...
With Seiun Sky, Special Week, and Silence Suzuka consecutively winning G1 races, "Dream" had rapidly gained fame and momentum.
On the day of the trial training, the number of participants far exceeded Lucian's expectations. Fortunately, he had assigned tasks in advance, allowing the trials to proceed in an orderly and efficient manner.
"Lucian-kun, here are the data from the indoor tests." Silence Suzuka walked in carrying a stack of documents. The records included precise measurements of the horse girls' lung capacity, leg strength, flexibility, and more.
"Thanks for your hard work, Suzuka." Lucian was still analyzing the running data and didn't even look up.
"Is there anything else I can help with?" After placing the documents on the table, Silence Suzuka proactively offered.
Putting down his pen, Lucian raised his head with a smile. "You should rest for now. Where's Spe-chan and the others?"
"They're still tidying up the equipment."
"Alright, they've worked hard too."
Silence Suzuka pulled up a chair and sat down. After making sure no one was passing by the door, she whispered, "This evening... can we?"
"Want it again?"
"Why do you always... have to ask like that..."
Lucian paid no mind. "So, want it again?"
"...Mhm." Silence Suzuka's gaze drifted as she responded softly.
A terrible conversation.
But Lucian was enjoying himself. He also noticed that Silence Suzuka had been requesting massages much more frequently lately—previously once every two or three weeks, but now two or three times a week.
He couldn't even remember if he still owed her any. "Alright then~ Considering how hard you worked today, I'll allow it."
"Hmph, it's not like I'm that desperate."
"If you're so reluctant... maybe we should just forget about it~"
At this, Silence Suzuka shot him a cold glare tinged with resentment.
"Just kidding, just kidding. I'll wait for you in the lounge tonight."
...
Even though some horse girls' data were already outstanding, Lucian adhered to fairness and planned to review everything thoroughly at home.
Just then, Special Week and the others returned after packing up the trial equipment. Alongside Seiun Sky and Haru Urara, two more horse girls had arrived.
"Spe-chan, Seiun. And Tokai Teiou-san, long time no see." Lucian was genuinely happy to see Tokai Teiou participating in the trials.
"Trainer Lucian, it's been a while." Tokai Teiou showed no signs of restraint. "I hope I can pass the trials."
After much deliberation, Tokai Teiou had ultimately chosen "Dream." Not only because of the team's relaxed atmosphere but also because of Lucian's sincerity and care for his members—personally tying their shoelaces before races, fitting their horseshoes, even designing dietary plans for competitors.
"Back when the trainer invited you, you refused. Now you're sneaking in for trials~" Seiun Sky teased like a cat. "Call me senpai~"
"Se-Senpai!?"
Before Tokai Teiou could react, Seiun Sky had already responded, "Hmm?"
"Seiun! I wasn't calling you!"
"Now that I think about it, does that mean Teiou has to call me senpai too? Does Seiun also have to call me senpai?" Special Week pondered aloud.
"What senpai? Spe-chan, you enrolled the latest out of all of us! I was the one who showed you around campus when you first arrived." Tokai Teiou retorted.
"Weren't we just talking about when we joined the team?" Special Week asked.
Seiun Sky patted Special Week's shoulder. "Spe-chan, you've changed. You're smarter now."
...
Though Tokai Teiou hadn't officially joined the team yet, she quickly blended in with the others. Meanwhile, the shy girl nearby didn't even dare to enter the lounge.
Lucian was the first to notice Haru Urara passing by the lounge without coming in.
He spotted her back at the door, along with a somewhat familiar figure, and got up to step outside.
The two were chatting and didn't notice Lucian approaching.
"Rice Shower, come in and have some water."
"But... I'm not very familiar with everyone, and I might not even pass the trials..."
Rice Shower's voice was soft and sweet, carrying a reserved warmth that perfectly matched her shy personality.
"It's fine, it's fine! Come in, Rice Shower."
Haru Urara tried to take Rice Shower's hand, but the latter reflexively pulled back. "No, it's alright. You go in, Urara. I'll wait for you outside."
"With me here, what's there to be afraid of? Everyone's really friendly. Though the trainer does like teasing people sometimes..."
"I heard someone talking about me." Lucian suddenly appeared, his chin nearly resting on Haru Urara's shoulder—though not quite. "Was it you, Urara?"
"Trainer!?" Haru Urara jumped in surprise. "Don't scare me like that!"
"I wasn't trying to scare you."
Straightening up, Lucian turned his attention to Rice Shower.
This was their first proper meeting.
Rice Shower had a unique appearance—her thick black hair covered half her face, and even her eyes seemed shy, with only one visible, like a purple gemstone.
Perhaps due to the lighting, Lucian thought he saw a faint pink shimmer beneath that gemstone.
The most distinctive feature was the hat she wore, adorned with a blue-violet rose.
While Lucian observed her, Rice Shower also stole a glance at him.
Her impression of him was that he was bright, clean, and handsome... She'd thought so during his first class, but this was her first time seeing him up close.
"S-Sensei..." Her shyness took over, and she lowered her head after addressing him.
"Hello." Lucian knew to keep his demeanor measured and not overly enthusiastic. "Urara, is this the friend you've mentioned so often? Introduce us."
"Yes! This is Rice Shower, my good friend. We've known each other for..." Haru Urara paused, unable to recall. "Ah, whatever—a really, really long time!"
She then introduced Lucian to Rice Shower. "Rice Shower, this is my trainer, Lucian. See what I mean? He loves teasing people—he just scared me right after I said it!"
"Urara, I'll prepare a special training package for you tomorrow."
"But Urara just finished a race!" Haru Urara stomped her foot in mock anger, waving her tiny fists at him.
Lucian simply pressed a hand against her forehead. "No street dancing allowed here."
Rice Shower couldn't help but giggle at the sight, though she quickly pursed her lips afterward.
Maybe Trainer Lucian wasn't as hard to get along with as she'd imagined.
...