...
Neither Lucian nor Seiun Sky had any experience with post-race interviews.
But faced with cameras and microphones being shoved their way, the two had no choice but to put on a calm front.
Reporter A: "How do you feel about winning this championship?"
Seiun Sky: "Hmm~ I think it was quite challenging. Everyone was a strong horse girl."
Reporter B: "Which races do you plan to participate in next?"
Seiun Sky: "Ermmm... I haven't really thought about it yet, hehe~"
Reporter B: "Do you have any insights about the race you'd like to share with us?"
Seiun Sky was now straining to think. "It's all thanks to Trainer's guidance. He promised me lots of rewards if I won the championship~"
Lucian's mouth twitched. Not only did her answer carry a double meaning, but she also deftly passed the buck to him.
Sure enough, as soon as Seiun Sky finished speaking, Lucian found himself surrounded by microphones from all sides.
"Trainer Lucian, you..." A reporter began to ask but was momentarily stunned by Lucian's striking appearance.
She wasn't the only one—until now, the reporters had been focused on the champion, overlooking Lucian standing nearby.
Lucian eased the awkwardness by blinking at the reporter. "What would you like to ask?"
"Are you a new trainer at Tracen Academy? You seem quite young."
"Not exactly new, but my experience is still limited. Currently, I'm the trainer for the academy's 'Dream' team." Once he got into the rhythm, Lucian's responses became concise and composed.
"May I ask... how old you are?"
Lucian froze, not expecting such a question.
Under the influence of certain horse girls, his mind briefly wandered somewhere inappropriate.
Luckily, he quickly reeled it back in.
"Are you asking about my age, miss? That doesn't seem related to the race."
"Ah... my apologies."
Seiun Sky had been watching the scene play out with amusement, but her teasing gaze gradually darkened, her expression shifting from sunny to overcast.
This wasn't fun at all...
Seeing the female reporters preparing to ask more odd questions, Seiun Sky couldn't stand it any longer.
She pushed through the crowd, shouting, "Interview time's over!" before grabbing Lucian's wrist and making a swift escape.
...
Seiun Sky dragged Lucian along as she sprinted away.
"Slow down, slow down! This old man's about to take off!" Lucian tightened his grip on her hand, finally stopping her.
He looked at Seiun Sky with exasperation. "You were the one who wanted me to answer, but now you're not happy about it?"
"I helped Trainer, and not only do I not get a thank-you, but I also get scolded."
Seiun Sky lowered her head, pretending to be upset. Whether intentional or not, she was still clutching Lucian's hand.
"How did you help me?" Lucian caught his breath, smiling as he spoke, then casually tickled her palm.
Seiun Sky quickly pulled her hand back. In just a few seconds, she'd been countered... tragic.
"I got you away from those reporters. Those women had hearts in their eyes—watch out for a knife..."
"Heh, you know a lot. Then I should thank Sky-sama for sparing my life."
"Mhm~ No need for thanks." She inched closer to Lucian, whispering just loud enough for him to hear, "So what about what Trainer promised me?"
"I caught a jar of mosquitoes. I'll have someone deliver them to your dorm tonight—take good care of them."
"Liar again." Seiun Sky turned her face away, immediately refusing to play along.
"I remember, I remember~ Do you want to cash in now?"
"Good that you remember." Seiun Sky's smile returned, her mood shifting faster than flipping a page. "I'm all sweaty right now—dirty, stinky. Let's save it for later."
Truthfully, she felt a little embarrassed.
Lucian wanted to say he didn't mind—he'd been enjoying her delicate fragrance from behind earlier.
But it wouldn't be proper to say so. Best to keep that thought to himself.
"Go take a shower and change. There's still the Winner's Ceremony tonight."
"Mhm~" Seiun Sky agreed, but she didn't leave right away. Being a good kid at heart, she started worrying about Special Week. "Spe-chan, she..."
"Right now, she probably won't say anything either..."
Special Week was the type who wouldn't openly express negative emotions—she likely wouldn't even confide in her roommate, Suzuka.
"But don't worry, leave it to me. I've got experience comforting little fillies who like to cry in secret."
"Trainer-san, I think you haven't run enough just now." Seiun Sky narrowed her eyes, flashing a rather "friendly" smile.
...
The Winner's Ceremony that night went smoothly.
Being a G1 race, the hype was far greater than any previous competition.
Seiun Sky's dancing radiated her joy, and an occasional "wink" sent the fans into cheers, waving their glow sticks with even more enthusiasm.
As for Special Week...
Sometimes she seemed silly, even a bit dense, but when hurt, she was surprisingly good at masking her emotions. Without knowing the story, it'd be hard to tell from her demeanor.
But then again, Special Week had set her sights on becoming the "Number One Horse Girl in Japan," only to fail midway.
The Classic Triple Crown races are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—she could no longer achieve her dream through that path.
No wonder she was so devastated.
...
"Lucian-kun? Lucian-kun?"
Silence Suzuka's repeated calls finally snapped Lucian out of his thoughts.
"Lucian-kun, what's on your mind?"
Today's Lucian struck her as odd—he spoke little and didn't even record videos like he usually did.
Silence Suzuka was worried about him.
"Trainer, why do you keep spacing out today?" Clearly, Haru Urara had noticed it too.
"It's nothing, just lost in thought." He hadn't realized he'd zoned out—the performance was already over. "Let's wait for them at the parking lot."
"Mhm."
...
The car ride back wasn't somber but lively.
The most talkative was Special Week, sharing her thoughts during the race while sprinkling in praise for King Halo and Seiun Sky.
Lucian smiled, retracting his earlier assessment.
Special Week's act was obvious and deliberate now—even Silence Suzuka seemed to have picked up on it.
By the time they reached Tracen Academy's gates, Lucian watched as the horse girls disappeared into the campus before stepping inside himself.