...
"Because everyone in 'Dream' is amazing! I often see them on TV," Twin Turbo said very frankly. "And Trainer Lucian is also very famous."
Lucian nodded, pleased to hear it!
He then turned his gaze to Nice Nature.
"My reason is similar to Twin Turbo's. I feel like Trainer Lucian is someone who can help me achieve my dreams," Nice Nature pondered for a moment before answering.
To be honest, neither Nice Nature nor Twin Turbo performed particularly well in this selection race - their overall level was above average, but not outstanding.
However, the future is unpredictable, and Lucian had already intended to recruit both of them.
"Trainer Lucian, so... can we join...?" Nice Nature, seeing Lucian remain silent, grew a little nervous and asked hesitantly.
"Welcome to 'Dream.' Please register your names on this form."
Nice Nature exclaimed in surprise, "Trainer Lucian, you're agreeing!?"
"Mhm. Both of you are excellent horse girls. I hope I can be of help to you."
"Trainer Lucian, you've got great taste!" Twin Turbo rubbed her nose, both delighted and a little proud.
After the two registered their names, they didn't linger on the field any longer.
At that moment, he noticed Ines Fujin waving at him from below.
"Ines, what's up?" Lucian stepped down from the stands and approached her.
"Matikanetannhauser hasn't started her race yet."
Ines pointed to the grassy area not far away, where Matikanetannhauser was warming up with a smile.
"You're very efficient." The list Lucian had given Ines Fujin only had three names, and two had already been settled.
"Boss, if you want to give me a bigger bonus, I wouldn't mind," Ines Fujin slightly bowed, using a scissor-hand gesture to stretch her smile wider.
"I mind," Lucian chuckled and scolded, but still sent her a red envelope anyway.
"Trainer Lucian, you're really giving it to me?" Ines Fujin looked at her phone in surprise. "I was just joking - this is no big deal."
"Keep it. It's not much, just enough for a cup of milk tea."
"Oh~ So Trainer Lucian just found an excuse to treat me to milk tea. How tsundere." Ines Fujin no longer refused and accepted the red envelope. "Thanks, boss~"
"Let's go. Keep me company while we watch the rest of the races."
The intramural selection races were for horse girls without dedicated trainers.
Since those with trainers had the day off, Lucian had come alone.
...
Matikanetannhauser's race was scheduled too late.
But while the two were still waiting, a new name topped the rankings for the middle-distance races.
The exclamations from the crowd drew Lucian's attention, and he looked up at the big screen. "It's Doto..."
"Trainer Lucian, speaking of which, your list didn't include Doto." Ines Fujin distinctly remembered that Lucian had extended an olive branch to Meishou Doto during the school festival.
"Because she never replied after that. She probably made her own choice, and I didn't want to push her."
Lucian figured Doto would likely choose "Rigil," since T.M. Opera O was on that team.
"So Trainer Lucian got rejected? Maybe I should treat you to milk tea instead."
"Thanks for the thought... Then give the red envelope back."
"A sent red envelope is like spilled water~"
Lucian didn't respond, his gaze drifting toward Meishou Doto, who had just taken first place and was now surrounded by countless trainers.
Nishizaki Ryo and Toujou Hana were among them, along with several other experienced trainers.
He could almost picture the flustered look on Doto's cat-like face as she was swarmed.
Lucian smiled and looked away.
However, because they had stayed too long waiting for Matikanetannhauser's race, Lucian and Ines Fujin ended up getting surrounded by other horse girls eager to recommend themselves.
...
"Doto, would you consider joining my team?"
"Doto, choose my team! I can prepare a customized training plan for you by tomorrow!"
"Doto, think about joining 'Rigil' - your potential is remarkable!"
"Doto, Doto! I'm from 'Spica' - remember me?"
...
Amid the clamor, just as Lucian had imagined, Doto shrank back, unsure whom to listen to or how to refuse.
"Um... can I have some time to think? ε(┬┬﹏┬┬)3"
Doto glanced around, as if searching for someone, but her eyes dimmed when she didn't find them.
Where was Trainer Lucian? Why didn't he come over?
Didn't he say he wanted her to join "Dream"?
Doto sighed, her gaze accidentally catching the lively scene over yonder.
Thanks to Lucian's height, she spotted him instantly.
"Why is Trainer Lucian over there? (｡•ˇ‸ˇ•｡)"
...
Finally, Matikanetannhauser's race ended. Lucian didn't even check the results before approaching her.
She had expended quite a bit of effort to escape the crowd earlier and was eager to leave.
"Hello, Matikanetannhauser. Interested in joining 'Dream'?"
Matikanetannhauser's eyes lit up as she pointed at herself, grinning warmly. "You mean me, Lucian-sensei?"
"Yes, you. The brains of the operation."
Matikanetannhauser rubbed her head. "Is that okay?"
"If you have no objections, sign here, and you'll be a reserve member of 'Dream.'"
"Oh~ Nice Nature and Twin Turbo are here too? Then I'll sign!" She picked up the pen and began writing smoothly, only to pause halfway. "Ah, Trainer Lucian, don't you have any questions for me?"
"Uh... what's your dream?"
"To deliver the best Winner's Stage performances to the fans who support me!"
"Sugoi desu ne. Keep writing your name."
"Okay!"
...
With Matikanetannhauser signed, Lucian's trip to the selection races was complete.
"Let's go, Ines. How about some coffee?"
Lucian called out to Ines Fujin, but she suddenly tugged at his sleeve.
He turned. "What's wrong?"
Ines Fujin pointed ahead. Following her gesture, Lucian saw Meishou Doto walking toward them.
He blinked in surprise. "Doto?"
"Trainer Lucian... did you not want me anymore? ...(｡•ˇ‸ˇ•｡) ..."
...