Before Myriad Dreams could snap out of the shocking news that a "banquet held for herself" was happening, she was flanked by Gold Ship and Stay Gold, who hooked their arms through hers and whisked her away to the estate's back garden.
The back garden was, of course, decorated in an even more "vibrant" and "highly individualistic" style.
Long tables had already been set up there, topped with various foods and drinks that looked both normal and... not so normal.
"Ahem!" Gold Ship produced a megaphone from out of nowhere and cleared her throat, drawing the attention of everyone present (which was actually only a few people).
"Quiet, quiet! I shall now announce the core theme of this Gold Family Summer Gathering!"
She threw an arm around the shoulder of Myriad Dreams, who was still trying to maintain a low profile, and announced loudly:
"And that is celebrating our little sister, Myriad Dreams, and her upcoming expedition to America to challenge the great journey of the Dirt Triple Crown!!"
Stay Gold immediately clapped vigorously, her eyes sparkling. "Congratulations, little sister! You've become the next one in our family— I mean, in the Academy— to obtain a precious expedition qualification after Nakayama Festa!"
"This is a big, big deal!"
Just then, steady footsteps echoed from the garden entrance.
The group turned to look as an Umamusume with a composed aura and dressed in tasteful casual clothes walked in. Her calm eyes left a deep impression.
It was Nakayama Festa.
Behind her followed Orfevre, who exuded a wild and defiant aura, and Dream Journey, who wore an expression that said, "I'm just passing by to watch the show."
"Festa-senpai! Orfevre-senpai! Dream Journey-senpai!" Myriad Dreams felt as if she had spotted her saviors (at least Festa-senpai looked normal) and hurriedly greeted them.
Nakayama Festa nodded slightly, a gentle smile on her face.
"I heard you're going on an expedition, so I came to congratulate you. This is a rare opportunity."
Her gaze held the recognition and encouragement of a senior toward a junior.
Orfevre merely gave a "Hmph" as a greeting, her sharp eyes scanning Myriad Dreams as if appraising her worth.
Dream Journey, meanwhile, had already drifted over to the dining table and begun inspecting a cocktail of a bizarre color.
The banquet began in this characteristic Gold family atmosphere— chaotic, yet somehow inexplicably warm.
As Myriad Dreams had expected, Nakayama Festa was the only one on-site capable of having a normal conversation.
She took the chance to slip over to Festa's side, temporarily escaping a heated discussion between Gold Ship and Stay Gold regarding "How to win the Kentucky Derby using a Sure-Win Method."
"Festa-san," Myriad Dreams began somewhat shyly. "I heard you've competed overseas before... um, the tracks abroad— how exactly are they different from Japan? I'm a little... worried."
Nakayama Festa set down her glass and took a moment to recall, her expression becoming somewhat serious.
"Tracks abroad?" she said slowly. "The differences from Japan are indeed quite large. It's not just a matter of material and hardness."
"First of all, the soil composition and graininess are completely different. The feeling underfoot will be unfamiliar."
"Furthermore, maintenance standards vary greatly between different racetracks. Even for races of the same grade, the track conditions can be worlds apart."
She looked at Myriad Dreams and offered sincere advice:
"Most importantly, there's the climate and environment. Jet lag, diet, air humidity... all of these affect your condition. You absolutely cannot let your guard down once you're there. It's best to go a bit ahead of time to conduct thorough acclimatization training. Otherwise..."
She paused, as if trying to find the kindest way to explain.
"...Your strength will be significantly compromised."
Listening to Nakayama Festa's specific and practical sharing of experience, Myriad Dreams' heart settled a little.
This was much more useful than Gold Ship's theories about "conquering the track with sheer aura."
"I see, there are so many details to look out for... Thank you, Festa-senpai. This advice is invaluable."
Myriad Dreams thanked her sincerely.
Even though she had been forcibly "invited" here, obtaining such valuable information made the trip seem like it wasn't a total loss after all.
However, just as that thought surfaced, she heard Gold Ship shouting from a distance:
"Little sister! Stop chatting! Come try the 'Expedition Sure-Win Energy Drink' that Stego and I specially made! It's guaranteed to make you break world records if you drink it!"
Looking at the glass of liquid emitting eerie purple bubbles, the heart that Myriad Dreams had just set at ease suddenly leaped into her throat again.
Faced with their well-meaning intentions, Myriad Dreams felt too embarrassed to refuse.
In the end, she could only close her eyes and down it in one gulp!