"Ardan, why are you here?" Gold Legend asked casually, then glanced at McQueen. "Sorry, dumb question. Boss, two more crêpes!"
"Coming right up!" the vendor replied.
"The Mejiro Family always pays its New-Year visit together—but I'll pass," Ardan said gently.
"I'll—" McQueen, having finished lecturing Gold Ship, swallowed and tried to refuse.
Gold Legend simply looked at McQueen—softly, patiently.
"…Fine, one for me," McQueen caved; she could never say no.
"Haven't seen you since the last get-together," Legend said, handing McQueen her crêpe. "Fancy running into you here," Ardan laughed behind her sleeve.
"Mm-hmm." Legend nodded, then turned to her friends. "Let me introduce Mejiro Ardan and Mejiro McQueen—rising-star Uma Musume from the Mejiro Family and campus celebrities."
"Legend…" McQueen rolled her eyes at the exaggerated praise.
"My, my—aren't you setting us up?" Ardan sighed, then waved brightly. "Nice to meet you all; I'm Mejiro Ardan—please take care of me."
"H-hi," Orfevre murmured, edging behind Festa; strangers made her shy.
"I'm Nakayama Festa; sorry, Orfevre's a bit timid," Festa said, removing her lollipop and bowing.
"Yo! I'm Gold Ship—how ya doin', Grandma!" Gold Ship was her usual self.
"G-Grandma?!" Ardan blinked, bewildered.
"It's like this—" McQueen quickly whispered the backstory into Ardan's ear.
"…I see—you're that person's…" Ardan nodded, understanding.
"Only you two today?" Gold Legend looked around for other Mejiro members.
"Rhein Dober and Light are here too," Ardan said softly, then teased McQueen: "McQueen dashed off after spotting something, and I followed."
"I-I just came to check something familiar!" McQueen protested, cheeks pink.
Huh? What did you see?" Gold Legend asked, curious.
Your back… Mejiro McQueen couldn't bring herself to say it.
Nothing, just a mistake.
McQueen let the subject drop.
Although it was only an accident, getting to see Legend-san—whom I've missed for days—makes the trip worthwhile," Ardan said softly, her gentle gaze on McQueen, tone unreadable.
I haven't been missing you at all!" McQueen protested, cheeks scarlet.
What about you, Ardan? Did you miss me?" Not sensing anything odd, Gold Legend cracked a light joke. "Still, you're such a busy person, I suppose you had no time to think of me.
How would an idler know how much a busy one misses the idler?" Ardan shot back without thinking.
True enough," Gold Legend answered, entirely missing the point.
…" McQueen watched the two of them getting along so well, opened her mouth, then realized there was no space for her to step into.
…" x3. The onlooking trio observed in silence.
By the way, do you two have any plans later?" Gold Legend did a quick mental count and looked at the girls nearby.
Oh? Are you inviting us?" Ardan asked with open interest, no hint of coyness.
Just asking. Are you free?" Gold Legend noticed the curve of Ardan's lips and, from the corner of her eye, McQueen's uneasy expression; a faint sense of danger crept over her.
No inconvenience at all. I only came for the New-Year shrine bustle." Ardan lifted her chin slightly, eyes smiling. "I did have afternoon tea reserved, but since you asked—let's go.
…Mmm, right," McQueen agreed absently.
…Well, all right then," Gold Legend nodded after a moment.
Wonderful. A new year ought to be spent happily together," Orfevre said, genuinely delighted.
Nakayama Festa said nothing, merely glanced from Ardan to McQueen with an air of quiet concern.
So this is the Great Curse?" Gold Ship murmured, studying the bamboo slip.
Meaning?" Nakayama Festa asked, puzzled.
I drew this one for Oba-chan," Gold Ship said, expression complicated.
You can draw fortune slips for someone else?
Nakayama Festa thought about it, decided against commenting, and simply pressed her palms together and bowed toward Gold Legend. "Never thought I'd see you here, Legend," Lane greeted happily. "No wonder McQueen back then—"
Before she could finish, McQueen clapped a hand over Lane's mouth.
Fate, I guess. What's with McQueen?" Gold Legend asked, noticing the move.
Absolutely nothing!" Mejiro McQueen declared, righteous and loud.
After another quick round of introductions, the two groups merged.
So, what do we do now?" Gold Legend asked.
We're the guests, after all.
That's the host's job to figure out, isn't it?
McQueen gave Legend a helpless look.
A brief silence fell.
Gold Legend glanced at the now-nine-person troop, unsure what to suggest.
…Everyone, do you like tea?" Ardan stepped in at the crucial moment.
Meaning?
As I said, I had a tea party booked for this afternoon—looks like we'll need a few extra seats," Ardan replied with a charming smile.
Nakayama Festa struck Commander Ikari's classic pose, pondering the situation.
A formally dressed maid set a cup of black tea before Festa.
Festa grew even more solemn.
You seem nervous, Festa," Gold Ship remarked, sipping her tea with surprising grace, expression gentle.
…Who are you?" Nakayama Festa rolled her eyes. "First time I've ever been to some grand-lady tea party.
To think I, Nakayama Festa, would see this day!
You're overthinking it. Look how natural Orfevre is—right, Orfevre?" Gold Ship turned to the quiet Gold Orfevre.
…" Orfevre didn't move.
Orfevre?" Golshi dropped her act, hopped over, and checked her pulse.
…She fainted," Gold Ship said in disbelief.
Damn, you two outdid me. I concede.
…Now's the time? Arf, wake up!" Nakayama Festa started first-aid in a panic.
Such a lively family.
Changed into casual clothes, Ardan smiled and sat down opposite Gold Legend.
…" Legend took a sip of tea to hide something.
Chin in hand, Ardan watched Gold Legend with a smile.
…Aren't McQueen and the others ready yet?" Legend asked, unable to bear that gaze.
The Mejiro Family can't appear discourteous before guests; they're still doing their make-up.
Big clans are tough," Legend sighed, then blinked. "Why are you so fast, then?
Because of a tree. A rock. A cloud.
Meaning?
Guess.
…"
Gold Legend had no reply.
…" x3
The golden trio had somehow stopped their horsing around and were now quietly watching from the side.
"I can't shake the feeling you're awfully excited, Ardan. Am I imagining it?" Gold Legend looked at Aldan in exasperation.
"He-he, I really am excited. The Mejiro Family tea party almost never has outsiders."
And besides… there's you.
"Is that so?" Gold Legend didn't doubt her. "Do you love tea parties, Ardan?"
"Yes. After all, unlike love, liking something needs no promises."
"Aren't you missing the point?" The tea party was the topic, right?
"Legend, your elegant face really doesn't match what's inside." Aldan's smile widened.
"?" Gold Legend was lost.
"Oba-chan is amazing—she blocked every single one." Gold Ship marveled.
"I think Sister Legend should read more books." Orfevre's ears twitched in resignation.
"What do you mean?" Nakayama Festa was bewildered.
Orfevre and Golshi glanced at Festa and sighed together.
"I don't know what just happened, but I can feel you mocking me." I'll get mad!
"Do you like sunrises, Ardan?"
"Yes. When I see the sunrise I lose all control."
"Then next time let's go watch it together!"
"Okay."
Meanwhile, the two girls' conversation continued.
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