Her grandmother talked about interesting stories from her childhood, saying that as soon as she learned to walk, she liked to run in the yard, and even if she fell, she wouldn’t cry, just get back up and keep running; she talked about the first time she went to the racetrack and saw the Uma Musume on the track, her eyes widened in awe, and she said that one day she would be like them, running on the track.
Ryo listened quietly, a gentle smile on her lips.
Those distant memories became clear through her grandmother’s narration.
It turned out that the seeds of her love for running had been planted from such a young age.
And her family’s support and companionship were the greatest driving forces for her to forge ahead.
At dinner, the table was filled with sumptuous dishes, the aroma of chicken soup was rich, the steamed fish was fresh and delicious, and there were several home-cooked dishes that Ryo loved.
The family sat around together, full of joy and harmony.
Chisato Shigeaki rarely opened a bottle of red wine, pouring a small glass for everyone.
“Come, let’s toast to Mom’s recovery and discharge, and to Ryo Ryo’s upcoming race.
Cheers.” Chisato Shigeaki raised his glass.
“Cheers!” Everyone raised their glasses, the crisp sound of clinking glasses echoing in the living room.
During the meal, Chisato Shigeaki asked about the preparations for the Irish Champion Stakes.
Ryo spoke a few words simply, focusing on the track characteristics and a few main opponents, but glossed over her own improvement in strength.
She didn’t want to worry her family, and she also wanted to save the surprise of her dual domains for the very end.
Brilliant Radiance urged her to pay attention to her diet and rest, not to train late into the night, and mentioned that she had already prepared clothing suitable for long-distance travel and common medications, so she could take care of herself when she arrived abroad.
Her grandmother kept piling food into her bowl, the food in the bowl stacking up like a small mountain: “Eat more, replenish your nutrients; you won’t be able to eat your mother’s cooking once you’re abroad.”
Ryo thanked her while eating heartily, her heart filled with happiness.
This kind of family atmosphere allowed her tightly strung nerves to completely relax.
On the racetrack, she was a competitor who needed to remain vigilant and give her all at every moment; but at home, she could shed all her disguises and be her truest self.
After dinner, Ryo took the initiative to clear the dishes and wash them clean.
Then she returned to the living room to watch TV with her family for a while.
Her grandmother was old, and after watching for a while, she became a bit sleepy.
Ryo helped her grandmother back to her room to rest, tucked her in, and gently closed the door.
When she returned to the living room, her parents were still sitting on the sofa.
Chisato Shigeaki looked at her, his tone serious: “Ryo Ryo, when you go abroad, be extra careful with everything, and call us anytime if anything happens.
The race isn’t important; safety comes first.”
“I know, Dad.” Ryo nodded.
Brilliant Radiance walked over and hugged her gently: “Mom believes in you; no matter the result, you are our pride.
Remember, home is always your support.”
“Mm, thank you, Mom.” Ryo hugged her mother back, feeling her mother’s warm embrace, her eyes slightly moist.
It was late at night, and Ryo returned to her room.
She lay on the bed, looking at the moonlight outside the window, the smiling faces of her family appearing in her mind.
She knew that her shoulders carried not only her own dreams but also the expectations of her family.
And the secret of her hidden dual domains was not only to achieve better results on the track but also to better protect herself, so as not to let her family worry.
She closed her eyes, and the two forces within her flowed quietly; the steadiness of the “Unchallengeable Emperor” and the wildness of the “Crimson Tyrant” intertwined, yet were exceptionally harmonious.
She could feel that these two forces were constantly fusing and growing stronger, waiting for the moment to bloom on the racetrack.
That night, Ryo slept exceptionally soundly.
In the love and companionship of her family, she had accumulated full energy and her conviction became even firmer.
The Irish Champion Stakes, Royal Ascot, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe…
these three top-tier races spanning three countries; she would not only win the championships and continue the legend, but also give her family the biggest surprise on the racetrack.
The moonlight outside the window gently spilled into the room, illuminating the young girl’s peaceful sleeping face.
A journey of glory, dreams, and family warmth was about to officially begin on the racetracks of Europe.