Twilight Song slowly made her way forward, carefully clinging to the wall as she moved.
She stayed so close purely out of fear that another wave of that sickening sweetness would rise in her throat, causing her to collapse helplessly again.
If that happened, it'd be far too embarrassing—not to mention dangerous if anyone happened to find her like that.
And besides… where exactly was she supposed to go now that the race was over?
Her eyes drifted uncertainly toward the bright blue sky outside. Crowds of people hurried past in different directions, each wrapped up in their own lives. She was nothing special—just another insignificant face briefly appearing in their midst.
But this was definitely not good.
Twilight Song leaned against the wall, pondering her next move.
After transmigrating, she seemed to have become a daughter of some prestigious family—at least, that's what the commentators had said earlier.
Since she was supposedly a noble young lady, shouldn't she have at least a private driver or attendant waiting for her?
She glanced around blankly, her eyes drifting aimlessly from one figure to the next.
Stranger, stranger… someone who looked like an important stranger, another ordinary stranger definitely not her driver, and a blue-haired stranger—
Twilight Song paused briefly, eyes lingering on the final figure.
It was an Uma Musume, appearing quite flustered, as if she'd just stopped running.
Her long blue hair fell gently to her waist, and she wore an elegant yet simple white silk dress cinched at the waist. Even her sandals were delicate ribbon-tied ones…
It must've been tough, running around dressed like that—even for an Uma Musume, that attire would be inconvenient.
This wasn't Prison Simulator, after all; it definitely didn't count as racing gear…
But why did the person standing there, facing away from her, feel so incredibly familiar?
Twilight Song stood still, silently pondering, her gaze fixed on the figure ahead.
In the next moment, the other turned around, a visibly relieved smile spreading across her face.
Huh?
It looked like she'd been searching for someone. So, the person she'd been looking for was… standing in Twilight Song's direction.
But why did this woman feel so remarkably similar to a certain lady of the Mejiro household?
Not that Twilight Song could instantly deduce someone's real appearance from their anime design…
Rather, it was simpler: the earrings worn by this person were identical to those she remembered.
There was also the vague yet unmistakable feeling within her new body—a strange tension that hinted at both familiarity and the anxiety of having done something wrong.
In other words… wasn't this definitely the Mejiro family's gentle blue-haired Uma Musume?
"I finally found you, little Ruka. Don't you need to get ready for your Winner's Stage?"
[Identity Information Updated.]
[Twilight Song: Eldest daughter of a Mejiro branch family. Living alone due to personal reasons; recently moved to Tokyo.]
[Current Residence: Third floor, Mejiro Manor]
Ah, so she was from a branch family and lived in Mejiro Manor…
That meant the one before her really was Mejiro Ardan—the Mejiro family's only blue-haired, gentle-hearted Uma Musume.
Twilight Song shook her head slightly and took a hesitant step back.
Though Mejiro Ardan was puzzled by her younger relative's unusually silent and withdrawn behavior, she stepped forward anyway, gently but firmly taking Twilight Song's hand.
"Did something happen?"
An injury, perhaps?
Twilight Song struggled slightly, but Ardan's grip was surprisingly strong. Although Twilight could easily pull free, she hesitated, mindful of Ardan's fragility, and ultimately gave up resistance.
It was just holding hands. As long as no deeper bond was formed, this didn't matter.
Just hands—easy enough to let go anytime she wished. Right now, this was just… well…
Just to avoid hurting someone who cared for her.
Yes.
She knew perfectly well this was self-deception, but what did it matter?
Twilight Song sensed the clear hesitation and slight distance in Mejiro Ardan's manner. It was as though Ardan was carefully considering how best to approach or speak to her.
In other words…
Ardan wasn't actually that familiar with Twilight Song personally. Her anxious reaction was probably driven by her innate kindness, a sense of duty as a Mejiro, and perhaps genuine familial concern for a distant relative.
This much was fine. Twilight only needed to find an excuse not to participate in the Winner's Stage and get away quietly…
Eh?
Lost in thought, Twilight Song suddenly felt something warm and gentle touch her face.
Don't misunderstand—it wasn't anything that intimate. Just a fingertip.
Ardan had quietly knelt down to Twilight's level, looking directly into her eyes while softly touching her cheek, lightly brushing against her skin with smooth, neatly manicured fingers.
Because of this small action, the distance between them shrank noticeably.
Too close…
Far too close, really, considering their unfamiliarity as distant relatives and virtual strangers.
Twilight Song wanted to back away but feared hurting Ardan's feelings. After all, wasn't this just Ardan's sincere kindness?
"You don't want to go on the Winner's Stage, do you?"
But just as Twilight Song was considering turning around and running away, Ardan finally spoke up, cutting through the awkward tension.
At least, Twilight Song found it incredibly awkward.
How had she known?
Twilight Song tilted her head slightly, then gave a tiny nod.
She refused to speak. Conversation would deepen the bond between them—and that was a luxury she couldn't afford in her short life.
This was something she couldn't have.
It was enough to use simple gestures to express herself.
Indeed, Twilight Song had never intended to go on that stage.
She'd felt that way even before discovering why she only had one year left. Now, even more so.
The reason was straightforward.
If she started coughing up blood on stage while jumping around happily, any hope of fulfilling her goals would vanish completely.
"You don't want to go on the Winner's Stage…"
Was a lecture coming next? Considering Ardan's position as an elder figure and their familial connection, that seemed likely…
Twilight Song raised her eyes slightly but flattened her ears apprehensively.
"Then you don't have to. Is there anywhere else you'd like to go?"
Eh? Was the Mejiro family always this relaxed about skipping the Winner's Stage?
"I—n-no."
Twilight Song quickly covered her mouth, shaking her head vigorously and letting her silver-white hair sway lightly around her.
"Nowhere else, hmm? Then shall we go?"
Mejiro Ardan paused briefly, seemingly on purpose, before gently pulling Twilight Song's hand toward the street.
"Let's go home… back to the Mejiro household."