In the end, Mejiro McQueen did not invite Gotham Song back to Mejiro Manor again.
Instead, as dusk began to fall, the young lady of the Mejiro family invited Gotham Song to a stylish café in the shopping district, seating themselves face-to-face.
Clearly, Mejiro McQueen had something formal to discuss, and Gotham Song instinctively matched her seriousness.
What could it be?
Just what does McQueen want to talk about…?
“You’ll be entering the Japan Cup, won’t you, Song-san?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Is there something the matter?”
Mejiro McQueen nodded softly before quietly revealing the real purpose of their meeting.
“I’ll also be participating in the Japan Cup. At that time, we’ll become rivals, Song-san.”
“Is that so? Well, with McQueen participating, things will certainly become more challenging.”
According to Neo Universe, Phantom Ruka was nearly an exact replica of her strongest self from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Still, aren’t there a bit too many Uma Musume eager to settle things with me at the Arc?
What’s the reason, really? It’s rather strange.
Gotham Song heard Sunday Silence’s faint chuckle inside her mind, but she didn’t respond, instead simply nodding calmly toward Mejiro McQueen.
“In that case, let’s settle things properly at the Japan Cup.”
Since her dear younger sister was entering the race with such confidence, she naturally had to respond in kind.
I just hope McQueen won’t be heartbroken enough to cry if she loses…
She’s undefeated so far, isn’t she?
Ah, sorry in advance, McQueen…?
After saying goodbye to Mejiro McQueen, Gotham Song finally returned to school, headed to her dormitory, and finally found time to rest.
After washing up and changing into pajamas, she placed the ruby-encrusted brooch prominently on her bedside table for Neo Universe and Sunday Silence to clearly see.
“In short, that’s how it is. I received this from Daiichi Ruby-san as a… um…”
How should she even describe this?
After thinking it over carefully, Gotham Song finally chose a more neutral term:
“Ball invitation? Yes, something like that.”
Truthfully, Gotham Song had no idea how to respond, as the concept of engagements or similar matters felt distant and abstract to her.
Unexpectedly, Neo Universe spoke up first.
“This might actually be a good thing. If we could obtain Daiichi Ruby-san’s support…”
The chances of reaching the best ending might increase.
Neo Universe left that second half unspoken, but Gotham Song felt keenly that this development must be quite unfamiliar even for Neo Universe herself.
Hmm. Come to think of it, these unprecedented developments seem to be happening more frequently.
Neo Universe had mentioned from the beginning that this timeline was unlike any she’d experienced before.
In other words, this was an entirely new worldline she’d discovered only after countless attempts. And as time passed, she would encounter more and more events she’d never witnessed before.
Recently, Neo Universe seemed unable to provide more useful information, clearly feeling deeply guilty about it.
How could she blame herself for something like this? It’s not your fault, Neo.
Gotham Song wanted to speak, but before she could say anything, Neo Universe had already slipped into the bathroom, leaving behind only her retreating back.
Should I go after her?
As Gotham Song hesitated, Sunday Silence uncharacteristically appeared in front of her, gently shaking her head.
Yes, you’re right.
The more Gotham Song tried to reassure Neo Universe, the more hurt she’d likely feel. Perhaps allowing her to calm down was the best choice right now.
With that thought, Gotham Song placed the brooch in the bedside drawer and quietly slipped under the covers first.
Meanwhile, the freer Sunday Silence drifted silently into the bathroom. From behind Neo Universe, who was gazing blankly into the mirror, Sunday Silence spoke softly:
“Are you truly alright with this, Neo Universe? Aren’t you feeling even the slightest bit unhappy?”
Unexpectedly, Neo Universe replied immediately, without hesitation:
“As long as the ending is good, I don’t care what form it takes. Daiichi Ruby-san is a Uma Musume worthy of respect.”
“Is that truly how you feel?”
“Yes, Neo Universe sincerely believes so.”
Although sadness and frustration were inevitable, they were minimal, almost insignificant compared to her true priority.
Neo Universe had already steeled herself for personal sacrifice.
Sunday Silence hadn’t expected such an answer and fell silent briefly, before chuckling lightly.
Well, that’s not such a bad thing, is it? Honestly, meeting a girl like Neo Universe must be Gotham Song’s greatest fortune.
Perhaps sensing the ghostly lady’s thoughts, Neo Universe shook her head slightly, speaking softly in conclusion:
“I’m only trying to make amends. There’s nothing else to it.”
…
The next morning, Gotham Song was awakened by Tokai Teio for the first time in ages.
Recently discharged and brimming with energy, the lively little filly had enthusiastically tried dragging Gotham Song out for a few laps, conveniently ignoring the fact that she was still in rehabilitation.
Naturally, Gotham Song quickly came to her senses, promptly grabbing Tokai Teio by the back of the neck, instantly pacifying her. Tokai Teio could only obediently submit.
Fortunately, as if she’d anticipated Tokai Teio’s antics, Symboli Rudolf swiftly arrived, seized her newly-subdued ward, and whisked her away to do what needed doing.
And Gotham Song’s reaction to all this?
Well… Let’s hope Teio survives intact.
After this minor morning drama, Gotham Song headed downstairs for breakfast—only to unexpectedly encounter someone standing before her dormitory.
Daiichi Ruby, who rarely appeared at Central Tracen, was waiting patiently, dressed neatly in her school uniform.
At this moment, Gotham Song knew with complete certainty:
There was no escaping it. She’d have to attend this ball, wouldn’t she?
“Good morning, Song-san. Would you mind if I joined you for breakfast?”
As expected of a noble lady, Daiichi Ruby’s manner was impeccable, maintaining just the right distance, perfectly poised.
Agreeing would naturally mean eating together. Even if Gotham Song declined, Ruby had carefully left her a graceful exit. But honestly, who would refuse such an invitation?
It’s just breakfast, anyway—nothing to fuss over.
When Gotham Song accepted, Daiichi Ruby’s tension visibly melted away, and the two headed toward the dining hall, with Sunday Silence quietly watching behind them.
Truthfully, it was easy to see Ruby had been nervous. Without any previous emotional bond, she’d clearly feared rejection. But now—
Gotham Song is truly kind… That’s wonderful. If it’s her, perhaps things won’t be so bad.
Strong, talented, gentle, and considerate.
Even at this early hour, Oguri Cap’s legendary appetite was unmatched. Gotham Song sincerely doubted whether even ten of herself could match that grey-haired monster.
But the moment Gotham Song stepped into the dining hall, Oguri Cap perked up instantly, sniffing lightly before excitedly waving her over, extending her usual mealtime invitation.
Honestly, does this grey-haired monster have psychic abilities or something? Her appetite isn’t the only supernatural thing about her.
Oguri Cap seemed deeply curious about Daiichi Ruby, who was sitting beside Gotham Song for the first time. Perhaps sensing a special bond, Oguri Cap even generously shared some of her food—an unprecedented move that utterly shocked Tamamo Cross when she arrived.
Is the world ending? Oguri Cap’s actually sharing willingly with two people?!
Gotham Song, long accustomed to this scene, said nothing, while Daiichi Ruby maintained her refined demeanor throughout.
After breakfast, the group headed out for morning training. Humorously enough, they quickly spotted Tokai Teio—accompanied by Mejiro Ramonu, who had apparently been roped in by Symboli Rudolf to supervise her, ensuring Teio wouldn’t get bored and cause trouble.
The Emperor truly is wonderful. Stay far away, Huang Shiren!
Complete separation! Absolutely necessary!
After training, Mejiro Ramonu’s work was finally done, and she turned her sights toward Gotham Song—
Only to be intercepted by the timely arrival of Mejiro Ardan.
Mejiro Ardan swiftly befriended Daiichi Ruby. Upon learning Ruby planned to invite Gotham Song as her dance partner to a ball, Ardan enthusiastically encouraged it.
Though Ardan clearly saw Gotham Song as a younger sister, her gentle teasing made Gotham Song rather embarrassed, given what she already knew.
Nee-san, as my co-conspirator, are you seriously pushing me toward marriage?!
Granted, the potential fiancée is beautiful, kind, gentle, and wealthy, but—
Wait, am I living in some wish-fulfillment fantasy?!
Inwardly cursing an imaginary author for the first time in ages, Gotham Song spent the afternoon with Mejiro Ardan, who eventually called Mejiro Bright to forcibly remove Mejiro Ramonu from the scene.
Wow… Ardan really is my hero!
Feeling deeply grateful, Gotham Song considered seriously speeding things up.
When Tamamo Cross finally dragged Oguri Cap away, Daiichi Ruby naturally invited Gotham Song to chat privately. At dusk, they slipped out of the school gates and sat down in an inconspicuous café together.
Gotham Song had known this private conversation was inevitable from the moment Ruby appeared that morning. But seeing Ruby clearly nervous when they were finally alone, Gotham Song simply placed her hands calmly before her, silently meeting Ruby’s gaze.
Initially flinching slightly, Ruby quickly steadied herself, taking a deep, calming breath.
“I’m ready now, Song-san. Thank you for your consideration.”
“No problem. So, what exactly did you want to say?”
Ruby didn’t hesitate, speaking with determination and confidence:
“As I mentioned earlier, there’s a private ball this Friday evening. Would you honor me by attending as my partner?”
Attending a noble’s ball as a lady’s partner meant their relationship would be implicitly acknowledged, at least temporarily. Sunday Silence quietly whispered this implication to Gotham Song.
In other words, Ruby was entrusting Gotham Song with her reputation, her honor, perhaps even her future.
Could Gotham Song possibly refuse such an earnest invitation?
“Of course. I’ll gladly accompany you this Friday, Daiichi Ruby-san.”
“You can call me Ruby, Song-san. Something more intimate is fine, you know.”
“Then, Ruby—let’s attend together this Friday.”
—
T/N: Daiichi Ruby is cuuuuuute and wow… song really is short huyh
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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