But even after Mejiro Bright exhausted every possible method, Gotham Song still didn't agree to her request.
No way. Accepting this would definitely put me in danger. Better to refuse outright.
Mejiro Bright could only helplessly give up her efforts, changing the topic instead to casual small talk.
Gotham Song, entirely unsure what Bright was getting at, decided to stop overthinking things. But in her heart, one huge question persisted:
The day after my first encounter with Mejiro Ramonu, Mejiro Bright moves in right next door…? There's no way this is a coincidence, right?
No matter how she tried, Gotham Song couldn't shake off her suspicions. This was exactly why she'd stayed on guard, wary to the point of resembling a porcupine.
Fortunately, Mejiro Bright was clearly skilled in social interactions. Seeing Gotham Song's obvious "shyness," she carefully maintained an appropriate distance between them.
The train rumbled onward, finally bringing Gotham Song and Bright to their destination. Bright cast a curious glance at the little filly beside her, finally voicing her question.
"So…you're also here to watch the Japanese Derby…?"
Gotham Song nodded.
"Even though you have no interest in the Japanese Triple Crown?"
"Huh? Bright-san, how do you know about that?"
A terrible premonition arose in Gotham Song's heart.
"Oh dear, I've let something slip, haven't I? Hehe, Rudolf-san mentioned it to me. Now, let's hurry, or we'll miss the race~!"
Mejiro Bright spoke lightly and playfully, leaving it utterly ambiguous whether she'd intentionally leaked information or if it was truly a slip of the tongue.
Yet, one thing was clear.
Symboli Rudolf, you scheming immortal bastard!
Grinding her teeth in frustration, Gotham Song reluctantly followed Mejiro Bright to the premium viewing stands.
It was just then that the race was about to begin.
In truth, Mejiro McQueen—as the brightest new star from Mejiro Manor—had garnered attention nearly equal to Twilight Song in her debut.
After all, this was Mejiro McQueen, the so-called "Jet-Black Ojou-sama," famed far and wide.
However, today's race left Gotham Song utterly astonished.
Not because anything particularly shocking occurred, but because Mejiro McQueen was acting a little…too frightening.
Gotham Song knew well from Neo Universe that a phantom Twilight Song lingered around Mejiro McQueen. Today's events fully confirmed this fact.
Halfway through the Japanese Derby, McQueen abruptly launched an aggressive charge from behind the entire pack, rapidly closing in on the lead position.
But the Uma Musume racing in the Japanese Derby were hardly amateurs. Faced with Mejiro McQueen's fierce challenge, they boldly chose to respond head-on.
A solo duel began, astonishingly early in the second half of the race.
And the leading Uma Musume actually turned out to be another frontrunner!
Yet…
Black flames erupted from Mejiro McQueen's body, swirling around her to form a terrifying vision in every Uma Musume's eyes.
Her racing outfit—originally black with elegant golden embroidery and white lining—transformed right before everyone's eyes.
It became the very same black formal-style dress that McQueen had once purchased together with everyone from Mejiro Manor.
Is…is this really okay?
"Song-chan, surely you've noticed—this isn't normal behavior for McQueen. Don't you think so too?"
"Ah… Um, what exactly isn't normal? I remember hearing that this is supposed to be her [Unique Skill], isn't it?"
Gotham Song carefully maintained her disguise, giving away nothing. Bright didn't refute her answer, instead gazing at McQueen with evident worry.
"Twilight Song…is someone extremely important to McQueen. Or rather, someone incredibly important to all of us."
"I-Is that so?"
Sweat trickled down Gotham Song's back. She really couldn't guess what surprising thing Bright might say next.
But Mejiro Bright seemed too preoccupied to care about Gotham Song's nervous reaction, her attention fixed entirely on Mejiro McQueen as the girl surged toward the finish line.
Perhaps this idea was risky…but it was also the only feasible solution Bright could think of.
If they couldn't get Twilight Song back, then placing a "Twilight Song" by McQueen's side might help her regain her spirit—and then they could figure out their next step.
Mejiro Bright despised herself for even considering such an approach. Yet, there was simply no other option.
Maybe we've all fallen ill since Twilight Song left… Seriously ill. After all, the enormous pressure of losing a legend who disappeared just as she rose is beyond imagination.
On top of that, the two most important sisters in the family had even become estranged over the matter.
Twilight Song…Twilight Song…
"So…Bright-san. What exactly do you want me to do?"
No way… Bright-neesan, even you're this ill?!
Gotham Song felt her thoughts spin into chaos. At this point, who wouldn't understand exactly what Mejiro Bright intended? And the clearer Bright's intentions became, the more flustered Gotham Song grew.
Because she genuinely had no idea how to restore Mejiro Manor to the place she remembered.
Surely I can't pretend to be my own substitute, fix everyone's relationships, then laugh and say: "Ahaha, sorry everyone, actually I'm Twilight Song's reincarnation, not just a replacement!"
Doing that would just get me killed faster!
Ugh, I have to find some foolproof method.
"Ah…perhaps I should clarify further, Gotham Song-san. I'd like you to become the second Twilight Song beside Mejiro McQueen."
…Tch.
Well, on the bright side, Bright-neesan probably isn't working for Ramonu-san. At least, she doesn't seem to be trying to uncover my true identity. But couldn't she avoid confirming it this directly?!
What else could Gotham Song say? She simply stayed silent, watching Mejiro McQueen in the distance.
Honestly, she'd already attempted several times to approach McQueen, but there was never any chance.
The reason was simple: Mejiro McQueen rarely ever stepped out of Mejiro Manor except for races.
But agreeing to something like this…was impossible, wasn't it?
"I understand if you hate this request. I apologize, Gotham Song-san. But please… at least consider it."
Mejiro Bright paused, closing her eyes briefly before preparing to leave.
"If you agree, I'll do anything you ask. Whenever you've decided, please visit my room next door."
"I'll be waiting…no matter how long it takes."