At any rate, Haya Of Star unexpectedly regained her spirits, and seeing this, Haya City's smile turned warm with relief.
Naturally, Haya City invited Gotham Song and Mejiro Ardan to stay longer, but they politely declined. Instead, during dinner, Gotham Song mentioned the arrangement she'd decided upon earlier in the afternoon:
Before the Irish Champion Stakes, they'd stay at the Haya household again, resting and preparing together until the race concluded.
Haya City happily agreed without hesitation, seeing no reason to refuse. And Haya Of Star?
When Gotham Song proposed this openly, the girl was overwhelmed with joy and emotion—there was no way she could possibly refuse.
After spending the night at the manor, Gotham Song and Mejiro Ardan boarded their flight back to Paris at nearly the same time they'd left previously.
And just like before, Gotham Song spent most of the journey drifting in and out of sleep, leaning comfortably on Mejiro Ardan's shoulder from London back to Paris.
However, just before landing, Mejiro Ardan suddenly placed her hand firmly on Gotham Song's shoulder, startling her awake.
"W-what is it, Ardan-nee?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just reminding you to be a bit more careful next time, little fool."
Was it a hint? No—rather, it was unmistakably clear. Mejiro Ardan leaned in, gently brushed aside Gotham Song's bangs, and softly pressed a kiss onto her forehead.
Instantly realizing exactly what her dear sister was referring to, Gotham Song's face flushed bright crimson. She ducked her head shyly, unable to utter a single word, remaining speechless even after they'd landed, boarded Silic's car, and returned all the way to Dancing Brave's residence.
Ugh, so embarrassing! Ardan-nee pretending to be asleep—she's awful!
But sensing the awkward tension radiating from her little sister, Mejiro Ardan skillfully shifted the conversation, prepared well in advance.
"You worked very hard yesterday, Song. You've really grown reliable, you know?"
"What do you mean 'grown'? I've always been reliable!"
Gotham Song protested playfully, though she fully agreed with the first half of Ardan's statement.
That day at the Haya household had certainly left a deep impression in various ways, from Astronomer's bold declaration of war to Haya Of Star's astonishing confession. It was, in short, absurd beyond imagination.
Thankfully, Gotham Song felt grateful she'd kept enough composure to handle things properly.
Otherwise, it would have been terribly embarrassing.
Finally, after returning to familiar surroundings and meeting familiar faces once more, Gotham Song felt assured that her eventful trip to London had at last come to a complete end. Next on her agenda?
Preparation.
Astronomer—since you want to see my competitive spirit, since you believe you're worthy of challenging Gotham Song… then I'll have to show due respect. Although, sorry, I won't reveal my front-running strategy yet. That's reserved as a last resort.
However...
Apart from that, I'll hold absolutely nothing back.
With Dancing Brave's assistance, Gotham Song meticulously scheduled her training regimen and strictly adhered to it.
Time passed swiftly, moving from late June through July until it reached mid-August.
Of course, Gotham Song didn't spend every moment in training. Whenever she had spare time, she explored Paris—a city deeply connected to her past yet one she'd never fully come to understand.
However, something unexpected troubled her slightly: Gotham Song's fame as "Twilight Song's Avenger" seemed to have spread throughout Paris, giving Dancing Brave ample opportunity to tease her mercilessly.
Still, many things happened during this period:
Dancing Brave spent most days at home, Neo Universe continued her usual routines, while Mejiro Ardan surprisingly went out often.
Meanwhile, Daiichi Ruby participated in several races in France, achieving impressive results in mile and short-distance events.
Everyone busily attended to their own tasks until late August arrived—around the time Gotham Song planned to revisit the Haya household to familiarize herself with the Irish Champion Stakes venue.
On the very day Gotham Song concluded her final training session before leaving for the Haya household that afternoon, she gradually slowed her pace, stretching leisurely beneath the noon sun.
Clear, sunny days in Paris were somewhat rare—not that sunshine itself was unusual, but a day without oppressive humidity was a true luxury.
It was a lovely day; the grass and soil beneath had warmed comfortably, becoming firm and dry. What was best suited to such pleasant weather?
Naturally… lying down on the grass.
Thus, without warning, Gotham Song suddenly collapsed onto the warm grass, much to Daiichi Ruby's astonishment as she jogged nearby.
Alarmed, Daiichi Ruby quickly hurried over.
Yet, before she could even check Gotham Song's condition, a delicate hand swiftly seized her waist. Suddenly, Daiichi Ruby found herself pulled downward, tumbling onto the grass beside Gotham Song.
Smirking mischievously at the successful prank, Gotham Song winked playfully before lying back, staring serenely at the bright sky above.
Daiichi Ruby found herself gazing directly at Gotham Song's dazzlingly beautiful profile, illuminated softly by sunlight.
Honestly… such a mean trick.
In truth, according to Daiichi Ruby's strict upbringing, lying casually on the grass wasn't proper. She'd neither experienced nor been curious about such things before. But now…
Since Gotham Song was the one inviting her, Daiichi Ruby willingly gave it a try.
What exactly did lying on sun-warmed grass feel like?
Soft sunlight caressed her skin, the grass beneath radiated warmth, accompanied by occasional gentle breezes. And most importantly… the reassuring presence of someone dear beside her.
Surprisingly, Daiichi Ruby discovered she deeply enjoyed this atmosphere—not stiff or formal, unlike at home where she occasionally struggled to breathe.
Here, it was simply easygoing, basking comfortably together beneath the midday sun, savoring each other's presence.
"Prank successful~ Hehe, what do you think, Ruby? Isn't this wonderful?"
"Yes… it's truly lovely. I like it very much, Song."
Daiichi Ruby curled slightly inward, hands clasped neatly against her chest, turning gently to gaze directly at Gotham Song's face.
It was unfair, even cheating, to create an atmosphere like this—such a sudden yet cozy ambush that, even when she realized what was happening, she couldn't possibly reject. Song truly could be adorably cunning at times.
If anyone else had tried something similar, it wouldn't have felt right. But because it was Gotham Song, Daiichi Ruby felt wholeheartedly willing.
In the end, how did Daiichi Ruby really feel? What were her true thoughts regarding Gotham Song?
Even she herself couldn't fully articulate them.
Initially, approaching Gotham Song had purely been driven by family expectations, rather than her own feelings. Yet after spending time together, Daiichi Ruby found herself believing sincerely:
If the one she chose was Gotham Song, then it truly was the best possible outcome. An outcome wonderful enough to make her willingly choose… even surrender herself entirely.
Daiichi Ruby edged closer, gently clasping Gotham Song's hand and pulling it close against her chest.
"Song."
"Hm? What's wrong, Ruby?"
Gotham Song turned her head slightly, their gazes immediately locking together.
Somehow, Ruby's gaze felt subtly different—deep and difficult to decipher. Gotham Song couldn't quite describe it clearly; it felt as if their eyes had become intertwined in a quiet yet intense exchange.
What a strange feeling.
"It's nothing… I just thought, as long as it's you, Song, anything would be fine. You understand, don't you? The reason I first approached you…"
Or rather, the initial reason.
Gotham Song understood, of course. But she remained silent, sensing Ruby had more to say. Instead, she simply returned Ruby's gaze, turning her hand over gently to entwine their fingers together.
"Back then, I was prepared—even determined—to sacrifice myself if necessary. But after knowing you better, especially now, I realize…"
"That perhaps it was truly possible for everything to work out perfectly. Maybe it's my own luck—the luck belonging only to Daiichi Ruby."
She expressed herself straightforwardly, withholding nothing of her feelings or thoughts.
Because Daiichi Ruby had no reason—nor desire—to hide these feelings any longer!
She couldn't continue to suppress herself; such restraint didn't fit her resolution. After all, she wasn't evaluating Gotham Song's worthiness. In truth, Daiichi Ruby herself needed to take initiative in their relationship.
Thus, she spoke decisively, without delay:
"What happened in the past no longer matters. Now—I intend to genuinely pursue you. I'll prove myself worthy and show you how exceptional I can truly be."
Gotham Song blinked, processing Ruby's words carefully. If she wasn't mistaken, then perhaps, maybe…
Is this adorable girl lying next to me actually confessing to me right now?
A sneak attack like this… isn't that cheating?!
Momentarily flustered, Gotham Song struggled to find an immediate response, heart racing uncontrollably.
Yet Daiichi Ruby gently squeezed her hand tighter, drawing even closer.
"But Song—I'm not expecting you to answer right away. Right now, I just wanted you to understand my feelings clearly—to show you Daiichi Ruby's determination."
Ruby's eyes shone resolutely, comforting Gotham Song despite being the one confessing.
"You're amazing, Song. But I'll prove myself too. So please don't answer hastily—let me first demonstrate I'm worthy of your feelings."
Ruby moved closer, closing every bit of physical distance between them. Gotham Song felt warmth press gently into her embrace.
"Ruby's heart already beats for you, Song."
"So please, after seeing everything I'm capable of… if you're willing…"
"Let our hearts beat in harmony—together."