The two descended the stairs together. Truthfully, Gotham Song felt her foot wasn't actually that big of a deal.
After all, she'd dealt with far worse in the past—never mind blisters; she'd once ripped open wounds with her bare nails without hesitation.
Not with needles—with her own fingernails!
Surely that kind of pain had been far worse than this? Yet whenever she'd insisted previously that it wasn't serious, everyone around her had sternly rejected her claims.
Gotham Song had even briefly wondered if someone—or rather, everyone—had secretly agreed to use this as an excuse to fuss over her.
But on second thought, that seemed impossible. Could such mutual understanding spontaneously arise between people who barely knew each other? Not just unlikely—merely considering it was absurd.
Gotham Song, have you lost your mind, entertaining such silly ideas?
Thus dismissing her speculation, Gotham Song concluded that perhaps this was indeed something critical for Uma Musume, requiring extra care and caution.
Even Symboli Rudolf hadn't cracked any jokes about it. If that was the case, it must be genuinely important.
Whether to reassure everyone else or because she truly accepted their concerns, Gotham Song stopped questioning it and simply went along with it.
Besides, everyone taking care of me seems so happy about it, right? If so, there's no reason for me to resist or worry.
Having cleared her mind, Gotham Song felt her thoughts brighten immensely as she reached the hall downstairs.
It was at that moment that Gotham Song learned why Daiichi Ruby had been called away—apparently, another guest had arrived.
As the young lady of the house, it was natural for Ruby to greet guests of her own generation. And as for the Uma Musume seated opposite Ruby…
Gotham Song glanced over carefully, searching her memories, only to realize with mild embarrassment that she had absolutely no idea who the visitor was.
She gave the impression of a rather imposing Uma Musume—no, perhaps "imposing" wasn't quite right. To Gotham Song, "powerful" seemed a better description.
At any rate, Gotham Song studied the Uma Musume seated there, imagining how tall she'd be when standing upright.
She was probably at least twenty centimeters taller than Gotham Song herself, with a fuller figure to match. And given that Ruby, as the young mistress of the family, personally greeted her, she must be someone of significant status.
All this speculation merely covered the simple fact that Gotham Song didn't know her name.
Noticing Gotham Song's confusion, Neo Universe leaned in and whispered gently in her ear:
"Her name is Gentildonna. She's… um… your fan?"
My fan? Wait, hold on—which 'me'?
"Both. Anyway… her circumstances will be clear once you talk to her," Neo Universe finished somewhat awkwardly, clearly unsure how else to explain Gentildonna's situation. She'd settled for the simplest description.
Their whispering quickly drew the attention of the two seated across from them. Daiichi Ruby didn't seem bothered at all; instead, she smiled softly and beckoned Gotham Song to join them.
Gotham Song strongly suspected Ruby wanted to shove Neo Universe aside and take her place at her side, but refrained from doing so for various reasons.
Curiously, Gotham Song glanced toward the other Uma Musume, immediately meeting Gentildonna's intense crimson eyes.
"Good afternoon. You must be Gotham Song-san, yes? I've admired you for a long time. It's truly an honor."
"Ah… Likewise, I suppose?"
Realizing their whispers had been overheard, Gotham Song obediently took her seat next to Daiichi Ruby, gently grasping the hem of her skirt.
Neo Universe, meanwhile, appeared completely unconcerned—likely familiar enough with Gentildonna's character to know there was nothing to worry about.
"Um… Gentildonna? Song didn't mean any disrespect; she was just curious," Daiichi Ruby offered diplomatically, understanding why Gotham Song seemed hesitant.
Surprisingly, Gentildonna's response shocked everyone present:
"No, not at all. Or rather, I genuinely don't mind. If it's Gotham Song-san, it doesn't bother me in the slightest."
"If it's… me? That's quite a surprising answer," Gotham Song said, thoroughly confused.
Though Gotham Song remained puzzled, Ruby quickly grasped why Gentildonna might react that way.
"It's really fine. Honestly, meeting Gotham Song-san here is a great honor," Gentildonna continued sincerely, her eyes bright and sincere.
Her words made it unmistakably clear, even to Gotham Song, that Gentildonna's visit wasn't coincidental or casual at all.
Gentildonna clearly came here purely because of me, didn't she?
It wasn't conceit; rather, Gotham Song felt an undeniable intensity from Gentildonna—a peculiar sensation of being closely watched or targeted.
But the emotion Gentildonna radiated wasn't desire or longing. Rather, it was something stranger and utterly incomprehensible to Gotham Song.
[Ooh~ I never thought you'd encounter someone like this! Your life is endlessly entertaining, little one. Want my help?]
Sunday Silence floated lazily nearby. Ever since arriving at Daiichi Ruby's residence—or more precisely, since McQueen appeared—she'd barely left Gotham Song's side. Now presented with such an amusing scenario, there was no chance she'd miss it.
What should I do, old-timer? Seems like you know exactly how to handle someone like her…
[Oh, naturally. Just obediently listen to me. First, you must…]
A few moments after Gentildonna had flashed her eager expression, Gotham Song's demeanor turned abruptly icy, startling even Daiichi Ruby with the sudden shift.
Straightening elegantly between the two, Gotham Song gracefully lifted the teacup in front of her—Daiichi Ruby's cup, though Ruby didn't comment—and spoke clearly:
"Is that so? How intriguing. Then… what exactly do you wish for me to know?"
So Song has a side like this too…?
Ruby was stunned, momentarily forgetting to mention that Gotham Song had picked up her personal cup—the one exclusively hers!
Yet faced with Gotham Song's unexpectedly strong, almost cold stance, Gentildonna surprisingly softened. Under Ruby's astonished gaze, the imposing Uma Musume even lowered her head slightly, adopting a humble tone:
"You've guessed correctly, Song-san. Indeed, I came specifically to speak with you. If you would grant me this opportunity—"
"Speak."
Gotham Song responded curtly—just a single word. Yet Gentildonna, far from offended, appeared even more deferential.
"Please allow me to stay by your side, to closely observe and learn from your immense strength."
"…Hmm?"
Wait, what now? Gotham Song blinked, momentarily bewildered. She sipped her tea thoughtfully, replaying Gentildonna's words in her mind.
"Stay by your side, observe closely…?" Excuse me, Miss Gentildonna—we literally just met today, didn't we?
Was it normal for Uma Musume to casually pledge their futures to complete strangers?!
First Treve from France, then Haya Of Star from London, and now Gentildonna here.
At this point, if someday an American Uma Musume suddenly showed up and grabbed her hand, saying something like:
"Please let me stay by your side—I'll do anything!"
Gotham Song wouldn't even be surprised.
Heh.
So, old-timer, do I accept or not? And why is she acting like this anyway?
[Suit yourself. I'd certainly accept. Also, don't be too nervous; she isn't interested in your body or your person. How should I put it? Ah yes, to put it simply—]
[She's simply fascinated by your victories and overwhelming strength. That's the real reason for her words. She couldn't care less about anything else. Understand, little one?]
Of course, Sunday Silence deliberately left half her thoughts unsaid:
That's merely her current state—indifferent to you personally. But if you accept her request, you'll always need to maintain this powerful, confident facade in front of her.
Naturally, Silence refrained from mentioning this now. She'd reveal it privately later, eager to witness Gotham Song's delightfully troubled reaction.
Heh.
"Even if you say that, shouldn't I at least hear your reason clearly before answering?"
Gotham Song finally set down her teacup, leaning comfortably against the sofa and slightly resting against Ruby's shoulder as she questioned further.
"My reason? Understood. Actually, it's quite simple—because you're the Augustus of this era."
Gentildonna even used a nickname Gotham Song had recently become aware of.
It had emerged following her victory in the Irish Champion Stakes, spreading alongside Gotham Song's fame. International online communities gleefully ignored URA's struggles, openly comparing Gotham Song and Twilight Song.
Foreign media—particularly those close to American Tracen Academy—explicitly voiced what had previously been whispered privately:
If Twilight Song was Caesar, shouldn't Gotham Song—equally brilliant and astonishingly similar—be called "Augustus"?
The nickname quickly went viral, far beyond URA's ability to suppress. Within Japan, another voice grew louder: blaming URA's stubborn refusal to recognize Twilight Song for the current chaos.
Now, amidst these turbulent times, Japanese online communities widely accepted equating Gotham Song's strength with the legendary Twilight Song, desperately seeking national pride.
Hence, when Gentildonna now called her "the strongest Uma Musume of this era," it wasn't mere flattery. Among many Japanese netizens, this opinion was rapidly becoming mainstream.
Gotham Song glanced uncertainly at Ruby, then Neo Universe. Even Sunday Silence nodded encouragingly behind her, signaling she should gracefully accept the title.
"Thus, I wish to remain by your side—to chase true strength alongside you. Please. Even if merely as support, Gentildonna will never complain."
As long as I can remain by your side, I'll do anything!
Ugh. Would an American Uma Musume seriously appear and say those exact words someday? Anyway, first things first—
How should I respond?
Clearly, outright refusal wouldn't be appropriate, given Gentildonna's obvious determination. But fully accepting and bringing Gentildonna into her inner world?
That felt subtly off.
While Gotham Song pondered deeply, Sunday Silence's tempting whisper returned to her ear.
Really? Will that actually work, old-timer?
[You dare doubt me now? Fine, next time I won't help you.]
Ah, wait! Okay, fine, I get it already…
With no other choice—
"Very well. But Gentildonna, don't expect constant guidance. Obey when you see me. Understood?"
Gotham Song's deep gaze locked firmly onto Gentildonna's crimson eyes, displaying unwavering strength.
And Gentildonna's response?
She respectfully lowered her head further.
"Your wish is my command, Song-san."
My Lady Song… Please remain powerful forever. The moment you falter, allow me to seize your strength—and claim you entirely.