...
The weather in Kochi region had been unfavorable recently, with continuous rainfall throughout the week before the race. Due to the rain and other factors, the track surface had become extremely soft and wet - what's commonly known as a heavy turf course.
Under such track conditions, the grip would be reduced, significantly affecting the racing speed and stamina of the horse girls. However, Lucian had already explained how to run on such terrain during training sessions.
Since the location was remote and it wasn't a weekend, Lucian didn't ask anyone else to accompany them - only he and Urara would go together.
...
The day before the race, Lucian and Urara packed their luggage and prepared to depart.
"Urara, why are you carrying such heavy luggage?"
Her petite frame was burdened with baggage nearly larger than herself. Lucian quickly stepped forward to help unload it into the trunk.
"Because it might be too late after the race, so we shouldn't drive back at night."
"So this is... a tent?"
"Mm-hmm!"
"Well... but I've already booked a hotel over there."
"Eh?" Urara looked surprised. "Trainer, this makes Urara look silly."
"It's fine, just leave it in the car. Get in first."
"Okay~"
...
Since they left a day early, Lucian didn't rush and drove at a leisurely pace.
"Urara, is that your racing outfit? You're wearing it already?" He had wanted to ask before she got in the car but had been busy helping with her luggage.
"Yes." Urara adjusted her clothes, pinched the hem, and turned sideways toward Lucian. "How does it look?"
Her racing outfit was quite simple, at first glance resembling ordinary athletic wear, yet with some unique touches.
"If I had to say, it matches your hair color well, radiating a lively and confident aura."
Also... why such a conservative top but so much exposure on the bottom? He'd prefer if such fanservice was just for him, hahaha.
Still, one could sense considerable strength from Urara's calves.
"Really? Urara didn't think too much about it, just wanted something simple and clean that's easy to run in." She seemed somewhat embarrassed by Lucian's praise.
"Isn't that enough?"
"Mm!"
...
As the car's music played, Urara's gaze wandered to the scenery outside the window when she suddenly said:
"Trainer, you actually didn't need to accompany me. Kochi is far, and it's just my debut race."
"If I didn't come, you'd carry all that luggage yourself and take hours of buses to get there? Then camp in a tent after the race?"
"Mm..." That was indeed Urara's plan. Her thoughts were as simple and pure as her racing outfit - she just didn't want to trouble anyone.
"Actually, Kochi isn't that far for Urara. Might arrive after a nap." Urara clasped her hands between her legs.
Before she finished speaking, Lucian responded: "But I wouldn't feel at ease."
Such a straightforward statement, without even turning his head.
"And what do you mean 'just a debut race'?" Lucian chuckled at this point. "Think about all those training days. Now let me ask you again - why did we come to Kochi?"
"To win! To win! And to... WIN!" Urara raised her fist, her spirits instantly lifted by Lucian's words.
Ahem "Good that you know." Lucian unconsciously stroked his nonexistent beard. She didn't pick up his good habits, but somehow absorbed all his casual speech mannerisms.
"Urara, we still have a long way to go. If you're tired, rest well and conserve your energy."
...
They departed in the morning and arrived in Kochi as the sun was setting. Lucian checked them into the hotel.
Kochi was a small place - opening the hotel window revealed a view of the racecourse. The venue wasn't large, just meeting standard specifications.
Moreover, it seemed few people were paying attention. Walking around, Lucian felt this was the first time he didn't find a pre-race venue crowded.
"So... Urara, why did you come into my room?" Lucian closed the window and looked speechlessly at Urara standing there with her luggage.
"Aren't we staying here?"
"Didn't you notice there's only one bed?"
"Urara knows~" She replied innocently, patting the bag containing her tent.
"Urara, are you too nervous?" Lucian studied her intently.
After all, being in unfamiliar territory, nervousness was understandable.
Sure enough, under Lucian's gaze, Urara's tension gradually showed on her face.
She clasped her hands together, murmuring: "Just a little nervous, only a tiny bit..."
If alone, she'd probably be sitting blankly in her tent right now.
But with Lucian here, she wanted to be near him, to rely on him.
"Nervousness is normal. Just treat it like regular training - I'll be cheering for you at the finish line with the stopwatch."
"But still a little nervous..."
"Hmm... then what does Urara need me to do? How can I help?"
"Mmm..." Under Lucian's inquiring gaze, Urara took one of his hands and slowly placed it on her head. "Can... can you pat Urara? That's enough."
She slowly lowered her hands, head bowed and eyes closed.
"Okay." Lucian began gently stroking Urara's head.
When they first arrived, Kochi's weather had been damp and gloomy, like a melancholic woman exuding a depressive atmosphere.
With the recent rains, it wouldn't be strange if the skies wept again.
But now, a golden light seemed to quietly perch on the windowsill, silently watching the two in the room.
"Urara, do your best. You're not alone." Lucian withdrew his hand and took something from his backpack. "This is a four-leaf clover for good luck. Spe-chan and the others made it together. I meant to give it to you tomorrow."
"Four-leaf clover..." Urara cradled it reverently in her hands, eyes shining with delight.
"You've cheered for them so many times - of course they remember."
"Before I said I'd accompany you, they all begged me to come with you."
"Urara isn't invisible. Everyone cares about you - how could we let you go all this way alone?"