Old-timer number one leisurely flew a circle around Gotham Song without saying a single word, yet somehow conveyed everything that needed saying.
After all, Symboli Rudolf already knew Manhattan Cafe was part of Gotham Song's circle of friends. The fact that Gotham Song could see this particular "old-timer" wasn't exactly a secret between them, either.
In other words, it made sense that Manhattan Cafe had asked her "friend" to fly ahead and keep an eye on Gotham Song. Cafe herself must have been sprinting toward them even as they spoke.
But Daiichi Ruby probably isn't even on campus right now, and Neo Universe should have just woken up. She should be heading here with Teio and the others… but how did Ardan-nee find out?
Gotham Song stared at Mejiro Ardan in confusion, unable to conceal her puzzlement.
"I was on my way to find you, but noticed you weren't there," Ardan explained gently.
And shortly after, the entire school had already seen the two video clips that practically kicked off a campus-wide shipping war—videos featuring Gotham Song herself.
Realizing Gotham Song wasn't seriously injured, Ardan finally relaxed, and now, she found herself harboring a different, slightly mischievous thought.
"You know, Song, right now you might be the most talked-about girl in the entire academy, hm?"
"Hahaha... i-is that really the case?"
Gotham Song tried to laugh it off, but her gaze had already turned blank, almost lifeless.
Ardan quietly admitted to herself that maybe teasing her sister about this topic wasn't the kindest thing to do—especially given how easily Gotham Song got embarrassed. Yet, for some reason, she still felt compelled to mention it anyway.
After all, of all the people Gotham Song could have stirred up rumors with, why did it have to be Tokai Teio?
She had felt surprisingly hostile at first, but seeing her sister's flushed, embarrassed expression quickly softened her heart. Ardan swiftly pulled Gotham Song into a gentle hug.
Thinking it over carefully, Gotham Song hadn't meant for things to turn out this way. In fact, hadn't Ardan herself warned Gotham Song to pay closer attention to Tokai Teio's condition back when they hadn't yet reunited?
If anyone was to blame, perhaps it was herself.
Besides, wasn't this exactly why she was so drawn to this girl, no matter how many times, how many worlds, or how many versions of Song she encountered? Gotham Song would always unreservedly share this kindness, this warmth.
It certainly wasn't because of Song's cautious, hedgehog-like past. No, back then it was mostly familial care. Now… the emotions involved were infinitely more complicated.
Thankfully, Gotham Song's ability to recover emotionally was first-rate—perhaps due to all the embarrassment she'd experienced earlier raising her threshold. Once she calmed down a bit, the little horse girl was shamelessly enjoying Ardan's comforting embrace.
Meanwhile, Sakura Chiyono O seemed intent on fleeing the student council office after finishing treatment—but was swiftly caught by the ruthless hand of Symboli Rudolf, dragged back to the desk for extra work.
I hope Chiyono-san makes it out alive… Gotham Song resolutely refused to glance in Chiyono's direction, worried that seeing her pitiful expression would erode her resolve.
"Oh, right—are there really that many videos about me already?" Gotham Song pointed cautiously at Mejiro Ardan's phone, noticing not only the two videos from this morning but several earlier clips as well. Even the group chat names she caught a glimpse of were rather…blatant.
[Song-sama and Teio-sama Must Get Married!]
You might as well rename it "Just Go Ahead and Jump the Fence," since that's exactly what you want to see anyway!
Gotham Song desperately wanted to protest out loud but paused—maybe "jumping fences" was considered taboo in this world? Was that why the group name was what it was?
And seriously, why were people shipping her and Tokai Teio anyway?!
We're rivals! Rivals! You mischievous little foals shouldn't imagine rivals as marriage partners!
Even more bafflingly, why was Ardan-nee in the shipping group for herself and Teio? What was going on here?
Gotham Song's brain raced at full speed, quickly overheating from the overload of strange information. Honestly, I'd rather spend an entire day racing against Satono Diamond than trying to sort through this!
As Gotham Song mentally spiraled, Sunday Silence finally burst out laughing. Amidst her teasing, Gotham Song suddenly reached an alarming conclusion.
If Ardan-nee is in that shipping group, does that mean… she's actually one of those shippers herself?
N-No way, right?! But then why else would she specifically remind me to pay attention to Teio's condition? She's never said that about any other Uma Musume!
Ardan-nee… I never knew you were this kind of person.
Gotham Song's gaze sharpened suspiciously as she studied Ardan. Her sister, instantly understanding the rapid-fire assumptions going through Song's mind, offered a gentle yet menacing smile.
"Ouch! Ardan-nee, what was that for?"
"I just wanted to know what sorts of rumors they're spreading about my dear little sister. Nothing more."
It was clearly "spying on enemy intelligence." And besides, Song, surely you didn't think Teio was your only rumored pairing—or your only arrow pointing to you—did you?
That would be incredibly naïve.
The two sisters' playful bickering didn't last long, however. Unexpectedly, it wasn't Manchester Cafe who interrupted their banter—
—but Sunday Silence.
[Hey, kiddo. As much fun as you're having with your sister, I hate to interrupt, but… let me inside.]
Huh? Oh, alright. Come on in.
Gotham Song was startled. Given Sunday Silence's personality, she wouldn't interrupt like this unless it was truly important and urgent.
Without further hesitation, Gotham Song relaxed her mind, fully accepting Sunday Silence's spiritual entry.
Just as the old-timer's form disappeared from view, a polite knock at the door broke the room's atmosphere.
"The door isn't locked. Please enter," Symboli Rudolf called out calmly.
The door swung open, and Gotham Song instantly understood why Sunday Silence had insisted on merging with her so suddenly.
Thanks, Old-timer.
[Just doing my job, kid.]
Standing in the doorway was Mejiro Ramonu.
Yet Ramonu alone wouldn't have triggered Sunday Silence's urgency. Rather, it was the smaller figure just behind Ramonu—a figure Gotham Song knew intimately.
Mejiro McQueen.
The unexpected arrival of these two members of Mejiro Manor caught everyone by surprise—particularly Mejiro Ardan, who immediately tensed up as though facing an enemy.
Ramonu gracefully took a seat directly across from Gotham Song, completely at ease, as if the student council room was her personal territory.
Oh, right, I almost forgot—Ramonu practically runs this place half the time anyway.
Amid Ardan's silent vigilance, Ramonu smoothly greeted Rudolf and Sakura Chiyono O, then calmly turned her attention fully onto Gotham Song. Though her demeanor appeared casual, everyone present knew her sole reason for being here was crystal-clear.
Ramonu's intentions were as obvious as an Uma Musume's thirst for a Triple Crown title.
"It seems you've encountered quite a few troubles lately, Song-san."
"Y-yes, I suppose. Thank you for your concern, Ramonu-san...?"
Gotham Song responded cautiously, glancing toward the unusually quiet Mejiro McQueen.
This once-vibrant little girl, who had used to leap enthusiastically into Gotham Song's arms, was growing quieter by the day. Gotham Song had no idea how to approach or resolve this; she could only watch silently, committing it to memory.
"Song-san?"
What exactly can I do to bring back the cheerful, lively McQueen I knew? I need to find some way to open the door to her heart again…
"Song-san?"
"Ah! Yes, I'm here!"
Ramonu flashed a knowing smile, having fully anticipated Song's distracted reaction toward McQueen. Yesterday, she had planned to intercept Gotham Song at the airport but had reconsidered upon spotting two legendary figures arriving first.
Still, delaying a single day hardly mattered—Ramonu always had backup plans.
Thus, this morning, she promptly took McQueen straight to Tracen Academy. After swiftly learning about the grass field incident from excited students, Ramonu guessed precisely where to find Gotham Song.
Her action speed was frighteningly efficient, allowing her to be the second living acquaintance to confront Gotham Song today.
"So, have you thought about it?"
"Thought about what…?"
Not at all discouraged, Ramonu patiently clarified:
"I mean coming to Mejiro Manor for rest and recuperation. I've heard all about this morning's incident."
"Hahaha, it's not that serious, really—just a scrape."
"Not that serious?" Ramonu's voice sharpened slightly. "Any injury to an Uma Musume's feet should never be taken lightly, Song-san. I'm sure you're aware of that. Mejiro Manor has Japan's best medical facilities… specifically upgraded."
"B-but the school's medical care isn't bad either, so…"
Song shot a desperate glance toward Rudolf, but Rudolf simply appeared puzzled, clearly supporting Ramonu's reasoning.
She looked toward Ardan instead, silently begging for rescue.
Ardan desperately wanted to object, but she saw immediately what Ramonu was up to. Even if Ardan found an excuse now, Ramonu would never give up easily without a more compelling reason.
"I'll personally take care of her, Ramonu-nee."
"Oh? So, will you come back to Mejiro Manor with us then?"
Ardan fell silent, thoroughly defeated by Ramonu's impeccable counterattack.
The situation looked utterly hopeless—
—Until a multitude of footsteps approached from outside.
"How about it? Our Mejiro Manor is clearly the best choice."
"No, wait a minute, Ramonu-san. There's no need for you to trouble yourself about this. When it comes to recuperation, our Daiichi family isn't lacking in any way. Even you can't deny that."
Daiichi Ruby heroically strode into the room, proposing an entirely different solution.
Behind her, Neo Universe quietly slipped in, smiling as she waved her phone victoriously at Gotham Song.
Everyone… you're finally here!