Right up until the eve of the Arima Kinen, Manhattan Cafe hadn't noticed a thing.
Gotham Song had finally found a stable way to conceal her changing hair color—
Simply drink the potion each night before bed, and she'd wake up without any issues the next morning.
But if she skipped it even once, nearly half her hair would turn white overnight, impossible to hide.
Neo Universe clearly knew about this, but raised no objections to Gotham Song's solution.
Thus, as daily routines continued, the final major race of the year quietly approached.
The Arima Kinen—arguably one of Japan's most prestigious domestic races.
Typically, every Uma Musume who competed in this race represented the pinnacle of popularity that year.
This year, however, everyone's eyes were drawn to just two contenders:
The Dark Ojou-sama, the graceful winner of the Japanese Derby—Mejiro McQueen.
The Black Skyscraper, who similarly crushed all opposition in the Kikuka Sho—Manhattan Cafe.
These two were constantly mentioned together, especially since Agnes Tachyon, who'd won the Satsuki Sho, had effectively left the track due to her health.
Thus, without question, this year's Arima Kinen spotlight belonged solely to Mejiro McQueen and Manhattan Cafe.
And that put Gotham Song—who had come to watch the race—in a very delicate position.
Worse still—
She hadn't yet found an opportunity to return Sunday Silence to Manhattan Cafe!
This is bad.
If Café-nee raced without that familiar presence at her side, she'd definitely be at a disadvantage.
Especially with McQueen having the Phantom Twilight Song supporting her.
Gotham Song hesitated, anxiously facing Manhattan Cafe, who gazed at her calmly, quietly waiting for her to speak.
She wasn't hesitating about returning Sunday Silence; rather, she wasn't sure exactly how to do it.
[Isn't this simple? Just kiss her, problem solved. Café won't mind at all.]
I know she won't mind—but I will!
In her racing outfit, Manhattan Cafe glanced briefly at the clock. There was still plenty of time, so she waited patiently for Gotham Song, clearly sensing her cousin had something important to say.
[If you keep hesitating, Cafe will have to face Phantom Ruka and your darling Mejiro McQueen alone. Are you really fine with that, dear cousin?]
Sunday Silence's teasing voice only heightened Gotham Song's anxiety.
Why aren't you worried at all, you old ghost? What if Café-nee loses?!
Truthfully, Sunday Silence's nonchalant attitude made Gotham Song wonder if the ghost really cared about Cafe winning or losing at all—but surely that wasn't possible.
Perhaps the old ghost was simply better at hiding her nervousness than Gotham Song herself?
Or maybe, just maybe, Sunday Silence could actually return to Manhattan Cafe anytime she pleased, eliminating any reason to worry.
But Gotham Song couldn't rely on such a slim hope—not when Café-nee might only ever have this one chance at the Arima Kinen…
She couldn't hesitate any longer. More drastic action was needed.
"Café-nee… Could you please close your eyes for a moment? Just briefly."
Manhattan Cafe twitched her ears, curious about Gotham Song's strange request. But of course, there was no reason to refuse. If Song wanted, Cafe would close her eyes indefinitely, simply waiting for further instructions.
[Finally going through with it, aren't you? So bold~]
Shut up, you old ghost—say any more and I won't even be able to open my eyes from embarrassment!
Gotham Song felt her face burn, but forced herself to remain composed. Standing in front of Manhattan Cafe, she gently placed both hands on her cousin's shoulders, leaning slowly toward that pale, flawless cheek.
"Café-nee… T-this… is… um…"
What is this exactly? Think, Song! A blessing, perhaps…? Ah!
"This is a blessing—from the Goddess of Victory. A gift to the one who'll surely win."
Gotham Song brushed aside Manhattan Cafe's silky black hair, placing a soft, tender kiss on her cheek.
Then, overcome by embarrassment, she immediately turned and bolted from the room.
The sudden footsteps woke Manhattan Cafe from her daze. She opened her eyes, watching Gotham Song flee, before softly touching her cheek.
The Goddess of Victory's blessing?
If Song chose this way to give her blessing, was it her way of saying—
—that she wished to become Manhattan Cafe's very own Goddess of Victory?
Cafe remained seated, confused as to why she would think such a thing. Yet she didn't dislike it; rather, in her mind, Gotham Song was already the perfect image of a victory goddess…
Gotham Song was her goddess.
Hmm, something about that sounds off… Well, next time Song has a race, I'll bless her in the exact same way.
Clenching her fist determinedly, Manhattan Cafe stepped firmly onto the track leading to the racecourse.
Even if her friend wasn't by her side, with Song's hopes and blessing in her heart, she no longer feared any opponent.
[You seem to be in excellent condition, Cafe.]
My friend's voice? Ah, welcome back.
Seeing the shadow appear beside her, Manhattan Cafe offered no questions, simply warmly greeting her beloved companion as always.
But somehow, this time lacked the usual surprise she felt whenever her friend abruptly returned after leaving without notice.
Instead, she felt calm, even peaceful. Was it due to Gotham Song's blessing…?
Well, whatever the reason, as long as my friend has returned, everything's alright.
[The opponent we're about to face is exceptionally strong, you know?]
Sunday Silence's teasing tone gradually faded, turning serious. Truthfully, even at her peak, she probably wouldn't have stood a chance against Phantom Ruka.
Even now…
Well, realistically, this race was almost certainly unwinnable for Manhattan Cafe.
I know that very well, my friend.
[Then, would you like my help?]
Should I? Do I really need it?
After a brief silence, Manhattan Cafe shook her head firmly.
No. I must face this by myself.
[Are you sure? Even if defeat is inevitable?]
Even if defeat is inevitable, I still must face it alone.
Manhattan Cafe emerged into dazzling sunlight, stepping gracefully onto the turf.
Even if failure awaits, I must run my own race.
Because there's a certain someone I still need to catch up to—my friend.
And Twilight Song… I must keep running alongside her.
That's why I can't run away. No matter what.