Rudolf's POV
"Sigh… I wonder when the academy will finally give Hachiman permission to form a team," CB lamented, her hands behind her head as we walked. "I want him to teach me so many things, but we're stuck in this limbo."
"You certainly lose no time bringing him up the moment you open your mouth," I remarked. "Though, I suppose I am in no position to talk. These consecutive days of training have only deepened my desire to be under his official charge. It seems my list of rivals grows longer by the day."
CB grinned. "But if it's a team, does it really matter? Depending on the roster size, we wouldn't necessarily have to fight over him. We could all just… be there."
"One can only hope the regulations are that flexible," I replied. "Regardless, CB, aren't you heading back to the dorms?"
"Mmm, I could. But I feel like lingering a bit longer. I want to… I don't know, soak in the feeling? You feel it too, don't you, Rudolf?"
I looked away, a faint smile touching my lips. "…Heh. Nothing escapes you, does it?"
As we left the clubroom and walked toward the main building, my mind kept drifting back to the session. Specifically, the moment in the clubroom when Brother had patted my head. As far back as my memory serves, I have almost no recollection of anyone ever doing that to me. It felt… novel. But beyond the novelty, there was a surge of positive emotion—joy, a sense of security, a profound happiness.
And, truth be told… I found myself wanting more.
"Hachiman's way of doing it is just… it's good, right?" CB said, her voice unusually soft. "It makes you feel safe. You know what I mean, Rudolf? I don't really have the words for it, but…"
"I understand," I said. "I'm not sure if our experiences were identical, but for me, it felt as though the constant tension in my body and mind simply… evaporated. 'Relaxation' is too simple a word. It felt as though the weight I carry was momentarily lifted."
"Exactly! That's it!" CB chirped. "Hachiman told me I looked like a total mess afterward, but I couldn't help it! Honestly, it's a miracle anyone can stay composed after that."
"Indeed," I agreed. "On that point, we are in total accord."
— The Student Council Room —
Click.
"Oh? You two are still here?" I asked, surprised to find the lights on. "Is there urgent paperwork that requires attention?"
Air Groove looked up from her desk, her expression weary. "President. Welcome back. It's nothing like that; I was simply asking Brian for some advice."
"You, seeking advice from Brian?" I raised an eyebrow. "That is a rare sight. What could possibly warrant such a consultation?"
"It concerns a certain trainer…" Air Groove hesitated. "Hachiman Hikigaya."
CB's ears shot up instantly. "Wait, advice about Hachiman? What is it? Tell me, tell me! I'm curious too, Air Groove!"
"CB, please," I interjected firmly. "Regardless of my brother's involvement, this is a private conversation between Brian and Air Groove. We should not intrude."
"...Even if the report is that Brother was insulted by his own peers?" Brian asked bluntly.
Air Groove flinched. "B-Brian?!"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.
"...I see," I said. My voice was calm, but the air around me began to vibrate with a dark, oppressive pressure. "Perhaps you should tell us everything, then. Starting with the identity of this 'peer' who saw fit to insult my brother."
"Yeah, I'm listening," CB added. Her usual playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by a sharp, predatory glint in her eyes. "Who exactly thinks they're big enough to do that? I'd like to have a little word with them myself."
Air Groove looked between us, her face pale. (I didn't think Brian's single sentence would trigger them this badly… but they are clearly beyond furious! The President and CB-senpai… their ears are pinned back, and their eyes… they look like they're ready to hunt!)
"Now then, Air Groove," I said, stepping closer to the desk. "Would you be so kind as to share the details of this 'advice' you were seeking?"
"Y-yes!" Air Groove stammered. (As if I could possibly say no to this pressure!)
(Air Groove, you did your absolute best.)
I took my seat at the head of the table, while CB leaned against the sofa, her arms crossed. We sat in silence as Air Groove recounted the events in the hallway.
"...To slander him to his face is an act of cowardice that calls their very character into question," I said, my voice like ice. "But to turn that malice toward his mentor—a figure who should command nothing but respect—is beyond the pale. It is an unforgivable transgression."
"Who do these people think they are?" CB muttered, her tail lashing irritably. "Do they think they're better than Hachiman just because they've been around longer? They're throwing a tantrum because I wouldn't accept their scout offers and chose to hang out with him instead? That's not training—that's just pathetic, schoolyard bullying."
"...Hey," Brian muttered from the corner. "I was pissed too, but you guys are taking this to a whole different level. You two are way too obsessed with the guy…"
"I don't think you have much room to talk, considering you're part of the 'Brother' brigade yourself," Air Groove retorted, though she looked equally overwhelmed. "But… yes. The President is right."
I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering something Brother had once told me: 'Human jealousy is a terrifying thing. Once it crosses the boiling point, people stop caring about the means, only the end.' I don't think they've reached that stage yet, but to insult Taliato…
"We need to look into this," I declared. "Air Groove, Brian—we are going to conduct an internal review of trainers with poor reputations within the academy. Naturally, that includes anyone associated with the individual who insulted Brother."
"Understood," Air Groove said, regaining her professional composure.
"...Fine. Count me in," Brian added.
(ROGER THAT!!)
"Rudolf, I'm helping too," CB said, a dangerous smile playing on her lips. "I'll give you the names of every trainer who tried to harass me with scout offers. We need to make sure anyone who talked down to Hachi—to Big Brother—learns exactly where they stand."
"Yes," I agreed. "Let's ensure they do."
Prepare yourselves.
"...Hey," Brian whispered to Air Groove as the two legends began plotting. "Should we just… leave them to it? Is it okay to let them go this far?"
"...Let's just pretend we didn't see anything," Air Groove whispered back, staring straight ahead.
The Emperor has been mobilized. Between the Student Council's authority and CB's influence, those trainers are about to find out exactly how "scary" a Horse Girl's loyalty can be.
The Narrator (Raw Meat): "Alright! Time to take 'em down!!!!!"
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