Gotham Song had the distinct feeling Mejiro Ramonu was implying something deeper, almost like she was plotting something.
Or rather, this person before her had clearly confirmed certain truths in her heart, methodically testing and encircling unknown aspects, slowly closing in like vines, wrapping around, and—
Searching for the truth.
But…did Gotham Song really have any other choice? Could she even afford to run away?
Returning to Japan had been about verifying the situation at Mejiro Manor and remedying the consequences of what she'd done. In other words, while it was definitely dangerous, wasn't it also a perfect opportunity to understand Mejiro Ramonu better, or even completely clear the gloomy clouds hanging over Mejiro Manor?
If that was the case…
I'm ready for you, Mejiro Ramonu—and Mejiro Manor.
"Of course, that's fine. But if that's the case, there's no issue with me bringing along my cousin to Ireland, right?"
Mejiro Ramonu didn't object, though the thought of three people traveling together inevitably brought up memories of another time—back when they'd lived together in New York.
Though, back then, Ramonu herself had rarely been home.
She hadn't expected it to be Mejiro Ardan. Well, perhaps this was for the best. Right now, Ramonu herself wasn't even sure how to face her own younger sister.
Manhattan Cafe, huh? Well, that wasn't bad at all.
Ramonu nodded in approval, and seeing this response, Gotham Song finally relaxed a bit.
Initially, she'd thought about inviting Ardan, hoping to use this chance to bridge some gaps. But that move felt too risky. If something went wrong, it could lead to the absolute worst-case scenario.
Therefore, the safer choice was Manhattan Cafe—her dear cousin might be slightly disadvantaged when facing Mejiro Ramonu, but that wasn't a big deal.
As long as Sunday Silence went on the offensive, everything would turn out fine.
The two talked briefly about other expedition details, but it was mostly Mejiro Ramonu doing the talking, while Gotham Song remained incredibly vigilant. To her surprise—
Ramonu really was just giving straightforward instructions. She didn't seem to be probing or pushing Gotham as before, making the whole interaction strangely disorienting.
After Ramonu finished speaking, Gotham Song hesitated, unsure of how to leave. Ramonu noticed this immediately, fixing her with a curious look.
"Anything else bothering you, Gotham-san?"
"Ah, no…nothing."
"Then I need to handle some student council duties now. Shall we speak again later?"
"Huh? Oh, y-yes. Of course."
Bewildered, Gotham Song flicked her ears and left the room.
That was it?
She'd expected Ramonu to corner her relentlessly. Well, not getting targeted was probably a good thing. For now, she'd better find Oguri Cap and start training.
Honestly, Gotham Song hadn't fully appreciated it in her previous life, but since reincarnating, she'd grown increasingly fond of running across the grassy fields. Surpassing everyone, the wind roaring past—there was an indescribable feeling of exhilaration.
She descended the staircase, and only once Ramonu was sure the footsteps had faded away did she finally put down her pen. Leaning back, arms folded, Ramonu stared expressionlessly at the ceiling, sinking into silence.
She was indeed similar—actions, words, everything. In fact, it was almost enough to confirm outright. There were still minor details lacking concrete proof, but Ramonu felt it deeply in her bones.
Yet, new doubts arose.
If it really was her, why was Gotham reacting this way? She seemed to be avoiding them somehow… No, that wasn't it exactly—it felt like she wanted to approach but couldn't afford to move too quickly. A sense of déjà vu?
Ramonu couldn't quite pinpoint it. Right now, her logic and emotions were in fierce conflict—exactly why she hadn't pressed Gotham to stay longer.
Stepping back to advance forward. Ramonu needed some space to cool her head.
As the heir to the Mejiro family, she understood better than anyone that impulsiveness was fatal. The closer hope appeared, the more she needed calm, total calm.
This might be her only chance in this lifetime. Ramonu had to carefully consider the consequences of every single move.
Especially regarding something this important!
But truthfully, her confusion ran deeper. Was it really her? And did she retain her previous life's memories?
Her previous subtle tests with Gotham had all been inconclusive. It was as if Gotham's responses from that night at Mejiro Manor were just coincidences.
But could there really be that many coincidences in the world?
Ramonu's mind raced desperately. However, she became frustrated upon realizing she wasn't especially familiar with Twilight Song's little habits and behaviors. That was Mejiro Ardan's territory!
If the two of them could join forces, they might instantly confirm whether Gotham Song truly was the person they'd longed for all this time.
Yet, with their relationship strained to an awkward degree, directly proposing cooperation was impossible at the moment.
Sigh…looks like I'll just have to be patient.
Ramonu convinced herself—don't rush, never rush. Because one misstep could ruin everything. What she needed now was to wait for the right moment.
Wasn't that week-long expedition to Ireland in September the perfect chance?
Ramonu set aside her work, picked up her phone, and began typing and planning rapidly.
She would resolve as many of her doubts as possible in Ireland.
Search for the truth!
But Gotham Song, now down the stairs and completely unaware of Ramonu's plans, cautiously peered around the corner of the main hall, checking to ensure a certain slightly-taller filly wasn't lurking nearby.
Ah. It seemed Dia-chan's Open Campus Day was truly, finally, completely dead.
It felt somewhat cruel to put it that way, but Gotham Song genuinely believed it was good riddance.
But just in case—given that this particular young lady might barge straight into supposedly inaccessible dorm rooms—Gotham decided she needed some additional protective measures.
Such as…
"Song? Is something the matter?"
Hearing Manhattan Cafe's gentle, cool voice beside her, Gotham Song immediately dove into her cousin's embrace, enveloped by a sense of security.
At moments like these, even the most rigid support felt warm and soft, even Manhattan Cafe herself.
Well…with one notable exception—that one child she'd tried counseling earlier. That kid was beyond help.
Seeing Gotham Song behave this way, Manhattan Cafe didn't ask questions. Instead, she quietly comforted Gotham until she calmed down. Afterward, she gently pinched Gotham's cheek, took her hand, and walked together towards their dorm.
Thus, the cousins swept down the corridor, accompanied by a long-missed sinister clownish laughter.
Well, even a neurotic ghost like Sunday Silence was infinitely preferable to Dia-chan.
At least Sunday might be an eccentric trickster who acted strange most of the time, but she was unquestionably reliable!
She got things done—things she promised. Compared to Dia-chan's unpredictable, ancient-god-like logic, Gotham Song would even choose to share a soul with Sunday any day!
As afternoon settled into evening, Central Tracen grew quiet with Open Campus Day ending. Usually, at this time, many Uma Musume trained outdoors, and cute students bustled about for various reasons. Today, however, the campus was tranquil.
Perhaps they were at snack shops with juniors, shopping nearby, or maybe just exhausted and resting somewhere.
Regardless, Gotham Song and Manhattan Cafe returned to the dorm, ascending the stairs until, near their room, someone unexpected rounded the corner.
Agnes Tachyon paused briefly before waving a casual greeting.
"Oh, Gotham and Cafe. Looks like you two just returned. Perfect timing. Cafe, I need to borrow Gotham—no objections, right?"
"Gotham? You're going with her? Is something wrong?"
Cafe felt puzzled—knowing Tachyon's personality, this situation was curious indeed.
What would make Tachyon need Gotham's help…?
"Don't worry," a familiar voice whispered reassuringly in Cafe's ear. "Friend" knew something—but strangely enough, Cafe noticed Friend seemed to be exchanging glances with Gotham herself.
Cafe didn't understand it, but after a moment's hesitation, decided to trust her Friend's judgment.
Thus, Gotham Song nodded reassuringly at Cafe, bid her cousin farewell, and followed Agnes Tachyon.
Once back in Tachyon's lab, Gotham Song carefully found a seat among the scattered bottles and equipment.
Instead of immediately addressing the issue, Tachyon silently wrote notes, plucked a strand of Gotham's hair, and placed it on the table. Both watched quietly as the hair slowly changed color, fading from black to pure white.
"Just as I thought, Gotham."
"So…what exactly happened?"
Tachyon returned to her seat, carefully considering her words.
"To keep it brief, your body is developing resistance to the medication."
Gotham Song's maturation was accelerating, irreversibly returning to its original state.
"How much time?"
"Maybe…less than a year. Could be faster, but no less than half a year."
In other words, no problems before the Japan Cup?
Plenty of time.
"Thanks, Tachyon-nee."
Plenty of time—to conquer the Japan Cup. After that?
She'd give it her all.