Time passed quietly.
Lucian continued his routine between being an assistant trainer and a teacher.
However, Silence Suzuka would soon face her next race.
After leaving the team, Silence Suzuka could no longer participate in Rigil's internal training sessions.
Naturally, the responsibility of training fell to Lucian.
The day before the race, Lucian was still analyzing the opponent's data for Silence Suzuka.
"There aren't any particularly strong competitors tomorrow. If you perform normally, you should be able to win."
In the anime, Silence Suzuka had won this race by a large margin, so Lucian wasn't too worried.
But he didn't dare to rely entirely on the anime's plot, as his arrival had already caused the butterfly's wings to flutter. Being cautious never hurt.
"Mmm." Silence Suzuka nodded, watching as Lucian lowered his head to analyze the data intently. A sense of reassurance welled up in her.
Even though it was just her own race, she no longer felt as lonely.
"I've fixed your horseshoes and checked the condition of your shoes." Lucian placed Silence Suzuka's shoes on the chair.
The polished surface was smooth and clean, reflecting light—it looked like they had just been wiped.
"Thank you." Silence Suzuka carefully took them, feeling as though they carried a little more weight than before.
This wasn't the first time. During breaks in training, she had often seen Lucian polishing her shoes and adjusting her horseshoes.
But back in Rigil, she had never seen him do this for anyone else.
"Will you wear your victory uniform for tomorrow's race?"
Silence Suzuka shook her head. "No."
"Alright, then just wear your normal training clothes."
Lucian wasn't entirely sure about the level of this race, but he could glean some hints from Silence Suzuka's attitude.
It was worth mentioning that this race marked the beginning of the anime's plot.
Tomorrow, he would likely meet the country bumpkin Uma Musume, Special Week.
"And the strategy?" Lucian paused, a faint smile on his lips. "Just choose whatever you think suits you best."
"Mmm... Lucian-san, why do you care so much about me?"
Even though Lucian was a trainer, she felt he was doing far too much.
In the teams she had been in before, no trainer had ever been this thorough.
"Of course, it's because you're my Uma Musume! I have to take responsibility for you!"
"Who's your Uma Musume..." Silence Suzuka muttered under her breath, her gaze drifting back to the shoes.
"You already promised to join my team in the future. Don't even think about running away."
Silence Suzuka let out a soft hum. "Then, if I win, will there be a reward?"
"A massage?"
At the mention of this, a faint blush rose to Silence Suzuka's cheeks.
The memories of the last time and the time before that still lingered uncomfortably in her mind.
"You're not allowed to press so hard next time... or else... I won't let you do it anymore."
A rather ineffective protest.
But seeing Silence Suzuka's embarrassed expression, Lucian's face reddened as well.
...
[Comment: Wait, why are YOU blushing, you bubble tea kettle?!]
[Author: Cut him some slack, guys. Little Lucian's not only a virgin but also never been in a relationship.]
[Comment: Ohhh~ Got it, got it. We understand.]
[Lucian: But I've had plenty of admirers!]
[Author: Tsk... Never mind, guys. No need to understand. If you've got a grudge, take revenge. If you've got a favor, forget about it.]
...
"That's only because you threatened me..."
"Lucian-kun, are you blaming me?" Silence Suzuka smiled innocently.
"Ahem. Suzuka, let's get back to talking about your reward." Lucian wondered when he could secretly delete that recording.
"I also want a victory celebration."
"A victory celebration? That's doable." Lucian thought for a moment before deciding, "We can invite everyone from Rigil and celebrate together."
"Mmm..."
"What's wrong, Suzuka? Is there something else you want?" Lucian looked at her suspiciously she didn't seem as happy as he'd expected.
"No, that's all for now." Silence Suzuka snapped out of her thoughts.
Truthfully, the victory celebration she had in mind didn't involve inviting anyone else.
She just wanted to enjoy the delicious food without sharing...
"Mmm, that's right. I shouldn't be so stingy." Silence Suzuka mentally scolded herself.
"Then that's settled. Rest well tonight, and don't be nervous."
Lucian felt this race was meaningful he hoped winning would help restore Silence Suzuka's confidence.
As they parted ways, Silence Suzuka hesitated, as if something was weighing on her.
"Lucian-kun." She called out to him.
"What is it?"
"Tomorrow's race... will you come to watch?"
Her hands were clasped behind her back, fingers fidgeting unconsciously.
But wasn't it natural for a trainer to watch their trainee's race? Especially since Silence Suzuka was currently Lucian's only team member.
She didn't know why she asked it just slipped out.
Unconscious actions were piling up lately, like how she had just called him "Lucian-kun" instead of "Lucian-san."
"Of course I'll be there. To see you claim victory... and your Winner's Stage performance."
The Winner's Stage performance was where Uma Musume who placed in the top three would showcase their talents on a glamorous stage after winning.
It was an important event, and Tracen Academy provided specialized training for it.
In this world, famous Uma Musume were akin to idol stars, adored by many fans.
"Lucian-san, you've never coached me for the Winner's Stage before." Silence Suzuka narrowed her eyes at him.
"Uh... That's something you'll have to figure out on your own. My coaching might just embarrass you on stage."
Lucian rubbed the back of his head and laughed.
He could sing, but dancing was out of the question though he could rap and play basketball.
"Fine, I won't push you."
"Mmm." Lucian gradually calmed down. "Suzuka, do your best."