...
On a weekend evening, Lucian's home was bustling with excitement once again.
Toujou Hana couldn't make it due to unexpected matters, so aside from the members of "Dream," the only guests were Tokai Teio, Taiki Shuttle, and Grass Wonder.
After Lucian brought all the dishes to the table, he took off his apron and sat down. "Go ahead and try it, Grass. You specially requested steamed fish."
"Th-Thank you." Grass Wonder tucked her hair behind her ear and took a small bite. "Umai (delicious)!"
This was exactly the taste she remembered!
She closed her eyes, cupped her cheeks, and smiled as she imagined herself transforming into a flying fish with wings, soaring freely between the sea and the sky.
However, this reaction drew curious glances from the "Dream" members.
Silence Suzuka narrowed her eyes. "Lucian-kun, since when did you offer a menu service?"
Even the team members hadn't received such treatment, yet Grass Wonder was enjoying it.
"Well, Grass asked, so I agreed," Lucian scratched his head, knowing he was at fault.
He hadn't expected Grass Wonder to be so forward—how could he refuse?
"Guess outside horse girls are just more appealing, huh?" Silence Suzuka muttered under her breath, just loud enough for Lucian to hear, before turning away and quietly continuing her meal.
Meanwhile, Special Week and Haru Urara were already digging in enthusiastically.
The two of them also eagerly served Tokai Teio.
"Teio-chan, eat more so you'll have energy to run!"
"Thank you~"
Lucian poured himself a glass of wine and took a sip. "Teio, have you thought about the trial training? Would you like to join my team?"
"Hmm... I'm not in a hurry yet, so I haven't decided," Tokai Teio replied apologetically, as this was already Lucian's second invitation.
"No worries, don't feel pressured. Just follow your own wishes." After saying this, Lucian turned his gaze to Taiki Shuttle, who had been quietly eating.
Taiki Shuttle also noticed Lucian's stare and put down her chopsticks, blinking at him blankly.
Ever since learning the origin of the nickname "Shuttle-chan," Taiki Shuttle could no longer look at Lucian with the same casual attitude as before.
"Trainer Lucian, is something wrong?"
"Nothing, just noticed you've been quiet. Is the food to your liking?"
"Delicious! Ever since I had it last time, I've been drooling just thinking about it!" Taiki Shuttle praised generously.
As a host, it was only natural for Lucian to show concern for his guests.
But in reality, he was stealing glances at her firm, pale thighs—they looked like they could unleash tremendous power at any moment.
Suddenly, he understood Nishizaki Ryo's habit of shamelessly touching horse girls' legs.
When he saw promising talents, Lucian couldn't help but feel an itch too.
What a shame, he was too late.
He couldn't keep poaching from Nishizaki Ryo-senpai forever... Was there any way to recruit Taiki Shuttle into his team as well?
In the later parts of the anime, Taiki Shuttle's appearances had also become scarce.
Whether she continued dominating sprint races or retired early, Lucian had no idea.
"Oh right, isn't your midterm exam coming up soon?" Lucian suddenly remembered.
"Yes, it's right after the Satsuki Sho ends," Seiun Sky replied.
After checking yesterday, Lucian felt it was necessary to remind his team. "You can't afford to fail the midterms—it'll affect your training and races later. The content isn't hard, so you should all be able to..."
Before he could finish, two people silently put down their chopsticks, their eyes darting around nervously.
"Grass... Hana-nee will probably keep an eye on you." Lucian then looked at the other person. "As for Spe, what's going on with you?"
"It's too hard, Trainer-san."
"Regardless, after the Satsuki Sho, you must pass the midterms. Otherwise, you'll be forced into remedial classes."
Passing was already the bare minimum standard at the school.
Lucian believed in Special Week—after all, she had transferred into Tracen Academy, proving she wasn't incompetent. She just hadn't put in the effort.
"I got it..." Special Week hung her head low.
"Don't worry, Spe-chan! I'll teach you!" Haru Urara patted her small chest proudly.
Her roommate, Silence Suzuka, also chimed in. "Spe-chan, you can ask me if there's anything you don't understand."
"I'll do my best. Thank you, Urara-chan, and Suzuka."
...
Drinking alone wasn't much fun.
Lucian didn't have a big appetite, so after a few bites with his wine, he was full.
But everyone else was still eating tirelessly, occasionally sharing amusing stories, while Lucian listened quietly.
"Trainer, if I win a race someday, can I also invite my friends over for dinner?" Haru Urara, who had just returned from the bathroom, suddenly appeared beside Lucian.
"Of course. But who's this friend of yours?"
"Oh, her name is Rice Shower. Hehe, do you know her, Trainer?"
"Call her over right now!"
"Huh?"
Not just Haru Urara, but even Silence Suzuka and Seiun Sky, who were sitting nearby, shot him puzzled looks.
Lucian's sudden enthusiasm was 90% suspicious.
"This guy... has he set his sights on another team's horse girl?" Silence Suzuka thought to herself.
"Ah, no—" Lucian realized he had overreacted. "I mean, I've heard of her. Of course, if Urara wants, you're welcome to invite your friends."
"Yay ヽ(✿ﾟ▽ﾟ)ノ" Haru Urara cheered, waving her arms excitedly. "Rice Shower-chan is really shy. I've invited her before, but she wouldn't come."
"So you're thinking of using your victory celebration as an excuse to invite her?"
"Mm!" Haru Urara nodded. "I think if it's like this, Rice Shower won't refuse me! Trainer's cooking is so delicious—I really want her to try it too."
"Urara really is a little angel."
For Haru Urara, this wasn't a simple matter at all.
Could she do it? Or rather, could he help her achieve it—a victory that transcended worlds?
Lucian relaxed his posture, resting his chin on one hand while gently patting Haru Urara's head with the other.
Perhaps because of the alcohol, his lips curled into a warm smile, but his eyes were slightly narrowed, as if lost in thought or filled with affection.
His mind wandered, and this time, Lucian ended up stroking her head for much longer than he realized.
Haru Urara didn't pull away either, simply lowering her head and quietly enjoying his touch.
She looked like an adorable little hamster, her restless hands fidgeting unconsciously.
Silence Suzuka opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. Seiun Sky also silently retracted her hand, which had been reaching toward Lucian's waist.
After a while, Lucian withdrew his hand. "Urara, are you ready for your debut race?"
Suppressing her shyness, Haru Urara nodded firmly. "I'm ready—Kochi Racecourse!"