Ending: A Blessing as the Bell Rings

Soon after the race was over, the particpants had gathered at the shrine for the awards ceremony.

Saren
Kurumi, you did well, too. I'm sorry I couldn't make it in time to cheer you on.

Kurumi
It's okay. I'm just happy that you were able to hear it on the broadcast, Mama Saren. A-And more importantly, big sister Suzume, um... Congratulations on winning.

Suzume
Thank you! Though, I made a lot of mistakes and a lot of people to worry along the way.

Saren
Are you still worried about that? I'll say it again, we all have our flaws, including me. You can't let yourself get overly concerned about these small details, right?

Suzume
L-Lady Saren, to me, your flaws aren't flaws at all!

Saren
Well, I could say the same to you. Your flaws aren't flaws to me, either, Suzume. I can't even begin to describe how much you've assisted me...

Suzume
S-So, are you saying it's better for me to stay this clumsy?

Saren
Well, I don't know if I'd say better. We should all try our best to improve, after all. But both that clumsiness and that effort are both a part of you, Suzume, and I wouldn't have you any other way. That's what I mean.

Suzume
M-Milady!

Kurumi
I-I'll try my best, too... Mama Saren.

Saren
Of course, I also love you just the way you are, Kurumi. That's right... Let's all be the best we can be, together.

Announcer
Now then, let's begin the awards ceremony! All racers, please gather on stage!

Later.

Announcer
Now, this year's Guild of Fortune, the Gourmet Palace -- please take the first pick of the prizes!

Suzume
U-Um... I'd like the Pine of the Spirits...

Saren
Suzume, wait a moment.

Suzume
Huh? M-Milady?

Saren
... Yes, don't you think this one would be better?

Suzume
"Guild Housekeeping Set"... It's a set of expensive cleaning equipment? N-No, I can't! We should at least take something more valuable! That way, I can make it up to that business partner who I caused problems with...

Saren
Actually, thanks to you taking part in the race, my negotiations with that business partner went perfectly.

Suzume
... Huh?

Saren
He told me that your mistake actually set his heart more at ease. So in a way, your clumsiness helped seal the deal.

Saren
And plus, if you ask me, the most valuable I can imagine is seeing your expression when you're hard at work. Both for me, and for everyone at the orphanage.

Suzume
H-Hee hee. If you say so... But I hardly think I add much value myself...

Spectator 1
Hey! It's that girl! The Shrine Maiden of the Mountain God!

Spectator 2
If she hears our prayers, then we'll be sure to have good luck for this year!

Announcer
What's this? The audience members are crowding around Suzume, hoping to attain a blessing of prosperity! This is surely disappointing to the actual shrine's staff... Or not at all -- they're doing it, too!

Suzume
E-Eeep! I don't have that kind of power!

Spectators
Prosperity! Prosperity! Prosperity!

Suzume
W-W-W-W-Whoaaaa!

Pecorine
After all that running, I'm sure hungry! That's right, we've got to have a dinner to celebrate our victory!

Kyaru
T-Then, how about we go ahead and use the free luxury restaurant coupons that I got? It'd be nice to have something other than monster cuisine every once in a while...

Pecorine
Wow! Isn't this a luxury monster cuisine restaurant!? Kyaru, I didn't realize you were that into monster cuisine!

Kyaru
... Huh? Luxury, monster...? Don't mess with me! I just want to give everyone some nice things, every so often...

Pecorine
Kyaru, wait, did you get this for me...? Hee hee, but you know, when I'm with you and everyone else, everything is a feast to me!

Kyaru
Oh, right, you said something like that during the race, too. W-Wait, no! We're not doing monster cuisine!!

Kokkoro
Ha ha, now, now, Lady Kyaru. If it's a luxury restaurant, then surely there will be nothing strange about it.

Kyaru
I guess you're not wrong, Koro...

Pecorine
Whoa, whoa, I just noticed, it's past midnight now, isn't it?

Saren
It really is a little exciting, welcoming in the new year somewhere outside of the orphanage.

Suzume
Ooh, to think that I'd trip and fall just as the new year was beginning... That feels like bad luck.

Pecorine
Hee hee, not at all! Because thanks to that, we all have something to celebrate now! Let's eat lots of delicious food this coming year, too!

Everyone
Happy new year!