...
After another two months of rigorous training, the members of "Dream" began participating in minor races.
Following her debut race, Special Week secured another victory.
Silence Suzuka won her race with a twelve-length lead.
After her defeat in the previous simulated race, Seiun Sky also competed in two events, taking first place in both.
As for Haru Urara, Lucian felt she still needed more time to develop, so he advised against her participating in a debut race for now.
"To everyone's recent victories—cheers!"
"Cheers~"
...
A lively celebration was held at Lucian's home.
Aside from the members of "Dream," others present included Tokai Teio, Grass Wonder, Toujou Hana, and Nishizaki Ryo.
With nine people in attendance, Lucian prepared ten dishes.
Having cooked everything alone, he was thoroughly exhausted.
"Lucian-kun, come sit down and eat with us."
An unspoken rule seemed to have formed—the seat next to Silence Suzuka was always reserved for Lucian.
She thoughtfully filled his glass with a drink.
"Got it." Lucian wiped his hands, removed his apron, and took his seat. Only then did everyone begin eating.
"Lucian, I've actually been waiting for you to invite me to another celebration like this since last time. Took you long enough," Nishizaki Ryo said with a hearty laugh after taking a swig of beer. "Though I didn't expect Hana to be into this kind of thing too."
"Can't all this good food shut you up?" Toujou Hana replied flatly.
Lucian chuckled. "Mainly because they all only drink non-alcoholic beverages. I wanted someone to share a drink with."
But the moment he said that, protests erupted from below.
Silence Suzuka: "Lucian-kun, I can drink alcohol too."
Seiun Sky (with chopsticks still in her mouth, the bright light catching faint glimmers on them): "I wouldn't mind either~"
She was up to her usual antics, chewing on her chopsticks again.
Haru Urara followed up: "Urara can drink too!"
Special Week looked hesitant. "As for me... I'll pass."
Grass Wonder didn't interject, quietly savoring the feast before her.
She was mainly here thanks to Special Week's connection, cherishing this rare opportunity.
"Lucian-sensei, what are these dishes? I've never seen any of them before," Tokai Teio asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Shrimp and tofu hot pot, honey-glazed chicken legs, fish-fragrant shredded pork, potato pancakes, boiled live fish... and ginseng pork rib soup," Lucian listed smoothly, pointing at each dish in turn.
"Ooh~" Tokai Teio nodded, though still a bit lost.
She picked up a tender slice of fish and took a small bite.
The delicate freshness of the fish and the specially prepared spiciness clashed violently in her mouth—yet these opposing flavors blended together perfectly.
After just one bite, Tokai Teio's eyes widened, her back straightened, and her clothes seemed on the verge of bursting. "This is SO delicious!"
"Glad you like it. If you join 'Dream,' you can eat whatever you want at future celebrations," Lucian joked, extending an olive branch—though he knew Tokai Teio hadn't made up her mind yet.
"Hey, Lucian, are you trying to poach her? I already invited Tokai Teio ages ago," Nishizaki Ryo countered.
"Teio, I may not cook, but I can take you all to restaurants."
"Restaurants?" Lucian's ears perked up at the keyword. "Oh~ right, I forgot to mention—I'm actually a master chef."
The group was initially surprised, but after a moment's thought, it made sense.
Nishizaki Ryo, having downed several drinks, was now feeling the alcohol's effects. "Teio, if you join 'Spica,' I'll create a customized training plan for you."
"I'm a master chef."
"Join 'Spica,' and we'll have plenty of team events. There are also lots of familiar faces here."
"Maaaster cheeeef~"
Nishizaki Ryo couldn't hold back his laughter at Lucian's deliberately cheeky tone. "Brat, we get it! You're a master chef!"
The others were also seeing this childish side of Lucian for the first time.
Silence Suzuka watched him with a hidden smile.
"Alright, you two... Have some dignity as adults," Toujou Hana sighed, rubbing her temples. "Teio hasn't even said anything, and you're already fighting over her?"
Lucian realized he'd gotten carried away. "Teio, Ryo-senpai and I were just joking. Choose whatever you want—no pressure."
Tokai Teio lightened the mood humorously. "Can I still come over for food even if I don't join 'Dream'?"
Lucian paused. "Of course."
After all, Tokai Teio was tiny—she couldn't eat much.
Haru Urara, of similar size, had already devoured her meal and was now rubbing her round belly in satisfaction.
"Lucian-sensei, what about me?" Grass Wonder suddenly spoke up, looking at him.
"You're welcome too. Of course, if you'd like to join 'Dream'—"
Before he could finish, Toujou Hana cleared her throat pointedly. "Lucian, are you really poaching members right in front of me now?"
Lucian scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Hana-nee. I forgot Grass Wonder is part of 'Rigil.'"
(He hadn't forgotten—he was just speaking his mind under the influence of alcohol.)
"Trainer-sensei, don't just drink. Eat more too," Seiun Sky said, placing a piece of meat in Lucian's bowl.
"Arigato." Lucian nodded and ate it.
But Seiun Sky kept watching him until he swallowed. "How is it? Delicious?"
The question felt odd—as if she'd cooked it herself. "It's good."
What he didn't know was that Seiun Sky had secretly "enhanced" it.
Silence Suzuka's brows furrowed slightly, her hand clenching into a fist under the table. "Lucian-kun, I want some too. Can you serve me a piece?"
"Sure."
Caught up in the moment, Lucian picked up a piece and placed it in her bowl. But once he did, Silence Suzuka hesitated—should she eat it or not?
It felt... strange.
Just like at the karaoke last time.
This was all Seiun Sky's fault. Without her provocation, Silence Suzuka would never have done something like this.
She looked down at the meat in her bowl again.
Well, it's already here—no point wasting it.
With that justification, she stopped overthinking it.
She didn't know when it started, but she'd grown completely unbothered by these little interactions with Lucian.
Seiun Sky glanced over, a faint smile on her lips. "Suzuka, is it good?"
Silence Suzuka's face instantly flushed red. Despite not having touched alcohol, her chest burned as if she'd downed a strong drink.
Gripping her chopsticks, she quickly lowered her head. "I... don't know."