Three days remained until the Uma Trial Stakes, the first leg of the Triple Crown journey, and I had ordered a racewear set for Grand Ekinoks, who would be stepping up to G1 for the first time, from a tailor days in advance. Since today was Sunday, our plan was to check how well the racewear fit her.
Grand Ekinoks was definitely more popular than before. That's why we were stopped two or three times for signatures. Although the rib pain persisted, she was now ready to race.
When we finally reached the tailor, I couldn't help but look at Grand Ekinoks without looking away. I had asked days in advance what kind of racewear she wanted. Like every umamusume, she cared about how she looked while racing but she hadn't really explained to me what she wanted in a racewear.
From what she told me and her personality, I had ordered a racewear. So whether she would like it or not was a mystery.
First of all, she didn't show it much, but she was, beneath that irritable personality, a cute umamusume. In other words, she liked cute things. So I wanted to present her in a cute way. I imagined an outfit like those worn by Japanese idols, a dress that showed her figure with a frilly skirt.
That kind of dress would suit her perfectly, but I spent a lot of time figuring out the colors. It had to coordinate with a hooded cape, not overpower the other pieces, and be a color Grand Ekinoks would love.
What determined the colors was how deeply Grand Ekinoks loved this country.
Although she was a small umamusume and people teased her for being different, or claimed that overseas umamusumes were much better, she didn't care. She was a heroine who loved her homeland.
The national football team had occasionally used turquoise in their away uniforms.
A costume where turquoise is prominent, with white and gold-yellow lacing, a look that would be an idol's outfit. Paired with brown leather gloves and pure white boots, it made a wonderful combination, independent of the outfit itself.
You would have seen the joy on her face when she first saw the outfit.
"This is so much more beautiful than I expected, trainer!?!"
And of course, she hugged me tightly to show her happiness.
Displaying joy is important, but umamusumes are physically much stronger than humans...
"Grand Ekinoks... if you abandon me, my ribs will go with you."
Realizing she was applying too much force, Grand Ekinoks immediately released me and apologized. Then she began begging the tailor's elderly aunt, who owned the shop, to let Grand Ekinoks wear the outfit. The old lady, moved by her pleas, carried Grand Ekinoks to the clothing booth.
A few minutes later, when Grand Ekinoks stepped out of the booth, I could only look for about two seconds.
The reason was that Grand Ekinoks looked so beautiful that I didn't want to be hypnotized by that beauty.
"Trainer? Aren't you going to say something?"
She nudged me with her cheek. I couldn't help but look at her.
"Um… you're cuter than ever."
Saying this, it seemed as if Grand Ekinoks was trying not to look at me.
After a few minor adjustments to the racewear were announced, we left the shop and… Right now I really don't know what to do.
"Why don't you stay at my place tonight? The race is close. I'll prepare a nourishing meal for you."
So once again I found myself stepping into the role of a cook and headed toward my home.