Gotham Song had never once felt joy during Open Campus Day.
How to describe her current mood? It was probably sothing like not daring to speak, yet also unable to remain silent.
But why on earth was this happening? She was already a classic-year Uma Musu!
Yet, compared to the girl standing in front of her, she was utterly defeated in height. She had completely lost in stature, and alongside it, strength as well—
At the mont Satono Diamond circled around and firmly grasped her hand, Gotham Song clearly realized one thing:
She was no match at all.
Hmm, how to describe Gotham Song’s strength? Perhaps, she was the weakest Uma Musu around?
It wasn’t that Gotham Song was truly as weak as her petite figure suggested; compared to an adult human male, her strength was more than sufficient. But!
But the physique of an Uma Musu far surpassed any ordinary human.
In simpler terms, Gotham Song might seem strong (to humans), but Gotham Song was undoubtedly weak (to other Uma Musu).
She’d never noticed this before, but being dragged around effortlessly by Satono Diamond forced her to acknowledge this painful reality.
She had completely lost—thoroughly defeated by a filly who had been shorter than her the last ti they’d t, yet now towered over her completely. Where was the justice? Was there no law in this world?!
Gotham Song felt bitterly aggrieved but could only accept her fate.
It seed that ever since reincarnating, she was destined—both in this life and the last—to have a petite fra and pitiful strength. Ah, such was fate.
Gotham Song was resigned, but Satono Diamond was in a completely different mood. She was visibly cheerful, energized perhaps by visiting an unfamiliar place in the company of soone she liked.
Even the invitation she’d extended earlier—though rejected—hadn’t dampened her spirits at all.
If invitations didn’t work, why not just use force instead?
Satono Diamond didn’t understand the problem; her innocent little mind worked in straightforward ways:
Since Gotham-nee clearly liked her, visiting her ho together shouldn’t be a problem. Even if Gotham-nee was unwilling, then—then—
Then at least, once at Diamond’s ho, Sister Gotham could do anything she wanted. Diamond wouldn’t have any complaints at all.
Little Miss Satono was busily brainstorming fun things to do today, humming happily to herself. Gotham Song, observing this, broke out into a cold sweat.
This child had been a genius since birth—especially when it ca to shocking others. No, she couldn’t let things go on like this. She needed to find a topic quickly, divert Diamond’s increasingly strange imagination elsewhere, or else...
Gotham Song was already considering who she could desperately call on for help. Gulp.
"So Diamond... um, Dia-chan, did you co to tour the academy by yourself?"
"Mhm~ Yes, Gotham-nee. Also, I’ve told you several tis now, call Dia-chan."
You only need to call Dia-chan.
Gotham Song wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but even standing beneath the bright sunlight, eting those seemingly dull, lightless eyes behind Diamond’s bangs sent a chill crawling up her spine.
What terrifying pressure!
"Did Kitasan not co with you? I rember the two of you were very close."
When she’d first t Satono Diamond, hadn’t she been looking everywhere for Kitasan Black?
"Kita? Ah, she’s asleep right now."
"Really...?"
"She’s asleep, yup."
Fine, fine, she’s asleep then.
Gotham Song secretly breathed a sigh of relief. At least she’d managed to steer the topic in another direction, even slightly. She had to keep going. Yes, this topic should work:
"Then, Dia-chan, are you planning to enroll at Japan Central Tracen as an Uma Musu?"
Diamond smiled silently but eventually nodded.
That was to be expected. A girl like her had plenty of reason, didn’t she? Glory on the racetrack and all that. But Gotham-nee seed to be a very powerful Uma Musu, didn’t she?
Satono Diamond fell into deep thought. Gotham Song anxiously scanned the passing Uma Musu, desperately searching for a familiar face.
Please, anyone at all, send an angel! I’ll do anything!
Naturally, no help ca. Gotham Song had no choice but to obediently follow Diamond through the campus, providing explanations along the way.
Truthfully, Gotham Song herself hadn’t realized just how vast Japan Central Tracen was. Though she had been here a while, she’d never properly toured it herself.
However, Satono Diamond clearly had ulterior motives. Rather than exploring Tracen, Diamond’s real focus was plainly on Gotham Song herself.
Despite her age, Diamond was surprisingly adept at subtly probing others’ personalities and steering conversations her way. Gotham Song wasn’t sure if it was intentional or unconscious, but either way, the skill itself was scary enough.
Eventually, their campus tour approached its end, leaving only one remaining open location unexplored:
The Central Tracen Student Council Office.
Symboli Rudolf often appeared there.
It would be perfect if the Emperor happened to be present. Gotham Song vividly recalled Neo Universe’s comnt—Symboli Rudolf was very reliable in tis of need.
With hopeful anticipation, Gotham Song led Satono Diamond into the building and ascended the stairs.
Then, well...
Was it mission accomplished? Technically, yes—Gotham Song had found soone capable of restraining Satono Diamond’s behavior. But perhaps this person was even more dangerous in another sense.
Because sitting alone at the Student Council President’s desk, calmly looking their way, was—
jiro Ramonu.
Seeing Gotham Song enter, jiro Ramonu briefly appeared surprised, but as soon as Satono Diamond stepped into view, the young jiro heiress imdiately understood everything.
Both from prestigious families, they naturally knew each other fairly well. Though not as close as the jiro and Symboli families, Ramonu had certainly heard plenty about young Satono Diamond:
Unconventional, innocent—or perhaps too naïve? Diamond frequently acted without common sense, doing things that bewildered people, always following her whims, especially when intrigued by sothing.
Just like right now.
So, Satono Diamond had taken an interest in Gotham Song? Interesting.
As if to confirm her thoughts, jiro Ramonu glanced at Gotham Song, who was silently blinking in her direction. In Gotham’s eyes was an unmistakable, pleading ssage:
Help . Please, save Gotham!
It was truly rare to see this little one making such a pleading face. jiro Ramonu quietly delighted to herself—Finally, you’ve learned to ask your "nee-san" for help, huh?
It wasn’t easy. Well, whatever was going on, helping out ca first.
jiro Ramonu felt composed and clear-headed—not because she’d beco obsessed enough to fully believe Gotham Song was Twilight Song herself, but rather...how to put it?
A feeling. Yes, it was just a feeling.
Especially after what Gotham Song had said to her at jiro Manor.
If Ruka had been in that situation, she would definitely have responded the sa way. Because that was just who she was—pure, kindhearted—and even without embellishing the image in her mory, Twilight Song would always bla herself for everything.
Ramonu knew clearly that even if it ant restraining the feet of that legendary Uma Musu, she would never, not even for a mont, want to see her younger sister leave this world prematurely.
This was her selfishness, her responsibility—her tenderness and stubbornness combined.
Precisely because of this truth, Twilight Song chose to hide it at that ti. The girl’s heart yearned for the racetrack, and perhaps, for her, both the world and her own body had beco chains.
Because she deeply understood this, Ramonu firmly believed Gotham Song’s words were exactly what Twilight Song would say in her place. It was the answer she’d give, no matter what.
After all, that child had written it clearly in her diary:
Her feelings, her everything, and her love.
Really, Ruka... Since the photos from back then are blurred and ugly, when will you return to my side so we can take many, many new ones together?
"All right then, Satono-san. Today is Open Campus Day, and it’s nearly over. Shall I contact your family to co and pick you up?"
jiro Ramonu’s gentle but firm warning was imdiately understood by Satono Diamond, who had also grown up within an elite family atmosphere.
It was clearly a polite order to leave!
Yet Satono Diamond still felt reluctant. She struggled to think of sothing, anything, she could say to resist—but no cunning sche would be effective before jiro Ramonu.
The jiro heiress simply picked up her phone, openly indicating what she was about to do—
She’d already warned Diamond once; since words didn’t work, it was ti to flip the table directly.
When dealing with troubleso kids, there was no point in subtlety. Direct thods were always the simplest and most effective.
Clearly defeated, Satono Diamond reluctantly chose to retreat. Although she could still try inviting Gotham Song to co ho with her again...
As long as Gotham-nee agreed voluntarily, it would be fine, right? But knowing Gotham-nee would never willingly agree, Satono Diamond deflated visibly, sulking in disappointnt.
"Well then, Gotham-nee, we’ll just have to et again next ti. Rember to think about , okay?"
"I’ll always think about you, Dia-chan. Take good care of yourself."
Only after watching that terrifying little filly disappear from view did Gotham Song finally collapse onto the sofa in exhaustion. As for jiro Ramonu beside her? Who cared anymore—let her do as she pleased.
Honestly, how could Satono Diamond be so young yet so overwhelmingly intimidating? It made no sense. Compared to her, even jiro Ramonu—who had now silently sat across from her—seed less frightening.
Wait... across from her?
Gotham Song felt even more drained.
Was this what they called escaping the Satono residence only to end up back in jiro Manor?
Haha... Honestly, it felt better to just go back to the Afterlife and play another round of Shinigami’s Cup with those maniacs.
Hehe, she’d won the revival match anyway.
But I kinda want to go back to the Afterlife now.
"Oh? Do I look that scary to you?"
"No, it’s just... well..."
Facing jiro Ramonu, whose mood was mysteriously cheerful for so reason, Gotham Song found herself suddenly tongue-tied.
Why did this conversation feel weirdly familiar? More importantly, how was she supposed to respond to such a loaded question?
Gotham Song considered it fruitlessly, then decided to stop thinking altogether. She kept her mouth shut and said nothing.
As for jiro Ramonu opposite her? She beca even happier.
Rather, if Gotham Song had answered clearly, Ramonu might’ve even felt disappointed. It was nostalgic, this sort of situation and question. If only she could receive the answer right now...
If only...
"Today I’m filling in for Rudolf, but I did see sothing interesting earlier. Gotham-san, are you planning on entering the Irish Champion Stakes?"
Gotham Song blinked, then nodded in confirmation.
The Secretariat’s office sure moved quickly—she’d just ntioned it this morning, and already her itinerary was set, with all the docunts sent directly to the Student Council.
Naturally, an overseas trip required approval beforehand.
She just hadn’t expected the one seeing these docunts would be jiro Ramonu of all people.
"The Irish Champion Stakes, huh? It’s one of those supre honors every Uma Musu dreams about."
It was also the race Twilight Song had once given up on... After all, the intensity of racing combined with her daily struggles at that ti would’ve been impossible to handle.
"The Student Council has no objections to your plans. Then, Gotham-san, will you be needing the Expedition Support Service?"
"Expedition Support Service?"
Gotham Song didn’t wonder why jiro Ramonu had the authority to directly approve her participation. Instead, her confusion focused on sothing else.
What exactly was an Expedition Support Service...? Shouldn’t it just be a travel subsidy or sothing?
"Oh, simply put: you’ll need soone to accompany you to Ireland, correct?"
"Do I need—? Wait, no, I don’t—"
"No, you definitely do need it, Gotham-san."
Why would I need it? Hold on, needing soone to accompany ? And spoken so decisively at that...?
"Yes. How about we travel together to Ireland? Let accompany you on your expedition."
Just like back then, traveling to participate in those races... Let see it clearly again. Let confirm it once more... Gotham.
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