...
"Ah, no, didn't you join 'Rigil'?"
Doto's pitiful little expression left Lucian utterly confused.
"Why... did Trainer Lucian think I joined 'Rigil'? (｡í _ ì｡)"
"Because you never gave me a reply, right? And you were previously interested in joining T.M. Opera O's team, so I just assumed..."
"Not giving a reply doesn't mean rejection. I just wanted to prove myself through the selection matches. ('へ')"
Lucian scratched his head, still puzzled. "So... you just turned them down?"
"I... I thought Trainer Lucian would come find me. I didn't expect you all to already be preparing to leave... If Ines Fujin-senpai hadn't noticed me earlier..."
Doto had finally made her decision, and if Lucian didn't recruit her now, she'd be heartbroken.
"Alright, it was all just a misunderstanding."
"Then... then Trainer Lucian, do you still want me?"
"Of course I do." Lucian asked sincerely, "Doto, can you tell me why you chose 'Dream'?"
"Because... being with Trainer Lucian feels really comfortable. When I tried training with 'Rigil,' the atmosphere felt too strict."
"Yeah, yeah. A klutz like you would definitely get scolded by Coach Toujou Hana."
"And that Coach Nishizaki Ryo... he really likes touching horse girls' legs."
Somewhere not far away, Toujou Hana and Nishizaki Ryo sneezed simultaneously. They felt like someone was talking behind their backs.
"So scary =͟͟͞͞=͟͟͞͞(●⁰ꈊ⁰● |||). I've also heard Coach Toujou is really strict... As for Coach Nishizaki, I don't know much." Doto's expressions were as dramatic as a rollercoaster, "And Trainer Lucian, I'm not a klutz. ( •̥́ ˍ •̀ू )"
"Anyway, since you've joined 'Dream,' nothing like that will happen here. There's no bullying of team members by trainers, only..."
Lucian paused mid-sentence. Why did that almost slip out?
"Only what? (•'╻'• ۶)۶"
"Only trainers getting bullied by team members?" Ines Fujin chimed in.
It just rolled off the tongue so naturally.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Lucian declared righteously, though it sounded more like a knee-jerk reaction.
"Then, Trainer Lucian, does this mean I've officially joined 'Dream' now?"
"Mm. Come meet everyone tomorrow afternoon."
"Ah!? I... do I need to prepare a self-introduction? Can I read from a script?... How about 500 words? Is that too much..."
Watching Doto spiral deeper into anxiety, Lucian gently patted her shoulder. "Doto, don't overthink it. Just introduce your name and class normally. You can also mention your hobbies or goals if you want."
Doto pulled out a small notebook from somewhere. "Name, class, hobbies, goals... What else?"
"Uh, you don't need to be that serious about it." Lucian chuckled helplessly.
"Sumimasen... Just thinking about meeting strangers makes me really nervous."
"No need to apologize. I get it. Just do what feels right for you."
"Okay, thank you, Trainer."
...
After Doto left, Lucian and Ines Fujin headed to a café outside the school.
"Not as good as Fujin's." Lucian took a sip and remarked quietly after the server left.
"Trainer Lucian, keep your voice down... What if someone hears?"
"I know, I know." Lucian smiled. "Fujin, have you ever thought about opening a café someday?"
"I have, but I'm still in school, and I don't have the money to start one." Running a small shop and living an ordinary life had always been Ines Fujin's dream.
"You could partner with me."
"Trainer Lucian, let's talk about serious matters. What did you mean earlier about 'returning to the races'?"
"Alright. I didn't mean you actually competing again... but in another form."
"Another form?" Ines Fujin was even more confused.
"Mm. I want you to become 'Dream's' assistant trainer."
Ines Fujin froze. "Trainer Lucian, why do you have this idea?"
"I've always believed a trainer's off-track guidance has limits. If there were a horse girl who's actually experienced those races teaching the younger ones, the results might be better."
"I see..." Ines Fujin felt tempted. After all, her options were either competing in the Dream Cup or finding a stable job after graduation. "But... am I qualified?"
"Fuijn, do you remember how you felt during the Japanese Derby?"
Ines Fujin nodded. It was unforgettable. "I'd never felt that powerful before—like I could defeat anyone."
"Fujin, back then, you might've brushed against the Zone." Lucian then explained the concept of the "Zone" to her.
After listening, Ines Fujin fell into deep thought.
During the Japanese Derby, she had likely touched the edges of the Zone—maybe even entered it unconsciously.
But the price had been far too heavy, costing her entire career.
This reminded Lucian of Silence Suzuka. During the Tenno Sho, she might've also unknowingly touched the Zone's boundary, leading to her tragic accident after losing control.
Overall, while the Zone could be activated, severe risks came with it.
"Fujin, think about my proposal. I believe you're fully qualified to be an assistant trainer. Plus, I'll pay you a monthly salary."
Ines Fujin was moved. Aside from during races, only her family had ever trusted her this much.
"Trainer Lucian, I accept."
"That's more like it. Take a look at the drafted contract." Lucian pulled out a document. "We should still keep things formal."
"This monthly salary..." Ines Fujin was shocked. It was much higher than what she earned from her part-time job at the café.
"Don't just focus on the salary. Look at the responsibilities—cleaning the lounge, handling some paperwork, preparing onigiri for the team members..."
"No problem!"
Ines Fujin signed her name.
She faintly understood why Lucian had said "returning to the races." If the young horse girls she guided were to stand on the same tracks she once raced on, wouldn't that be a form of inheritance? Wouldn't that be a form of return?
...