“These two are leading figures in the European racing world; their strength cannot be underestimated, and you must take them seriously.” Chisato Shigeaki took a sip of coffee and added, “You don’t need to worry about the family business; your mother and I will coordinate our schedules.
You just focus on your pre-race preparations.
Grandma is recovering well and is also looking forward to seeing you stand on the podium.”
Brilliant Radiance placed a piece of golden crispy crêpe onto her daughter’s plate, smiling as she agreed, “These two opponents have very distinct styles, which is perfect for testing your strength after your awakening.
When I encountered strong rivals back then, I always liked to thoroughly understand their profiles, knowing both myself and the enemy.” She saw a reflection of her own composed racing style in her daughter now.
Two French names on the document were particularly striking—Séraphine Vitesse and Véra Aurore.
The profile stated that Séraphine Vitesse hailed from a famous French racing family, known for her extreme bursts of speed and immense explosive power, specializing particularly in the final two-hundred-meter kill.
She had won her last three races by a narrow margin and was hailed as the “Racetrack Lightning.” Véra Aurore, on the other hand, was an endurance-type Uma Musume, skilled in consistent output over long distances, with top-tier rhythm control.
She never lost her footing mid-race and had consecutively won two international-level championships, earning her the nickname “Aurore Navigator.”
“Séraphine Vitesse, Véra Aurore,” Ryo murmured the names, her gaze lingering briefly on the keywords “extreme burst” and “stable output.” A faint curve lifted the corner of her mouth.
“Interesting.”
“They are currently the favorites to win the Champion Stakes, and many media outlets predict the winner will be one of them.” Chisato Shigeaki nodded.
“However, your training results at Tracen Academy are evident, and with this awakening after the special training, you might not necessarily lose to them.”
Ryo closed the document, her fingertips lightly tapping the table.
The power within her surged beneath the calm surface, the residual warmth of the crimson lightning seeming to flow slowly through her veins.
Thinking of Rudolf, the regret of the Arima Kinen, and especially the two rivals with such distinct styles before her, her eyes grew firmer.
“I understand.
I will be prepared.”
“Seeing how composed you are, your mother feels relieved.” Brilliant Radiance smiled, picking up a croissant.
Her eyes suddenly lit up as she looked at her daughter.
“Oh, Ryo Ryo, you’ve been back for over ten days, busy caring for Grandma, and you’ve only been wearing training gear or casual clothes; it’s too relaxed.
You are an Uma Musume; you shouldn’t just be dazzling on the track, you should dress up nicely normally too.
You should look presentable when visiting Grandma at the hospital.
Why don’t we use this opportunity to pick out some nice clothes for you, and buy a new pre-race suit?
How about we go shopping after breakfast and then head to the hospital?” When she raced, she paid great attention to her image, and after retirement, she especially loved dressing up her daughter, always wanting to give her the best and ensure she shone outside the racetrack as well.
Ryo put down the papers and looked down at her outfit, which was indeed quite casual.
She nodded.
“Alright, I’ll listen to Mom.
But we need to hurry so Grandma doesn’t wait too long.”
“Don’t worry, your mother has good taste.
We’ll find what we like in just one store; we won’t waste time.” Brilliant Radiance placed a baked mushroom on her plate.
“Hurry and eat.
We’ll leave once you’re finished.”
Breakfast quickly concluded.
Chisato Shigeaki, needing to handle an urgent international business contract, couldn’t accompany them to the hospital.
He reminded the mother and daughter to be careful on the road and to message him when they arrived at the hospital.
Brilliant Radiance drove Ryo first toward the Downtown Commercial Street.
The car drove along the streets of Paris; the morning light was warm, and the plane trees lining the street were sprouting new buds, full of vitality.
“That women’s clothing store upfront is nice; they’re all light luxury brands, with styles that are both proper and youthful, very suitable for an Uma Musume your age,” Brilliant Radiance said, pointing to a finely decorated shop ahead, as the car smoothly pulled over to the side of the road.
She was very knowledgeable about fashion, and her racing attire back in the day even set a trend for a while.
The mother and daughter walked into the store, and the staff immediately greeted them warmly.
Brilliant Radiance led Ryo directly to the women’s clothing section, picked up an off-white dress with tiny pearls adorning the neckline and a soft A-line skirt.
The fabric was light and breathable, allowing for ease of movement while still appearing graceful and elegant.
“Try this one; the silk fabric is comfortable to wear and breathable.
It would even be suitable for a pre-race reception later,” Brilliant Radiance handed her the dress.
“Uma Musume naturally have tall and slender figures, and this dress will accentuate your lines without being too flashy.
It’s also appropriate to wear to the hospital.”
Ryo went into the fitting room, and when she emerged in the dress, even the store assistant’s eyes lit up.
The off-white color made her skin appear even fairer, the pearl neckline added a touch of sophistication, and the A-line skirt outlined her firm, well-proportioned leg lines—the result of long-term running training, both healthy and powerful, subtly blending with the dress’s gentleness to create a unique youthful charm.
“It looks so good, this piece suits you perfectly!” Brilliant Radiance nodded in satisfaction, then picked up a pair of low-heeled shoes in the same color.
“Paired with these shoes, it’s both comfortable and elegant.
When I was racing, I also loved to wear these kinds of comfortable and beautiful shoes.”
Ryo changed into her new shoes, looked at herself in the mirror, and indeed, it was much more appropriate than her previous casual wear.
She smiled and said, “Mom has such good taste; this outfit is very comfortable to wear and won’t restrict me when I run.”
“As long as you like it,” Brilliant Radiance paid the bill, then casually picked up a light pink silk scarf and tied it around her daughter’s neck.
“This makes it even more refined.” She looked at her daughter, her eyes full of pride.
“Our Ryo Ryo, whether on the track or in daily life, is always the most dazzling.”
The store assistant efficiently packed the clothes and shoes, and the mother and daughter drove to the hospital.
On the way, Ryo sent a message to her father informing him of their departure, and in her mind, she was already silently reviewing the technical characteristics of Séraphine Vitesse and Véra Aurore, having a preliminary idea of how to deal with them.
The car quickly arrived at the hospital.
In the VIP ward, Grandma was leaning against the headboard, waiting.
Seeing Ryo walk in, her eyes immediately lit up, and she said with a smile, “Ryo Ryo is here!
This outfit looks so good, our granddaughter is so beautiful!
Your mother really knows how to dress you up.”
“Grandma, you flatter me,” Ryo walked to the bedside and sat down, taking out the macarons from the insulated box.
“Please try some; they’re still warm, strawberry flavored, your favorite.”
“Good, good, Grandma will try,” Grandma picked up a macaron and took a small bite, her face full of contentment.
“It’s delicious, still the best from the manor’s pastry kitchen.”
Brilliant Radiance, who was peeling an apple for Grandma nearby, said with a smile, “Mom, if you like them, I’ll have the pastry kitchen make them every day and have the driver deliver them to you.”