...
After a full year of accumulation, Nice Nature and Matikanetannhauser had seen massive improvements in both physical conditioning and running technique.
This year, both set goals that were more ambitious and far-reaching.
Though the race schedule was dense, Lucian approved—because according to their physical test data, they were in their peak climbing phase, right in their prime.
Twin Turbo was also beginning to shine, though her goals were a bit too lofty—Lucian shot them all down one by one.
Like Tokai Teio, she met the age requirement for the Classic Triple Crown races this year. But without enough accumulated wins, she still couldn't qualify.
...
Time slipped quietly through his fingers.
Amid the crisp clatter of horseshoes striking the ground, each resounding echo painted a bold stroke, chronicling Tokai Teio's journey.
To date, Tokai Teio had secured victories in her debut race, Satsuki Sho prep races (Senka S, Wakaba S, Wakamo S)—four wins total—successfully earning qualification for the Satsuki Sho.
The era of Tokai Teio quietly began amid this winning streak.
With dense races and high-intensity training, Lucian grew increasingly attentive to Tokai Teio's legs.
It hadn't been this frequent before—so now, the first thing after every training session was relieving fatigue in Tokai Teio's legs.
Of course, he cared for the other horse girls too—rubbing and massaging their legs as well.
But Tokai Teio's situation was different—she required extra attention.
...
In the rest room after training, only Tokai Teio and Lucian remained.
"Trainer~ Hurry up~ I'm starving!" Tokai Teio hummed a little tune. One leg was held firmly by Lucian, while the other dangled restlessly.
"Getting tired of it already? Before, when it was just us alone, Teio never rushed me."
"Or has Teio gotten a bit famous now... first sword after landing, straight for Trainer."
Lucian activated his skill—Tea Talk.
Effect: Outstanding!
Tokai Teio let out bell-like, sweet, clear laughter.
She leaned forward, cupping Lucian's cheeks with both hands, gently stroking them. "Trainer always says such random things... How are you this cute?"
Lucian smiled. "Switch legs."
"Okay~"
Taking advantage of the moment while switching legs, Tokai Teio cupped Lucian's face again, zeroing in on his lips and stamping them firmly.
If the massage distance weren't so limited, she'd have kept kissing his face nonstop.
"Trainer, can we go buy honey special drinks together later?"
"Honey water? I'll prepare some for you tomorrow."
"Mm! I want it thick, rich, and lots... and Trainer has to feed me!"
"Okay okay~" Lucian indulged her, though his massaging hands never slackened. "Lie down properly—let your body relax."
Tokai Teio obeyed, lying flat.
While caring for her, Lucian silently thought: "I hope the fracture never happens—at least not before Teio retires... Let her achieve her dream."
Fractures were different from other injuries.
As long as Tokai Teio was active, she needed training and races. No matter how well maintained, her ankles would inevitably suffer wear.
But what he was doing wasn't useless—he was slowing the rate and degree of wear, altering the original fate line.
Lucian remained fairly optimistic. After all, he'd already changed Silence Suzuka's fate—and so many other things.
He only thought these things silently—afraid of passing anxiety to Tokai Teio.
"Trainer." Tokai Teio stared at the ceiling, reaching out to grasp at empty air. "Next is my undefeated first big race. Can I do it?"
"Shouldn't you be asking yourself that? But I always believe Teio can."
"Mm." Tokai Teio clenched her fist. "Right now I just want..." In her excitement, she forgot herself completely—forgetting Lucian was still massaging her. Her raised leg collided with his chin.
Lucian threw his head back, face twisting from the sudden pain. "Hiss..."
"Trainer!? Sorry, sorry—I didn't mean to!" Tokai Teio panicked and rushed forward to check, rubbing his chin. "Are you okay, Trainer?"
"It's fine, just caught me off guard." Lucian waved it off.
Tokai Teio sighed in relief, a sweet smile blooming. She threw herself at Lucian, settling into his lap, greedily breathing in the comforting scent. "Trainer..."
"Please stay by my side, and watch me keep winning forever."
...