...
Perhaps too eager to try on their new clothes, everyone finished dinner exceptionally quickly today. By the time Lucian was halfway through his bowl, the horse girls had already scattered.
When Lucian finished eating, the horse girls still hadn't emerged from the room.
Knock knock.
Lucian rapped on the door.
"Are you all done changing? We'll be leaving soon."
"Rice-chan and Teio are still changing, Trainer-san. Please wait a little longer," Special Week's voice called from inside.
Hearing this, Lucian stopped urging them and waited quietly outside.
...
Before long, the tightly shut door cracked open slightly.
"Trainer, we're ready~" Urara peeked out first, then fully opened the door to reveal herself to Lucian. "Ta-daa~!"
She twirled, the densely layered skirt of her dress fluttering like a blooming garden. "Trainer, do I look pretty?"
Her outfit reminded Lucian of Puella Magi Madoka Magica—petite and adorable, perfectly suited for Urara.
"Very pretty."
"Rice-chan, why are you hiding back there? Come out and let Trainer see!" Urara pulled Rice Shower, who had been hiding to the side, forward.
"T-Trainer..."
Rice Shower wore a black Lolita dress, somewhat resembling her original racing outfit.
Her snow-white neck bent slightly as she placed a clenched fist over her small chest, speaking timidly.
"Rice-chan looks great too," Lucian nodded.
Still, the combination of pink and black made him think even more of Madoka and Homura.
Ahem.
A light cough drew attention as Silence Suzuka and Seiun Sky stepped out from behind Rice Shower.
Today, Silence Suzuka had gone for a pure and innocent style, wearing a smooth white dress as flawless as a cloud.
A green silk ribbon tied at her chest added a touch of fresh color to the plain white. The bow resembled a resting butterfly, perched there quietly.
Her slender legs, usually clad in black stockings, were now adorned with white ankle socks.
As for Seiun Sky...
"Q-Qipao!?"
Lucian's eyes widened instantly.
The qipao was the color of celadon porcelain fresh from the kiln, gleaming with a soft luster.
Intricate and unique patterns adorned it, exuding an elegant charm from the East.
The qipao itself was dazzling, but on Seiun Sky, it merely served as a tool to accentuate her lovely figure—highlighting her perky hips and modest bust.
"Trainer, why are you staring so much...?" Seiun Sky, wearing such an outfit for the first time, felt both shy and pleased under Lucian's lingering gaze.
"I'm just surprised," Lucian calmed himself. "Why did you choose this?"
The qipao had been prepared because Rice Shower had mentioned it in passing last time.
But unexpectedly, Rice Shower hadn't worn it—instead, Seiun Sky had.
"It looked novel, so I wanted to try it."
Her resolve was high—to become a bride from China, she had to familiarize herself with its traditions early.
Seiun Sky pinched the slit at her thigh. "Why is this part open?"
"It's a specific design. This way, it's easier to move or dance in," Lucian explained.
"Oh... So, what does Trainer think?"
"It suits you perfectly."
Just the color alone matched Seiun Sky's hair strikingly well.
Hearing this, Seiun Sky shot a smug glance at Silence Suzuka.
The gesture reminded Lucian, and he quickly added, "Suzuka's outfit is lovely too. It reminds me of my school days."
"Lucian-kun talks as if he's so old."
But Silence Suzuka wouldn't forget how Lucian's gaze had briefly passed over her earlier.
She'd also remember Seiun Sky's smugness—tonight, she'd reclaim what was hers from Lucian.
Next, Tokai Teio, Dextrous Bailey, and Special Week showcased their new outfits.
Dextrous Bailey wore a Japanese kimono, and for some reason, it looked rather... sensual on her?
Special Week had settled on a JK uniform but paired it with a beige coat.
Lucian made sure to praise both of them equally before finally turning to Tokai Teio.
"Teio's outfit is very glamorous."
If he remembered correctly, Tokai Teio had two racing outfits—the blue-and-white one resembled a foreign officer's uniform, dignified and authoritative.
Today's dress, however, looked more like a band's formal attire. The wine-red skirt was adorned with golden tassels along the hem.
Lucian could already imagine Tokai Teio's lively movements if she were to dance in it.
"Of course! I'll put on a great show tonight," Tokai Teio puffed out her small chest confidently.
"Teio, didn't you say last time you wanted to sing a duet with me? Why not tonight?"
Tokai Teio hadn't forgotten, but she hadn't expected Lucian to bring it up first.
Still, she had to be a little tsundere about it.
"So now Trainer is inviting me to sing?"
"Yes, yes. But... have you learned the song? If not—"
"I have!" Tokai Teio cut in immediately. "I already knew it! Even if I needed a quick refresher, it'd be fine."
"That's good," Lucian smiled.
"Trainer-san, if you're singing with Teio, shouldn't you change into something nicer too?" Special Week's suggestion was met with unanimous agreement.
Lucian thought it was a good idea too. "But I didn't prepare anything for myself."
His mind had been entirely focused on the horse girls. He'd considered the duet but never thought to prepare an outfit for himself.
In his heart, the horse girls were always the stars.
"Trainer-san didn't prepare anything...?" Special Week's voice trailed off.
It seemed like Lucian was always the one thinking about them.
During team outings, he'd bring their favorite drinks and snacks. They hardly even needed to order—whatever Lucian cooked was guaranteed to be what they loved.
"Lucian-kun, come clothes shopping with me tomorrow?" Silence Suzuka offered, feeling like she'd been neglectful as his unofficial girlfriend.
She couldn't just take—just like with protein replenishment, she had to give Lucian something in return too.
"I'll go too! Urara has great taste—I'll pick the best clothes for Trainer!"
Seiun Sky felt her line had been stolen by Silence Suzuka, and now Urara had jumped in before her. "I'm going too."
"I'll go as well..." Rice Shower murmured.
"Count me in!" Dextrous Bailey declared.
Tokai Teio: "If everyone's going, I can't be the only one left behind!"
...