Naturally, Gotham Song had no idea about Sunday Silence's thoughts. She was simply waving the cheering flag with all her might, eyes bright with pride as she watched her cousin cross the finish line.
And in that instant, Manhattan Cafe bid farewell forever to anonymity.
She became the honored winner of the Kikuka Sho, claiming a title countless Uma Musume could only dream of.
Of course, from Gotham Song's perspective, perhaps it wasn't something incredible—but that was only because she had already attained glory of her own.
For ordinary Uma Musume, let alone winning a G1 race, even an OP-class event's participation medal was something to cherish and smile fondly upon years later.
At this moment, Gotham Song truly felt deep happiness for Manhattan Cafe. Even more surprisingly, Sunday Silence didn't stir up trouble for once.
Perhaps even she understood how precious and difficult this honor was to achieve—especially for Manhattan Cafe.
Unfortunately, another certain individual nearby had no such awareness:
Agnes Tachyon enthusiastically shouted something toward Manhattan Cafe. Her unusual behavior was enough to make Gotham Song fold her ears back in embarrassment and look away.
After savoring the crowd's cheers, Manhattan Cafe returned to the waiting room to prepare herself.
And what exactly was she preparing for?
It was Gotham Song's first time seeing her cousin in a racing outfit stepping onto the Winner's Stage.
Hmm… how should I put it?
Given your performance, Cafe-san, please never offer to teach me about Winner's Stage, okay?
Though Gotham Song herself couldn't dance or sing, she still possessed a keen sensitivity to certain things.
Her cousin appeared calm and collected at first, but as her singing progressed, the vibe gradually shifted into something else entirely.
How do I even describe it?
Her voice sounds incredibly cute and petite… Ogura Yui, please get out of my cousin's body!
Gotham Song suddenly realized Manhattan Cafe's ability to teach Winner's Stage was probably worse than Sunday Silence's!
At least that old ghost—as a former champion—had ample stage experience, while her cousin relied entirely on the natural charm of her voice alone.
As if reading Gotham Song's thoughts, Sunday Silence abruptly draped herself over Gotham Song's back, playfully blowing a breath of nonexistent cool air directly onto her dark, sensitive ears.
"I feel like I just heard you thinking about me…?"
This damn ghost can even read minds now?!
Embarrassed and flustered, Gotham Song was about to reply aloud, but this body was far too sensitive. Realizing Sunday Silence had deliberately teased her ears, she instinctively began twitching them.
"Stop fidgeting, little dummy. Listen carefully: someone's watching you."
Sunday Silence's voice was extremely low, devoid of her usual carefree tone—as if speaking louder would let someone overhear her words.
But other than people who could see ghosts, who else could possibly hear Sunday Silence?
Who could it even be?
"Who is it?"
"A little girl accompanying a pale purple-haired Uma Musume… Oh, seems like someone you know."
Someone I know, accompanying a pale purple-haired Uma Musume?
Who else could it possibly be?
Especially someone capable of sensing ghosts…
Mejiro McQueen and Phantom Twilight Song?
"Do you want to meet them?"
Sunday Silence cautiously asked Gotham Song, who responded with a slight shake of her head.
It wasn't the right time yet. According to Neo Universe, if Phantom Twilight Song got too close, she might pierce through the cover of Gotham Song's current body, instantly realizing that Gotham Song was Twilight Song's reincarnation.
It wasn't remotely the right moment yet.
"Oh—but it seems you don't have a choice anymore."
"…Why?"
Sunday Silence grinned mischievously, hugging Gotham Song tightly from behind and drifting around until she stood in front of her, pressing a gentle, ghostly kiss onto the filly's forehead.
"Don't panic. It's just a little nuisance—I'll protect you."
Eh? What?
Gotham Song's eyes widened in surprise, but just as her heart began racing, Sunday Silence suddenly vanished from sight. Simultaneously…
The world before Gotham Song momentarily darkened.
It was over in an instant, and when she recovered, it felt as if nothing had changed…
Except for the fact that Sunday Silence had disappeared entirely.
Sunday Silence's voice echoed softly in her mind:
[I told you, stay calm, little one. They're right behind you. Adjust your breathing, and nothing bad will happen.]
Sunday Silence paused briefly, and at the same moment, Gotham Song distinctly felt a warm presence gently shielding her from behind, isolating her completely from any prying eyes.
Sunday Silence finally whispered:
[You're safe as long as I'm here. I'll always protect you.]
Seriously? Saying something so sappy… are you aiming for the Afterlife Stakes now, too?
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Gotham Song turned around as naturally as possible.
Mejiro McQueen's figure clearly appeared within her vision, along with another entirely unfamiliar existence.
Gotham Song distinctly saw "another version of herself."
But perhaps it was more accurate to say—she'd finally encountered the only Twilight Song still existing in this world.
She didn't differ greatly from the Twilight Song of the past, aside from floating in mid-air like Sunday Silence. The main difference was probably in her hair—
Several strands of her bangs bore obvious highlights identical to Mejiro McQueen's hair color.
What a memorable first meeting… Fortunately, Gotham Song felt surprisingly calm.
Because Sunday Silence's warmth from behind was far stronger than the cold, penetrating stare before her.
"You must be… Gotham Song-san?"
Mejiro McQueen softly spoke, her voice slightly hoarse as if she hadn't conversed with others in a long time.
"Yes… Mejiro McQueen-san, isn't it?"
Gotham Song felt slightly awkward addressing her this way but nonetheless played her current role perfectly—as merely a passing Uma Musume without any special relationship with Mejiro McQueen.
"I came to offer my congratulations to Manhattan Cafe-san. However, it wouldn't be appropriate to meet her in person. Instead, I have a message I'd like you to convey. Would that be alright?"
"Of course…?"
Mejiro McQueen's expression grew serious, clearly indicating the importance of her next words.
"Please tell Manhattan Cafe-san: since she's won the Kikuka Sho, I hope she'll continue running with all her strength."
"Don't ever tarnish the honor and prestige of this victory."