...
Time strode forward with big steps—one foot stepping into December.
The results of the Arima Kinen voting were freshly announced.
The horse girls selected for "Dream" team were three: Special Week, Seiun Sky, Mejiro McQueen.
The horse girls selected for "Spica" were two: Mejiro Ryan, King Halo.
The horse girls selected for "Rigil" were Grass Wonder, El Condor Pasa, Taiki Shuttle, Air Groove.
All old friends.
Worth mentioning was that Silence Suzuka also received a very high number of votes, but she couldn't make it back in time and had to forfeit.
For this year-end all-star free-for-all, Lucian looked forward to it every time. Strong against strong, with no entertainment factor, the race results were full of unknowns.
But the Arima Kinen wasn't urgent yet—he had gotten up early today and boarded the train to Kochi with Haru Urara.
"Trainer, why take the train today?" Haru Urara was very excited; the scenery flashing past the window seemed to freeze eternally in her eyes.
But for her, the most beautiful scenery was right beside her.
"Take in the views along the way—it's nice."
Lucian yawned; Haru Urara swung her hand to cover his mouth repeatedly, then let go.
"Stop messing around."
"Hehe, Trainer says to look at the scenery, but you were just dozing off." Haru Urara swung her little legs like she was on a swing, "Isn't it really because Trainer is too sleepy to drive?"
"Alright, I am a bit too sleepy—can't drive fatigued."
Haru Urara cupped her hands into a megaphone shape and whispered softly in Lucian's ear: "Then when we get to the inn, Urara will give Trainer a kiss, okay?"
"No need for that." Lucian waved his hand—anyone who didn't know might think he was taking advantage of Haru Urara.
"Then I'll force a kiss on Trainer right now!" Haru Urara held Lucian's face, trying to twist it toward her.
Lucian covered Haru Urara's puckered little mouth with one palm, "Urara, you're Kochi's little star now—pay attention to your image in public."
"Mmm... still want a kiss!"
Lucian couldn't win against her, "At the inn—wait till the inn."
"That's more like it." Haru Urara wrapped her arms around one of Lucian's arms and leaned on his shoulder, "No matter how famous I get, Urara is still Trainer's Urara—I don't care about image."
"And I'm just a little clingy with Trainer—what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing wrong, but kisses still need the right occasion." Lucian smiled warmly and let her hold on.
...
There were clearly many more people coming and going to Kochi than before; industries were gradually prospering due to the flow of people. To attract more visitors, beautiful scenic spots had sprung up in Kochi.
During race times, the most crowded and lively place was none other than the Kochi Racecourse.
Lucian and Haru Urara could be said to have witnessed Kochi grow from skin-and-bones to fleshed-out prosperity.
All thanks to this little pink horse—even though she hadn't yet won a championship.
"Urara, ganbatte today too!"
"Urara-chan, win today's race!"
"Urara, I came to see you again."
...
In the stands, the crowd cheering for Haru Urara included men, women, young, and old. Many held banners and shouted her name.
Lucian didn't shout—he stood in a certain spot in the stands, where he had stood for nearly two years.
He didn't need to shout because he knew Haru Urara would glance his way before entering the gate.
"Trainer!" Haru Urara waved at Lucian, then held up one index finger, symbolizing "1," pointing straight to the sky.
...
Dirt track, 1,600 meters.
Ever since confirming Haru Urara was better suited to dirt, Lucian stopped letting her waste time on grass.
Facts proved his advice correct—dirt gave her speed and explosiveness better play.
Favorable time and place, but the human element was still a bit lacking.
In all these races, Haru Urara was always just one breath short. The closest she came to success was half a body length behind first place.
But a loss was a loss—no way around it.
And saying "win it back next time" didn't guarantee a win next time, because every race had uncertainties.
For example, too many horse girls who couldn't run grass came to dirt—plenty excelled at this short-distance dirt track.
But seeing Haru Urara run persistently, Lucian was already satisfied—113 races were too many; by her 20th, Lucian felt an indescribable sense of fulfillment.
"Urara, you're already the champion in Trainer's heart..." The race had long started; Lucian watched the little pink horse gritting her teeth and charging forward, murmuring with a smile.
...
The race ended; cheers for Haru Urara's supporters rang out again in the stands.
Even though she only placed third.
"Urara, I'll always support you!"
"Urara-chan, I'll come see you again next year!"
"Urara, keep ganbatte tomorrow too!"
...
"Thank you everyone for supporting me! Next year... next year I'll still aim for the championship!" Haru Urara bowed deeply to the audience, waving as she walked toward the exit tunnel.
Her face was full of determination, like a soldier honorable in defeat, bidding farewell under eager gazes.
But the moment she stepped into the shaded tunnel and saw the familiar figure ahead, Haru Urara instantly broke character—her serious expression collapsed; tears welled up as she ran toward Lucian.
"Wah wah wah wah wah——"
"Trainer, I only got third this time—I regressed from last time."
"Aiyo." Lucian caught Haru Urara as she crashed into his arms, rubbing her head, "It's okay~ it's okay~ Today's opponents were very strong—Urara holding up under pressure was already great."
"Don't cry" was the least effective comfort.
She was still chasing her dream and had the strength to talk about the future.
So...
"No need to force yourself to be strong—go ahead and cry, little one."
"Wah wah wah wah wah——can I come with Trainer next time too?"
"Of course, no matter how many times." She kept asking, and Lucian answered tirelessly.
Her tears were rain falling on Kochi's soil—one day, they would bloom and bear fruit.
"Go on—everyone's still waiting for your victory stage."
...