With the New Year festivities behind them, the holidays were soon drawing to a close.
By the time Gotham Song finally snapped back to reality, classes were already about to resume.
How to describe this feeling?
Her memory still lingered on those lazy days following New Year's, lying listlessly in bed until noon before finally getting up to spend the rest of the day gaming.
But now—how is it that classes are about to start again already?!
According to Neo Universe, this reaction was entirely predictable. Every version of Gotham Song across parallel universes behaved exactly like this:
Blissfully unaware until reality suddenly smacked her in the face.
Even so, Tracen Academy wasn't exactly an ordinary school. Homework was essentially nonexistent, and the daily schedule was laughably relaxed—
Gotham Song had barely visited a classroom in almost half a semester!
In an environment like that, returning to classes made little difference; it just meant moving back from their rented apartment to the campus dormitory.
Honestly, the dorm rooms were far more comfortable anyway.
As a result, Gotham Song felt absolutely no reluctance about the impending start of term and obediently returned to her dorm on the very first day back.
However, the day before classes resumed, Gotham Song received an entirely unexpected invitation.
It came from Symboli Rudolf, inviting her to the Student Council office.
At first, Gotham Song hesitated, unsure if she should accept—but Neo Universe, conveniently present, casually encouraged her.
"Symboli Rudolf is safe most of the time. You'll be fine."
Since Universe seemed confident, Gotham Song set aside her worries and arrived at the Student Council office precisely one hour after receiving the invitation, knocking quietly on the door.
"Please come in."
Symboli Rudolf's calm, soothing voice instantly gave Gotham Song a reassuring feeling.
Compared to the icy demeanor she'd once shown as "Emperor," Rudolf now seemed much gentler.
Still, that gentleness didn't erase the irritation Rudolf had previously caused in Gotham Song's heart.
You're the traitor who sold me out!
Carefully, Gotham Song tiptoed inside, entering not like a welcomed guest, but rather like an intruder sneaking into someone else's room.
Rudolf couldn't help but smile slightly at this amusing display. Setting down her pen, she propped up her chin with one hand, quietly watching Gotham Song's awkward entrance.
Realizing how silly her behavior must look, Gotham Song's face flushed slightly, her ears flicking in embarrassment as she took a seat on the sofa.
Yet her curiosity quickly overcame her embarrassment, prompting her to glance around this entirely unfamiliar room.
When Gotham Song transferred into Japan Central Tracen Academy, she'd only visited the Director's office. This Student Council room was entirely new to her.
The room itself was impressively spacious, perhaps even excessively so. As midday sunlight streamed through wide, spotless windows, everything appeared bright and open. The furnishings were elegant yet simple: a cabinet proudly displaying various Tracen Academy honors, three neatly arranged desks, plush sofas, and a cozy area beyond a slightly ajar wooden door—presumably a rest area.
However, what truly caught Gotham Song's eye wasn't any of these items, but rather a prominently displayed framed calligraphy behind Symboli Rudolf:
"Ahead rides Eclipse; behind him, darkness falls."
Alternatively translated as:
"When Eclipse is first, the rest are nowhere to be seen."
It described the legendary thoroughbred Eclipse, said to have dominated races by an absurd margin of over 2400 meters.
Normally, Gotham Song wouldn't have paid this plaque much attention. At most, she might've glanced at it once with mild interest and moved on.
But what truly captured her attention was the smaller line beneath:
"Within 3000 meters, Ruka stands unrivaled."
Eh?
Within 3000 meters… Ruka? Surely, that couldn't possibly mean—
Noticing Gotham Song's stunned expression, Rudolf followed her gaze, smiling knowingly as she saw the plaque.
Indeed, the first time she'd added that line, almost everyone had reacted with shock. Reflecting now, Rudolf realized just how long it had been since she'd last seen such an expression.
"Are you surprised by those words?"
"Um… I do know about Eclipse, but Ruka…?"
Explain yourself, Rudolf! Why is my name on that plaque?
"Indeed, outside Tracen Academy, the name Twilight Song (Ruka) isn't always spoken kindly. Not because she lacked strength, but due to various absurd circumstances."
Rudolf sighed softly, clearly frustrated by the injustice. Yet, as she'd said before, even the Three Goddesses might struggle to correct certain misunderstandings—what could she, a mere Rudolf, do?
"Yet among Uma Musume, Twilight Song's name still holds tremendous influence. You must have noticed, haven't you?"
Well, that much was true. Gotham Song herself had witnessed various Uma Musume fan clubs and websites still devoted to Twilight Song. Even on campus, die-hard Twilight Song fans occasionally made themselves known.
"But that particular phrase means…?"
"'Within 3000 meters, Ruka stands unrivaled.' Exactly as written. Just like Eclipse above—Twilight Song is our Eclipse of races within 3000 meters."
Symboli Rudolf's expression turned somewhat wistful. Truthfully, this title carried an undercurrent of regret. Twilight Song had never had the chance to prove herself beyond 3000 meters. No one knew whether she'd remain unmatched at even greater distances.
Yet based solely on her extraordinary speed, stamina, and that legendary Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory over Dancing Brave, Twilight Song was unquestionably one of history's strongest—possibly the strongest ever—within that distance.
After all, Eclipse's infamous lead of 2400 meters had occurred over a total distance of 6600 meters. Perhaps by the end, his rivals had simply lost the ability to run.
But Twilight Song was completely different—
Dominating races of around 2000 meters by over ten seconds—more than a hundred lengths—was undeniably terrifying.
"I see… Twilight Song was indeed incredibly famous overseas."
How exactly should Gotham Song describe her current feelings?
Even if I felt awkward earlier upon seeing my own name on that plaque, I absolutely can't admit it now!
You sure speak highly of me, Emperor Rudolf—I didn't realize you thought so highly of Twilight Song.
Rudolf moved quietly to sit opposite Gotham Song, looking into her eyes.
"Well then, the reason I called you here today—I want to ask you for a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
A favor from Symboli Rudolf?
Come to think of it, wasn't the last favor she'd asked Twilight Song to transfer into Japan Central Tracen Academy?
Though Twilight Song hadn't managed it, Gotham Song had fulfilled that promise—even if Rudolf didn't realize it yet.
"I heard Teio declared you her rival, is that right?"
"Yes, that's true."
Actually, the whole country already knew thanks to that televised declaration.
Is that really why you called me here, Rudolf? You always insisted you two were just ordinary senpai and kouhai!
"For Uma Musume, a rival is someone extremely important. I want you to seriously compete with her, please."
"If that's all, there's no problem at all. Competing seriously is what I planned to do anyway."
Oh, was that really all Rudolf had wanted? Gotham Song relaxed a little.
After all, if Tokai Teio entered any of the races Gotham Song planned to run, there was no question she'd race seriously.
Forget respect—achieving her own goals required her absolute best, especially given that Oguri Cap and Café-nee had already declared they'd compete with her.
She would never handle any race lightly.
Rudolf didn't really even need to ask her.
"Good… One more thing. Could you also look out for Teio in everyday life?"
"Um, Kaichou…are you seriously asking me to take care of Tokai Teio?"
Gotham Song's lip twitched slightly.
Whether as Twilight Song or Gotham Song, her height had always been a sore point. Specifically, she was even shorter than Tokai Teio!
When she walked outside with her "rival," wouldn't it seem more like Gotham Song was the one needing care?!
And yet Rudolf had the audacity to ask her to look after Tokai Teio?
Wasn't something deeply wrong here?
She shot Rudolf a skeptical look, but found only a serious, earnest expression staring back.
"Wait, Kaichou, you're serious?"
"Absolutely."
Rudolf didn't speak lightly. Having led the Student Council for so long, she could clearly sense people's strengths and weaknesses.
Of course, Tokai Teio didn't struggle socially; she was powerful, confident, and radiant, easily making friends wherever she went.
Yet Teio was still young and naive.
Her self-confidence was often a blessing—but it could easily become a heavy burden.
An "undefeated genius." Everyone expected Tokai Teio to achieve a flawless Triple Crown victory, but racing held far too many uncertainties.
Unless one possessed utterly overwhelming dominance—like Twilight Song had once done—it was impossible to guarantee victory.
Rudolf needed a safety net for Teio's future setbacks. A trusted friend, someone who would understand and support her through difficulties.
And so Rudolf asked Gotham Song sincerely, hoping the two would become even closer through their rivalry.
"Understood. If Teio ever runs into trouble, I won't leave her alone," Gotham Song said firmly.
Rudolf smiled, relieved, and bowed slightly.
"Thank you. Then, I entrust Teio to your care."
Gotham Song, puzzled by this strangely familiar phrasing, nonetheless politely bowed back and excused herself.
Only once she stepped outside into the brisk wind did realization hit her.
In real-world horse racing, Symboli Rudolf was Tokai Teio's sire. Rudolf's phrasing sounded exactly like a parent handing off their child:
"From now on, you'll walk life's path together. Please take care of my daughter; don't let her suffer."
Rudolf—you thick-browed schemer! You set me up again!
Stomping her foot irritably, Gotham Song swore inwardly.
I'll remember this grudge forever, Emperor Rudolf.
Come back quickly, Emperor—I truly miss you.