Kitano's Proposal

"Just like on the way there, Pegasus remained calm on the journey back. The transport went very smoothly."

"Although he was somewhat tired, he remained in very good spirits, and there were no particularly noticeable changes in his appetite."

"For the remainder of this week, Nishiken Farm planned to let him graze and rest for a while."

On the way to the stables, Ogawa Masaru gradually calmed down and explained the situation to Kitano.

As Mejiro Tenma's actual groom, he had gone with his father to Tanaka Stable before dawn that morning to handle Mejiro Tenma's transport.

He had been busy ever since.

After entering the stable, Ogawa Masaru first picked up an apron hanging on the wall and put it on. He glanced at the cardboard box in Kitano's arms, scratched his head, and reminded him somewhat awkwardly, "Mr. Kitano, feed costs are already included in the management fee. Besides, Pegasus is a little picky with his food, so I'm afraid he probably won't eat what you brought."

He had assumed that the box in Kitano's hands contained something for Mejiro Tenma to eat.

"There's hay in here."

Kitano explained.

"Pegasus doesn't really like hay. Even with fresh grass, he'll only eat it if it's mixed with apple chunks."

Ogawa Masaru shrugged. After hesitating for a moment, he continued, "Still, it would be a shame to waste it. How about we buy it from you at the price you paid for it, Mr. Kitano?"

Though he did not know Pegasus's preferences, Kitano had still brought something to visit his racehorse. That showed he cared.

His old man would probably not approve, but he did not want Kitano's thoughtfulness to go to waste either.

At worst, they could deduct it from his wages!

"This hay was given to me by an acquaintance. It's meant to be used as bedding."

Kitano continued explaining.

As he had observed the stable on the way in, he had noticed that Nishiken Farm used wood shavings for bedding.

Wood bedding absorbed moisture well and produced relatively little dust. Aside from needing frequent replacement, it did not have many drawbacks.

More importantly, it was inexpensive. For small and medium-sized farms under greater financial pressure, it was an ideal bedding material with good value for money.

But aside from the price, it was far inferior in every respect to specially treated, sterilized bedding hay.

"Huh?"

Ogawa Masaru's expression instantly went blank.

The two stopped in front of Mejiro Tenma's stall.

Ogawa Masaru accepted the cardboard box Kitano handed him and opened it. Even by sight alone, he could tell that the hay in the box was vastly superior to the wood shavings he had laid down as bedding.

"Th-This must be expensive, right?"

he asked carefully.

"This was support from an acquaintance, so I only paid cost price."

Kitano decided not to reveal the hay's actual price. He did not want to shock the boy too badly.

"Then it must still be expensive."

Ogawa Masaru took out a bundle of hay and examined it closely before speaking with a face full of envy.

Hay of this quality would have been perfectly suitable as feed.

As for using it as bedding, forget him—even his old man probably had not done that more than a few times.

"From now on, two more boxes of the same bedding will be delivered every week. If there's any extra—"

"No!"

Kitano was interrupted before he could finish.

Somewhat surprised, he looked at the boy, who had suddenly become serious.

"Since we've already charged you for bedding, Mr. Kitano, how can we shamelessly ask you to provide it yourself?"

the boy said sternly.

Accepting one or two boxes of forage as an occasional gift might have been acceptable.

But making the owner bear the cost of bedding was completely different.

Even for the farm's reputation alone, he had to refuse Kitano's proposal.

"I didn't think it through."

Kitano lowered his head somewhat sheepishly.

After quickly understanding the implications, he realized that his words had indeed been inappropriate.

"So, if you truly want to cover the bedding costs yourself, we'll probably have to revise the contract... But that part is handled by my old man, so you'll have to talk to him."

Ogawa Masaru continued with the same serious expression.

Though he was responsible for most matters at the farm other than training, strictly speaking, he was still only an apprentice.

Even if the owner of the farm was his father.

"But I can lay out this box of hay later while Pegasus is out grazing. Make sure you take a good look when the time comes!"

After explaining everything, Ogawa Masaru immediately returned to his usual lively disposition.

"To be honest, I want to see what a stall bedded with hay looks like too—"

Looking at the hay lying quietly in the box, Ogawa Masaru was becoming impatient as well.

Seemingly hearing the commotion from inside the stable, Ogawa Joe temporarily set aside his work and came over.

"You brat! What if you scare the horses by yelling in the stable?"

He first scolded Ogawa Masaru with a stern face, then greeted Kitano with a much gentler expression.

The speed of his change in expression left Kitano in awe.

"I wasn't yelling!"

Ogawa Masaru instinctively retorted before guiltily changing the subject. "Mr. Kitano wants to discuss something with you, Dad."

As he spoke, he shrank back and pointed in Kitano's direction.

Ogawa Joe looked at Kitano.

Kitano gathered his thoughts for a moment, then proposed that he bear Mejiro Tenma's bedding expenses himself.

"I see."

Ogawa Joe tapped his cane with his fingers. After a moment, a somewhat troubled expression appeared on his face.

"But there isn't much money left in the farm's account right now. Even if we revise the contract, I'm afraid we won't be able to refund the related fees to you anytime soon."

Although the one million yen management fee Kitano had paid in one lump sum was already a considerable amount, no amount of money lasted long for a breeding farm.

As early as February of this year, the farm's actual cash flow had already been drained dry in order to secure the best possible stallion resources.

Even with Kitano's one million yen included, it was only barely enough to keep the farm operating.

"The refund isn't a problem. As long as you can pay it back, it's fine even if it takes a little longer..."

Kitano said, waving his hand.

Even without considering profits or mission rewards, improving Mejiro Tenma's living conditions was reason enough.

As for being unable to repay the refund immediately—

As a veterinarian, he was already used to that.

"In that case, we have no further concerns."

After letting out a sigh of relief, Ogawa Joe smiled and nodded.

"Mr. Kitano... really is a good person!"

Beside them, Ogawa Masaru clenched his fist with emotion.