...
The event was held in the open space in front of the "Rigil" apartment.
Toujou Hana had simply decorated the area with artificial flowers and lights, and the sound equipment had been set up well in advance.
There were no residential houses nearby, so there was no need to worry about disturbing anyone at night.
The members of "Dream" arrived last, though not late, due to changing their outfits.
"Lucian, why are you so late..." Nishizaki Ryo turned his head, but upon seeing the gorgeously dressed "Dream" members, his expression froze, and his words faltered.
"You guys are fully armed, aren't you?" Nishizaki Ryo said with a wry smile.
Even before the competition started, it felt like the horse girls in sportswear were already at a disadvantage.
Even Toujou Hana couldn't help but say, "Lucian, everyone's heart is with you, but you're playing mind games with them."
No need to guess—it was definitely Lucian's idea.
Compared to the reactions of these two trainers, some horse girls eagerly approached the "Dream" members.
El Condor Pasa looked Haru Urara up and down, "So cute! That outfit looks way too adorable on you!"
"Thank you, El-chan."
...
Grass Wonder held Special Week's hand, "Spe-chan, you look like a little cream-colored cake right now."
"And Suzuka, like a pure white magnolia."
Grass Wonder's knack for metaphors was getting sharper, and their outfits truly caught her eye.
"Haha, it's not as exaggerated as you say, Grass." Special Week scratched the back of her head, her heart already blooming with joy from being surrounded.
"Thank you, Grass," Silence Suzuka smiled.
...
The other horse girls also became the center of attention, but the most eye-catching was undoubtedly Seiun Sky.
Wearing a novel cheongsam, she drew even the three experienced captains—Symboli Rudolf, among them—to her side.
"Seiun, is that a cheongsam from the China?" Symboli Rudolf examined her closely. "Did Trainer Lucian pick it out for you? It really suits you."
"Yes, but I chose it myself." Seiun Sky's small sense of vanity was thoroughly satisfied.
Maybe she shouldn't wear a bathrobe tonight—perhaps this cheongsam would do just fine...
Especially since it had a slit at the leg, which was convenient... Wait, no! What was she thinking all of a sudden!
Seiun Sky's ears turned red, but thankfully, the darkness hid it from view.
She only wanted to show off her figure to Lucian, to prove she was better than a certain flat-chested... stick. Yes, that's it.
But what if Lucian couldn't control himself and started touching her?
Seiun Sky began to feel conflicted, but soon set a firm boundary in her mind: the final step was a no-go!
"President, look at me too! Look at me!" Tokai Teio hopped around, protesting, "Look at my clothes!"
"Teio, that outfit suits you perfectly too."
...
Of course, not all the horse girls swarmed forward. Some, upon seeing "Dream's" outfits, silently mourned for themselves.
"We've already lost at the starting line. Are we going to have to drink that juice again?" Taiki Shuttle could no longer stay optimistic.
"Shuttle-senpai, don't panic," T.M. Opera O reassured.
"Opera, you believe I can make up for the outfit disadvantage with my amazing dance and singing, right?" Taiki Shuttle blinked, indirectly hyping herself up.
"Um..." T.M. Opera O faltered, "First of all, no. I was just thinking of a way to reduce the bitterness when drinking that juice."
"Moshi moshi, you two, don't be so pessimistic. Catch!" Maruzensky called out, tossing a few things over.
"What's this?" T.M. Opera O and Taiki Shuttle caught them.
"Candy."
It felt like Maruzensky was teasing them, but T.M. Opera O and Taiki Shuttle had no proof.
Looking at their palms, they recognized the candy's wrapping—it was an intensely sweet type.
As the captain, Narita Brian naturally had to boost morale to stabilize the team. "Don't lose heart. Dextrous Bailey and Seiun Sky are on our team too. We might not lose in the group competition."
"And if we do lose?"
Now that they were closer, Maruzensky was getting cheeky.
"If we lose... give me a few more pieces of candy." Narita Brian answered reflexively, then quickly backtracked, "No, we won't lose!"
...
After the horse girls settled onto their small stools, Toujou Hana spoke up, "This is just a fun event, so everyone relax and participate. I won't set an order—those who are ready to perform can go up."
As for the judges, aside from the performing horse girls, everyone else had the chance to score.
Toujou Hana unconditionally trusted that these horse girls would give fair scores based on the quality of the performances.
"Then, I'll go first."
T.M. Opera O, who had seemed timid before the event, was the first to take the stage with confidence.
Though she wore no crown accessory and had no victory cape draped behind her, she strode forward with confidence and poise in just a few steps.
Lucian sat below, quietly listening to the music, washing away the day's fatigue.
Though he didn't know what song T.M. Opera O was singing, the melody was beautiful, and her voice was truly perfect for singing certain parts in a bel canto style.
It was like the finishing touch on a painting, instantly captivating.
Before the song even ended, he had already written down T.M. Opera O's score: 99 points.
The remaining point was withheld to keep her from getting too proud.
For the performances that followed, Lucian listened and watched with utmost focus.
Never seen Air Groove's live performance? Never seen Taiki Shuttle's live performance? Never seen Maruzensky's live performance? Never seen Daiwa Scarlet's live performance?
As for the Winners' Stage, the anime showed very little of it.
But don't be sad—Lucian has already savored it all for you.
...
Tokai Teio was also very enthusiastic. Not long after T.M. Opera O's performance, it was her turn to take the stage.
Her first performance was alongside Symboli Rudolf.
When preparing for her second performance, she shot Lucian a knowing glance.
Lucian had been casually chatting with Nishizaki Ryo and Toujou Hana.
The latter two, seeing him suddenly stand up, looked at his retreating figure with puzzled expressions.
"Lucian, what trick are you pulling now?" Nishizaki Ryo couldn't help but ask.
Lucian waved his hand, smiling without a word.
"This little juice..."
"Let the young ones handle their business," Toujou Hana said, pushing up her glasses.
"Fair enough. Then I'd better get ready to go up too," Nishizaki Ryo said shamelessly.
"Then go ahead and perform—make a fool of yourself."
...