Tokyo Racecourse.
"You did well today. Golden Masterpiece is getting into better and better shape."
On the way back, Koichi jumped at the voice that came out of nowhere.
He had lost count of how many times this had happened.
"Good morning, miss."
"Mm, good morning, Jockey Sasaki. And our Asho, of course."
Standing beside the path, Ayano Aoe waved at them.
Everything at Aoe Ranch had been taken care of, and Golden Masterpiece's race was fast approaching, so she had arrived in Tokyo the night before.
History needed a witness.
And she wanted to be that person.
Koichi hopped straight down from Golden Masterpiece's back.
Now that Ayano Aoe was here, he could hardly stay mounted the whole time.
Neigh-?
Golden Masterpiece turned to glance at Ayano Aoe, then kept walking forward.
"Where's Golden Masterpiece's groom?"
Once Koichi dismounted, Ayano Aoe came closer too.
The truth was, she felt a little afraid every time she saw Golden Masterpiece.
After all, she had nearly been kicked by Golden Masterpiece back then.
"Yosuke took a fall yesterday and sprained his ankle, so I have to handle all this today."
Koichi silently sighed for his friend.
She doesn't even remember his name.
"Of course, he'll definitely be back on his feet by race day. He's already pretty much recovered."
For people who spent all day with racehorses, injuries like these were minor.
"I see. Then I'll be your supervisor today. Keep up the good work!~"
Ayano Aoe nodded thoughtfully.
As it happened, she could take the day off today too. Everything that had happened recently had put her in a foul mood.
Fortunately, after those racehorses were sent to Hokkai Ranch, order at the ranch had gradually returned to normal.
"No problem."
Koichi nodded.
The Assistant had complained to him about this