A peculiar reaction—perhaps something you'd only ever notice with an Uma Musume.
It wasn't especially obvious, but their powerful sense of hearing made it easy to detect the sudden acceleration of a heartbeat.
Simply put, Mejiro Ramonu had become excited in an instant.
Yet, she managed to maintain her composure, gracefully donning her usual elegant mask and taking a seat beside Mejiro Bright.
Everyone at the table, however, could clearly sense Ramonu's gaze constantly drifting toward Gotham Song.
The strongest reaction naturally came from Manhattan Cafe. Just as she was about to say something, Gotham Song subtly nudged her cousin's thigh under the table.
Not yet, Cafe-nee. It should be fine—for now.
Probably…
Manhattan Cafe reluctantly held back and resumed her intended role:
Accompanying Gotham Song to serve as a buffer, restricting Mejiro Ramonu's choice of topics.
Clearly, Ramonu realized as soon as she saw outsiders here that her initial intentions would not go as planned. Mejiro Ardan inviting outsiders already spoke volumes, especially…
"Ardan, won't you finally return to Mejiro Manor? Everyone misses you."
"I'm sorry, Ramonu-neesan, but I still have no intention of going back."
Enough of this. Apologize already and let's go home.
Why should I apologize when I've done nothing wrong?
This summarized their exchange succinctly.
In short, the discussion between the sisters had reached an impasse, and Ramonu obviously saw no reason to press further.
"So, Ardan, won't you introduce me to these two unfamiliar faces?"
Two?
More like one!
Ramonu's eyes were already fixed unblinkingly on Gotham Song. Her gaze was intense, heated, almost reluctant to move away.
Even Ardan couldn't help but feel uneasy, but she still politely began introductions.
"This is Gotham Song, a filly in her debut year. And this is her cousin, Manhattan Cafe."
Mejiro Ramonu smiled faintly, gracefully accepting her coffee from the waiter before unexpectedly picking up Gotham Song's cup and sliding it gently toward her.
"Gotham Song, hm? Quite an evocative name—it brings to mind many memories."
Almost everyone at the table knew exactly what Ramonu was referring to—except perhaps Manhattan Cafe, who still sat vigilantly alert.
"You look very much like someone I once knew, Song—Ruka."
"Ah, yes, many people have told me so. But... By 'Ruka,' you mean her, right?"
The Twilight Song, correct?
Gotham Song maintained a polite smile, even as cold sweat beaded secretly down her back.
So, this is Mejiro Ramonu, huh? Casually throwing in a test in the middle of small talk…
Gotham Song shuddered to imagine what might've happened if she hadn't immediately caught the subtle probing.
Attempting to steady herself, Gotham Song raised her coffee cup—only to see Sunday Silence reflected in the dark surface, grinning maliciously at her.
Already immune to such petty tricks, Gotham Song calmly took a sip of the unsweetened iced Americano.
Huh, it's actually not so bitter today…
"Indeed. It's perfectly normal for people to mistake you. You really do resemble her."
Though her initial probing had failed, Mejiro Ramonu showed no signs of disappointment. Instead, she propped her chin on one hand, staring openly at Gotham Song with a predatory intensity.
"Ahaha… really? Well, what a surprising coincidence."
Ramonu-neesan's stare is terrifying… It looks like she might flip the table any moment. Please don't—I really don't want to return to Mejiro Manor!
"So then, Song, if I were to invite you to Mejiro Manor, would you accept?"
There it is!
The invitation to Mejiro Manor!
She absolutely couldn't accept—but how to politely refuse?
Gotham Song hesitated. But just as Ramonu's question faded into silence, Manhattan Cafe calmly set down her coffee cup and took hold of her cousin's wrist.
Don't worry.
"I object. Song isn't allowed to stay overnight at someone else's home."
"Hmm?"
Mejiro Ramonu narrowed her eyes at Manhattan Cafe, uttering a brief sound of disbelief.
"I said, Song can't sleep over at someone else's house. She's not yet at that age."
But through Gotham Song's eyes, she saw another scene entirely. Her cousin wasn't normally so assertive—this wasn't Cafe's doing at all.
Sunday Silence had taken over Cafe's body, and was now glaring coldly across the table at Ramonu.
This was Gotham Song and Neo Universe's carefully prepared secret weapon:
Sending Sunday Silence to confront Mejiro Ramonu.
It's the ultimate battle between two apex predators!
"I was merely inviting her for a friendly visit, Manhattan-san. Nothing more."
"Manhattan Cafe" shook her head dismissively.
"When I say no, I mean no. My apologies, but I don't feel comfortable with Song staying elsewhere."
"Is there truly no room for negotiation?"
Mejiro Ramonu pressed once more, her gaze becoming colder and more serious. Suddenly, everyone present clearly witnessed Ramonu's overwhelming aura and a dark, imposing glow emerging from her body.
But…
Sunday Silence only looked even more excited.
Deep shadows erupted violently around her, reality itself shattering like a mirror as Ramonu's aura instantly crumbled to nothingness.
In mere moments, Mejiro Ramonu had been completely defeated.
"I am Song's cousin. She will always be mine. If I say no, it means no. Understand?"
Ramonu's face darkened drastically. Ardan looked on anxiously, clearly torn.
Yet no one anticipated what happened next—
Sunday Silence boldly seized Gotham Song's wrist, pulling her swiftly to her feet.
"We'll be leaving now, Mejiro Ramonu. Don't try anything stupid—I can't guarantee what I'll do in return."
Without even waiting for a response, Sunday Silence firmly led Gotham Song out of the café.
Then, after abruptly turning into a secluded alleyway, Gotham Song—still bewildered—was pressed forcefully against the wall by Sunday Silence.
Wait—why does this feel disturbingly familiar?
"W-what's wrong, Cafe-nee? You're acting so strange today…"
"Enough pretending, Song. She can't see us now, and I didn't do this just to tease you."
Sunday Silence grinned maniacally, her face dangerously close to Gotham Song's.
"Tell me—Mejiro Ramonu isn't imagining things, is she?"
At this distance, Gotham Song finally understood the meaning behind Sunday Silence's earlier grin reflected in the coffee.
I've figured you out.
"You're Twilight Song, aren't you?"