...
"Never resist meaninglessly, but never live a life of impotence either."
This was one of Lucian's mottos.
The brief trip to Kochi had come to an end. After packing his luggage, Lucian returned to Tracen Academy with Rice Shower and Haru Urara.
"You two go back and put away your luggage. I'll head to the track to check on the others. As for later, you can come join us if you want—or not."
"Okay~"
"Onii-sama, see you later."
Lucian smiled and nodded, watching as the two walked away with light steps.
Racehorses really are something else. No matter how much I train, I can't match their innate physical gifts.
Muttering to himself, Lucian made his way toward the track.
...
At this time of day, there were quite a few horse girls training on the field.
However, after scanning the area, Lucian didn't spot any of his own team members.
Did they not come today?
Puzzled, he headed toward the lounge.
Sure enough, he found Silence Suzuka and the others inside.
"So you're all here. I thought you didn't come to train today."
Silence Suzuka stood up from her seat, barely stopping herself from rushing to hug him. "Lucian-kun, you're back."
I'm becoming more and more dependent on Lucian-kun. Just a day and a half apart, and I already miss him so much...
"Trainer, we just finished training and came back to rest. We weren't slacking off," Dextrous Bailey explained.
"Alright." Lucian glanced around the lounge, frowning. "Where are the others? Why are only the two of you here?"
"Uh... those three..." Dextrous Bailey stammered like a broken tape recorder, unable to get the words out.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Suzuka, you tell me."
"They... went to prepare a surprise for you?"
"A surprise?" Lucian didn't take it seriously at first. "Please don't tell me it's actually a prank. Whose idea was this?"
"Teio's."
Now even more confused, Lucian turned into a curious child. "Teio's preparing a surprise for me? Why all of a sudden?"
"Lucian-kun, just don't ask. You'll find out when they return."
Since Silence Suzuka had said so, Lucian had no choice but to sit down and wait.
...
"What are you doing!?"
"Let me out!"
"Teio... this is so rude!"
...
Before long, noisy voices echoed from outside the lounge, and the door swung open.
Tokai Teio, Seiun Sky, and Special Week marched in like they were carrying a log—except what they were actually carrying was a squirming burlap sack.
All three of them wore face masks, looking like little thieves.
Of course, their hairstyles and uniforms were unchanged, so it wasn't like anyone would fail to recognize them.
"Trainer!? You're back already? Perfect timing!" Tokai Teio pulled down her mask.
"What are you all doing?" Lucian stared at the wriggling sack, noting that the voice inside sounded familiar.
The three of them set the sack upright and finally pulled it open, revealing a certain horse girl inside.
"W-where is this? This is so improper!" Mejiro McQueen crossed her arms, glaring angrily at Tokai Teio.
"Trainer, this is our surprise for you—we brought McQueen over!" Tokai Teio announced proudly. "McQueen, didn't you want to join our team?"
"I never agreed to this method." Mejiro McQueen stomped to a corner and sulked.
Lucian, however, caught the key point—had McQueen actually agreed to join?
He pulled Tokai Teio aside and whispered, "Teio, what's going on? Why did you just kidnap McQueen?"
"I just repeated everything you taught me, and McQueen started hesitating. I could tell she was already considering it, so I gave her the final push."
Tokai Teio thought for a moment. "How does that saying go again? 'Cook the rice before it's ready'—just bring her over first!"
Lucian gave her a thumbs-up. Nice. Approved.
Mejiro McQueen glanced sideways at Tokai Teio and Lucian, wondering what they were whispering about.
And here I am, sulking in the corner for so long, and no one's even apologized yet? If no one comes soon, I'll pretend to leave!
Ahem. "Lady Mejiro." Lucian dragged Tokai Teio, Special Week, and Seiun Sky—the three accomplices—over. "We apologize for their rudeness."
Lucian knew this was the time to give McQueen an out, so he pressed all three heads down and whispered, "Apologize first."
"Sorry!"
"That was rude~"
"Our bad~"
...
Mejiro McQueen glanced at them, then slowly turned around. "Fine. Since you've all sincerely apologized, I'll forgive you."
"So, my queen~ You're really joining 'Dream,' right?" Tokai Teio asked excitedly.
"Well... I'm still considering it."
Considering (×), tsundere phase (✓).
"My queen, you already agreed! Are you going back on your word now?" Tokai Teio put on a heartbroken expression, staring at McQueen with teary eyes as if she might burst into tears any second.
"W-wait... I never said no."
"So that's a yes, right?" Tokai Teio blinked rapidly.
Mejiro McQueen couldn't hold out, especially since Teio was being so deferential.
Besides, after learning about her rivals' current achievements, her competitive spirit had been ignited.
The Lady of the Mejiro House had her own pride—she couldn't bear the thought of falling behind Tokai Teio.
And lastly... 'Dream' had really good food. Dishes that were hard to book even with reservations, yet they got to eat them every week...
Finally, Mejiro McQueen nodded.
"Fine. I'll join 'Dream.'"
Tokai Teio: "Yay! McQueen! Now we can train and compete together!"
Silence Suzuka: "Welcome to the 'Dream' family."
Special Week: "Welcome welcome~"
Seiun Sky: "You won't regret this choice."
Dextrous Bailey: "I agree with Seiun."
...
Lucian also smiled. "Thank you for choosing 'Dream.' I'll do everything I can to help you achieve your dreams."
Faced with such an enthusiastic welcome, even Mejiro McQueen couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
"Thank you, everyone."
...
Ka-Chow