“No, no, that’s too much trouble,” Grandma waved her hand, holding Ryo’s hand tightly.
“Ryo Ryo, I know you missed the Arima Kinen because you were taking care of me, and you must feel bad about it.
I feel guilty too.
Now the Irish Champion Stakes is about to start; you must do your best, but don’t push yourself too hard.
Your health is the most important thing.”
“Grandma, please don’t say that; taking care of you is what I should do,” Ryo quickly reassured, squeezing Grandma’s hand, her tone calm but firm.
“The Irish Champion Stakes is a great race, and I will perform well and live up to your expectations.”
“Good, good, then Grandma will be at ease,” Grandma smiled so widely that the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed out.
“Our Ryo Ryo is a born Uma Musume; you should be running on the track.
Grandma doesn’t ask you to win many championships, nor do I want you to worry about the family business.
As long as you can do what you love, run happily and safely, that’s better than anything.”
“I know, Grandma, I will,” Ryo responded with a smile.
“Good, Grandma believes in you,” Grandma stroked her head.
“You’ve been stubborn since childhood; you’ll always accomplish what you set your mind to.
But don’t forget to take good care of your body, don’t push yourself too hard for races like your mother did back then.”
“Mom, don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on her,” Brilliant Radiance interjected with a smile.
“Ryo Ryo is more composed and sensible than I was back then.”
The atmosphere in the ward was warm and harmonious.
The grandmother and granddaughter chatted about interesting things on the track, with the mother occasionally adding to the conversation, and laughter filled the air.
After chatting for over half an hour, Grandma’s energy gradually waned.
She yawned, and her eyes became hazy.
Seeing this, Brilliant Radiance softly said, “Mom, you’re tired.
Get some good rest.
We’ll come to see you again this afternoon.
Ryo Ryo is still waiting to share good news about the race with you, so you need to save your strength.”
“Okay, okay, you two are busy too, no need to keep coming,” Grandma nodded, and before closing her eyes, she didn’t forget to remind, “Ryo Ryo, the race isn’t important, safety first.
Grandma will be waiting to make you strawberry macarons to celebrate your victory.”
“I know, Grandma, don’t worry,” Ryo tucked Grandma’s blanket in and quietly followed Brilliant Radiance out of the ward.
Stepping out of the hospital, the sun was just right.
Brilliant Radiance looked at her daughter and said with a smile, “It’s still early.
Do you want to go shopping again?
A new sports brand store just opened in the city center, and they have new running gear.
The material is lighter than what you’re currently using.
I’ll buy you a set to take back to Tracen Academy, just in time to prepare for the Irish Champion Stakes.”
Ryo looked at her mother’s expectant eyes and smiled, agreeing, “Okay, I’ll listen to Mom.”
The mother and daughter drove back to the commercial street and entered the sports brand store.
The running gear in the store was dazzling.
Brilliant Radiance, relying on her years of racing experience, quickly selected a light purple tracksuit and a pair of professional running shoes.
The fabric was thin and breathable, and the shock absorption was excellent.
“Try this; it can reduce foot pressure and protect your knees when you run, so you won’t feel tired even during long-distance races,” Brilliant Radiance handed the gear to her daughter.
“Back then, I relied on this kind of professional gear to avoid many injuries on the track.”
Ryo tried them on and found them very comfortable, with no sense of restriction when running.
She nodded and said, “Very comfortable, Mom’s choice is indeed good.”
After buying the running gear, the mother and daughter visited several specialty stores.
Brilliant Radiance bought Ryo some local Parisian chocolates and desserts to take back to Tracen Academy and share with her friends.
As the sun set, the afterglow painted the street in a warm orange-red, and the mother and daughter, carrying shopping bags of various sizes, embarked on their journey home.
Soothing music played in the car.
Ryo leaned against the window, watching the scenery flash by, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The fatigue from her special training completely dissipated, her heart filled with the warmth of family affection and the anticipation of the race, and that slight regret of missing the Arima Kinen transformed into the motivation to move forward steadily.
She knew that her parents managed the family business, so she didn’t need to worry, and both her grandmother and parents supported her in pursuing her beloved running career.
These ten-plus days at the manor were her refuge when she was tired and her source of strength to move forward.
And the Irish Champion Stakes track would be her first stop after awakening as an “The Empress”—Séraphine Vitesse, Véra Aurore, these two strong opponents, and Rudolf, whom she had yet to compete against from afar, would only make her more resolute.
No matter how rigorous the future track, no matter how powerful the opponents ahead, as long as she had the support of her family and the companionship of her friends, she would have the courage to keep running, steadfastly moving towards the goal of becoming the “Supreme Emperor.”
When they returned to the manor, Chisato Shigeaki had already finished his business and was waiting for them in the living room.
Dinner was very sumptuous, with French pan-seared foie gras and baked snails, which Ryo loved, and desserts that Grandma had specially asked the kitchen to save.
The family of three sat around the dining table, chatting about the day’s events.
Chisato Shigeaki asked about Grandma’s recovery and also inquired about her understanding of her opponents, while Brilliant Radiance continuously served her food, urging her to eat more to replenish her energy.
Laughter filled the dining room, warming the entire night.
Before bed, Ryo stood by the window, gazing at the bright stars in the night sky.
In her mind, Grandma’s smile, her parents’ affection, the figures of the three goddesses, and the names of Séraphine Vitesse and Véra Aurore appeared.