...
"Finally, Broye. We've already analyzed her many times before." Lucian's fingertip slid across the tablet screen, where dynamic trajectory charts of Broye's past races flickered.
"Well~ Anyway, aside from Penelope, the decisive moment for Spe-chan against the other opponents will basically be in the final sprint stage... How far she can go will depend on Spe-chan herself."
As soon as the words fell, everyone's gazes converged on Special Week.
At this moment, her eyes shone with an unquestionable, resolute light.
"Trainer-san, and everyone—I will give everything I have to win this race!" Special Week's voice wasn't loud, but every word rang clear.
Lucian smiled with gratification. "Facing so many strong opponents, Spe-chan already has the right mindset—that's winning the first step."
Seizing the momentum, he immediately assigned today's training tasks. "Spe-chan, overtraining isn't good, but right before the race you also need to keep your body in an excited state... You must build up power while never allowing the slightest slack."
These repeatedly emphasized words had been said by Lucian for nearly three years now.
Time passed too quickly—almost dizzyingly fast.
In the blink of an eye, Special Week was no longer the little foal who once averted her eyes shyly, but a G1 horse girl who could stand alone and shine brilliantly.
"Understood, Trainer-san." Special Week nodded firmly.
She could practically predict every word Lucian would say, yet those familiar phrases remained the strongest support in her heart.
So she always listened with utmost seriousness, drawing comfort and encouragement from them.
"Alright, everyone—warm up outside, then start training!"
"Ooh—!!!"
The training room instantly erupted in vibrant, lively noise. The chaotic yet orderly sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Lucian picked up the training schedule in his hand, preparing to follow the team, when he turned and noticed Matikane Tannhauser still standing in place, her hands nervously pinching the hem of her skirt.
"Tantan, what's wrong?"
"Trainer... Did I not help at all...?" Compared to Lucian's clear, organized analysis, her dramatic presentation felt like a joke.
Although Lucian had praised her, that precious material wasn't her achievement at all.
"Why would you think that?" Lucian chuckled and reached out to ruffle her soft, slightly wavy hair. "Tantan's explanation was really fun. Everyone remembered the opponents' characteristics right away."
"Tantan likes drinks, right? My pre-race analysis is like a strong cup of black coffee—invigorating and eye-opening, but the taste is too bitter. When everyone listens, the pressure feels like a mountain on their shoulders, adding worry and fear."
"But Tantan is different. You're like a milkshake sprinkled with just the right amount of sugar frosting. When everyone listens to you, they feel incredibly relaxed. The tense atmosphere vanishes instantly. I could never do that."
"Really?" Matikane Tannhauser felt Lucian's gentle touch and lifted her clear eyes, speaking with uncertain hope. "I... I helped Trainer?"
"Really." Lucian nodded firmly. "And that material... not everyone could get Chairwoman Akikawa to help gather and organize so much data. So thank you, Tantan."
"Mhm!" Matikane Tannhauser happily swished her ponytail, the gloom in her heart swept away. "Trainer, I'm going to train now!"
"Mhm, go go~"
...
During training.
At that moment, a group of reporters entered through the training ground entrance, clustering around a tall horse girl.
Bathed in sunlight, the horse girl had golden hair that flowed with dazzling luster. Her tight training outfit perfectly outlined her perky, elastic curves. An aggressive, power-filled allure burst forth.
Broye swept her gaze across the vast training field, finally locking onto Lucian, who was focused on recording data.
She spoke in fluent Japanese to the reporters around her. "Everyone, thank you for today's interview. However, today's training time is very important to me. Let's end the interview here—I'm going to start training."
Her words were polite yet carried an unmistakable note of dismissal. Though reluctant, the reporters could only pack up their equipment and leave dejectedly.
Broye walked with the grace and composure of a medieval noble, each step measured and elegant.
Her striking presence naturally drew the attention of many horse girls on the field. They paused their training one after another, eyes following her figure.
Air Groove, who had been jogging, was the first to stop. She folded her arms. "Tch. So that's the legendary European Horse Queen? Her aura really lives up to the hype."
Taiki Shuttle stretched her leg muscles while craning her neck to look around. "Where?! Where is she, where?!"
Grass Wonder's gaze was also drawn over. She frowned slightly, muttering to herself: "She's heading toward Trainer Lucian... Is she here to scout the enemy?"
...
The training rhythm of the "Dream" team was disrupted by Broye's sudden arrival.
Watching Broye walk toward Lucian, Tokai Teio and the others' heavy gazes carried a hint of hostility, assuming she was here to gather intel or throw down pre-race trash talk.
Silence Suzuka: "Everyone, it's Broye. Let's head over to Lucian-kun's side and see."
...
When Broye drew near, Lucian also heard the clear sound of footsteps.
He instinctively turned around. Broye stopped a few steps away.
"Trainer Lucian, long time no see." Broye spoke first. Her voice was much softer than when she addressed the reporters.
A highly charming smile bloomed on her face as she extended her hand toward Lucian.
Looking at that face—sculpted features as precise as an artist's work, lines soft yet distinctly firm—Lucian froze for a moment.
It took him a second to recover. He reached out, preparing for a normal greeting handshake. "Broye? Long time no see."
But the expected handshake never happened.
Just as their fingertips were about to touch, Broye suddenly stepped forward, grasped Lucian's wrist, and pulled him toward her.
In Lucian's stunned gaze, Broye's refined face drew closer and closer. A sharp, refreshing fragrance swept over him—she tilted her head and, at an extremely intimate and suggestive angle, pressed two soft kisses onto his cheek.
Crimson and fresh—though light, they left a faint petal-like imprint on Lucian's face.
"Long time no see. I've missed you very much."
...