It was clear that Astronomer had suffered unimaginable torment.
So much so, that upon merely hearing the words "Mejiro Family," her entire body shuddered violently before shrinking back into the corner of the sofa, exactly where she belonged.
Gotham Song felt somewhat helpless at this sight. She had anticipated Mejiro Ramonu might act like this, but even then, she hadn't expected things to be this exaggerated.
Ramonu-san, aren't you being a little petty?
Even now, Gotham Song didn't think this had anything to do with herself. However, Mejiro Ardan, who knew more about the situation, naturally chose to remain silent.
Ardan simply led Gotham Song to sit directly opposite Astronomer—face to face, with eyes locked pointedly upon the other.
Haya City, who had been quiet until now, also stepped forward. She had clearly heard everything. Yet, since Astronomer had been in the wrong first—and still hadn't learned her lesson—this gentle older sister felt it wouldn't hurt for her younger sibling to experience some hardship.
Despite Astronomer's meek demeanor now, she'd revert immediately once outside Mejiro Manor. Her current obedience was merely out of respect for Mejiro Ardan—or rather, the figure behind Ardan: Mejiro Ramonu.
Indeed, some prestige still lingered.
Ah, this troublesome little sister of mine…
However, their gathering had no particular agenda beyond casual chatter, as it wasn't yet late enough for Haya Of Star to emerge.
In truth, ever since Haya Of Star's disastrous debut race, she hadn't stepped outside her room, vanishing from everyone's view as if she'd sealed herself away entirely.
Thus, whenever possible, Haya City sought any opportunity—incidentally—to also plead for Astronomer's sake.
She knew well the kind of person Mejiro Ramonu was, after all.
After exchanging some idle conversation, the topic naturally shifted toward one of the true reasons Gotham Song had come to Paris:
The Irish Champion Stakes.
If fans knew that the two current top favorites for this prestigious race were sitting together in the same room, they'd undoubtedly go wild.
This year, there weren't many overseas Uma Musume aiming for the Irish Champion Stakes. Among the few that did, only one had garnered enough international attention to be a clear favorite:
Gotham Song.
Meanwhile, in Europe itself, the defending champion was none other than Astronomer.
After all, Astronomer had already proven her worth on the European circuit. Though Gotham Song's stunning victories in the Yasuda Kinen and Takarazuka Kinen had drawn global attention, international observers still largely dismissed those feats. To them, it wasn't Gotham Song who was exceptional; rather, Japan's competitive level had simply plummeted too low.
"How could the URA have fallen so far?"
Yet, ironically, this skepticism also acknowledged Gotham Song's strength. International analysts recognized her as a legitimate contender capable of challenging Europe's elite on the global stage.
Thus, as the Irish Champion Stakes drew closer, European media coverage intensified.
Perhaps this explained why Astronomer regarded Gotham Song with such deep curiosity now.
Especially since Astronomer's earlier meekness had vanished, replaced entirely by a piercing, earnest gaze.
Eh?
Gotham Song couldn't decipher what Astronomer was thinking as she stared so intently. Though Astronomer was known for her playboy personality, none of that carefree flamboyance was present at this moment. Instead, Gotham Song saw only profound seriousness and hope reflected clearly in the other Uma Musume's eyes.
"Miss Gotham Song… it might be rude of me to ask, but could I voice a question that's been troubling me?"
"…Please go ahead, Miss Astronomer."
Gotham Song instinctively responded formally. She didn't anticipate a joke from Astronomer at such a solemn moment. Her intuition told her that, under these circumstances, Astronomer would match the atmosphere's gravity.
No matter what, Astronomer was still an Uma Musume after all.
"In your previous races… you haven't shown your full strength, have you?"
Astronomer posed it as a question, yet her voice was utterly certain. Clearly, she was merely seeking confirmation—her heart already held the answer.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean, Miss Astronomer. I've approached every race with sincerity."
Gotham Song felt somewhat confused. She responded genuinely, entirely unaware that Mejiro Ardan was quietly watching her from the side.
Little fool. Approaching a race sincerely doesn't mean giving it your all. Or rather… do you even realize how much you've changed compared to before? Seems you haven't noticed yet.
"No," Astronomer pressed on earnestly. She placed both hands firmly upon the coffee table, leaning slightly forward.
The question clearly meant a great deal to her.
"Even before meeting you, whenever I replayed your races, I thought… 'What a formidable Uma Musume, what awe-inspiring running.' Yet, somehow, I could sense something was off."
"You never used your true, most comfortable running style. And more importantly, there was no trace of something essential for an Uma Musume—the absolute desire for victory, the unrelenting pursuit of triumph."
Astronomer recalled everything she had seen. She needed to speak these words openly, especially now, as their confrontation on the track drew near.
Losing wasn't frightening—but failing to ignite even the opponent's competitive spirit… that would be a humiliation, an utter disgrace.
"You enter each race already certain of victory. There's nothing inherently wrong with confidence, but… if it prevents you from truly showing your strength, then isn't that far too cruel?"
Astronomer suddenly stood up, towering yet humbly pleading.
"I know you withheld your full potential partly to crush Japan's complacency in international races. But—but…"
"The Irish Champion Stakes doesn't require such considerations, does it? Please show me your fighting spirit! Your thirst for victory! Allow me, your opponent, to witness Gotham Song's true heart and burning drive."
"Even if I lose, as long as I've fought against that Gotham Song, I'll watch the colored rain contentedly, savoring the honor of second place."
"Besides, among this year's Classic Uma Musume, who else but me, Astronomer, is worthy of challenging you?"
Even in defeat, honor awaited the defeated.
But that was only if defeat was genuinely fought for. Astronomer would never shrink from battle before it began. Who was she, after all? Astronomer—the Uma Musume closest to becoming a legend in this generation.
So, Gotham Song, if it's me you're facing, you'll finally reveal your determination and ambition, won't you? Let's battle—let's go all-out on the racetrack.
Gotham Song stared speechlessly at Astronomer, momentarily unsure how to respond. But one thing was certain:
Astronomer had indeed earned her reputation as Europe's greatest playboy and legendary Uma Musume.
But… did Gotham Song truly lack fighting spirit? She couldn't find an answer. Instead, after some reflection, she offered the best reply she could manage at the moment.
"I'll bear everything you've said in mind, Astron—"
"Please, don't say it. I'll give everything I have—let's settle that matter on the racetrack."
"In return, I'll put on a performance worthy of being your opponent. I hope you'll carefully consider my words and bring forth your resolve as an Uma Musume."
Astronomer bowed deeply before turning and leaving. She had achieved exactly what she'd set out to accomplish here—staying any longer would merely waste time. Moreover…
She needed Gotham Song to seriously ponder what she'd said, to find an honest answer herself. Polite assurances alone were meaningless until she saw real results.
Watching Astronomer's departing figure, Gotham Song sank into deep contemplation. Meanwhile, Haya City offered an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, Gotham Song-san. I wasn't aware she'd say all that… But that child truly cares about racing against you."
Haya City sighed lightly before adding one final comment.
"As long as she can force out your hunger for victory, even defeat would probably feel like an honor, wouldn't it? Perhaps that's the privilege of a challenger."
After bidding farewell to Haya City, Gotham Song quietly followed Mejiro Ardan upstairs toward the guest room prepared for their overnight stay. Throughout their short walk, Gotham Song maintained a thoughtful silence.
It wasn't until the bedroom door was securely shut—until they were alone—that Gotham Song finally spoke up, breaking the quiet.
Mejiro Ardan took a seat beside her.
"Still thinking about earlier, Song?"
"Mm… Ardan-nee, some of what Astronomer-san said... I still can't quite understand."
Mejiro Ardan gave a soft, gentle smile. Indeed, those words just now weren't easy to grasp—neither for Gotham Song nor for Twilight Song, her past self. In that case…
Ardan gently pressed her legs together, lightly patting her lap as an invitation. Only once Gotham Song lay down, resting her head comfortably, did Ardan begin to speak softly.
"It's hard to understand, right? But do you know what difference I see between you and your former self?"
"As long as I know, that's enough."
It's rare to see you this lost…but that's cute in its own way.
Mejiro Ardan stroked Gotham Song's hair affectionately as she continued explaining her thoughts.
"The you from back then equated life itself with victory. You mercilessly tore apart every opponent standing in your way, didn't you?"
But now, I'm not… Huh? Wait, is that true?
"That is, after you regained the chance to run, your drive to win almost disappeared entirely. If it wasn't for the URA's situation, Song might never have even chosen to debut again, right?"
Ardan's voice was gentle yet firm, as though she understood Gotham Song's feelings better than Song herself. With this quiet revelation, the girl lying down finally understood everything Astronomer had tried to convey.
She wants to challenge a genuine monster who fights fiercely for victory, not some machine who merely runs without desire.
"So that's what she meant... Really, saying it like that leaves no room to refuse at all."
Gotham Song spoke as if complaining, but without realizing it herself, the corners of her mouth had curved into a daring little smile.
Noticing this change, Ardan joyfully poked her cheek, satisfied with Gotham Song's newfound determination.
"But I'm not going to run in front this time..."
Aside from front-running, I'll give everything I've got, Astronomer.
You've won the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby, and the King George Stakes… The strongest classic Uma Musume of our era to face me? Quite bold of you, Astronomer.
Gotham Song took a deep breath, smiling confidently and without restraint.
Since you've openly challenged me, wouldn't it be rude if I didn't respond accordingly?
I'll tear you apart, Astronomer. You'll pay for your arrogance and self-confidence.
Your undefeated streak ends at the Irish Champion Stakes.
"That's exactly the spirit, Song."
Just like the confident, powerful you from back when you raced at Longchamp, my dear Song.
Ardan laughed fondly, their quiet moment of eye contact interrupted only by a knock at the door.
Opening it revealed Haya City, eyes filled with anticipation, glancing to the side.
"Haya Of Star's room is over there. I'll leave it in your hands, Gotham Song-san."
"I'll do my best, Haya City-san."
Truthfully, Gotham Song felt somewhat nervous about meeting her fan. Yet that anxiety evaporated the moment she opened the door.
Instead, it was replaced by…well…a stunned, confused embarrassment?
Why was she feeling this way?
Because there was just so much. So very, very much.
What exactly?
The answer: Gotham Song's photographs from races, promotional shoots, and everything in between.
Walls are typically white, right?
Wallpaper normally has a straightforward color, doesn't it?
Even slightly faded or worn walls could be understandable, right?
By the Three Goddesses—what exactly was "Gotham Song-colored" supposed to mean?
On the ceiling, covering every inch of wall, everywhere her eyes fell—nothing but endless pictures, magazine clippings, and posters. Even the cabinets overflowed with memorabilia.
If not for the risk of stepping on them, the owner of this room might have even plastered them onto the floor.
Haya Of Star…was truly a terrifying Uma Musume.
Before entering this room, Gotham Song had never realized how passionate her fan truly was. But now…
She was very, very, incredibly passionate.
As Gotham Song stood frozen at the doorway, processing this shocking scene, her gaze finally landed upon Haya Of Star's face—a face now so furiously red it wouldn't be strange if steam started pouring out from her ears.
Haya Of Star stood there, arms tightly hugging herself, completely frozen, short-circuited, and utterly unable to function.