"It is the greatest honor to meet you again, Your Royal Highness."
"Hmph, you may rise."
Kneeling dramatically and bowing her head, I offered my hand as she smiled sweetly and reached out for it. I took it and feigned a kiss. Some might be surprised by how perfectly synchronized this impromptu skit was, but as soon as it ended, she hugged me with a big smile. I embraced her back, spinning us around.
"Rampage-san, it's been so long~!!"
"Have you been well, my tomboy princess~? Haven't given your SP captain any trouble, have you?"
"Nope~ right, Cap'n ♪"
"H-yes... ah, Your Highness was extremely well."
Just that told me the captain had endured much. Still a tomboy, I suppose... but then again, a truly tomboyish Uma Musume was also with me, so things were about to get lively.
"Oh my, Ran-chan, you two are truly close."
"Rampage-san and I are best frien-ds!!"
"Oh, is that so~? Then, what about me, Ran-chan's trainer?"
"Of course, best frien-ds too ♪"
"Kyaaa~ You're so adorable~!!"
Sue-chan couldn't resist. Breaking into a smile, she hugged and rubbed cheeks with the young princess who was proudly puffing out her chest. Normally, such a display would be inappropriate if seen by others, but with everyone cleared out, it wasn't an issue. However, the surrounding black-suited SP Uma Musume seemed to be on edge, beads of sweat visible on their foreheads.
"So, in that case, I'll be in your care while I'm here—Princess Fine."
"Leave it to me ♪ Both my father and mother gave their happy OK sign ♪"
Rampage had finally crossed the sea and arrived in Europe, but she wasn't in England, but Ireland. Why Ireland? Simply because Princess Fine of the Irish Royal Family had invited her, "If you're coming to Europe, why not stay with us!?" At first, Rampage had considered staying in a hotel owned by the Irish Royal Family in England, but since the opportunity arose, she decided to accept their direct hospitality.
"SP Captain, sorry for the trouble."
"Not at all. His Majesty was delighted to welcome the esteemed Mejiro Rampage-sama as a guest. We, as SP, will do our utmost, so please enjoy Ireland."
"Um, could you say that greeting for us!?"
"You lot!? My apologies, my subordinates are being disrespectful...!!"
Behind the captain, who was giving his greeting, the other SP Uma Musume couldn't help but make a request. Apparently, they had watched Fine's streams together, and not just Fine's direct SP but everyone was a fan.
"It's a special occasion. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't do it in front of Fine's big sister too, right, Your Royal Highness?"
"Hehehe, that's right. My big sister must be waiting to meet Rampage-san too. Everyone, it's fine to wait until then, right~?"
"Of course!!"
"What a lively group. This is going to be a fun stay in Europe."
"I-I'm glad you think so..."
While the others were cheerfully bustling about, the SP captain unconsciously clutched his stomach. A surge of anxiety washed over him, wondering if things would truly be alright with his subordinates acting this way. But he also roused himself, remembering it was an honor to be entrusted with Rampage's protection as an SP captain.
"Please follow me."
"I'll be relying on you."
"...And also, Your Highness, please try not to trouble Rampage-san too much..."
"Don't worry, don't worry. Kids are better off this energetic."
"Better off this energetic~ ♪"
Fine was overjoyed, riding on Rampage's shoulders. Will things really be alright from here on...? The SP captain, or rather, the piccolo player, gazed up at the heavens.
Fine Motion is the Princess of the Irish Royal Family. To be hosted in her home naturally meant being taken care of at the royal residence. Guarded by SP, they arrived at a colossal castle. I thought I was used to grand estates like the Mejiro family mansion, but I was still astonished by the sheer size of the castle and the vastness of its grounds.
"Even I'm surprised by this~"
"F-for all that, Sue-chan, you seem calm?"
"Perhaps it's a difference in life experience."
Even Sue-chan seemed surprised, making her keenly feel the immense privilege of being hosted by royalty.
"We've been waiting for you, Mejiro Rampage-san, and Speed Symboli-dono. Welcome to Ireland."
"Fine caused you some trouble in Japan, so this time, we intend to offer our hospitality as a thank you for that occasion."
"It's the greatest honor."
"On the contrary, we apologize for any inconvenience."
I was surprised myself at how I managed to deal with Fine's parents without feeling as nervous as I had imagined. Perhaps my experience speaking with the Emperor and the Ruler of Dubai was paying off, as I was completely at ease. I seriously pondered whether I should be pleased about this or lament my desensitized state.
"Now, let's put aside the formalities. Ever since Fine told us about you, our family has become your biggest fans."
"We've also watched your streams. Would it be possible to get an autograph and a photo later?"
"If it's me you'd like, I'd be happy to."
"Speed Symboli-san, I'd also like to speak with you in more detail."
"If someone of my humble standing can be of service, I will do my best."
"Oh, there's no need to mind the formalities. May I call you Sue-chan?"
"Oh, in that case, I'll also speak freely ♪"
And just like that, the moment Fine's mother broke the ice, Sue-chan also began interacting with her usual cheerful energy. Her incredible adaptability truly was impressive.
"Rampage-san, I'll show you to your room! Father, that's okay, right, right!?"
"Hehe, yes, of course. Rampage-san, please keep Fine company. She's been saying every day how much she wanted to meet you."
"Understood."
Somehow, I had imagined royalty to be more strict, but Fine's parents were indeed as gentle and mild-mannered as one might expect from Fine herself. Led by the eager Fine, I temporarily separated from Sue-chan and headed to my room with the SP captain, but—
"Ah... I, I have been waiting for this day... And today, I must offer thanks to God for meeting my destiny..."
As I was overwhelmed by the luxurious room, an Uma Musume entered. Upon seeing me, her eyes shone, and her tail thrashed as she knelt, offering thanks to God. I wondered what was happening, but she quickly stood up and slowly approached. Then, she knelt before me again and took my hand.
"I have yearned for this day. This joy of gazing upon your esteemed face... it is utterly inexpressible in words. Therefore, please permit my words and actions, imbued with everything... O beauteous Queen."
Hearing that, I remembered our phone conversation after going out with Fine previously. The one who called me "Queen" was her older sister. Which meant—this Uma Musume was Pilsudski. In terms of historical horses, she's strongly associated with the infamous "broadcast accident" at the Japan Cup and her subsequent victory. But she also won the Breeders' Cup Turf in the US, the Eclipse Stakes, Champion Stakes, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the UK, accumulating 6 Grade 1 wins including her final race, the Japan Cup. She also placed 2nd in the Arc de Triomphe twice, a champion comparable to Orfevre.
"Ah~... Um... Fine, is this your older sister... right?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"...Rampage-sama, this is Her Royal Highness Pilsudski, Princess Fine's older sister."
I was right, I thought, as Pilsudski kissed my hand. Not a feigned kiss like with Fine, but a genuine kiss on the back of my hand. Such a gesture usually signifies respect or adoration... but in this case, it was probably...
"—My feelings can only be called love. Will you permit me this...?"
"Regardless of whether I accept or not, I would be happy to be friends with you. Let's start as friends, Princess Pilsudski."
In response, Pilsudski, far from being disappointed, showed an expression of joy as she took my hand again and shook it.
"(She's expressing love far more directly than Flora, but I'm not getting any rejection reaction... I guess there really was something strange about Flora's thing...)"
"Your Majesty, what is it? You've been staring at my face..."
"Oh, nothing. Just thinking you're as beautiful as Fine's big sister."
"...Please stop, it's honestly making me happy and embarrassed..."
"You just declared your love straight out, and that's your response, Princess Pilsudski...?"
"Big Sister loves Rampage-san a whole lot~ ♪"
"—!?"
"What is it, Sister? You suddenly stood up. To be honest, it's a bit unsettling."
"I agree. I don't even want to think about the fact that this is my sister."
"...Taki-chan, Fura-chan, it makes your older sister sad when you say things like that... Especially Fura-chan, please seriously stop with that... I'm going to die."
And so, the European expedition begins with a stay in Ireland.
And Princess Pilsudski makes her appearance. She expresses love much more directly than Flora, but is a pure and innocent maiden.
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