Hokkai Ranch.
"Congratulations on winning the Derby, master!"
Since none of his previous wins had been celebrated on a grand scale, Miku Kuchiki had called everyone at the ranch together this time.
Although the young master was not yet the ranch's owner, everyone there already regarded him as such.
After all, the old owner only had one child.
Winning the Derby was an immense honor in the racing world, but of course, the most important thing was the hefty prize money.
Pop, pop, pop-
Golden confetti fluttered down from above.
"You didn't need to gather just to congratulate me. Get back to work. Miku, clean this place up in a bit."
Koichi brushed the confetti off his head as he spoke.
After a whole day of traveling, he did not feel like moving a muscle.
He would take a couple of days off first.
With their owner having spoken, the ranch staff all offered their congratulations.
His success had brought their ranch into the spotlight, too.
Quite a few people wanted to visit the ranch to see if they could run into Koichi Sasaki.
"Young master, your father would be so happy if he knew you'd won the Derby!"
Haruki Kuchiki, the Ranch Manager, spoke delightedly.
Once Gold Ship started racing, he would get to see the Sasaki Family's racing silks again.
He had originally intended to give Koichi a set himself, but Koichi's uncle had beaten him to it.
"Don't bring him up. Who knows where he's hiding now?"
Koichi waved a hand and headed toward the office.
He could not be bothered to talk about his old man.
"Ah..."
Haruki Kuchiki sighed.
Although the young master never said it outright, Haruki knew he resented his father.
That was not something an outsider like him could interfere with.
"Father,