"The soup's here~" Lucian emerged from the kitchen carrying a pot of soup.
By then, the latecomer Nishizaki Ryo had already taken his seat.
"Lucian-kun, hurry and take off your apron to join us. Everyone's waiting for you," Toujou Hana said.
Lucian glanced at the untouched dishes and the eager Hishi Amazon, who was gripping her chopsticks, ready to pounce. "Got it, I'll be right there!"
...
"Cheers~"
Glasses clinked together, filling the air with cheerful sounds.
"This fish is so delicious!"
"Amazon, don't talk while chewing," Air Groove chided beside her.
Grass Wonder couldn't wait to dig in either, only to find the food scalding hot. But with the meat already in her mouth, she could only part her lips slightly, blowing to cool it down.
Silence Suzuka was in the same predicament, covering her mouth as she exhaled softly.
Lucian sat beside her, refilling her empty cup with a drink before turning back to continue his conversation with Toujou Hana and Nishizaki Ryo.
"Lucian-kun, it feels like you're a bit wasted as a teacher at Tracen Academy," Toujou Hana said sincerely.
Nishizaki Ryo took a sip of his ice-cold beer. "I agree. If you opened a restaurant, you'd definitely make a fortune."
"You two are too kind. I didn't come here for the money, after all," Lucian replied. With his skills, money was hardly an issue.
Silence Suzuka held her cup with both hands, but her ears perked up.
Come to think of it, she didn't know much about Lucian.
"Could it be for personal aspirations?" Nishizaki Ryo assumed Lucian was like him—someone who came to Tracen Academy chasing a dream.
"You could say that."
"Then why didn't you return to your homeland to work after getting your certification in France?" Toujou Hana asked. "From what I understand, the horse girl culture there is still in its early stages."
"But precisely because it's still developing, my parents were against me working in this field. So I ended up going abroad on my own," Lucian explained truthfully, though he didn't reveal everything.
There was another reason he hadn't returned to his homeland.
"You've got guts, kid. I respect that," Nishizaki Ryo said, giving Lucian a thumbs-up.
"Let's not talk about me. I'd like to toast both of you as thanks for all your support." Lucian raised his glass and took another sip with them.
...
The full moon quietly climbed the treetops before slipping unnoticed into the clouds.
The celebration dinner was nearing its end.
Everyone's stomachs were stuffed to the brim, their school uniforms momentarily unable to conceal the slight bulge, revealing a strip of fair skin—almost as if they were pregnant.
Toujou Hana's face was slightly flushed, while Nishizaki Ryo was thoroughly drunk, his cheeks bright red.
"You've had enough. Stop drinking," Toujou Hana said, massaging her temples.
"But the food here is delicious, and the alcohol's great too! I'm having more!"
"Nishizaki-senpai, this is just some random alcohol I bought outside..."
Lucian propped his head up, torn between laughter and exasperation.
As he lowered his head to reach for his glass, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse of pale skin beneath the table.
Tipsy and emboldened by the alcohol, Lucian found himself reaching out and giving it a pinch.
Silence Suzuka had been sipping her drink when she suddenly felt her belly being squeezed, startling her. She looked down to see Lucian playing with the soft flesh.
Poking was one thing... but pinching?!
"Lucian... what are you doing...?"
Her face burned red. After confirming no one else had noticed, she swatted his hand away.
"Sorry, sorry... I couldn't resist," Lucian quickly withdrew his hand, apologizing profusely.
Alcohol was truly dangerous!
Silence Suzuka opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat, unspoken.
She wasn't actually that upset... but how could she possibly admit that?
"Suzuka-chan, are you mad?" Lucian leaned in, asking cautiously.
Silence Suzuka still didn't know how to respond.
"How about I make it up to you with another massage?"
"Okay..." The word trembled out of her lips.
Lucian let out a sigh of relief, worried he'd crossed a line.
...
After resting for a while, everyone began getting up to leave.
Toujou Hana sighed helplessly as she helped Nishizaki Ryo to his feet. "Lucian-kun, it's getting late. We should head out."
"Take care. I'll leave Nishizaki-senpai in your hands, Hana-nee."
"Don't worry." As Toujou Hana turned to leave, she muttered under her breath, "This guy... can't hold his liquor but drinks so much anyway..."
Air Groove waved at Lucian. "Trainer Lucian, we'll be going now."
"Trainer Lucian, if there's another celebration dinner, you absolutely have to invite me!" Hishi Amazon, the tanned, lively girl, spoke boldly, though her genuine appreciation for Lucian's cooking was clear.
"Lucian-sensei, thank you for the meal," Grass Wonder said with quiet gratitude. For the next while, she'd surely be reminiscing about the flavors.
Come to think of it, she could sign up for Lucian's practical class!
Symboli Rudolf, Taiki Shuttle, Narita Brian, and Fuji Kiseki spoke in unison: "Trainer Lucian, thank you very much."
Symboli Rudolf added, "I hope we'll have another chance to taste your cooking."
Finally, T.M. Opera O also expressed her thanks before leaving. "The flavors were truly marvelous~ Trainer Lucian, thank you for inviting me to dinner~"
"Take care, everyone. You're all welcome to come again."
Lucian replied to each of them, waving goodbye. Only after everyone had left did he close the door.
When he turned around, one figure remained, standing quietly.
"Suzuka, why are you hiding back there?"
"Are you drunk?"
"Nah, this is nothing. Just a little tipsy." He pulled the door open again. "Be careful on your way back. Since I've been drinking, I won't drive you home."
Lucian leaned against the doorframe, tilting his head slightly. The soft indoor light rested gently on his sharp features.
In the interplay of light and shadow, his slightly narrowed eyes—hazy from the alcohol—seemed to hold a pool of clarity, his gentle smile flowing effortlessly.
The surrounding noise faded away in Silence Suzuka's mind as she found herself momentarily entranced.
"I—I'll help you clean up before leaving!"
After a long pause, she averted her gaze in a fluster, turning to energetically tidy up the aftermath.
"You really don't have to. I'll handle this," Lucian insisted, following her.
"It's fine. It's the least I can do." Silence Suzuka gathered the dishes and utensils, darting into the kitchen. Right now, she was too afraid to meet Lucian's gaze. "I'll wash them for you."
"You really don't need to..." Lucian sighed, but Silence Suzuka had already left him with only her retreating back.
...
Cold water ran over Silence Suzuka's hands.
Gradually, her emotions settled, returning to calm.
"Lucian-kun, I've finished washing the dishes." She stepped out of the kitchen. "Lucian-kun?"
No response.
When she walked behind the sofa, she found Lucian already curled up on his side, fast asleep.
"Mocking Trainer Nishizaki when you're not much better yourself." Silence Suzuka pulled a blanket over him.
For a while, she quietly studied his sleeping face.
"Thank you."
"This was the happiest celebration dinner I've ever had."