and rich enough to spoil someone into a stomachache.
Mom glanced at Rice.
"See? Rice won't say it properly."
"Oh, I'll say it when the time comes!"
I had no idea what they were talking about.
"Joking aside," Mom said gently, "Viola-chan, you don't need to worry. Grandma seemed happy, and no one here is active enough in racing to complain. Just do your best—and don't push yourself too hard."
"I feel better when you say that."
Her words soothed me. But now that I'd said it—nine crowns—I wanted to aim for it.
It's unexplored territory. If we could reach it, it would be incredible.
But it'll take relentless effort. There will be times when I'll have to push myself beyond my limits.
Still, there's one thing I must never forget:
I won't let Rice-chan meet a tragic fate.
She will become a famous horse girl—safely.
That's my top priority.
"I promise you both one thing. No matter what happens, I'll return Rice to you safely."
That's my oath.
No matter what storms come, no matter what anyone says—I won't let go of that promise.
Now that I've been welcomed into their family, it's the least I can do.
"Yeah. Don't push yourselves too hard, okay?"
"Yeah. Good luck."
And I think… the most important thing today was that I got to say that to her parents.