At any rate, Secretariat found herself once again buried under paperwork.
After all, she wasn't Akikawa Yayoi, nor was the student council president at American Tracen Academy Symboli Rudolf. Thus, despite being a legendary Uma Musume who had crossed oceans to Japan, Secretariat still had piles of documents to process daily.
She even joked about it herself:
"Technological advancement isn't always a good thing. At least, personally, I'd prefer returning to the era of telegrams and handwritten letters."
But Gotham Song didn't find it amusing at all.
Because Secretariat was currently busy planning for next year's Dream Cup, set around the same time as now.
Why were they so certain that "she" would definitely appear on that track? What if all the participants ended up being other veteran legends? Or even those crazies from Afterlife Academy?
They ought to let those lunatics come out and give everyone a good shake-up!
However, unlike Secretariat who didn't have even a second to spare, Dancing Brave had plenty of time. She was relaxed enough to appear at Gotham Song's side daily, watching her train alongside Tokai Teio, and—
—incidentally mentoring Gentildonna, who now remained beside Gotham Song under the convenient title of logistical support.
Well, Gotham Song had initially claimed she had no need for logistical support.
After all, there were plenty of people already around her who could offer advice on running practice, equipment, and everything else. There was genuinely nothing extra she needed.
But Gentildonna earnestly sought an identity beside Gotham Song, unwilling to accept such goodwill without contributing something.
With a sigh of resignation, Gotham Song eventually agreed to let Gentildonna stay by her side under this convenient title.
What was absurdly surreal was how Gentildonna—also a prestigious young lady like Ruby—took this new role quite seriously and began studying the ins and outs of logistical support.
So what kind of logistical demands did Gotham Song actually have now? Well, primarily just dietary management and physical recovery.
And then, and then…
And then Gotham Song, who'd originally shown goodwill by letting Gentildonna remain, began enduring bitter days.
This included, but was not limited to, strictly supervised meals, and being promptly lifted off the grass after training—unlike before when she'd just flop down freely—and being forced onto Gentildonna's lap for massages and stretching.
Naturally, Gotham Song had no room to resist. She suspected that if she launched a flying kick at Gentildonna, the taller Uma Musume would probably stand unfazed, completely immovable.
But—but even if she couldn't resist, couldn't others at least physically stop Gentildonna and say "no"?
Then what was everyone else's reaction to Gentildonna's undeniably "excessive" behavior?
Uh, non-existent.
Yes, literally non-existent. Neither supporting nor opposing, everyone maintained a peculiar silence, tacitly behaving as if nothing unusual had happened.
Doesn't that mean you're all basically agreeing with her? Did all of you completely betray me?!
Thus, one night while sulking in bed, Gotham Song grumbled about this to Neo Universe. The response she received was rather unexpected:
"But if Gotham-san really doesn't like it, you could just tell Gentildonna clearly, and she'd stop immediately."
"I-Is it really that simple?"
Holding Neo Universe tightly in her embrace, Gotham Song found this hard to believe.
"Gotham-san must have noticed by now; Gentildonna listens closely to you. It's always been that way."
"But... but wouldn't that deny the very meaning of her role? If I say that, she won't have anything left to do..."
In the darkness, Gotham Song vaguely noticed Neo Universe's faint, teasing smile.
"So, Gotham-san, aren't you the one who doesn't want to say it clearly?"
"I—I—I!"
Unable to refute, Gotham Song ended the conversation childishly:
"I'm gonna bite you, dammit!"
And then, Gotham Song indeed sank her teeth into Neo Universe's smooth shoulder.
Anyway, they ended up playfully tussling until falling asleep. The next morning, Gotham Song found herself, under Tokai Teio's resentful stare, gently pulled out of bed by Gentildonna and half-consciously spoon-fed breakfast.
Well—Neo Universe had long slipped out of Gotham Song's arms and returned to her own bed, pretending she'd been there the whole time!
She even locked eyes with Tokai Teio, clearly noticing an envy and resentment within Teio's gaze that perhaps even Teio herself didn't fully realize.
Oh, right, among the three present, wasn't Teio-san the only one who had never experienced Gotham-san's affectionate side...? Wait, does holding hands count?
Gentildonna would like a word here—she'd already been hand-feeding Gotham!
But thankfully, the awkward atmosphere didn't last too long. Gotham Song quickly woke up, bolted away from Gentildonna, finished breakfast hurriedly, and then started washing up and changing clothes.
Today was actually a significant day, one Gotham Song had been anticipating for quite some time.
Because today was October 2nd—the day of this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After completing her usual training, Gotham Song quickly changed into casual clothes in the locker room near the training grounds and returned to the dormitory.
She climbed the stairs and briskly opened the door, clearly seeing the empty dorm room converted into an activity lounge—a generous arrangement made at the request of two veteran legends and Symboli Rudolf.
Inside were all familiar faces—Gotham Song's circle of friends and acquaintances, along with Grass Wonder, who had a close friendship with Special Week.
Indeed, virtually all Uma Musume at Japan Central Tracen would watch an event like the Arc. It was common to watch in groups, and Grass Wonder happened to join primarily because her own roommate was competing in France.
Watching alone was boring, after all. It was always nicer to be surrounded by people you knew.
Besides Special Week, the one closest to Grass Wonder was still preparing elsewhere for next week's Shuka Sho.
Compared to everyone else already speculating on how the race would unfold, Grass Wonder appeared slightly reserved.
Naturally, the Arc itself didn't start so early—it would be around three or four-thirty in the afternoon in France, nearly midnight in Japan.
But!
But this group of semi-retired old legends gathered around Gotham Song wouldn't mind staying awake at this hour. Even for active Uma Musume, staying up late when there wasn't a race the next day was fairly ordinary, right?
Anyway, everyone was here. Secretariat even brought plenty of ingredients, setting up a hot pot indoors.
Thus, before the race began, everyone relaxed, chatting enthusiastically about this year's Arc competitors or simply enjoying the social gathering.
Less than two hours remained. As Uma Musume, everyone naturally had boundless enthusiasm for such topics.
Perhaps out of consideration for Grass Wonder's presence—or simply genuine belief—many voiced their opinion that Special Week truly had a chance of winning this year's Arc.
At least Daiichi Ruby, Mejiro Ardan, and Tokai Teio were supportive.
Remaining neutral were Manhattan Cafe, Gentildonna, and Secretariat.
The opposing camp? Of course, that was Dancing Brave, who was much closer to Silic.
She genuinely held high expectations for that French Uma Musume she was familiar with.
In such a lively atmosphere, Gotham Song sat down next to Grass Wonder and glanced around at everyone.
"How are you feeling? Not too uncomfortable, I hope?"
Gotham Song was fully aware that everyone here was essentially part of her personal circle, making Grass Wonder potentially the only outsider. She didn't want Grass Wonder feeling isolated or unwelcome, knowing herself how unpleasant it felt to be quietly excluded from a group.
Grass Wonder simply responded with her usual gentle smile—indeed, she always appeared serene, quietly occupying her own space.
"No, not at all. Everyone's very kind here; the atmosphere feels truly welcoming."
"That's a relief. But it seems Special Week-san is facing a tough battle in this year's Arc."
Having challenged the Arc herself, Gotham Song deeply understood the intensity unique to that legendary race. And the situation Special Week faced might even be more daunting than her own had been back then.
When Gotham Song competed, her main rival had only been Dancing Brave. But who were Special Week's opponents this time?
The powerful Astronomer, highly praised by Dancing Brave; Silic, and even the legendary Found, who once defeated Special Week.
Though Gotham Song hadn't heard much about the first two, even she recognized the name Found. Especially after meeting her in person, Gotham Song was certain—
Found was unquestionably formidable.
"It certainly seems that way. But Special Week has been preparing for this moment for such a long time; I'm sure she'll have a great run."
Though Grass Wonder's expression wavered slightly—after all, despite genuinely wishing her dear friend's dream could come true, she clearly understood reality. Special Week was about to face an incredibly challenging battle, and no matter how deep their friendship was, she couldn't simply claim victory with blind confidence.
Observing Grass Wonder's evident anxiety, Gotham Song empathized deeply.
"It's alright. All we can do is cheer her on until the very end. Special Week-san surely wouldn't want to see her closest friend wearing such a worried look, would she?"
"That's… true. Thank you, Gotham-san. I'll be watching her until the very end."
Just as rumors said, Gotham Song-san really was a kind-hearted Uma Musume. Grass Wonder sighed softly to herself. Yes, Special Week had prepared for so long; all she could do now was believe in the best possible outcome.
Spe-chan, if you were here, you'd say the same, wouldn't you? Hehe…
Of course, Gotham Song, sitting beside her, had no clue what thoughts ran through Grass Wonder's mind. Instead, she relaxed against Mejiro Ardan's shoulder, allowing her dear elder sister figure to affectionately feed her bite-sized carrot desserts.
Incidentally, desserts were the only area Gentildonna refrained from strictly supervising. She even recently started learning how to make sweets herself.
The reason was quite simple:
Gotham Song's body weight was, frankly speaking, suspiciously low. Gentildonna was baffled—why would a pursuit-specialist Uma Musume who rarely took the lead stay perpetually slender, her weight hovering stubbornly on the lighter side without ever increasing?
Thus, out of both her sense of duty and professional necessity, Gentildonna actually encouraged Gotham Song to eat more desserts to slightly increase her weight.
Unfortunately, her efforts had so far been entirely fruitless. Gotham Song's weight was seemingly locked, never rising even slightly—sometimes inexplicably dropping a little instead.
In any case, amidst cheerful banter, the much-anticipated Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe finally began.
And how did the race unfold?
Astronomer drew Gate 4, Found Gate 8, and Special Week Gate 12. And Silic—the famed front-runner—occupied Gate 5.
From the very start, the race pace completely exceeded everyone's expectations, except Dancing Brave, who wore a faint, knowing smile.
It had begun: Silic's bold escape.
An escape beyond limits, a desperate run inspired by the idol she worshipped, pouring her entire being into the ultimate escape on the legendary Arc stage.
Just how strong was Silic's performance? How terrifying was the spectacle she unleashed?
At least from this side of the television, the commentator's fervent voice resounded loudest, almost nostalgically shouting with passionate intensity:
"Silic! Silic is pushing ahead! Though there's no rain today, this is a chase echoing that very afternoon! Is she about to appear—the second great runaway to conquer the Arc, another Caesar returning triumphantly to Longchamp?!"
Although Gotham Song found such commentary somewhat embarrassing, her vast racing experience allowed her to quietly sense the inevitable conclusion. She calmly stood and walked to Grass Wonder's side, who remained frozen, eyes glued anxiously to the unfolding race.
She didn't say a word, simply standing beside Grass Wonder—just letting her know she wasn't alone. It was at this critical juncture that the race reached its dramatic finale.
And the final result?
Silic achieved an indisputable, dominant victory, decisively claiming the Arc.
Astronomer placed second, Found third, and Special Week—
Once again, Special Week's Arc journey ended without victory.
As for Silic, she had utterly proven her strength on the course where her idol once raced.