After leaving Ines Fujin, Lucian suddenly felt somewhat lost.
Perhaps he should ask Suzuka about her own choice.
...
The physical examination results came out the next day.
That evening, everyone gathered at Lucian's place for their weekly team bonding session.
Lucian carefully reviewed each person's medical report and found no major issues.
"Good, everyone's condition is excellent. Even our little glutton, Spe-chan, has a normal BMI."
Special Week puffed out her cheeks but wasn't truly angry. "Trainer, why single me out specifically?"
"Because Spe-chan is especially good at eating, of course," Haru Urara answered on Lucian's behalf.
"Alright, everyone, dig in first," Lucian said, then turned to Silence Suzuka. "Suzuka, come with me for a moment. There's something about the races I need to discuss with you."
"Understood," Silence Suzuka set down her chopsticks and followed Lucian to the balcony.
...
"Lucian-kun, what is it?"
Being called out during dinner, Silence Suzuka sensed that Lucian had something important to say.
Leaning against the railing, Lucian glanced at the lively scene inside. "Suzuka, it's about the Tenno Sho again. You really want to participate, don't you?"
The race schedule was actually arranged by Silence Suzuka herself.
Lucian already knew the answer, but he wanted her to voice her choice directly.
"Don't be nervous. The schedule isn't too packed, and a month's gap is enough time to rest. Just tell me what's truly on your mind."
Silence Suzuka still found Lucian somewhat unusual lately, but when it came to the Tenno Sho, her answer was more resolute than ever.
"I do. I really do. I feel like I'm in peak condition this year and have a real shot at winning the championship."
This was a G1-level race. First, she'd have to stand out in other qualifying races, then emerge victorious among equally strong horse girls.
Every race was an ultra-high-intensity battle, demanding every ounce of effort—sometimes even burning one's life away. Otherwise, Ines Fujin wouldn't have been unable to continue after her Derby victory.
So, how many times in a horse girl's life could she participate in a G1? How many chances to reach the pinnacle?
For horse girls, this was the process of constantly seeking and fulfilling the meaning of life.
Of course, Silence Suzuka also wanted to add another G1 championship to her career.
"Good." At this moment, Lucian finally felt true relief.
"Lucian-kun, I'm curious. Didn't you ask me about this yesterday? Why bring it up again today...?"
"Yesterday, that was my choice. But I never asked for yours." Lucian's heart felt much lighter. "I'm your trainer. I should support you and, more importantly, believe in you."
His gaze shifted from the room back to Silence Suzuka. "Maybe you should've refused me yesterday. This is a G1, after all..."
Silence Suzuka shook her head, unfazed. "Because I believe in Lucian-kun too."
She didn't have Lucian's eyes and couldn't precisely gauge her limits, but she could feel her body was at its peak.
Would she still have this mindset and condition next year or the year after? Silence Suzuka couldn't say. Yet yesterday, she had been willing to give up this opportunity for Lucian.
"Let's go back to eat. I made your favorite steamed meat with eggs today. If we're any slower, the others might finish it all."
"Mhm!"
...
After dinner, the horse girls, their bellies slightly rounded, suggested going out for a stroll.
Lucian knew Silence Suzuka always stayed behind to help him wash the dishes, but this time, he specifically told her to go with the others.
"I didn't drink today, so I can clean up myself. Go have fun, but remember to return to the dorm early."
After seeing them off, Lucian had just finished taking out the trash when Seiun Sky returned alone.
"You really seem like a sneaky cat right now," Lucian remarked, unsurprised.
"'Especially good at sneaking'?" Seiun Sky grinned, sidling up to Lucian. "So, your confusion yesterday was because of Suzuka?"
"Yeah." Lucian answered honestly, though he didn't elaborate.
Seiun Sky didn't press further. "Seems like you've resolved it now."
Lucian didn't reply, tacitly agreeing. He smiled. "Why didn't you go shopping with the others?"
Seeing Lucian unburdened, Seiun Sky was happy too. "I already said I wouldn't run with them~ I came back specifically to keep you company, Trainer, but you don't appreciate it at all~"
"I do appreciate it. Then help me wash the dishes." Lucian had little resistance to her teasing.
"No, I just ate. I'm tired." Seiun Sky's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Trainer, I don't want to go back to the dorm tonight. I'll sleep here. How about it? If you say you want me to stay, I will."
Lucian knew she was joking, but he decided to teach her a lesson for her bold words.
So, he set aside what he was doing, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and rested his hands on her pleasantly plump belly.
"But I sleep naked at night—completely bare, mind you—and I really like hugging a body pillow. Will you be my pillow tonight? If you agree, you can stay."
Seiun Sky crumbled instantly, her ears burning from Lucian's warm breath, her shoulders soon going limp.
"Why so quiet?"
Lucian glanced down and saw her face flushed like a ripe pomegranate, as if squeezing it would draw out juice.
Her eyes shimmered with desire.
Realizing the sneaky cat was aroused, Lucian was about to let go when he heard her tremble softly in his ear:
"Kiss me... I haven't gotten a kiss today..."
Seeing the flames of passion burning, Lucian decided to stoke them further.
"No kisses. You just ate. Your mouth must smell."
"It doesn't! I rinsed my mouth!" Flustered, Seiun Sky turned around, her breath sweet, and tugged at Lucian's collar, pulling him closer.
"It's not smelly... You—you'll know if you try."
"Fine, I'll reluctantly... Mmm—"
She tilted her head, aiming for his lips, catching Lucian off guard.
Once again, the little trainer found himself outmaneuvered and utterly conquered.
Pelvis: Sumimasen, little Trainer-chan, watashi is a bit scared of the future.
...