Actually, there had always been a rumor: after the Japan Cup, Gotham Song would perform a Winner's Concert after every subsequent race.
No one really knew when this news started spreading, but somehow, every spectator at the Arima Kinen knew about it. Yet in the end, when night fell and the stage lights stayed dimmed, everyone beneath the empty stage sighed to each other:
Of course, Song-san is still Song-san, after all. How could the great Demon King really perform at every single race, just because of one whimsical impulse?
And so, the crowds slowly drifted away, each returning home with quiet company.
Meanwhile, Gotham Song, sitting in the car long after the race, watched the fans outside disperse, tossing and catching her phone, bored.
"Song-san, is there anything else you'd like us to handle?"
"Nope, that's it. Go ahead and upload it just like this. Can it be done tonight? Don't worry, I'll cover your staff's overtime. How about…five times the regular rate?"
Saying this, Gotham Song snapped her pen shut, pushing the signed contract forward.
Across from her was a representative from a certain website. This was the real reason she had lingered here outside Nakayama Racecourse.
The Mejiro family's limousine was spacious, so she hadn't moved elsewhere. Instead, she waited comfortably inside until the music website's representative arrived with the contract.
And what exactly had Gotham Song just signed?
It was an exclusive licensing deal regarding her recorded performance from the Japan Cup Winner's Concert, and priority rights for any future studio versions she might release.
It counted as a kind of thank-you to her fans, right?
At least, that's how Gotham Song saw it. Even though the previous Winner's Concert had allowed audience filming, the quality of amateur recordings surely suffered a bit.
Thus, here she was, negotiating this deal—and possibly future studio recordings—with the website's representative.
Mejiro Manor did have a full professional recording studio. Who knew? Maybe someday Gotham Song would feel like recording something properly.
However, Gotham Song had one specific requirement for the website. Generous though she was, one stipulation remained very clear:
Her music had to remain permanently free—no VIP exclusives or paid packages.
Any user should be able to listen to her voice.
Surprisingly, the website eagerly agreed. According to Secretariat—that troublesome Old Ghost #3—just Gotham Song's name alone would drive massive traffic to the site. Even without selling albums directly, they'd still gain tremendous exposure, more than enough to satisfy the website.
Gotham Song found this quite unexpected. Initially, she'd anticipated some bargaining. It was moments like these when she remembered clearly:
Ah, right. I live in a world of Uma Musume, after all.
After sending off the website representative, Gotham Song finally stepped from the limousine onto the road home.
By the time she arrived, it was already past midnight. Too exhausted for idle conversation, she went straight to her room. Quickly freshening up, she emerged from the bath wrapped loosely in a bathrobe, moving silently toward her bed.
After a brief hesitation, instead of simply lifting the covers, Gotham Song pushed off her already precarious robe and slipped naked, still slightly damp, into her own sheets.
"Neo…? Something's troubling you."
"Mhm…I couldn't sleep. I wanted Song."
Neo Universe's voice held no hesitation—only a gentle, pleading tone.
The blonde-haired Uma Musume uneasily embraced Gotham Song's arm, pressing her cheek firmly against Song's shoulder, whispering her request in a small, fragile voice.
How could Gotham Song possibly refuse such a Neo Universe?
Thinking back, it had really been quite a long time since Neo had last crawled into her bed like this.
Gotham Song possessed a magical bed. Though she herself was its owner, sometimes—okay, quite frequently—it would spontaneously spawn some adorable Uma Musume of various hair colors beneath her sheets.
There was no clear pattern, nor had there ever been any overt conflicts over space—though Song vaguely recalled once seeing two Uma Musume standing off awkwardly by her door. Still—
Generally speaking, at random times, some cute Uma Musume would regularly refresh themselves onto her bed.
But it had truly been ages since Neo Universe last appeared—maybe around the night just after the Japan Cup.
A whole month ago!
I really missed this feel—
Wait, this feel? Of course she meant Neo Universe's body—what else?
Although this might sound strange, Gotham Song believed she'd become a master of judging an Uma Musume's "feel" by sight alone, as long as they weren't heavily dressed.
For example, Mejiro McQueen was definitely too slender—on the night of the Japan Cup, Gotham Song had even traced faint depressions along her younger sister's ribs!
On the other hand, Ardan-oneesan and Ramonu-san were perfectly balanced. Ruby, though…
Due to her smaller size and the demands of being an Uma Musume, she wasn't overly thin. Yet Ruby's slightly soft waist felt incredible in a completely different way.
But Neo Universe was entirely unique in this regard.
Gotham Song gently prodded her roommate, feeling the clearly defined lines of muscle. She was momentarily speechless.
Neo Universe, in a sense, was actually a muscle monster—!
According to Neo Universe herself, this was for Gotham Song's safety.
Becoming a muscle monster is part of the plan too—?!
At such moments, Gotham Song always grew curious about one thing: Between Neo Universe and Gentildonna, whose muscles were more impressive?
Donna-san was one of the few Uma Musume Gotham Song couldn't easily judge by sight. Despite Donna-san's intimidating aura, her extremely feminine figure was deeply misleading.
All Gotham Song knew was that Donna-san was incredibly strong—but exactly how those muscles looked was still unclear.
Then…should she trick Donna-san onto her magical little bed sometime?
No, no, better not. Too many dangerous things might happen…
Shaking off that thought, Gotham Song gently stroked Neo Universe's back, pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together without any gaps, eyes meeting in the dimness.
If you need me at your side, there's no need to show such a guilty expression, you know?
"We haven't become that distant, have we—?" Gotham Song whispered softly, kissing Neo Universe lightly on the forehead, before letting out a puzzled sigh.
"It's just…Song, you just got back from a race, and you're always so busy. I didn't want to bother you…"
"Idiot, of course not. Actually—if you truly don't want to cause trouble, whenever you feel upset, you absolutely must come to me immediately."
Otherwise, I'd worry—!
Really, despite how deeply important they were to each other—almost like true sisters—this girl always became a bit foolish at such moments.
Gotham Song felt both amused and exasperated, but held Neo Universe tighter, hoping her warmth alone could provide reassurance.
Speaking of which, Neo Universe had indeed been cautious lately, almost excessively so. What had caused this?
"Song…everything that's happened recently feels too dreamy, almost unreal. Have we truly reached a stage where there's nothing left to fear?"
Too dreamy, easily reaching a safe place without worry…? Ah, of course.
Gotham Song clearly remembered why they'd started all this. Neo Universe now felt lost precisely because, after finally achieving the safety she had fought so many lifetimes for, her sense of purpose had suddenly vanished.
So…she'd lost her meaning for existence, hadn't she, silly girl?
"Hmm, let's not think about that now. Hey, Neo, next week I'm going to America. Will you come with me?"
"Huh? With you, Song?"
Gotham Song leaned over Neo Universe, pinning her beneath, forcing the golden-haired Uma Musume into eye contact. A sly smile appeared on her lips.
"Yes. I have a house in New York, but it's been empty for a very long time. If I'm staying there for a while, someone might have to tidy it up, right? You know how lazy I am."
"So, would you be willing to join me on a trip to America—and perhaps become the one who helps clean up my old home?"
If one's reason for existing had vanished, wouldn't it be simple enough to create a new one?
Gotham Song sensed that Neo Universe lived primarily for the one pinning her down right now. But even so, it was vital to firmly establish a clear meaning of existence.
If the old purpose was gone, she'd just help Neo Universe find a new one—a fresh purpose they could find together.
"Neo? Are you willing?"
"I—I am. Yes, I am! Very much so, I mean—"
Neo Universe suddenly wrapped both arms tightly around Gotham Song's back, pulling her close. Song immediately lost balance, falling straight into Neo's soft embrace.
W-Wait, sudden attacks are against the rules—!!
Gotham Song mentally shrieked, but in the end made no complaint.
"I mean…please, let me become that person."
I will cherish this chance for the rest of my life.
Neo Universe's voice trembled. Gotham Song, hearing her sincerity, simply stayed silent.
Oh well—since it's Neo, there's nothing I can do.
She can hold me however she likes. Do whatever she wants. Why resist?
And besides, her embrace is soft, and smells wonderful. Just enjoy it—!
Whatever Neo does is enjoyable!
Gotham Song adjusted herself comfortably in Neo's arms, finally relaxing completely against her roommate's warmth. She was tired enough today; after the Arima Kinen and contract negotiations, even she deserved some rest.
Just a bit of rest…
"Mmm…goodnight then, Neo…"
Her voice trailed off into a sleepy sigh, breathing deeply. Neo Universe smiled softly beneath the moonlight, closing her eyes gently.
Ah, goodnight, Song…
But I'm sorry, Song. I just can't suppress these feelings inside my heart…
I don't want to repeat those mistakes. I don't want to lose you. I truly don't.
But I'm sorry, Song. Those anxious thoughts—I simply cannot stop them…
I'm afraid sleep won't come tonight, after all.
---
T/N:
"Looks like this is the last day you'll be hearing from me—for now, at least."
"Bonus chapters will be released tomorrow, so if you've been hoarding your patience, you won't have to for much longer."
"If you want to support the translator, there's still Patreon: patreon.com/wisetl. It's optional support—early access is just a side benefit, not an obligation."
"And don't forget the Powerstone deal: every 100 Powerstones = 1 bonus chapter (100ps = 1 chp, 200ps = 2 chp, 300ps = 3 chp, and so on). If you want more chapters after tomorrow… you know what to do."
"If you'd rather talk than throw stones, the Discord is open: discord.gg/wisetl. Go scream, speculate, or bully the translator about cliffhangers there instead of in your heart."
say bye bye and thank you to maomao!!