Sunday—the day of our shopping date—was a rare clear day in the middle of the rainy season.
Since I didn't own any casual clothes, I naturally wore my school uniform. Rice Shower, on the other hand, arrived in a lovely cream-colored dress. The collar fluttered gently, and the black trim along the hem added a stylish contrast. It was feminine, elegant, and suited her perfectly.
"Rice-chan's outfit is adorable. It really suits you."
"Feeeee…"
Rice turned bright red.
She's serious, honest, and genuinely cute—but clearly not used to compliments. I've decided to praise her often to help boost her self-esteem.
Still, standing next to her in my uniform made me feel a little plain. The Training Center Academy uniforms are cute, sure—but if I'm going to be out and about with Rice Shower as her trainer, maybe I should have something nicer too.
That said, frilly and cute probably wouldn't suit me. And they look hard to move in. So… maybe not.
"Thanks for taking the lead today."
"Hya!"
Rice jumped slightly at my formal tone.
Today's outing was entirely in her hands—where we'd go, what we'd buy. I didn't even know where horse girl clothes were sold. I had a wallet, but that's it. Rice Shower was the one in charge.
I figured we'd head somewhere affordable. Not sure if they even have Uma Musume sizes, though.
Instead, Rice brought me to a department store near Fuchu Station.
Inside, we headed straight to the horse girl clothing section.
On the way, I spotted a price tag: 10,000 yen.
I froze.
"Ra… Rice?"
"Hmm? What's wrong, Viola-chan?"
"Isn't this… kind of expensive?"
"I think it's normal."
Our financial worlds were galaxies apart. I'd expected clothes to cost around 1,000 yen. Rice Shower, meanwhile, was casually browsing items ten times that price.
Sensing my hesitation, Rice smiled sweetly—like an angel.
"It's okay. Rice will buy it. Viola-chan just needs to be fed by Rice."
"Don't act like my sugar mama!!"
Rice is usually passive and reserved, but when she knows she has the upper hand, she gets oddly assertive. Her confidence spikes in moments like this.
But I'm the trainer. I won't lose to my horse girl!
She led me to the sales floor.
It was filled with fluffy, frilly clothes—like something out of a fairy tale. I did my best not to look at the price tags. My pride couldn't take another hit.