The third day after arriving in New York.
Having left Flightline behind and discussed what to do next with Secretariat-san, Gotham Song finally had some leisure time to enjoy being abroad.
Yet, to her genuine surprise, when she casually walked around the streets, she kept encountering numerous enthusiastic fans. Completely different from Japan's reserved nature, they eagerly rushed up for photos.
Of course, Gotham Song wouldn't refuse their enthusiasm—but after encountering so many fans that an entire afternoon's stroll barely got her anywhere, she entirely gave up the idea of casually heading out alone again.
Not that she disliked such warm attention. Who didn't enjoy being the center of attention? Gotham Song relished this feeling—it was something she'd earned herself, wasn't it natural she should enjoy it?
But the problem remained—it was just too much. Far, far too much. Completely overwhelming! And so, for the entire third day, she stayed holed up at home, chatting on the phone with Haya of Stars, who'd just won another race back in Britain. Right after hanging up, she had to deal with regular, intrusive calls from Treve.
And then—
There were even calls from Satono Diamond and Van Gogh.
The latter, the young Great Escape idiot, was especially surprising. She'd initially hated Gotham Song, but after that visit to Mejiro Manor—even though the little filly still had no idea Gotham Song was Twilight Song herself—she'd somehow turned incredibly shy, leaving Gotham Song both amused and baffled.
Yet, among them all, Treve was undoubtedly the biggest headache. Haya of Stars mostly remained within the boundary of a passionate fan, but Treve's topics gradually distorted to a dangerously possessive degree—
She would even indirectly probe whether Gotham Song had encountered unfamiliar American Uma Musume, or if something unpleasant had happened to her.
By contrast, even Satono Diamond felt like a relatively normal Uma Musume at moments like these.
Satono Diamond's inquiries were simple: had Gotham Song missed her, when was she coming back, when could she visit Satono Manor, or perhaps even suggesting Diamond herself should fly directly to New York.
Absolutely terrifying.
Still, perhaps due to repeatedly handling these situations, Gotham Song felt herself becoming increasingly adept at smoothly evading and deflecting these various Uma Musume.
Of course, getting out of this earlier might've been a wiser choice, but that assumed she could actually escape. Gotham Song genuinely suspected that if she dared to disappear or stopped replying, within two days, the whole world would be filled with panicked, frantic Uma Musume and mysterious black-suited figures hunting for her.
Anyway, Satono Diamond could definitely pull off something like that—and so could Treve. Those two were practically like man-eating mares straight out of some horror film next door.
So, maybe the current situation was actually the best available option. At least, comparatively speaking, Treve was still in the relatively manageable early stage, and Satono Diamond wasn't nearly as recklessly aggressive as she'd been at first.
But right after Gotham Song ended the last call from Satono Diamond, she proactively dialed another number herself. Then, acting spoiled, playful, and utterly adorable, she launched a ruthless barrage upon the heart of the Uma Musume on the other end, causing the receiver to sigh helplessly with affectionate indulgence.
Who could possibly enjoy such special treatment?
Naturally, it was her beloved older sister, Mejiro Ramonu-san.
When Gotham Song had announced she was heading to New York, Mejiro Ramonu had been extremely worried, although she eventually chose not to stop her. After arriving in New York, Gotham Song often took the initiative to share her daily experiences with Ramonu.
Ah, incidentally, Ramonu-san wasn't very prompt with her replies because…
Her elegant, noble sister had a rather abstractly bad habit—occasionally forgetting to take her phone with her.
After ending the call with Mejiro Ramonu, Gotham Song took a quick snapshot of her current attire and sent it to another Uma Musume's social media account. Only after receiving praise for her new racing outfit from the recipient did Gotham Song gently smile and dial one final number.
This call didn't last very long—just a quick, casual check-in—before Gotham Song's lips curled into a somewhat mysterious smile.
"Oh, by the way, Ruby, I have a surprise for you once I'm back. Well, that's all for now—see you when I return."
Well, although she'd danced with Ardan-neesan earlier, things between sisters and a… hmm, "pursuer" were inherently different, right?
Sigh, fortunately I've got enough prize money, otherwise the cost of international calls alone would be enough to bankrupt me—especially with the recent price hikes.
Gotham Song sighed helplessly, muttering silently to herself as she distractedly changed topics in her mind.
Only then did Tokai Teio's delayed reply to the photo finally appear on her screen. Gotham Song sank down onto the edge of her bed, questioning her life decisions.
Just how exactly did things turn out this way? If I had known Uma Musume were all such emotionally volatile creatures, I definitely wouldn't have done all those strange things back then!
Naturally, Gotham Song had always interacted with the world and everyone around her based on her past experience and common sense. But during that process, she'd committed one enormous mistake—
Because the differences between the two worlds were deceptively minor, she'd unconsciously assumed everyone around her would behave rationally, much like her former co-workers—calm, reserved, and emotionally stable.
Uma Musume—emotional monsters—terrifyingly so! Just thinking about it made her head ache and spin wildly.
Still, Gotham Song quickly regained her composure. After all, since things had already reached this point, neither she nor the Uma Musume around her could realistically let each other go now.
Rather, it was probably far more likely that Gotham Song herself would end up literally "split" apart first.
Amused despite her circumstances, she lightly slapped her own cheeks, then stood before the full-length mirror, spinning gently while lifting the skirt hem, carefully inspecting her current attire.
Exactly as she'd discussed earlier in her chat with Tokai Teio, this was her brand-new racing outfit. Ever since arriving in New York—or rather, ever since the Arima Kinen had ended—Secretariat had recommended that she wear a new racing outfit to symbolize her elevated status and strength.
After all, Gotham Song was now part of the International Uma Musume Racing Committee—arguably holding the highest status among Japanese race organizers.
Moreover, the current international elite openly acknowledged that none of their performances even approached Gotham Song's shadow. In other words, the Uma Musume standing before the mirror wasn't simply Japan's demon lord—
She was now the undisputed demon lord of the entire world. No one could question her legitimacy—she was the true Augustus of Uma Musume racing, without exaggeration.
In every possible sense, Gotham Song was more than qualified to don a new racing outfit.
If her former outfit symbolized her campaign toward becoming the demon lord, this new one was akin to ceremonial garb marking her coronation, formally declaring her status—
At least, that's how Secretariat had described it. She'd even mysteriously offered to handle every detail herself if Gotham Song agreed. All Gotham Song had to do was publicly announce she'd debut a new racing outfit at the upcoming "Voice of the People" year-end gala—and then simply wear it there.
At that time, Gotham Song hadn't thought much of it. After all, someone else handling everything meant she could simply appear wearing new clothes—why refuse?
And thus, Secretariat easily obtained Gotham Song's precise measurements. Gotham Song then dutifully made her public announcement about debuting a new racing outfit.
What should I say now?
I'm truly an idiot. Seriously, had I known what would happen, I definitely would've refused Secretariat's offer back then.
Damn it, Old Bastard Number Two, you've tricked me!
Gotham Song could feel phantom pain gnawing at her teeth. It wasn't that Secretariat's new outfit had any quality issues—that was impossible. This was, after all, a proper racing outfit blessed by the Three Goddesses.
Then was it because she didn't like the style or design?
Not that either. In fact, Secretariat had clearly grasped Gotham Song's heart, creating an outfit she absolutely adored.
But the problem was, she liked it way too much!
Could loving something too much give you a headache? Of course not. But what if the racing outfit Gotham Song loved most—the one she'd never wear again—served as the base for this newly redesigned, improved version, blending in more elements of her current military-themed attire?
On her feet were elegant white thigh-high stockings featuring cut-out designs above the knees, paired with sleek black knee-high boots covering her calves. Above that was an exquisitely detailed skirt adorned with lace and golden ribbon bows, still beautifully revealing her thighs.
Then came the corset-like waistcoat with medieval knightly influences, echoing Twilight Song's iconic golden lacing and tight fit.
Overall, this new outfit largely followed Twilight Song's original design, now richly adorned in gold detailing and pristine white accents. The biggest change?
The half-cape from her previous military-style attire—known for fluttering dramatically as she ran—had been transformed into a detachable, luxurious full-length fur-lined mantle.
It truly had evolved from battle dress into ceremonial attire. But why, of all things, base it on Twilight Song's old outfit?
Suddenly, Gotham Song felt a baseless, creeping dread. She even started questioning whether her brain had become fully "Uma Musume-ized," as a single terrifying line flashed into her mind:
"Song, change back into your old clothes and come to my room, won't you?"
No, no, no…!
Absolutely not! Definitely unacceptable!
Gotham Song shook her head vigorously, forcing herself to fully calm down. After regaining her composure, she poked at the small decorative black metal clips—placed above her bangs—which she'd worn for the first time in ages. Then, very carefully, she adjusted her two-colored hair ribbons, merging the stars and moon into one unified design.
She couldn't help but sigh softly in admiration.
As expected of me, anything I wear looks absolutely fantastic.
Although she'd initially felt deeply reluctant upon seeing the new racing outfit, Gotham Song ultimately chose to put it on.
After all, she'd already publicly announced it. Changing her mind now would be pointless, and besides, it was clearly too late. Secretariat-san had fully anticipated Gotham Song would think this way, which was precisely why she'd pushed her into making an official announcement online. Truly an old fox, through and through.
Damn you, Old Bastard Number Two!
After vainly admiring herself one last time in front of the mirror, Gotham Song finally stepped outside, entering the car alongside her family members and heading toward the event venue.
Perhaps because Gotham Song was attending tonight's gala, Manhattan Cafe had specially mentioned that she'd be returning today, planning to meet directly at the venue. Even though Gotham Song couldn't quite understand why Old Bastard Number One—who had suddenly jumped into the phone call from Cafe's side—was giggling mysteriously, obviously struggling to suppress her laughter, it still made Gotham Song rather happy.
Still, just what exactly had caused Old Bastard Number One to be in such a good mood?
Unable to figure it out, Gotham Song simply closed her eyes, leaning comfortably against the car's back seat, gently resting beside Ardan-nee-san and taking a brief nap.
The venue was quite far away, after all! It'd take about forty minutes by car, and fiddling around on her phone while being jostled would only make her feel sick. Better to just close her eyes and openly nestle herself against Ardan-nee-san's embrace.
Hehe.
Incidentally, the other Uma Musume seated with them in the back seat was the adorable Vernal-chan, who Gotham Song instinctively pulled into her arms without even thinking. Vernal-chan obediently curled closer, offering no resistance at all.
Yet while Gotham Song basked in carefree comfort, at that very moment, on the other side of the city, another Uma Musume felt as if the sky were crashing down around her.
Flightline had never cared much about yearly awards, especially knowing that that person would proudly walk on stage to receive her accolades this year.
Seriously, why are Americans so awful, allowing a monster to steal the name of a god…
But earlier this morning, when she simply couldn't resist wanting to see Gotham Song—no, it's just reconnaissance, right, reconnaissance!—she unexpectedly received a cryptic message from Secretariat-san.
Secretariat had casually hinted that tonight's gala would include something Flightline absolutely couldn't afford to ignore.
Flightline instantly plunged deep into confusion.
Something I can't ignore? What could that possibly be…?
Nevertheless, since Secretariat herself had hinted at it…
After nearly a whole day of inner turmoil, Flightline eventually made up her mind. She quickly headed over to the venue's surroundings just before the event began.
And it was there, standing in front of the venue, that she saw a truly unbelievable sight.
The "Voice of the People Award," typically referred to casually as the "Secretariat Voice of the People Award," had a long-standing tradition. Usually, Secretariat herself was prominently placed as the central figure on all promotional materials around the venue, proudly announcing her ownership of the award.
But this year… what Flightline saw was completely different!
The figure displayed on the promotional posters wasn't Secretariat—it was Twilight Song.
Twilight Song-san herself!
No… absolutely not!
Absolutely, positively not okay!!!
Giving the "Twilight Song Voice of the People Award" to Gotham Song was absolutely, utterly unacceptable!!!