...
Lucian lightly touched his own face. Though somewhat uncomfortable, he wasn't particularly surprised.
Back in France, every time vacation ended and they returned to school, Broye would greet him in exactly this highly personal way with that ever-familiar "long time no see."
Ines Fujin, standing closest, instantly widened her eyes at the sudden scene.
Age-wise, she could call herself the big sister, but in terms of behavior, this blonde horse girl was clearly the "older sister" here.
A "mwah" sound... and she just... kissed Trainer's cheek... so naturally!?
Learned something new. Learned something new.
"Broye, you really haven't changed at all..." Lucian gave an awkward smile, trying to defuse the slightly embarrassing atmosphere.
But before he finished, Haru Urara's figure flashed like the wind, suddenly wedging herself between them. She spread her arms wide, shielding Lucian protectively behind her while glaring warily at Broye. "What are you doing! What are you doing! What are you trying to do to my Trainer!"
The horse girls who had hurried over also slowly came to a stop.
Seiun Sky's gaze stuck to the lip print on Lucian's face, her tone dripping with acid. "So that's where Trainer's 'welcome-back kiss' style comes from."
Tokai Teio took a tissue from her pocket and walked to Lucian's side. Her voice was still as sweet and delicate as honey. "Trainer... what's going on here?"
She really cared about what Lucian said. Even though he had been kissed, Tokai Teio's eyes remained clear.
But a hint of sourness had mixed into the sweet honey.
...
Mejiro McQueen also looked at the lip print on Lucian's face. Her pale hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
She had only just tasted the fleeting softness of Trainer's earlobe. How could this complete stranger so easily enjoy that "dessert" that belonged to her? And on the soft cheek she herself had never touched.
...
Rice Shower covered her small mouth, her big eyes filled with bewilderment.
She whispered softly, "Th-this is... too, too bold..."
She instinctively looked toward Meisho Doto beside her, seeking agreement—but Meisho Doto seemed not to hear Rice Shower at all. She stared blankly ahead.
Right now, the image of "Lord Cat" appeared in her mind again.
Being able to act spoiled and affectionate in Lord Cat's arms was something she only dared dream of, something that could only happen in dreams... Kissing cheeks was something she hadn't even dared imagine!
But this thing she couldn't even dream of was happening right in front of her eyes so realistically that her mind went completely blank.
Kissing... Lord Cat...
Meisho Doto's legs instantly turned to jelly. Her hands covered her burning cheeks.
Rice Shower gently pushed Meisho Doto's shoulder. "Doto, what's wrong? Why do your eyes have mosquito coils in them?!"
Dextrous Bailey, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. She watched the farce calmly. "It's just a kiss. Is it really that big a deal... Bunch of sheltered little foals who've never seen the world."
...
Broye ignored the horse girls' reactions and lowered her gaze to greet Haru Urara. "Hello, little pink foal. I'm Broye."
"Urara." Haru Urara pouted. Though angry, out of basic courtesy she grudgingly extended her hand for a brief shake.
Lucian frowned. Enthusiastic cheek kisses from strangers were actually quite normal, but Broye had only shaken hands with the others. This didn't match the warm, outgoing French horse girl he remembered.
If Broye hadn't kissed him, how was he supposed to explain?
"Although you greeted me proactively, Urara hasn't forgiven you for your rude behavior toward Trainer just now." Haru Urara withdrew her hand, glaring like a small dog guarding its food.
"Private etiquette—that wasn't rudeness. It's simply how we greet in my homeland." Broye's face still wore that friendly expression.
"Is that so?" Haru Urara glanced doubtfully toward Lucian.
"Yes, of course." Lucian nodded calmly. "Didn't I tell you? I knew Broye back when I was an assistant Trainer in France."
"Okay... then Urara misunderstood..."
At this moment, the silent Tokai Teio spoke with confusion. "Urara, why was your reaction so big?"
"Of course because..." Haru Urara met Lucian's eyes, then her voice dropped. "Because I was afraid Trainer would get taken back to France. That's why I misunderstood."
"Maybe it wasn't a misunderstanding." Broye suddenly let out a soft laugh, saying something incomprehensible, then turned her gaze to Silence Suzuka and Special Week nearby. "Suzuka, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Miss Broye." Silence Suzuka nodded with a polite smile.
Their clasped hands lingered briefly before separating.
Lucian had thought Broye would kiss Silence Suzuka's cheek, but she only gave a simple handshake.
What was going on? Didn't that make the "French greeting" cheek kiss something exclusive to him?
Noticing Lucian's subtle gaze, Silence Suzuka slightly turned her eyes and gave him a quiet, meaningful glare.
Tonight, Lucian-kun's face is getting a good scrubbing.
Broye shifted her gaze from Silence Suzuka and settled on the silent Special Week. "So this is Miss Special Week, right? Hello."
"Hello." Special Week's gaze met Broye's without flinching. She racked her brain, recalling the phrase El Condor Pasa had taught her.
Finally—
"Wait for me! (in French)"
Special Week shouted the heavily loaded declaration in her still-imperfect French.
The air seemed to freeze for several seconds. Lucian, Silence Suzuka, and Broye all stood stunned. But looking at Special Week's resolute expression, she clearly wasn't joking.
Lucian immediately reacted and glanced toward the "Rigil" group—but the culprit, El Condor Pasa, was nowhere to be seen.
That guy was bullying the silly... bullying his Spe-chan again!
Broye recovered from her brief shock. Far from angry, her red lips curved into a slightly appreciative smile. "I look forward to competing against you. But would you be interested in a little wager?"
"A wager?" Special Week asked, puzzled.
Broye leaned slightly forward and lowered her voice. "If I defeat you, then Trainer Lucian will come back to France with me and become my personal Trainer. How about it?"
But whether she was serious or joking, Lucian had to speak up. "Sorry, that wager can't stand—because I belong to myself. I'm the one responsible for Spe-chan."
Lucian placed his hand on Special Week's shoulder, his words carrying double meaning and giving her full sense of security. "Besides, Broye, your wager didn't say what happens if you lose. That's not very sincere."
Broye's little trick was seen through in an instant.
"Trainer Lucian, you know I've always had sincerity." The smile on Broye's face faded slightly, her eyes turning serious.
"Although I still don't know why you refused to stay in France back then and insisted on going to Tracen... I hope this race can answer my questions."
...