Gotham Song visibly froze for a brief instant.
However, having weathered countless dramatic moments, this abrupt and peculiar way of addressing her wasn’t enough to make Gotham Song expose a fatal slip-up.
She quickly regained composure, smoothly adopting a puzzled expression.
“Ruka-san…? Um, are you referring to me, Brave-san? Surely, that was just a slip of the tongue.”
Dancing Brave remained silent, simply observing the small figure before her with an amused smile, mentally overlapping that familiar face from her memories onto the one before her.
Hmm, I can’t say it’s exactly identical… perhaps if her hair were white…
Wait—white?
Strange. Why did it feel like she had overlooked something important?
Yet, Dancing Brave didn’t dwell on it long. She merely gave Gotham Song a slight nod, quietly shelving the topic for now.
Hmm…?
Gotham Song’s initial reaction had been panic, hadn’t it?
Moreover, why was she so eager to close the topic?
Dancing Brave had initially been uncertain, merely tossing out a straightforward probe. But after seeing Gotham Song’s flustered response, she now felt confident she was onto something.
At first, she’d thought even if a miracle had occurred, the person involved might have no memories or sense of self-awareness. But now…
So you want to play hide-and-seek, Song-san? Very well. I’ll find enough evidence to make you admit it openly.
How exciting.
Gotham Song felt an intense sense of foreboding. Ever since that brief exchange, Dancing Brave had been giving her an odd look—as if she’d suddenly seen through everything. Such a gaze left her uneasy, feeling utterly exposed.
But what could Dancing Brave have possibly discovered about her?
No, it can’t be… that, right?!
Eh? Seriously?!
Having just secured victory moments ago, Gotham Song now found herself drenched in cold sweat.
Fortunately, just as the atmosphere grew unbearably tense, another person belatedly emerged from the athlete’s passageway, breaking the uncomfortable stalemate.
Gotham Song turned to see a petite figure approaching—about her height, actually.
The fourth-place finisher of the race: Daiichi Ruby, whom she had left far behind.
To be fair, Daiichi Ruby’s beauty was outstanding even among Uma Musume, complemented by an elegance radiating from her every movement.
But honestly, Gotham Song’s affection toward Daiichi Ruby skyrocketed primarily due to this unintentional rescue.
Seeing someone else approaching, Dancing Brave visibly restrained herself, and Gotham Song relaxed a little.
Good, Dancing Brave seems unwilling to expose that secret publicly, at least for now.
Gotham Song was now acutely aware that Dancing Brave had probably uncovered the truth. Yet, since the older Uma Musume seemed determined not to reveal it outright but instead kept testing her directly, that meant she had suspicions but lacked concrete proof.
Fine. As long as I keep denying, without hard evidence, you can’t make me admit it, right?
You’re looking for Twilight Song? But I’m genuinely Gotham Song!
Relieved that the awkward conversation had been thoroughly interrupted, Gotham Song relaxed—until she noticed Daiichi Ruby coming straight toward her.
“Good day, Gotham Song-san. May I take a moment of your time?”
Apparently, Daiichi Ruby’s target really was Gotham Song. She formally addressed the still-bewildered girl standing before her.
Confused yet curious, Gotham Song nodded slowly.
What could this be about…?
She watched as Daiichi Ruby took a delicate golden brooch set with a large ruby from her pocket, gracefully presenting it to Gotham Song with both hands.
“This is my family crest. Gotham Song-san, would you perhaps honor my family with a visit at your convenience? There’s something I’d like to discuss privately with you.”
What could possibly warrant such formality…?
But seeing Daiichi Ruby’s serious demeanor, Gotham Song didn’t hesitate, graciously accepting the brooch with equal formality.
“I’m not sure what this is about, but I’ll certainly contact you when I have time, Daiichi Ruby-san.”
“Excellent. I will eagerly await your presence at any time. Good day once again, Gotham Song-san. And Dancing Brave-san, I wish you a pleasant evening.”
Daiichi Ruby refrained from explaining further, quietly leaving as Dancing Brave watched her go with a knowing smile.
Feeling utterly confused, Gotham Song turned to Dancing Brave—
Clearly, this legendary veteran who’d spent time in France had grasped the situation immediately.
Meeting Gotham Song’s puzzled gaze, Dancing Brave’s expression shifted to one of amused mischief.
“It seems the day has finally come for you to face this situation, Song-san. Perhaps this is the price for the legendary Uma Musume who was never caught.”
Both of them tactfully ignored their earlier conversation, yet this cryptic comment further confused Gotham Song.
Dancing Brave chuckled softly, thoroughly enjoying herself before finally explaining.
“Song-san, how familiar are you with the aristocracy among Uma Musume?”
Uma Musume aristocracy? Hmm, the Symboli and Mejiro families came to mind—but wait, neither of those were particularly old-fashioned in the traditional sense.
Gotham Song wasn’t foolish; Dancing Brave’s comment clearly related to Daiichi Ruby’s recent approach. From her behavior alone, it was obvious Daiichi Ruby’s family was entirely different—traditional, strict, and deeply concerned with elegance.
Yet, Gotham Song knew absolutely nothing about such noble traditions.
Dancing Brave clearly understood this, simplifying her explanation.
Among traditional Uma Musume aristocracy, lineage was everything—especially bringing a legendary bloodline into one’s family, or at least the bloodline of a potential legendary figure.
This was a top priority for every suitable heir of those noble families.
To put it plainly…
“If it’s with that young lady, no one would find it strange if you danced the gentleman’s role.”
Dancing Brave almost seemed ready to whistle in amusement, and only now did Gotham Song realize something important:
The person standing next to her was a seasoned Parisian through-and-through—hopelessly romantic and mischievous to the core.
But dancing at a ball? Me? Wait, isn’t this going way too fast?
“No need to be surprised, Song-san. You accepted Daiichi Ruby’s personal token; that brooch was an invitation. Accepting it means just one thing:”
Dancing Brave’s delight was almost wicked now.
“‘It would be my honor to become your dance partner’—something like that, probably.”
Gotham Song was speechless, still digesting this revelation. She cast a questioning look toward Dancing Brave.
“You seem awfully familiar with all this. Did you experience it yourself?”
“Of course. Which country’s Uma Musume do you think I am?”
Don’t act as if that explains everything, you jerk!
“Besides, legendary Uma Musume usually encounter this kind of thing sooner or later. Well, except for a certain legendary figure you’re familiar with.”
Dancing Brave further educated Gotham Song:
It was practically an unspoken rule to encourage legendary Uma Musume to pass on their bloodline.
“If Twilight Song hadn’t died so suddenly, countless prominent Uma Musume would have pursued her before the Kikuka Sho.”
Dancing Brave’s voice held clear disdain now.
“Don’t be fooled by their hateful words. Secretly, Japanese society probably idolizes the person they claim to despise the most.”
Her disgust and disdain were undisguised now. What she hated most was this hypocrisy: privately admiring Twilight Song, yet publicly attacking her obsessively.
As for the nobles, they regretted endlessly that Twilight Song’s lineage hadn’t been preserved in Japan. With Gotham Song showing similar legendary potential, Daiichi Ruby’s invitation was perfectly understandable.
She’d probably entered today’s race specifically to observe her future “husband.”
Apparently satisfied, Daiichi Ruby had promptly extended her invitation.
The typical next steps? A formal ball, intimate conversations, perhaps even a formal engagement?
Dancing Brave almost laughed aloud imagining the petite Gotham Song dancing a gentleman’s part with another Uma Musume.
“Um, so…can I decline?”
“Certainly. But the noble young lady who issued the invitation—Daiichi Ruby—would face great humiliation and criticism within her family. Her status might even suffer. But hey, feel free not to attend~?”
You’re deliberately guilt-tripping me to attend, aren’t you?!
Unsure what to do, Gotham Song decided to postpone the matter and seek advice later—from a certain meddling old man or perhaps Neo Universe.
Dancing Brave casually suggested she’d arrange a suitable evening gown if Gotham Song decided to attend, and the two parted ways.
On the train home, Gotham Song messaged her cousin, Manhattan Cafe, about her victory. She added a special star symbol at the end, a secret signal between herself and Sunday Silence.
As expected, upon stepping off the train, Sunday Silence was already floating by the gate.
Before Gotham Song could speak, the dark spirit quickly merged into her body.
What’s wrong, Sunday Silence?
A moment later, Gotham Song spotted Mejiro McQueen standing stiffly nearby, a somber expression on her face. Yet, that wasn’t the key point.
A familiar figure hovered beside McQueen—a face Gotham Song saw every day.
Phantom Ruka had finally manifested clearly, fully visible outside Mejiro McQueen’s body.
“Can we talk, Gotham Song-san? I have something I need your advice about,” McQueen said seriously.
Gotham Song internally panicked:
Why is every noble young lady looking for me today?!
Wait—she wouldn’t hand me a brooch too, would she?!
HELP!!!
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This is a fan translation of 只能活一年了才更要成为传奇赛马娘! by 大渚教 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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