...
That same day, the poster of Tokai Teio winning the Japanese Derby swept through the entire city.
After the celebration banquet, Silence Suzuka and the others tacitly left Lucian and Tokai Teio alone.
"Trainer, I love you the most most most most—— most!"
"Why don't you love Rudolf-san and the others?"
"Because after winning the championship, only Trainer worried about my physical condition. It feels so happy~" Tokai Teio did not hesitate at all as she threw herself into Lucian's arms. Her head nuzzled affectionately against his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat.
Lucian's arms naturally wrapped around her, fingertips threading through her smooth long hair. "If your ankle has even the slightest bit of pain, don't hide it or force yourself, understand? This concerns the final crown, the Kikuka Sho. You also know how important it is, right?"
"Mm, but..." Tokai Teio nodded obediently and pulled her pant leg high up, revealing her slender, elegantly curved calf. "It really doesn't hurt. If it hurts, I promise I'll tell Trainer properly, okay?"
"That's more like it." Lucian picked up the honey special drink from the glass table. "Try it. I only developed it recently."
"Hachimi!? Why didn't Trainer take it out during the celebration banquet just now?" Tokai Teio suddenly sat up straight from Lucian's arms, both hands cupping that cup of special drink.
"Because it's still in the experimental stage, and didn't I promise the Emperor that I would specially develop it for you? Since the Emperor is so generous, then tomorrow I'll also let them taste it~"
"No, no no no... This is mine, I'm not that generous at all!" Tokai Teio snatched the drink and let out a string of urgent protests, then took a fierce big gulp. "So sweet! Even better than the ones in the shops!"
"As long as you like it." Lucian stroked Tokai Teio's back.
"Then is Trainer still going to let other people taste it?" Tokai Teio once again pressed herself against Lucian's chest. Her voice became sticky and soft, carrying a trace of possessiveness that was hard to detect. "I often drink honey special drinks, so just let me taste it... Does Trainer want to taste? My mouth is super super sweet right now."
"Then I'll reluctantly give it a try."
Their lips met. The room was so quiet that only the sound of their breathing remained.
The fragrance of the honey special drink washed back and forth between their lips and teeth.
Tokai Teio's little mouth was indeed sweeter than usual—so sweet that Lucian couldn't help deepening the kiss.
Their tongues tangled slowly at first, tasting the lingering honey, then grew hungrier. Tokai Teio's soft lips parted willingly, letting him explore deeper while she pressed her body flush against his. Her small hands clenched the front of his shirt as a quiet, needy sound vibrated in her throat.
"Trainer... why do I like you this much."
Tokai Teio murmured to herself, then, as if still unsatisfied, pursed her wet lips and left sweet traces all over Lucian's face, the bridge of his nose, his broad shoulders, and the vulnerable place of his neck in a messy, affectionate frenzy.
Her kisses grew slower and more deliberate. She nuzzled the sensitive skin just below his ear, then trailed lower, leaving a warm, damp path down the side of his throat. Every soft press of her lips made Lucian's breath hitch. When she reached the hollow of his collarbone she lingered, sucking lightly until a faint mark bloomed under her mouth.
Finally she lifted her head. Those brilliant eyes clearly reflected Lucian's face, filled with undisguised dependence and love.
"It's so itchy, Emperor, stop kissing." Lucian laughed as he stopped her. "Haha... it's too itchy."
"Hmph~" Tokai Teio climbed back onto his chest and stretched out one finger to draw circles on Lucian's chest. "Trainer, it feels like we haven't done that for a long time...."
"Which 'that'?"
"Just that... that..."
"Which which?"
"Then I'll use actions to tell Trainer."
She shifted her weight, straddling his lap properly this time. Her thighs settled on either side of his hips as she leaned down again, capturing his mouth in a deeper, wetter kiss. One small hand slid under his shirt, palm spreading warm against bare skin, while the other guided one of his hands to the hem of her own top. When he hesitated she made a soft, impatient sound and pushed his fingers higher herself, inviting him to feel the soft heat of her body.
Clothes were slowly peeled away between lingering kisses and quiet laughter. Tokai Teio's energetic personality showed even here—she was eager, a little clumsy in her haste, yet completely focused on him. She guided his hands where she wanted them, shuddered when he found sensitive places, and whispered his name against his mouth like it was the only word she needed.
By the time they were fully joined she was already trembling, clinging tightly, rolling her hips with the same determined rhythm she used on the track. Lucian held her steady, matching her pace, letting her set the speed until the pleasure built too high for either of them to stay quiet. Soft gasps and the wet sound of skin filled the quiet room. Tokai Teio buried her face in his neck when she came, biting down gently to muffle her cry, body tightening around him in waves. Lucian followed soon after, holding her close as they both rode out the aftershocks.
Afterwards she stayed draped over him, still breathing hard, fingers lazily tracing patterns on his chest while the honey sweetness lingered on both their tongues.
...
For "Dream," June was a month thoroughly soaked in sweat and glory.
Haru Urara welcomed the 84th race of her career.
Before the race, she appeared on the turf with her chest puffed out and head held high as always. However, the winds and clouds of the racecourse changed unpredictably. She gave her all in the intense competition, yet ultimately lost by a neck.
The moment she crossed the finish line, the enormous inertia made her lose balance a little. During the process of decelerating, her foot slipped and she accidentally fell onto the soft grass.
Lucian stood up at once. His heart also instantly rose to his throat.
Fortunately Haru Urara quickly stood up by herself, patted the grass scraps off her body, and showed the camera a somewhat disheveled yet still strong smile.
The examination results also showed there was nothing serious. It was only that a new abrasion had been added to the outer side of her thigh.
...
On the way back to the lodging, Lucian's gaze fell on those thighs that could be called a "Band-Aid collection," and he couldn't help frowning with some heartache.
"Urara, with so many Band-Aids, the injuries in some places have already recovered, right? Why don't you tear them off?"
Haru Urara followed his gaze and looked down at the Band-Aids on her legs. They were like one peculiar medal after another, recording every time she had run and fallen.
She stretched out a finger and gently tapped one Band-Aid whose edge had already curled up, speaking seriously: "Because these are the symbols of Urara's battles!"
"And also..." Haru Urara pouted and tore open one Band-Aid. "Some places left scars. Urara thinks they don't look good."
"So that's how it is." Lucian held Haru Urara's hand and gently smoothed the Band-Aid flat. "Proof of a hero."
"Yes! Exactly the proof of a hero!" A brilliant smile appeared on Haru Urara's face. She contentedly rested her head on Lucian's shoulder and rubbed against it until she found a comfortable position.
"Trainer, Urara has a question." After a long while, Haru Urara's voice suddenly sounded, missing some of its usual vitality and carrying a trace of confusion. "Seiun and Spe-chan haven't participated in any races this year. Are they... also preparing to retire?"
"This... I'm not too clear either. They haven't told me."
But Lucian had also guessed this before.
Right now Special Week and Seiun Sky still trained seriously and ran with full effort, for example during the simulated races.
As for what their specific plans were, Lucian did not interfere too much.
"Alright. I thought they would tell Trainer."
"But if they retire, I will also support them. I believe they must have completed their own goals, or have no regrets left in their careers."
Lucian seemed to vaguely know what Haru Urara was anxious about. He turned his head, gaze landing gently on her tightly pressed lips. "Then what about Urara's goal? Can you tell Trainer?"
"Emmmm... I want to run to first place in Kochi!"
"And anything else? Is there something a little more ambitious?" Lucian asked again.
Haru Urara clenched her small hands. "There is... but it's too ambitious. It can't be called a goal. It should be called a dream... The dream also seems too small. 'Dream' is more suitable."
"You said so much, yet Urara still hasn't told Trainer the concrete thing." Lucian held her hand, transmitting the warmth of his palm.
"The Arima Kinen. I want to participate in the Arima Kinen and take the championship!"
Lucian fell silent. This was indeed a bit of a fool's dream. He couldn't possibly bribe all the other competitors to make way for Urara, right? Then what difference would there be between him and those gambling dogs?
But what words should he say right now to guide or encourage Urara?
Tell her that reality is cruel and make her give up early? Or insincerely make a vague and ethereal promise? Lucian's heart was fiercely battling. For a moment he even lost focus a little.
At this time, Haru Urara seemed to see through all of Lucian's thoughts. She raised her hand and gently stroked Lucian's head with her fingertips. "Trainer~ Don't worry about Urara. Of course Urara knows it's very difficult."
"Because Urara has few fans. In popularity votes she definitely can't compare to those horse girls. And from debut until now, she still hasn't run any graded stakes races. Taking first place is completely impossible."
Lucian revealed a gratified smile. "Urara understands everything... What does Urara hope Trainer will do?"
"Of course to stay with Urara and keep walking forward together." Haru Urara stretched out her other hand and carefully pulled Lucian's index finger while looking down. "Trainer, Urara might be a little selfish. I want Trainer not to miss any of my races, okay?"
"Have I ever been absent?"
"Hehe~ I like you the most..."
Before the words finished, Lucian covered her little mouth, using his eyes to hint that there was still a strange driver sitting in the front row.
Haru Urara's eyes instantly widened into circles. She immediately understood Lucian's meaning.
She playfully stuck out her tongue. Although her mouth was covered and she couldn't speak, those expressive eyes still curved into two cute crescent moons as she temporarily endured the expression of her love for Lucian.
...