...
The next day, Lucian led everyone toward the aquarium.
They strolled and admired along the way. Lucian acted as the photographer, capturing many beautiful photos for the group.
"So pretty—the photos Trainer took are all so good~" Haru Urara, the little fangirl, exclaimed in admiration.
"Thanks, Urara." Lucian's smile hid a trace of pride. There was no special technique; he had simply mastered the three essentials of portrait photography.
"Lucian-kun, give me the camera."
"Okay." Lucian knew Silence Suzuka was going to fulfill her promise and take photos of him.
"Sei-chan, are you going to take photos of Trainer-san?" Special Week asked.
"Mm. It's always been Lucian-kun taking photos of us, but he himself has hardly any photos left behind."
As for countermeasures, Lucian, Silence Suzuka, and Seiun Sky had already discussed a rough plan last night.
Although the discussion wasn't very efficient—often interrupted by whimpers or muffled moans—they managed to settle on a plan in the end.
"Come to think of it, that's true..." Special Week watched Lucian and Silence Suzuka chatting happily, with him striking various poses under her instructions. A sudden pang of jealousy hit her heart.
But even more than that was guilt for having overlooked Lucian.
Even Suzuka had noticed this, yet she herself had been careless... Judging from Trainer-san's expression, he must have been hoping for this in his heart for a long time.
But why had Suzuka noticed it? Was it because Suzuka was kind-hearted and very considerate...?
While Special Week was lost in wild thoughts, Lucian and Silence Suzuka had already huddled in front of the camera screen, discussing the photos just taken.
Special Week sighed.
She hoped she was overthinking it...
But if Sei-chan also liked Trainer-san...
...
"Onii-chan, I can't see. Can you lift Hanaka up?" Ines Hanakami pointed at the small jellyfish exhibit tank and said to Lucian.
"Got it." Lucian lifted her up. "Can you see clearly now?"
"Mm! I can see clearly!" Ines Hanakami then called to Ines Fujin beside them. "Big sister, come quick and look at this. Didn't you say you like little jellyfish the most?"
"Ah? Mm, let me take a look." Ines Fujin had no memory of ever saying she liked little jellyfish, but she understood her little sister's kind intentions.
The three stood in front of the glass wall. Ines Hanakami pointed at the jellyfish and muttered to herself. To anyone watching, they looked just like a little family.
Tokai Teio fell into deep thought. A thick wisp of black smoke drifted from her eyes for a moment before completely extinguishing—Trainer had said he liked her clarity.
Rice unconsciously clenched her little fists. That was clearly her own Onii-sama.
...
The morning sightseeing ended, and everyone was starting to feel visual fatigue, so they didn't rush to start the Devil's Valley trip.
Since they were staying another day anyway, they decided to go tomorrow.
But the Ines family planned to head back today.
"Onii-chan, after you go back to school, you have to come visit Hanaka often! Hanaka will miss you so much."
"Tsukitsuki will miss Onii-chan too. I'll call Onii-chan!"
After the two little ones finished speaking, they returned to their mother's embrace like baby swallows returning to the nest.
Auntie Ines also solemnly thanked Lucian. She bowed slightly. "Trainer Lucian, thank you for taking care of the children during this time."
"It's nothing. I really like these kids too."
"Yeah, Mommy—Onii-chan likes Hanaka and big sisters too~" Ines Hanakami smiled sweetly and secretly shot an encouraging look at Ines Fujin across from her.
Auntie Ines: "Then we'll head out first."
"Okay." Lucian nodded and watched the three leave.
...
After getting in the car, Ines Hanakami suddenly said to her mom and big sister, "Mommy, big sister, Hanaka wants Onii-chan and big sister to get married... Last night..."
She selectively ignored the agreement with Ines Fujin.
This was all for big sister and Onii-chan's sake.
Besides, if Onii-chan moved in, she could see him every day.
A win-win! "Win" multiple times—she won several times by herself!
Ines Tsukigami: "Oh! Since big sis is shy, from now on we'll find more ways to get Onii-chan to come visit us!"
Ines Hanakami: "Mm, exactly! What do you think, Mommy?"
Auntie only smiled, but deep down she had a very good impression of Lucian. His character and everything else fit her standards for a son-in-law...
And her daughter seemed to have special feelings toward him too. Otherwise, why would she have taken the initiative this morning to ask to stay one more day?
Her girl had started standing on her own two feet very early due to family pressures and her own early illness. She couldn't even remember the last time Ines Fujin had made a request like that.
But she knew that in the rare moments when her daughter opened her heart, she must have been longing for someone to rely on.
If... Trainer Lucian really became her son-in-law.
...
"Little Ines, staring so long—reluctant to see them go?" Lucian waved his hand in front of Ines Fujin's eyes. "They're leaving tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't kidnap you."
"Trainer, are you serious about human trafficking horse girls?" Ines Fujin withdrew her gaze and forcibly suppressed the excitement in her heart.
Just now Trainer had said "I really like these kids"—did that include her?
"I got careless." Lucian laughed.
"I think it's more like I might kidnap the Trainer." Ines Fujin said.
Even her little sister could be so determined.
As the big sister, how could she not face her own heart squarely?
Ines Fujin didn't want to see her own little sister grow up, earn her own money, confess to the Trainer, and start dating or anything...
A forbidden romance with a brother-in-law sounded thrilling, but she didn't really recommend it.
...
Aside from these entertainment spots, there were still many places nearby worth visiting.
Seeing that everyone had complaints about the inn's food, Lucian finally decided to buy some ingredients and cook himself.
For this meal, Ines Fujin ate with great relish. Her sister's words inevitably echoed in her ears again.
So she said to Lucian, "Trainer, if I'd known you'd cook in the evening, I should have let Hanaka and the others leave tomorrow morning instead."
"Plans can't keep up with changes... I just saw you all complaining about the food here all afternoon, so I decided to cook."
"After I shared with Hanaka, that little one kept saying you're playing favorites and got mad again."
"Tell her not to be mad. Next group outing, just bring Hanaka and Tsukitsuki along too."
To Lucian, these were all small matters.
But... group outing? That wasn't Ines Fujin's goal at all.
"Hanaka kept saying she wants you to cook when you come visit our house next time... She said she misses the yummy food you made last time—so much that she drools in her dreams."
"That exaggerated?" Lucian laughed. "Alright then, next time I go, I'll cook what she likes."
...