Even so, on the journey back, Gotham Song still felt an endless trickle of cold sweat sliding down her cheek.
Especially after…
Ardan effortlessly reached into the surrounding crowd and dragged out Neo Universe, who'd been quietly trailing behind as protection.
At that moment, Gotham Song's earlier nervousness instantly turned into perfect obedience.
Was she moved? No—more like afraid to move.
Still, Gotham was genuinely curious how Ardan had managed to spot Neo Universe so easily.
After all, this was Paris—a city filled with blonde-haired girls and Uma Musume alike. Even someone as striking as Neo Universe shouldn't stand out that much here, right?
So when Gotham asked, Ardan gave her a gentle smile and a simple explanation:
"Because you're right here with me, Song-chan."
What kind of explanation was that? Gotham Song felt her head buzzing; she desperately searched for an interpretation—did Ardan mean that having Gotham beside her heightened her vigilance?
Well, anyway… Ardan-neesan, you're incredible.
Gotham glanced at Neo Universe, only to see her cheerful roommate flicking her ears contentedly and giving her a small nod.
Since everything had turned out perfectly, of course Neo Universe would be happy, especially now that Mejiro Manor's danger level had considerably dropped for Gotham Song.
The bus ride back felt short, and the trio of Uma Musume soon returned to Dancing Brave's residence.
Daiichi Ruby greeted Ardan warmly—though she couldn't help feeling slightly confused. Before, Ardan hadn't seemed particularly close to Gotham Song. Yet now, after just a short outing, Ardan sat intimately beside Gotham—even feeding her?!
Without even switching utensils?!
Moreover, why was Ardan occasionally casting suspiciously scrutinizing glances her way?
Ruby's confusion lingered unresolved. Before she could seize the chance to clarify matters, Dancing Brave struck first, quietly summoning Ardan to speak privately elsewhere.
Left wondering why Ardan and Brave needed to talk alone, Gotham tilted her head, meeting Neo Universe's curious eyes. The golden-haired girl quietly took Gotham's hand, clearly wanting to say something.
It was just an ordinary conversation about their next moves. After all, everything had progressed smoothly, exactly as Gotham had hoped.
Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Ardan maintained her usual composed smile, sitting elegantly opposite Dancing Brave.
Truthfully, Ardan once believed her life had stopped, stuck in that stormy day at the Arc. That was precisely why Gotham Song's arrival had filled her with such affection and care.
A little Uma Musume who resembled Twilight Song so closely had indeed brought Ardan a measure of comfort and strength—until she'd dismissed those feelings as betrayal and deception, forcing herself to suppress them.
But who could have guessed?
If Ardan had known this warmth she felt was something returned to her naturally, she would've embraced it wholeheartedly from the start. You silly child, Twilight Song… Still, thank goodness it wasn't too late.
Ardan marveled at this miraculous reunion. She'd met Twilight Song by chance, lost her tragically, then miraculously found her again in this unexpected warmth.
Truly miraculous, wasn't it?
After all, when Ardan had answered Ramonu-neesan's call yesterday, her finger had hovered over the hang-up button. Had Ramonu-neesan not known her so well, speaking quickly and urgently, Ardan really would've ended the call there and ignored any further attempts.
Though she felt slightly guilty, Ardan still whispered a silent thank you to her sister:
Sorry, Ramonu-neesan… and thank you.
Yet even so, Ardan was determined not to let Ramonu-neesan learn that Gotham was Twilight Song—not yet, not even if she'd already suspected as much but lacked concrete proof.
Ardan didn't know exactly why Ramonu-neesan had requested her to come to Paris, but she knew her older sister very well:
Ramonu-neesan wouldn't have done this without being absolutely certain.
In that case, Ardan would oppose her with all her might.
After all, she and Twilight Song shared a bond that transcended life itself—a bond that persisted even beneath this second sunrise.
So, Ramonu-neesan… I'm sorry, but even you won't break Twilight Song's trust in me… Ah, I suppose it's Gotham Song now, isn't it?
For Gotham's sake, Mejiro Ardan would become fearless—no matter the opponent, even if that meant confronting Ramonu-neesan or even the legendary veteran Dancing Brave.
But what did Dancing Brave-san want with her, anyway? And why did Ardan have the strange sense it concerned Gotham?
"Though I don't know precisely what happened this afternoon, let me be blunt."
Inside Dancing Brave's dimly lit room, the veteran Uma Musume gently placed a cup of warm tea before Ardan.
In the dusky twilight, Ardan could clearly make out the knowing smile on Brave's face. Somehow, Ardan felt a deep sense of unease.
"As I thought, Gotham Song is Twilight Song, isn't she?"
Dancing Brave carefully studied Ardan's reaction as she dropped this explosive remark, immediately noting the subtle widening of her eyes.
Caught you. That brief look of shock.
Yet Ardan quickly composed herself, tilting her head innocently in feigned confusion.
"Dancing Brave-san, are you referring to my younger sister Twilight Song? That joke isn't amusing at all."
She even skillfully showed a hint of genuine offense. In fact, Ardan really was annoyed—this wasn't merely an act. After all, in Japanese forums, some fans had seriously theorized Gotham was either Secretariat's or Dancing Brave's secret child, or even both!
But Dancing Brave remained utterly relaxed, casually reclining against the sofa, smiling quietly.
"No need to panic. I have no ulterior motives towards Gotham. As a fellow Uma Musume, you should already know exactly what I want."
"What you want…as an Uma Musume?"
Ardan paused briefly, considering Brave's words carefully before understanding struck.
What could two former rivals desire, except another chance to race with all their hearts? To face off once more, burning bright upon the track.
Ah…so that's it.
Ardan's tension slightly eased. If Dancing Brave truly just wanted a race, there was no danger at all. Ah, speaking of safety—perhaps it was indeed best for Gotham to stay in Paris until after the Irish Champion Stakes. Isn't that right, Astronomer-san, still back at Mejiro Manor?
Seeing Ardan relax, Dancing Brave smoothly added one more assurance:
"And besides, as the very first person who witnessed that miracle firsthand, I'm easily Twilight Song's biggest fan, wouldn't you say?"
"You're quite persuasive, Dancing Brave-san. But why not confirm this directly with Gotham herself?"
Brave sighed slightly at Ardan's non-answer. Mejiro girls truly were exhausting to deal with. Still, she'd gotten what she needed, hadn't she?
That was enough.
Their conversation soon ended, and Ardan politely excused herself. But once she'd stepped out of Brave's room, her first destination was obvious:
Straight to Gotham Song's bedroom.
She flung open the door dramatically, instantly spotting Neo Universe, whose startled expression confirmed her suspicions.
As expected—only Neo Universe was here.
Wasn't this supposed to be a single room?
The aura radiating from Ardan screamed pure older-sister authority, silently conveying a single message through narrowed eyes alone:
"Shouldn't you restrain yourself when away from home?"
Neo Universe froze briefly in shock and surrendered quietly, leaving the room without protest.
So when Gotham Song finally returned from enjoying a leisurely evening reading with Daiichi Ruby, preparing to sleep, she found—
Ardan-neesan sitting comfortably on her bed, gently putting down a book and smiling warmly at her.
Huh…? Why is Ardan-neesan here?
Not that she minded Ardan-neesan's presence, but wasn't this normally Neo Universe's spot?
"That girl went back to her own room tonight. She's not ready to face her own heart yet—though I'm not quite sure why."
Ardan stood gracefully, and only then did Gotham notice she'd already changed into a comfortable nightgown.
It seemed she'd have to speak privately with Neo Universe tomorrow. Judging by Ardan's comment, Neo Universe must be holding something back, something important yet difficult.
Gotham nodded obediently when Ardan spoke again, voice gentle:
"All right, Song-chan, go wash up first, okay?"
"Yes, Ardan-neesan."
When Gotham returned—now dressed for sleep—she obediently sat beside Ardan, who took the chance to do something she'd long wanted but never allowed herself to try before:
She gently drew Gotham Song into her arms and pulled the covers around them both.
"So, your face is exactly the same as before. But what's going on with your hair?"
"Oh, that. Actually, before maturation, it stays black."
Ardan gently ran her fingers through Gotham's hair, thoughtfully absorbing the explanation.
What mischievous hair. If it stayed black even after full maturation, wouldn't that add another layer of disguise?
"Such disobedient hair…"
"It's okay—it'll behave itself by tomorrow morning."
Gotham Song quietly made her decision:
Perhaps tomorrow morning, she'd surprise Ardan by finally revealing a hint of her true colors.
With this gentle secret between them, Ardan held Gotham close, their bond deeper now than ever before.
"Then, I'll wait to see how obedient it is tomorrow morning."
"You won't be disappointed, Ardan-neesan. I promise."