Haya City was a mature, elegant woman.
Van Gogh was a lively, adorable runaway idiot.
France and Britain were truly very close.
Why suddenly bring up such a strange topic? Well, to understand that, we'd have to start from the beginning.
When Gotham Song heard from Dancing Brave that the rotten girl Astronomer had been kidnapped by Mejiro Ramonu, her mood instantly brightened.
Oh my, even a romantic like you can slip up? Hehe, serves you right! Let's pop champagne!
But aside from her gleefulness, Gotham Song now had new doubts. Logically, Astronomer was only supposed to ask Mejiro Ramonu about something, wasn't she?
Well… even though her own relationship with Mejiro Ramonu was still complicated, had things really deteriorated to the point where Ramonu would explode at the mere question?
Something about this felt strange.
If Mejiro Ramonu knew Gotham Song's true identity, then Ramonu's reaction would make perfect sense. But… but Ramonu-neesan probably had no clue at all, right?
Gotham Song couldn't figure it out, while Dancing Brave leisurely leaned against the wall, unconcerned.
There was too much history behind this situation. From Dancing Brave's perspective—Astronomer, you never learn, do you? Getting caught like this might finally teach you a lesson.
In any case, as Gotham Song visibly struggled with her confusion, Daiichi Ruby kindly filled in the crucial details.
"Song-chan, you might not know, but Astronomer has been to Japan before."
"And then…?"
Gotham Song's ears perked, and she immediately imagined a possibility so absurdly self-destructive that it seemed beyond redemption.
No way… Oh my dear Sunday Silence, Astronomer, you can't be that reckless, can you?
"It was a few years after Twilight Song's era. Miss Haya City had just retired, and Astronomer-san went to Japan before her debut. Her destination at the time was… Mejiro Manor."
Even the usually composed Daiichi Ruby looked slightly baffled and exasperated as she continued.
"It's said Haya City-san flew overnight to Japan just to retrieve her. This time, Astronomer-san making her first stop Mejiro Manor again is… well, it's rather hard to deny she's purposely provoking them, right?"
As expected of you, Astronomer. Truly, as expected of you British Uma Musume!
It was utterly unsurprising—nine out of ten would have guessed it anyway. So now the logic finally lined up.
Mejiro Ramonu didn't imprison Astronomer out of rage from discovering Gotham Song's true identity, but rather due to their past grudges.
Why specifically name Gotham Song to mediate? Well, after causing such trouble, directly contacting the Haya family might've been embarrassing. Gotham Song herself was involved, after all.
Besides—given Gotham Song's now-close relationship with Mejiro Manor, helping Ramonu smooth this over would make future interactions easier.
Ramonu-neesan really considers everything carefully! Such meticulous thinking, so convincing, so reliable!
Far from feeling upset at being used, Gotham Song instead felt reassured, quickly deciding her next move.
In that case, calling Mejiro Ramonu first was the obvious next step.
She dialed immediately, sitting down in Daiichi Ruby's original spot, while the "original owner" graciously headed downstairs to prepare tea.
Dancing Brave watched this scene unfold with a trace of envy. Ah… if only she'd been given the chance to start their relationship from scratch—she'd surely do better than the little lady of the Daiichi family, at least nine or even ten times better!
Such a shame, such a pity…
And you, Daiichi Ruby, you're still not putting in enough effort. If you don't step it up…
Sighing, Dancing Brave returned helplessly to her room.
She couldn't just stay in these pajamas forever, could she? As much as she didn't want to take them off, what if Gotham Song's embarrassment meter overloaded?
Distances had to be narrowed gradually, sensitivities slowly overcome.
Oh, Song-chan, you didn't think our little game of cat-and-mouse would end just because you died once, did you? Hehe.
While Daiichi Ruby was downstairs, Gotham Song's call to Mejiro Ramonu connected surprisingly quickly. Before Ramonu's cool voice even fully came through, Gotham Song enthusiastically thanked her.
Mejiro Ramonu stared at the phone, utterly bewildered. Double-checking the name on the screen confirmed no mistake—but what exactly was happening?
Hadn't she made her intentions obvious enough? She wanted Gotham Song to hurry back to Mejiro Manor—Paris was unsafe, Mejiro was safe, wasn't that clear?
Strange. Did Twilight Song not understand? She'd have to remind her clearly… Why did she suddenly run off to Paris, especially with those people?
"Ru—"
"Thanks so much, Ramonu-san! I fully understand your goodwill, really!"
Huh? What…? Wait, you idiot…
Ramonu didn't get it. Subconsciously, she traced the photo frame beside her bed, trying to comprehend the situation.
This reaction was exactly the same as every other time.
Could this silly child really still not realize it?
Speechless, Ramonu felt nothing she said would ever get through. Twilight Song never acknowledged anything without being confronted with irrefutable evidence.
Before the Arc, wasn't she exactly like this? As Gotham Song, she might seem sunnier, livelier—but her stubbornness hadn't changed at all.
Fine, dragging her back from Paris now is unrealistic. But who could she trust to keep Gotham Song safe?
Reliable, determined, protective… Among those at Mejiro Manor, who met these criteria?
"Is that so? Then I'm curious—what goodwill exactly do you think I'm showing?"
"Hm? Isn't it obvious? Ramonu-san clearly has a grudge against Astronomer but kindly let me handle it. Obviously, I get the benefit! I completely understand!"
You understand… Pffft. So that's how she saw it. Well… Twilight Song wasn't exactly stupid, was she? Ramonu sighed quietly, deciding to wait and see a bit longer.
She had no choice but to wait.
But even if Song-chan refused to acknowledge herself, did she think Ramonu would do nothing?
There was one thing about Twilight Song's character that Ramonu knew would never change:
Her unwavering determination, her refusal to betray those who gave her warmth.
In other words—so what if you don't admit it? If Mejiro Manor kept deepening its ties to Gotham Song…
The runaway Twilight Song? You'll return willingly eventually, Gotham Song.
Why should I be anxious? There's nothing to worry about.
"I'm glad you understand my intentions, Gotham Song-san. Then please handle the Haya family well—and expect someone from my side shortly."
"Hm? Ah, understood. You have someone coming to Paris? Just have them contact me directly when they arrive."
Ramonu's smile appeared briefly before disappearing again.
Not just anyone—someone you know very well. Ah, if only she agreed to watch over Mejiro Manor in my place… Well, she'd ask later.
"Very good. Enjoy your discussion, Song-san. See you soon."
After hanging up, Ramonu opened her contacts, hesitating a long time before calling someone she hadn't spoken to in ages.
"..."
"Come back and watch over Mejiro Manor. I'm going to Paris."
Silence, silence, silence—and then calm breathing.
"I know where she went, Ramonu-neesan. This won't work."
"…I knew you'd say that. Fine, next topic."
Still as stubborn as ever. If only she lowered her head, their bond could instantly return to what it once was—but she wouldn't yield. Ramonu understood—she wouldn't either.
"The next topic? What is it, Ramonu-san?"
"So formal. Since I can't go to Paris myself, you should go instead."
Surprise was evident across the line, but determination quickly followed.
"You said it yourself, Ramonu-neesan. I'll pack immediately."
Oh? From Ramonu-san to Ramonu-neesan now? Not so formal anymore? Arden, you're really…
Well, things would return to normal soon enough.
I won't give up, Twilight Song. Eventually, you'll come to me yourself.
And you too, Arden—had you really not noticed the identity of that girl you wished to protect? Why were her sisters all such fools?
Meanwhile, across the ocean, Gotham Song had no doubts. She nodded politely to Daiichi Ruby upon her return, briefly chatted, confirmed details with Dancing Brave, then called the Haya family.
This brought us back to the beginning.
A few hours later, Gotham Song saw two Uma Musume exit a car outside.
Dancing Brave, beside her, provided names immediately:
One was Haya City, head of the Haya family, Arc winner, and first legend after Twilight Song's era.
The smaller one was Van Gogh, Haya family's new star—reportedly a promising runaway.
Gotham Song moved to greet them, but Dancing Brave pushed her gently back onto the sofa.
Instead, Dancing Brave personally welcomed Haya City upstairs.
Once seated opposite, Gotham Song observed Haya City closely—elegant yet visibly tired. Clearly, Astronomer had exhausted her again.
"Thank you for your kindness, Gotham Song-san. Our Astronomer… lacks consideration in many ways."
Haya City seemed genuinely maternal. Gotham Song suspected her status ran deeper than mere "elder sister."
"It's no trouble—I haven't even met her yet. I'll sort things out with Mejiro Manor, don't worry."
Relieved, Haya City cautiously made a request:
"If you have time, could you come to Britain? Our Star is your passionate fan—she adores you, not Twilight Song."
She loves me, not Twilight Song!?