Wanting to Scream from Comfort

While the two Student Council Presidents were discussing, in Fuchu on the other side, in the lounge of a Hot Spring Inn.

"Hachoo--"

"Did the Trainer catch a cold?"

Seeing Yasui Makoto suddenly sneeze, Hokubu Genkoma quickly said:

"I'll go call the medical staff here..."

"No need, it's probably just some bored person talking about me."

Stopping Hokubu Genkoma, Yasui Makoto looked her up and down for a moment and asked:

"How is it? This hot spring."

Unlike the racing suits during races or the stage outfits on the winner's stage, the black-haired girl was currently wearing a scarlet yukata.

The yukata fit snugly, perfectly highlighting the girl's agile yet graceful figure.

Since she was still in her developmental period, her figure still held a hint of childishness.

The ribbon she usually wore in her hair had also been removed, and her black hair cascaded smoothly down to her shoulders.

Her hair was slightly damp, her cheeks were flushed, and the girl exuded a tranquil aura, different from her usual lively and energetic demeanor.

Of course, her full-throated voice when she spoke still conveyed her inherently cheerful personality.

"Mhm! It's incredibly comfortable! More comfortable than many hot springs Grandpa took me to!"

Hokubu Genkoma exclaimed excitedly, gesturing with her hands:

"And everyone here is so amazing, their massage techniques are so good, I almost wanted to cry out from how comfortable it was multiple times!"

...Though, that sounds a bit strange, doesn't it?

Yasui Makoto felt that some of the girl's descriptions were a little off, and he pondered this with a strange feeling for a moment.

Then, his gaze swept left and right, and seeing the strange looks from many people around him, he couldn't help but clear his throat.

"You performed very well in this race, and your post-race check-up was also very healthy."

"However, you're definitely fatigued, even if you can't sense it yourself."

"Hot springs themselves have fatigue-relieving properties, and this place also offers unique therapeutic services specifically for Uma Musume, which is why I brought you here."

The hot spring they were currently at wasn't too far from the Tokyo race track. Besides the usual hot springs, baths, and massages, there were also specialized therapeutic services for Uma Musume.

Before coming to Tokyo, Yasui Makoto had investigated these matters and considered it as one of the post-race relaxation options. After the winner's stage, he brought Hokubu Genkoma here.

As it turned out, the effectiveness of this hot spring inn was as good as he had anticipated.

If there was anything to complain about, perhaps it was just the price.

The hot springs here were charged by the hour, and with the massage and relaxation arranged for Hokubu Genkoma, the average cost was nearly 5,000 yen per hour.

Calculating for 8 hours a night, the two of them staying for one night would cost 80,000 yen, which could be considered extravagant.

However, Yasui Makoto didn't care about the price.

He wasn't short on money in his previous life, and although he couldn't earn as much in this life, he didn't have many places to spend money.

With the living expenses provided by his family and the money saved from his high school part-time job, he could afford tens of thousands of yen.

Moreover, with Hokubu Genkoma winning the championship in this race, the prize money was no small amount, a full 6 million yen.

According to the contract, after taxes, the remainder would be split equally between the two of them.

Hokubu Genkoma's account would be handled by the Academy and transferred to her family, while Yasui Makoto would receive a direct transfer.

Over 2 million yen was indeed a considerable sum, so even though it hadn't arrived yet, he felt a bit like a big spender.

However, he had been waiting for Hokubu Genkoma earlier and hadn't experienced the hot springs here himself.

So, after explaining the arrangements to Hokubu Genkoma, he stood up and said:

"So, from now until tomorrow, my only arrangement for you is rest. You can rest however you like."

"I'm going to take a quick shower. I've already given you your room key. You can play here or in your room."

"Don't worry about the cost either, it's already paid. Enjoy yourselves."

"Mhm! Thank you, Trainer!"

Hokubu Genkoma nodded repeatedly and said, "Just in time, I need to call Emperor-senpai and Light Diamond-chan. I'll head to the room first."

Upon arriving at the men's bath, Yasui Makoto didn't waste the paid fees and thoroughly enjoyed the hot spring and therapy.

He was like this in his previous life too; he worked diligently when working and rested well when resting.

In his previous life, rest was more about relieving psychological stress, but now it was purely for enjoyment.

When he returned to his room after the hot spring, Yasui Makoto opened the door and was surprised to find Hokubu Genkoma playing games inside, even though it was his single room.

"...So, did I go into the wrong room, or do you need something, Xiao Bei?"

"Ah? Trainer, you didn't go into the wrong room, this is your room."

Holding a game console like a controller, Hokubu Genkoma momentarily shifted her gaze from the large room screen before looking back.

"Hold on a second, Trainer, I need to save my progress."

Walking into the room, he glanced casually at the screen, and Yasui Makoto froze.

"Isn't this… Bayonetta 2?"

"Yep, it's Bayonetta 2, Light Diamond recommended it to me."

Turning off the screen and putting down the controller, Hokubu Genkoma smiled, then asked curiously:

"Do you like playing games too, Trainer?"

"About that."

Thinking for a moment, Yasui Makoto replied casually.

He had played games in his previous life, out of necessity for a mission.

In this life, besides studying, he felt games were a good way to relax, and he played quite a bit.

"Bayonetta… I remember one of the publishers was Sega Corporation… Oh, it's part of the Satomi Family's business, right?"

"Yep, that's why Light Diamond loves playing games so much, though she only plays games released by her family's company."

Hokubu Genkoma nodded, pointing to the game console.

"This console was a birthday gift from her. She often recommends various games released by her family.

"It's great if you like playing games, Trainer! Then you can teach me how to play. I'm pretty bad at most games."

"Teach you how to play? That's not part of my job description."

He said with a laugh. Seeing Hokubu Genkoma's expression falter slightly, a hint of disappointment clouding her face, Yasui Makoto chuckled again.

"Alright, I'm just kidding.

"I'm not some old fuddy-duddy. I play games to relax after work.

"Work hard when it's time to work, and rest well when it's time to rest. That's my habit.

"So, if there's no training or racing afterward, playing games together is fine."

Hokubu Genkoma's face immediately lit up, and she nodded repeatedly.

"Yeah! Trainer is the best!"

Then, her expression shifted, and she took out her phone.

"In that case, you'll probably want to see Emperor Senior on Monday, right?"

Yasui Makoto blinked.

"Tokai Teio… she just contacted me?"

"That's right. I just called Emperor Senior to tell her about my victory."

Hokubu Genkoma explained, "She was very happy and praised me for a long time.

"After that, she said she hoped you would contact her when you have time to arrange a meeting. She has something she wants to discuss with you.

"She didn't tell me what it was, but I think it's probably work-related.

"I'm afraid I might forget if I don't write it down, hehe. My memory for… these things isn't very good.

"So, I was waiting here for you to come back, Trainer, in case I messed something up.

"If you don't like working on your days off, should I tell her you'll get back to her?"