"Ugh… don't wanna go…"
In the Mejiro family's limousine, Rampage, now oddly accustomed to its luxury, tried futilely to escape reality, voicing her dread. She'd never wanted to avoid the Mejiro mansion more.
"Don't say that, Rampage-sama. Everyone's looking forward to today."
"I know, I know… I'm grumbling, but I'm here, aren't I?"
She couldn't skip today—not just because Asama was hosting, but because she had to greet the invited Uma Musume. Only two were coming due to schedules—a small mercy, though both were monstrous talents.
"We've arrived."
"Great… feels like a death sentence…"
She gave a wry smile, and the driver could only wish her luck silently. Stepping out, Ryan greeted her with a beaming smile, likely sent to ensure she didn't bolt.
"Hurry, hurry! Grandma and the others are waiting!"
"Your words alone fill me up—no room for tea. Can I leave?"
"Nope♪"
"Oof…"
Ryan, pulling her hand with a grin, felt like an executioner. Resigning herself, Rampage found a strange clarity—humans really do loop back when pushed to the brink.
"Congrats on the Yayoi, Ryan."
"Thanks!! Was gonna mention it at the tea party—you knew!?"
"Yup."
Ryan was steadily climbing the Classic route, her Yayoi win—a Satsuki Sho trial—securing her first step toward their shared promise.
"Satsuki Sho… mid-to-long distance is tough."
"Says the Tiara runner. Mile-to-mid isn't easy either, right?"
"True. Ikuno's in the Cherry Blossom, and Rigil's Flora too."
Recalling the Tulip Sho, Rampage had won, but Agnes Flora from Rigil stood out. As Takion and Flight's mother, her strength was undeniable.
"Here we are. Grandma's waiting."
The tea party venue loomed. What kind of Yonko-level tea party is this?
"No choice but to steel myself…"
"Was that weird just now?"
Ryan knocked, and Asama's dignified voice rang out, "Come in." The door opened to a grand Mejiro-worthy room, a splendid table at its center, surrounded by Mejiro Uma Musume.
"Having some already, Rampage-san."
McQueen sipped tea with refined grace, her poise almost enviable. Ryan led Rampage to a seat—next to a legend.
"First tea party? No need to be nervous."
"Easy for you to say, Ramone-san…"
Seated beside Mejiro's treasure, Ramone's casual tone was kind, but the room's aura made normalcy impossible.
"Just call me Chan-senpai, like always."
"Oh? That's what she calls you?"
"Yup, cute, right, Grandma?♪"
"Indeed, a name you'd like."
Asama sat nearby, smiling warmly. Rampage desperately wanted to flee with a crossover step, but another knock came.
"Grandma, I'm here."
"Come in. Rampage-san, you haven't met them yet. They've been eager to see you."
"That's… thrilling…"
"Ran, calm down…" Ryan whispered.
Rampage's stilted speech betrayed her nerves, which spiked as she grasped the impending tension.
"So you're the Rampage I've heard about."
Asama's nod confirmed it. The speaker, a gentle, refined, yet frail-looking blue-haired Uma Musume, radiated noble depth—Mejiro Ardan, Oguri Cap and Super Creek's peer, Ramone's sister.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Mejiro Ardan. I've heard about you and was excited for today."
Her sparkling eyes and eager tone unnerved Rampage. Then, two more Uma Musume peeked out.
"Let us greet her too. We've been looking forward to this."
"Yeah, we've been dying to talk."
A wave of tension hit. These two were different—their aura overwhelming. Ramone's strength was greater, but her demeanor softened it. These two exuded raw, noble intensity.
"I've heard a lot. You've been through a lot. Let's talk today."
Her gentle tone belied a commanding presence, her sharpness hinting at her victory over Dyna Carbine in a close race. Mejiro Duren, the first Mejiro to win a Classic Triple Crown race, clashed with Oguri Cap—a true legend.
"Grandma insisted we meet. I made time. Hmm, she was right—you're her type."
Her fierce, appraising gaze carried the weight of battles against Mr. CB, Satsuki Sho and Derby runner-up, and even Symboli Rudolf. Despite retiring due to injury, her valor shone—Mejiro Monsny.
"All here. This'll be a fun tea party."
Asama smiled, but Rampage was overwhelmed, spotlighted by Ardan, Duren, and Monsny.
"Grandma, you didn't call me and Duren just to introduce her, right?"
"Of course not. We'll discuss over tea."
"Right, we're all here. Rampage-san, eat and drink up."
"Thanks."
Rampage managed a smile at Duren's words. Monsny nodded, impressed—she held her own against them and Asama, her voice steady. Grandma's type, alright. But—
"(Haha~ Whatever happens, happens☆)"
"(Oh no, Ran's half-broken…)"
She was utterly desperate.
Tea Party Members
Mejiro Asama
Mejiro Monsny
Mejiro Ramone
Mejiro Duren
Mejiro Ardan
Mejiro McQueen
Mejiro Ryan
What a lineup. And then there's Rampage—talk about out of place.
"Can I go home?"
"Go ahead," says Grandma.
Note: Palmer dodged this with a pre-planned outing with Helios. Masterful escape.
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