It was clear that Astronor had suffered unimaginable tornt.
So much so, that upon rely hearing the words "jiro Family," her entire body shuddered violently before shrinking back into the corner of the sofa, exactly where she belonged.
Gotham Song felt sowhat helpless at this sight. She had anticipated jiro Ramonu might act like this, but even then, she hadn’t expected things to be this exaggerated.
Ramonu-san, aren’t you being a little petty?
Even now, Gotham Song didn’t think this had anything to do with herself. However, jiro Ardan, who knew more about the situation, naturally chose to remain silent.
Ardan simply led Gotham Song to sit directly opposite Astronor—face to face, with eyes locked pointedly upon the other.
Haya City, who had been quiet until now, also stepped forward. She had clearly heard everything. Yet, since Astronor had been in the wrong first—and still hadn’t learned her lesson—this gentle older sister felt it wouldn’t hurt for her younger sibling to experience so hardship.
Despite Astronor’s ek deanor now, she’d revert imdiately once outside jiro Manor. Her current obedience was rely out of respect for jiro Ardan—or rather, the figure behind Ardan: jiro Ramonu.
Indeed, so prestige still lingered.
Ah, this troubleso little sister of mine...
However, their gathering had no particular agenda beyond casual chatter, as it wasn’t yet late enough for Haya Of Star to erge.
In truth, ever since Haya Of Star’s disastrous debut race, she hadn’t stepped outside her room, vanishing from everyone’s view as if she’d sealed herself away entirely.
Thus, whenever possible, Haya City sought any opportunity—incidentally—to also plead for Astronor’s sake.
She knew well the kind of person jiro Ramonu was, after all.
After exchanging so idle conversation, the topic naturally shifted toward one of the true reasons Gotham Song had co to Paris:
The Irish Champion Stakes.
If fans knew that the two current top favorites for this prestigious race were sitting together in the sa room, they’d undoubtedly go wild.
This year, there weren’t many overseas Uma Musu aiming for the Irish Champion Stakes. Among the few that did, only one had garnered enough international attention to be a clear favorite:
Gotham Song.
anwhile, in Europe itself, the defending champion was none other than Astronor.
After all, Astronor had already proven her worth on the European circuit. Though Gotham Song’s stunning victories in the Yasuda Kinen and Takarazuka Kinen had drawn global attention, international observers still largely dismissed those feats. To them, it wasn’t Gotham Song who was exceptional; rather, Japan’s competitive level had simply plumted too low.
"How could the URA have fallen so far?"
Yet, ironically, this skepticism also acknowledged Gotham Song’s strength. International analysts recognized her as a legitimate contender capable of challenging Europe’s elite on the global stage.
Thus, as the Irish Champion Stakes drew closer, European dia coverage intensified.
Perhaps this explained why Astronor regarded Gotham Song with such deep curiosity now.
Especially since Astronor’s earlier ekness had vanished, replaced entirely by a piercing, earnest gaze.
Eh?
Gotham Song couldn’t decipher what Astronor was thinking as she stared so intently. Though Astronor was known for her playboy personality, none of that carefree flamboyance was present at this mont. Instead, Gotham Song saw only profound seriousness and hope reflected clearly in the other Uma Musu’s eyes.
"Miss Gotham Song... it might be rude of to ask, but could I voice a question that’s been troubling ?"
"...Please go ahead, Miss Astronor."
Gotham Song instinctively responded formally. She didn’t anticipate a joke from Astronor at such a solemn mont. Her intuition told her that, under these circumstances, Astronor would match the atmosphere’s gravity.
No matter what, Astronor was still an Uma Musu after all.
"In your previous races... you haven’t shown your full strength, have you?"
Astronor posed it as a question, yet her voice was utterly certain. Clearly, she was rely seeking confirmation—her heart already held the answer.
"I’m not quite sure what you an, Miss Astronor. I’ve approached every race with sincerity."
Gotham Song felt sowhat confused. She responded genuinely, entirely unaware that jiro Ardan was quietly watching her from the side.
Little fool. Approaching a race sincerely doesn’t an giving it your all. Or rather... do you even realize how much you’ve changed compared to before? Seems you haven’t noticed yet.
"No," Astronor pressed on earnestly. She placed both hands firmly upon the coffee table, leaning slightly forward.
The question clearly ant a great deal to her.
"Even before eting you, whenever I replayed your races, I thought... ’What a formidable Uma Musu, what awe-inspiring running.’ Yet, sohow, I could sense sothing was off."
"You never used your true, most comfortable running style. And more importantly, there was no trace of sothing essential for an Uma Musu—the absolute desire for victory, the unrelenting pursuit of triumph."
Astronor recalled everything she had seen. She needed to speak these words openly, especially now, as their confrontation on the track drew near.
Losing wasn’t frightening—but failing to ignite even the opponent’s competitive spirit... that would be a humiliation, an utter disgrace.
"You enter each race already certain of victory. There’s nothing inherently wrong with confidence, but... if it prevents you from truly showing your strength, then isn’t that far too cruel?"
Astronor suddenly stood up, towering yet humbly pleading.
"I know you withheld your full potential partly to crush Japan’s complacency in international races. But—but..."
"The Irish Champion Stakes doesn’t require such considerations, does it? Please show your fighting spirit! Your thirst for victory! Allow , your opponent, to witness Gotham Song’s true heart and burning drive."
"Even if I lose, as long as I’ve fought against that Gotham Song, I’ll watch the colored rain contentedly, savoring the honor of second place."
"Besides, among this year’s Classic Uma Musu, who else but , Astronor, is worthy of challenging you?"
Even in defeat, honor awaited the defeated.
But that was only if defeat was genuinely fought for. Astronor would never shrink from battle before it began. Who was she, after all? Astronor—the Uma Musu closest to becoming a legend in this generation.
So, Gotham Song, if it’s you’re facing, you’ll finally reveal your determination and ambition, won’t you? Let’s battle—let’s go all-out on the racetrack.
Gotham Song stared speechlessly at Astronor, montarily unsure how to respond. But one thing was certain:
Astronor had indeed earned her reputation as Europe’s greatest playboy and legendary Uma Musu.
But... did Gotham Song truly lack fighting spirit? She couldn’t find an answer. Instead, after so reflection, she offered the best reply she could manage at the mont.
"I’ll bear everything you’ve said in mind, Astron—"
"Please, don’t say it. I’ll give everything I have—let’s settle that matter on the racetrack."
"In return, I’ll put on a performance worthy of being your opponent. I hope you’ll carefully consider my words and bring forth your resolve as an Uma Musu."
Astronor bowed deeply before turning and leaving. She had achieved exactly what she’d set out to accomplish here—staying any longer would rely waste ti. Moreover...
She needed Gotham Song to seriously ponder what she’d said, to find an honest answer herself. Polite assurances alone were aningless until she saw real results.
Watching Astronor’s departing figure, Gotham Song sank into deep contemplation. anwhile, Haya City offered an apologetic smile.
"I’m sorry, Gotham Song-san. I wasn’t aware she’d say all that... But that child truly cares about racing against you."
Haya City sighed lightly before adding one final comnt.
"As long as she can force out your hunger for victory, even defeat would probably feel like an honor, wouldn’t it? Perhaps that’s the privilege of a challenger."
After bidding farewell to Haya City, Gotham Song quietly followed jiro Ardan upstairs toward the guest room prepared for their overnight stay. Throughout their short walk, Gotham Song maintained a thoughtful silence.
It wasn’t until the bedroom door was securely shut—until they were alone—that Gotham Song finally spoke up, breaking the quiet.
jiro Ardan took a seat beside her.
"Still thinking about earlier, Song?"
"Mm... Ardan-nee, so of what Astronor-san said... I still can’t quite understand."
jiro Ardan gave a soft, gentle smile. Indeed, those words just now weren’t easy to grasp—neither for Gotham Song nor for Twilight Song, her past self. In that case...
Ardan gently pressed her legs together, lightly patting her lap as an invitation. Only once Gotham Song lay down, resting her head comfortably, did Ardan begin to speak softly.
"It’s hard to understand, right? But do you know what difference I see between you and your forr self?"
"As long as I know, that’s enough."
It’s rare to see you this lost...but that’s cute in its own way.
jiro Ardan stroked Gotham Song’s hair affectionately as she continued explaining her thoughts.
"The you from back then equated life itself with victory. You rcilessly tore apart every opponent standing in your way, didn’t you?"
But now, I’m not... Huh? Wait, is that true?
"That is, after you regained the chance to run, your drive to win almost disappeared entirely. If it wasn’t for the URA’s situation, Song might never have even chosen to debut again, right?"
Ardan’s voice was gentle yet firm, as though she understood Gotham Song’s feelings better than Song herself. With this quiet revelation, the girl lying down finally understood everything Astronor had tried to convey.
She wants to challenge a genuine monster who fights fiercely for victory, not so machine who rely runs without desire.
"So that’s what she ant... Really, saying it like that leaves no room to refuse at all."
Gotham Song spoke as if complaining, but without realizing it herself, the corners of her mouth had curved into a daring little smile.
Noticing this change, Ardan joyfully poked her cheek, satisfied with Gotham Song’s newfound determination.
"But I’m not going to run in front this ti..."
Aside from front-running, I’ll give everything I’ve got, Astronor.
You’ve won the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby, and the King George Stakes... The strongest classic Uma Musu of our era to face ? Quite bold of you, Astronor.
Gotham Song took a deep breath, smiling confidently and without restraint.
Since you’ve openly challenged , wouldn’t it be rude if I didn’t respond accordingly?
I’ll tear you apart, Astronor. You’ll pay for your arrogance and self-confidence.
Your undefeated streak ends at the Irish Champion Stakes.
"That’s exactly the spirit, Song."
Just like the confident, powerful you from back when you raced at Longchamp, my dear Song.
Ardan laughed fondly, their quiet mont of eye contact interrupted only by a knock at the door.
Opening it revealed Haya City, eyes filled with anticipation, glancing to the side.
"Haya Of Star’s room is over there. I’ll leave it in your hands, Gotham Song-san."
"I’ll do my best, Haya City-san."
Truthfully, Gotham Song felt sowhat nervous about eting her fan. Yet that anxiety evaporated the mont she opened the door.
Instead, it was replaced by...well...a stunned, confused embarrassnt?
Why was she feeling this way?
Because there was just so much. So very, very much.
What exactly?
The answer: Gotham Song’s photographs from races, promotional shoots, and everything in between.
Walls are typically white, right?
Wallpaper normally has a straightforward color, doesn’t it?
Even slightly faded or worn walls could be understandable, right?
By the Three Goddesses—what exactly was "Gotham Song-colored" supposed to an?
On the ceiling, covering every inch of wall, everywhere her eyes fell—nothing but endless pictures, magazine clippings, and posters. Even the cabinets overflowed with morabilia.
If not for the risk of stepping on them, the owner of this room might have even plastered them onto the floor.
Haya Of Star...was truly a terrifying Uma Musu.
Before entering this room, Gotham Song had never realized how passionate her fan truly was. But now...
She was very, very, incredibly passionate.
As Gotham Song stood frozen at the doorway, processing this shocking scene, her gaze finally landed upon Haya Of Star’s face—a face now so furiously red it wouldn’t be strange if steam started pouring out from her ears.
Haya Of Star stood there, arms tightly hugging herself, completely frozen, short-circuited, and utterly unable to function.
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