The golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the trees outside the Tracen Academy training grounds, casting mottled light and shadows across the track.
Ryo stopped in her tracks, the lingering sharpness in her crimson eyes gradually fading, replaced by a deep calm.
The high-intensity training she had just finished left a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, and her red and white training uniform was soaked at the back, outlining her firm and well-proportioned muscle lines, yet there was no sign of fatigue—after the tempering of the Three Goddess Trial, her stamina and control over her domains were no longer what they used to be, especially with the fusion of the “Unchallengeable Emperor” and “Crimson Tyrant” dual domains, allowing her to maintain an excellent state even in her normal condition.
She raised a hand to wipe the sweat from her forehead, her ear tips twitching slightly as she caught the sound of a car horn in the distance.
Her father, Chisato Shigeaki’s car had arrived; today was the day her grandmother was discharged from the hospital, and as soon as training ended, she couldn’t wait to pick her grandmother up and bring her home.
“Ryo, over here.” Chisato Shigeaki rolled down the car window, his tone remaining steady, though he couldn’t hide a trace of concern as his gaze fell upon his daughter.
“Did you exceed the training intensity?
Your grandmother has been fretting, afraid you’re pushing yourself too hard for the race.”
“Don’t worry, Dad, I know my limits.” Ryo opened the car door and got in, tossing her training bag onto the passenger seat.
“How is Grandmother doing?”
“Nothing serious, just some respiratory discomfort caused by a mild cold.
She stayed in the hospital for a few days of observation, and the doctor said she recovered well and can be discharged.” Her mother, Brilliant Radiance, turned her head from the passenger seat with a gentle smile, handing over a bottle of warm water.
“Drink some water quickly, look at how sweaty you are.”
Ryo took the water bottle and sipped it, her gaze fixed on the streetscape flying past the window.
She hadn’t told her family that the Three Goddess Trial had not only refined her “Unchallengeable Emperor” domain but also unexpectedly awakened a second domain, the “Crimson Tyrant.”
This power was too wild; she wanted to wait for the right moment, perhaps during a critical race in the future, to give her family an unexpected surprise.
The car soon arrived at the hospital.
In the ward, her grandmother was sitting by the bed, organizing her clothes, her gray hair combed neatly, and a gentle smile on her face.
Seeing Ryo enter, her grandmother’s eyes lit up, and she immediately beckoned: “Ryo Ryo is here!
Come here and let Grandma see, have you lost weight again?”
“Grandma, I haven’t lost weight; I’ve even gained some muscle.” Ryo walked quickly to the bedside and gently held her grandmother’s hand; her palms were warm and dry, carrying a reassuring strength.
“You only know how to train, and you don’t know how to rest properly.” Her grandmother tapped the back of her hand in mock reproach, but her eyes were full of love.
“Races are important, but your health is your greatest asset.
You mustn’t push yourself too hard and end up with old injuries like your mother did back in the day.”
Brilliant Radiance heard this and smiled helplessly, “Mom, you’re bringing that up again.”
“Why shouldn’t I bring it up?
I don’t want my precious granddaughter to suffer that kind of pain.” Her grandmother said, looking at Chisato Shigeaki, “Shigeaki, you should keep an eye on her too, don’t let the child stay cooped up in the training grounds all the time.”
“Mom, I know.” Chisato Shigeaki nodded, stepping forward to pick up her luggage.
“Let’s go home once everything is packed.
We’ve already stewed chicken soup at home, waiting for you to come back and nourish yourself.”
The group walked out of the hospital chatting and laughing, the setting sun stretching their shadows long.
Ryo supported her grandmother as they walked slowly, listening to her grandmother chatter on about interesting things that happened during her hospital stay.
Her mother occasionally chimed in, while her father followed silently behind, carrying the luggage, his gaze constantly watching the path ahead.
Such a plain and warm scene made a warm current surge in Ryo’s heart—on the racetrack, she was an emperor looking down upon the world; but in front of her family, she was just a cherished granddaughter and daughter.
Upon returning home, the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard was in full bloom, pink petals drifting in the wind and paving the bluestone path.
Ryo helped her grandmother sit on the living room sofa, her mother went into the kitchen to get busy, and her father went to the study to handle work.
She sat beside her grandmother, gently kneading her shoulders with soft movements.
“Ryo Ryo, has training been going smoothly lately?
Have you encountered any difficulties?” Her grandmother closed her eyes, enjoying her granddaughter’s massage, her tone filled with concern.
“It’s going quite smoothly; the coach says I’m in great shape.” Ryo answered softly, avoiding the topic of the domain awakening.
“I’ve already signed up for next month’s Irish Champion Stakes; you can just watch the live broadcast at home then.”
“Good, Grandma will definitely watch it on time.” Her grandmother opened her eyes and looked at her.
“Ryo Ryo has had an unyielding spirit since she was little, just like your mother when she was young.
But Grandma doesn’t ask you to win many championships; as long as you run happily and stay safe, that’s enough.”
“I know, Grandma.” Ryo felt a warmth in her heart, leaned over to hug her grandmother, “I will.”
The sound of pots and pans colliding came from the kitchen, and the aroma gradually began to fill the air.
Ryo got up and walked into the kitchen, wanting to help her mother, but was pushed out the door by Brilliant Radiance: “Go and keep Grandma company; I can handle it here.
It’s rare for you to be home resting, you don’t need to do these chores.”