While discussions raged online, Koichi sat at home, taking it easy.
Saki Ikegami had specially ordered dinner for him. Though he couldn't have a lavish feast, the treatment was hardly any different, and the two of them had it all to themselves.
"Don't push yourself in situations like that again."
Saki Ikegami had seen far too many geniuses fall from grace after falling from a horse.
Miura Kōjō was a perfect example. He had earned over ninety wins in his debut year, surpassing even Yutaka Take's record, but injuries from later falls had left him unable to regain his best form.
"Mostly, I was confident in myself, and I didn't want to give up that opportunity. Besides, I didn't really have any other choice at the time."
Koichi wiped his hands as he spoke.
After that meal, he felt as though he had come back to life.
Megumi Mitsumori had also sent him a video of the banquet.
Unfortunately, he wasn't there, despite being one of its stars.
Of course, the biggest star was naturally the racehorse who had done the heavy lifting, and he couldn't attend the banquet either.
"As long as you understand."
Saki Ikegami didn't say any more.
She had more and more to deal with that evening. Fortunately, a dedicated report on the day's events came out later, easing a good deal of her workload.
"Yeah."
Koichi rolled his eyes at that.
He was always careful in every race. This time had been a complete accident.
"I still don't have anything lined up for next week's Yasuda Kinen. I'll probably just coast through it."
"Dragon King is the favorite right now, isn't he?"
"Yeah."
"Then forget it. The Yasuda Kinen really isn't much different from the HNK Cup."
Koichi certainly didn't want to get crushed by