In short, after deeply realizing what kind of world this was for Uma Musume, Gotham Song actually lost the occasional panicked feeling she'd had earlier.
How should her current mood be described?
Perhaps something like…
Well, I'm already here, and since I'm already deeply involved, what's the point of worrying anymore?!
Besides, the only one clearly considered her trainee at the moment was Vernal-chan, and as for everyone else around her… they didn't seem particularly dangerous either. Oh, except perhaps Treve—that might actually be serious?!
In a brief moment of absent-mindedness, Gotham Song thought of the young filly still in France and silently ranked her on the same danger level as Satono Diamond.
Wait, Vernal-chan? Obviously, she's on the lowest danger tier, about the same as her Ardan-neesan.
In any case, believing that the slow-witted Vernal-chan could do anything dangerous was something Gotham Song absolutely refused to accept—
Hmm… And where exactly would Daiichi Ruby be placed?
Honestly, Gotham Song felt that the current relationship between herself and Ruby was very ambiguous. But really…
After that earlier phone call, Gotham Song clearly realized something: she had to face her relationship with Ruby properly, just like she was forced to face her relationship with Vernal-chan.
This, too, was something she absolutely couldn't run away from… Gotham Song, you must face it. Besides, wasn't not rejecting Ruby's confession back then already a sign of acceptance in some form?
Daiichi Ruby was, after all, the first Uma Musume who'd clearly confessed to her.
It took a while for Gotham Song to finally climb out of bed, heading into the closet to take out a silver-trimmed, off-shoulder dress she hadn't worn in a very long time.
Well, actually, the phrase "hadn't worn in a very long time" deserved some gigantic quotation marks around it.
The reason was simple. Why would she want to wear this dress again?
Because Gotham Song had returned to the place where this dress was kept—her own house in New York, the only home in the entire world officially bearing the name "Gotham Song."
This white dress with silver lining had been one of Gotham Song's absolute favorite dresses in her former life.
Though, strictly speaking, this one was merely the same style, newly tailored and bought again from the same handmade boutique.
After all…compared to the modest Twilight Song, the new Gotham Song had clearly "grown" a bit, in every sense of the word.
Standing before the mirror, Gotham Song gently twirled, watching as the silver patterns at the dress's edges shimmered beautifully. Satisfied with this familiar look, she adjusted her black-and-white hair accessory, then opened the door and walked out.
Of course, compared to Mejiro Manor, her house in New York was indeed much smaller. But even though she had left it for a very long time, Gotham Song still knew every corner perfectly. She descended a short flight of stairs, and immediately saw a very familiar scene.
Mejiro Ardan sat exactly in the same spot she'd always sit in whenever Gotham Song woke up, quietly reading a newspaper. However, there was something quite different today.
Hurriedly putting down a plate and trying to act nonchalant was her younger sister, Mejiro McQueen. Well, although McQueen's actions were fast enough, the small bite missing from the cake on her plate clearly gave her away.
On the other side was Neo Universe, staring straight at Gotham Song. For some unknown reason, Neo Universe had decided to wear a full maid uniform, and had cleaned the entire villa at a terrifyingly fast speed.
Aside from them, there weren't many people left here. Secretariat had returned to New York with them, but the moment they got off the plane, Festival Glory immediately intercepted them. Before Old Ghost #2 (Secretariat) could even open her mouth, Festival Glory—a subordinate—quickly subdued her boss with a brutal grapple and roughly stuffed her into the car, stepping hard on the gas as if escaping with a hostage.
Wild America, horizon of the abyss, street racing—launch!
That was roughly how the scene felt.
This situation made Gotham Song twitch at the corners of her mouth, unsure what expression to wear. She could only say it was very…consistent with her image of Japan?
Wait, Secretariat, aren't you supposed to be an American Uma Musume? How did you also get overpowered by your subordinate?!
In short, after experiencing this shocking scene, Gotham Song gave up thinking entirely, paid silent respects, and then returned home with her family.
Oh, and notably, Manhattan Cafe—who had originally come along—actually had to go even farther away first. To be precise, it was Sunday Silence who wanted to take her somewhere for a visit. After some coaxing from her ghostly friend, Manhattan Cafe agreed, temporarily leaving Gotham Song's villa and likely returning only after about a week.
Now, Gotham Song suddenly found herself with absolutely nothing to do.
She had returned to America primarily for the upcoming Voice of the People Awards ceremony—a sort of milestone marking a phase in her running career.
This award was simply something she deserved—plus, it could deliver a resounding slap to the URA. What wasn't to like? How satisfying!
But the actual ceremony—even just rehearsals—would only begin in a week!
In other words, Gotham Song had the rare luxury of an entire week of free time?!
Hmm…
Maybe she should be a game-addicted shut-in again after so long, enjoying the entirely new and unheard-of video games born of this world's radically advanced technology?
This was indeed an excellent idea. And while online shopping in New York wasn't very convenient, Gotham Song lived in one of the richest districts where everything was readily available. If she wanted to, she could just pop out to the nearby mall, pick something up, and come straight back.
It might not even take half an hour total!
Hmm… but as for asking Ardan-neesan and the others to come along… let's just temporarily not consider that. After all, Gotham Song had an ominous feeling something bizarre and embarrassing might happen.
Like becoming their dress-up doll. Or again, becoming their dress-up doll.
So, out of concern for her own psychological safety, Gotham Song was planning to quickly slip out the door first and explain her intentions later.
Anyway, open the door, say "I need to head out real quick," then immediately bolt—? This plan should have no problems at all, right?
As if it would be problem-free!
Gotham Song's plan was strangled at the very first step—not because Mejiro Ardan or the others actually did anything to stop her. Although the three Uma Musume behind her were watching Gotham Song slowly creeping toward the door, believing herself invisible, the real interruption came unexpectedly from the front door itself.
When she heard the doorbell ring, Gotham Song was thoroughly confused. After all, she'd only just returned to New York yesterday and had just properly rested today—so who exactly would come to find her at a time like this?
Could it be that Cafe-nee-san and Old Ghost #1 were already done with their business?
Whoa, Sunday Silence, that's fast.
But since the doorbell had been rung, Gotham Song naturally wouldn't ignore the visitor. Conveniently already at the door, she stopped pretending entirely, simply pressing the intercom button with confidence.
"This is Gotham—…I mean, Twilight Residence. Could you please identify yourself, unknown visitor?"
"Oh, so this is Twilight Residence. My name's Seabiscuit. Is Gotham Song-san at home?"
The speaker's tone held a rather complex emotion.
Sounding mostly curious and puzzled, yet Gotham Song felt inexplicably as though she were being spoiled. Unable to pinpoint why, she simply pushed that odd feeling aside.
Pressing the door button, she replied:
"Yes, I'm home. Please come inside and we'll talk, Seabiscuit-san."
Gotham Song opened the inner door, looking toward the front gate, seeing a tall Uma Musume gradually approaching.
Her hair was fiery red, her stature so tall that she even seemed significantly taller than Secretariat.
Simple, capable attire—slim jeans, casually perfect leather jacket, and a matching brown cowboy hat—gave Gotham Song the impression of an Uma Musume whose style was vintage yet full of warmth.
"It seems the one living in Twilight Residence is indeed Gotham Song-san herself. Aren't you going to invite me inside?"
"Ah, y-yes, of course. Please come in, Seabiscuit-san. But I'm curious… What brings you here suddenly? It shouldn't be business-related, right?"
Ardan and McQueen straightened themselves formally as Seabiscuit entered, while Neo Universe—still dressed as a maid—had already prepared tea and snacks.
Your efficiency is terrifying, Neo-chan. Did you predict this?!
"It's not business—or not entirely business. I was simply curious about the miracle-making Uma Musume, so I thought to pay a private visit. Is there any problem?"
"O-of course not. Actually, I greatly admire you as well, Seabiscuit-san. I'm delighted by your visit."
A partial lie—but Gotham Song respected the legendary Seabiscuit deeply.
Seabiscuit didn't dwell on the pleasantries. She simply assessed Gotham Song, smiling openly.
"You're cuter than I expected."
"What kind of adjective is 'cute'?!"
Gotham Song puffed her cheeks, hearing Mejiro Ardan laugh quietly behind her.
After settling in, Seabiscuit's playful eyes grew serious beneath her hat:
"Have you heard, Gotham-san? About Uma Musume using doping substances?"
Those crimson eyes flared dangerously from beneath the shadow of her hat.
"Those damned madmen are doing something truly dangerous—and insane."
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T/N:
Hey everyone, thanks for reading. If you're enjoying the translation, dropping some Powerstones would really help out your hardworking translator (100 stones = 1 bonus chapter, 200 = 2 chapters, and so on—easy math, right?).
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Anyway, see you in the next chapter~
say thank you to hayasaka guyss