...
On the way back, the train rattled, but Haru Urara slept soundly with her head on Lucian's shoulder the whole trip.
After dropping her off at Tracen Academy, Lucian finally returned home.
"What gift should I give Ines?" Lucian stared at the ceiling, unable to think of anything for the moment.
He got up and sat at the computer desk—end of year again, a pile of teaching files waiting for his attention.
"Elective final exams scheduled next week, then after the Arima Kinen, once everyone finishes exams, team-building."
Lucian ultimately followed Matikanetannhauser's suggestion, researched attractions, and tentatively planned the route.
Tentative stay: four days, three nights—one theme park per day, perfect.
Untangling the mess of chores, though most hadn't started, eased Lucian's mind considerably.
He flipped through files. "Ahem… better do it tomorrow night. I'm drained today—sleep first."
...
His plans were thorough, but plans couldn't keep up with changes.
The next evening, four uninvited guests arrived, forcing him to postpone again.
"Trainer-san, I'm here." Mejiro McQueen stood in the center, Grass Wonder on her left, Taiki Shuttle on her right, and Meishou Doto behind holding little Dango.
"Trainer Lucian, sorry to bother~" Grass Wonder smiled.
"Hello! Trainer Lucian, long time no see~" Taiki Shuttle flashed a happy smile. "Sorry~ for intruding~"
"Little Grass, and Shuttle-chan? No—now it's short-distance queen, strongest miler… Taiki Shuttle!" Lucian knew Mejiro McQueen would bring two friends, but hadn't expected Grass Wonder and Taiki Shuttle.
"Trainer Lucian, don't say that anymore—just call me Shuttle-chan." Taiki Shuttle laughed shyly.
"Come in." Lucian stepped aside. After Mejiro McQueen, Grass Wonder, and Taiki Shuttle entered, he suddenly blocked the last one, Meishou Doto. "Eh, who are you?"
Meishou Doto rubbed little Dango's head. "Trainer, it's me, Doto. (oﾟvﾟ)ノ"
"Who's Doto? Why break into a private home?"
"I… I didn't… I'm just dropping off little Dango. （＞人＜;）" Meishou Doto lifted Dango high. "Ran into McQueen and the others on the way."
As she spoke, her eyes sneaked a peek into the living room.
Smells so good…
Slurp, slurp~ What delicious thing is Trainer making?
"Oh, little Dango." Lucian took Dango in his arms, still blocking Meishou Doto. "OK, Dango delivered—Doto can go."
"Alright…" Meishou Doto glanced reluctantly, noticing Lucian's hand on the doorknob, and slowly turned.
"Hey hey hey~ Just kidding, Doto." Lucian quickly pulled her back—this time he'd gone too far; her cowlick drooped. "McQueen used the dessert voucher—they're here for pastries."
Meishou Doto felt wronged, looking up at Lucian. "But you didn't prepare for me—I won't come in.
＜(＿＿)＞"
"Didn't prepare, but you all ate dinner, right? Taste the pastries—if not enough, I'll make more."
"But…"
"You're still shy with your Trainer?" Lucian dragged Meishou Doto inside and shut the door. "Whatever you want, if it's not enough, I'll make it."
"You were just chasing me out…" Thinking of it, Meishou Doto's grievance surged—though she knew he was joking, it still hurt. "Trainer bullies me every day."
"My bad—I apologize to Doto. Sorry, absolutely no more bullying today."
"Mm! (‾◡◝)"
"Hold little Dango a bit longer."
"Okay~♪(^∇^*)"
Lucian watched Meishou Doto's cowlick perk up again, thinking how easy she was to coax.
But he was puzzled—why such a big reaction from the little klutz? Probably just her personality—if it were someone else, they'd have kicked the door down.
"Trainer Lucian~ Pastries? When can we eat?" Grass Wonder's call snapped him back.
"Little Grass, you're getting bolder." Lucian laughed. "Coming right up."
...
After bringing the pastries from the kitchen, Lucian sat beside Meishou Doto.
Mejiro McQueen had messaged him that morning, giving him plenty of time to prepare the varied, exquisite pastries.
Truthfully, his pastry skills needed work—still refining. "If they're bad, say so—I'll see what to improve. Please enjoy."
"Itadakimasu!" x3
Lucian looked at the quiet Meishou Doto. "Give me little Dango—Doto, taste properly."
"But…"
"Want Trainer to feed Doto?" Lucian held a pastry to her mouth.
"N-no no, I'll eat myself." Meishou Doto set Dango down, took a small bite. "Mmm————delicious!!"
Grass Wonder cupped her cheeks, praising: "Feels like entering a castle made of sweets."
Taiki Shuttle's cheeks puffed, words unclear, but her expression clearly praised Lucian.
Only Mejiro McQueen looked serious, chewing slowly before swallowing. "Good, but missing something."
"Oh? How so?" Lucian asked.
The other three perked their ears.
"Trainer-san's past works… especially that egg fried rice, gave a profound feeling—these pastries don't." Mejiro McQueen couldn't pinpoint why. "If I must say, they lack perfect harmony."
"I see." Lucian frowned, entering serious thought, grabbing a pastry casually. "Indeed not harmonious."
"Tr-Trainer——th-th-th-that's the one I ate!!" Meishou Doto yelped, her head steaming.
"Mm, got it."
Unclear if he was answering Meishou Doto or Mejiro McQueen.
Anyway, after responding, he ruffled Meishou Doto's cowlick, stood, and headed to the kitchen. "Eat first—I have more ingredients, can make another."
The four exchanged glances.
Taiki Shuttle blurted: "Trainer Lucian gone mad?"
Meishou Doto shook her head. "No—when Trainer cooks, he enters this state."
Grass Wonder nodded. "Yes—sometimes in class too, suddenly serious and ignores everyone, saying he found a new method."
Mejiro McQueen said nothing, taking another pastry.
Actually still pretty good…
...