More slowed at the edge of the track and finally set them down, one after the other. Saiya's feet barely touched the ground before Lunar was there.
Lunar didn't hesitate. She wrapped her arms around Saiya first—careful, but firm—then caught Anonym in the same motion, pulling both of them close. For a brief second, Saiya and Anonym ended up face to face within the circle.
Neither spoke. Neither blinked. There was no heat to it—just a quiet, familiar tension, the unspoken understanding that neither of them was about to yield ground.
Then Namawa crashed into them.
"Group hug!" she declared, arms flinging wide as she latched on, nearly knocking them off balance. Persian slipped in a heartbeat later, timing it perfectly, easing herself into the remaining space with practiced neatness, and just like that they were five—awkward limbs, mismatched heights, laughter muffled between shoulders.
Saiya laughed, breathless and bright, the sound spilling out of her before she could stop it.
From a short distance away, Black Caviar watched the scene unfold. Amusement softened her expression, just barely, before her gaze shifted to More Than Ready. One brow lifted.
"I don't think Saiya is supposed to be here,"
More grinned back at her, entirely unapologetic. "Oh, stop worrying so much. The girl will live." She waved a hand toward the children. "You've already taken running away from her for now. Let her enjoy what she can."
Black Caviar opened her mouth to respond—then paused.
Vinnie and Autumn Sun were approaching from behind More, a maid walking between them with the dispenser and glasses of iced tea. Vinnie's expression was cautious but resigned; Autumn Sun looked quietly amused, already sipping from her glass.
Black Caviar's gaze drifted back to the track. To Saiya, laughing as Namawa squeezed her too tight. To Lunar, holding on like she was afraid to let go again.
She exhaled. "…Fine," she said at last. She gestured lightly toward the maid. "Everyone, take a break. Drink."
The maid stepped forward, handing out glasses as the group hug loosened into a cluster of smiling, flushed faces. Saiya accepted her drink with both hands, still grinning, the sun warm on her shoulders.
The last of the iced tea was handed out, condensation slick against warm palms. Laughter faded into contented quiet as the children settled—some sitting on the grass, others standing, still buzzing with leftover energy.
Black Caviar stepped forward then, presence enough to pull focus without raising her voice.
"Alright," she said. "Since everyone's here, we'll be adjusting today's routine."
That alone made heads turn.
"We're having a race."
The reaction was instant.
"A race?!" Namawa shot upright so fast she nearly sloshed her drink. "Like—an actual race? With a start and everything? Not just 'run until big sis Invi decides we're done'?"
Invincible Caviar cleared her throat, entirely unapologetic. "Endurance is important."
"You say that every day big sis!" Namawa complained, shoulders slumping. "I'm starting to think you just like watching me suffer."
Invincible shrugged. "That's a bonus."
Black Caviar cut in before the exchange could spiral into its usual loop. "Participants will be announced now."
She lifted a hand slightly, counting off. "Namawa."
"Yes!" Namawa pumped a fist.
"Persian."
Persian straightened immediately, posture neat, expression composed—but the focus in her eyes sharpened. "Understood."
"Anonym."
Anonym lowered her glass, gave a brief nod. "Hm."
"Invi."
The shift was instant.
Namawa froze mid-bounce. Persian blinked once, as if testing whether what she heard was correct or not. Anonym's brow actually creased, mouth flattening in a way that made her displeasure obvious.
"…Invi?" Namawa repeated. "As in—her?" She squinted, then jabbed a finger toward the red haired figure beside her. "This stamina devil?"
Invincible Caviar glanced over her shoulder, grin already spreading. "That would be me."
The others' negativity wasn't subtle, and rightfully so. Invincible Caviar wasn't just older—she was different. She had already matured, already debuted, already spent a full junior year racing against other Uma Musumes who pushed back just as hard as she did. And her record so far has been flawless.
Not to mention, among Black Caviar's children who had officially stepped onto the track, Invincible's name came up the most. Talent, power, consistency—people whispered about her like she was inevitable. The one who might inherit the weight of Black Caviar's legacy outright.
This wasn't just an age gap. It was a category gap.
Invincible noticed the looks and laughed, rolling her shoulders as if warming up for something far more serious than a family race. "What?" she said lightly. "Scared already?"
Her gaze slid to Namawa, amused. "Relax. I'll go easy. Especially on you."
"Hey!" Namawa snapped, ears flattening. "This is so not fair!"
Invincible's grin only widened. But before she could say more, a sharp thwap landed against the back of her head.
"Ow—!"
Invincible lurched forward a step, hands flying up as she turned around, glaring. Black Caviar had already lowered her hand, expression perfectly neutral.
"Don't provoke your younger siblings," she said flatly. "You fool."
Invincible Caviar rubbed the back of her head, pouting. "You didn't say I couldn't tease them."
"I also didn't finish," Black Caviar added calmly.
That caught Invincible Caviar's attention. "…Eh?" She paused. "Wait. There's one more?"
"Who?" Persian asked.
Black Caviar turned then, gaze settled on a single figure near the edge of the group.
"Lunar."
Lunar blinked, clearly caught off guard. She lifted one hand halfway and pointed to herself, hesitant. "…Me?"
Saiya, who was practically glued to her side, grabbed her shoulder and shook it excitedly. "Who else is named Lunar here?!"
Lunar stumbled half a step, flustered. "S-Saiya—! Stop shaking me!"
Namawa's eyes immediately lit up, any earlier hesitation forgotten. "Wait, we're racing Lunar too? That's awesome!" She leaned forward, grin wide. "I've been wanting to see you go all out!"
Persian gave a small, thoughtful nod. "A proper race will be informative to Lunar's current capabilities," she said calmly. "I'm interested."
Anonym glanced at Lunar, then away again, lips pressing together as if she were already planning something.
Invincible Caviar, however, didn't laugh this time. She looked back at Black Caviar, brows lifting, voice dropping a notch. "Uh… is that actually fine?" she asked. "From what I've heard, Lunar's never been in a real race before."
Black Caviar met her gaze without hesitation and nodded once. "She'll be fine."
More Than Ready leaned in from the side, grin already forming. "What's this? Starting to get cold feet already, Invi?"
Invincible Caviar scoffed, straightening. "Scared? Please. I'm just not that merciless."
More laughed outright. "Wow. Arrogant and dramatic. You really are Black Caviar's kid."
Invincible clicked her tongue, eyes narrowing with a grin of her own. "Alright then, since I'm so arrogant. How about this—I'm winning by at least ten lengths. And I'll be holding back."
"Oh?" More's eyes lit up immediately. "Big talk. I'll take that." She jabbed a thumb toward the track. "You won't win by more than five."
Black Caviar drew in a breath. "You two—"
"Loser does whatever the winner asks," More added quickly, already sticking her hand out.
Invincible didn't hesitate for a second, clasping it firmly. "Deal."
Black Caviar pinched the bridge of her nose. "…Can you both be more serious for once."
"Hey," a calm voice interrupted, cutting neatly through the noise. "Mind if I join that bet?"
Every face turned.
Written Tycoon stood a short distance away, light brown hair neatly framed, hazel eyes thoughtful behind her glasses. She adjusted them slightly, expression composed as ever.
"I think you'll both be wrong," she continued. "Persian will win."
Silence.
"…What?" I Am Caviar said, staring.
Autumn Sun blinked once. "You're serious?"
Black Caviar tilted her head slightly. "You were never one for jokes, Tycoon."
Written Tycoon gave a small shrug. "I don't see the point in joking about outcomes."
Persian's eyes widened. "M-Mommy?" She ran over immediately. "You really think I'll win?"
Written Tycoon nodded once, then reached out and gently rubbed the crown of Persian's head. "Your abilities are enough for this. Especially with Invi holding back, assuming she keeps her word, your winning probability is quite high."
Persian straightened, glowing. "If mommy says so, it must be true! I'll do my best."
More burst out laughing and clapped her hands together.s. "Well! This just got even more fun."
Invincible Caviar squinted at Winning Tycoon, mouth opening slightly before closing again. She clearly hadn't expected that. Tycoon wasn't just anyone—she was the Winning Tycoon, one of the greatest support Uma Musume in the world. Even if Persian's her daughter, for her to say that so plainly—
"…Tch," Invincible muttered, rubbing the back of her neck. "Aunt, you're not serious, are you?"
Tycoon didn't answer.
Nearby, Autumn Sun observed the exchange with quiet interest, hands loosely folded as if this were all unfolding exactly as expected.
"Well," she said mildly, tone light, "since even Tycoon seems weirdly invested, I suppose it's only fair for me to place my faith in Anonym."
Her eyes shifted to her daughter, warm and unwavering.
Anonym stiffened for half a second—just long enough for the attention to register—then gave a small nod. "I won't disappoint," she said quietly.
If anyone was paying close attention, they might have noticed the faint warmth creeping up her cheeks before she looked away.
The attention drifted again—this time landing squarely on I Am Invincible.
She froze.
Namawa had turned toward her with eyes so wide and sparkling they were practically reflecting the sun, hands clasped together like she was begging permission to do something extremely questionable.
"Mom~," Namawa sing-songed, leaning forward. "You'll bet on me, right?"
Invincible broke into a sweat almost immediately. "…Why are you looking at me like that..."
Namawa leaned in closer, eyes shining brighter. "Please?"
Invincible glanced away. Then back. Then away again, jaw tightening. "…Hng," she groaned, shoulders finally slumping in defeat. "…I'm betting on… Namawa."
"YES!!" Namawa shouted, jumping straight up and pumping her fists. "I'M GONNA WIN!"
Black Caviar watched the exchange quietly.
Her gaze slid briefly to Vinnie, who stood a few steps away with her arms crossed, expression caught somewhere between concern and resignation.
Seems like someone's already lost, Black Caviar thought dryly, and the race hasn't even started yet.
She straightened and clapped her hands once, the sound sharp and final. "Alright," she said, voice carrying easily across the track. "That's enough of this. Everyone to the line."
Namawa practically bounced in place at her mark, heels barely touching the ground as she fought the urge to take off early. Her excitement spilled out of her in restless little motions—light steps, twitching ears, a grin she wasn't even trying to hide.
Anonym moved in sharp contrast. She stepped into position with quiet efficiency, lowering her center of gravity, shoulders loose, eyes narrowing as her focus locked in.
Persian took her time. She adjusted her footing once, then again, pressing her shoe lightly into the track as if testing its response. Each movement was deliberate, precise, committing the texture and resistance of the ground to memory before she finally find her footing.
Invincible already stands tall at the inside line, relaxed but with a hint of agitation as she throws a sharp gaze at More Than Ready.
Lunar lingered for just a heartbeat.
Her eyes flicked back toward Saiya—still near the group, watching intently—before she turned and jogged into position, shoulders squaring as she settled at the line.
As they moved, the adults naturally drifted closer together along the edge of the track, forming a loose line of observers.
Black Caviar's gaze slid sideways to Written Tycoon. "You planned this," she said flatly.
It wasn't a question.
Written Tycoon adjusted her glasses, hazel eyes glinting with amusement. A small smirk curved her lips as she glanced past Black Caviar—toward I Am Invincible, who was currently slouched against Autumn Sun's shoulder, looking profoundly betrayed by life itself.
"While Vinnie's reaction was an added benefit," Tycoon replied evenly, "my real intent was to motivate Persian to perform at her best."
Black Caviar followed her gaze. Persian was stretching a short distance away, expression composed, movements precise—utterly unaware she was the centerpiece of this conversation.
"She inherited my analytical tendencies," Tycoon continued, voice even, thoughtful. "but confidence on the track is something she must develop herself." A brief pause. "It was something I lacked."
Black Caviar hummed softly, acknowledging the thought. It wasn't what she'd expected—but then again, Written Tycoon always had layers to her reasoning.
"So," Black Caviar asked, "who do you actually think will win?"
The answer came immediately. "Invincible Caviar, of course."
"The physical disparity alone between a fully matured Uma Musume and those who have yet to reach that stage is considerable," she explained, fingers resting lightly at her chin. "Add Invincible's natural talent and a full year of competitive racing experience, and the probability strongly favors her—even if she deliberately restrains herself.""
Her gaze sharpened, as though visualizing the race already unfolding.
"However," she continued, "Invincible's cornering remains her most exploitable weakness. Should Persian recognize this early and adjust her line accordingly, she may reduce the gap." A brief pause. "Possibly within five lengths."
She straightened slightly. "A decisive victory, however, remains improbable."
Black Caviar listened without interrupting, as she always did. Tycoon's logic was sound—thorough, logical, impossible to dismiss.
And yet.
Her attention drifted forward.
Saiya stood near the edge of the track, leaning toward Lunar—who she'd called over from the line earlier—close enough that their voices stayed low. Black Caviar didn't need to hear the words clearly to understand the exchange.
"Do your best," Saiya said, earnest and unguarded. "And whatever happens—win or lose—run for yourself. Make sure you enjoy it."
Lunar didn't answer right away. She only nodded, her golden eyes brightening somehow, as if the words had unlocked something she'd nearly forgotten. Something important.
Then, without thinking too hard about it, she stepped forward and hugged Saiya once—quick and firm. A promise made in motion rather than words.
Saiya stiffened in surprise, then laughed softly as Lunar pulled back.
With that, Lunar turned and jogged toward the starting line. As she moved, the light caught in her gray hair, silver highlights flashing briefly—and for just a second, Black Caviar saw someone else there. Not clearly, not fully. Just a passing overlap, gone as quickly as it came.
Lunar took her place among the others, posture steady. Something in Black Caviar's chest loosened.
She hadn't realized how tightly she'd been holding herself until that moment. A faint smile touched her lips.
She reached out and rested her hand briefly on Written Tycoon's shoulder, then lifted her gaze to the cluster of adults standing beside the track.
"As for me," Black Caviar said, calm and assured, "I'm betting on Lunar."
"…You're joking, right?" More replied first, letting out a half-laugh that didn't quite stick. She turned to Black Caviar, brows raised. "I get that she's Guiar's kid and all, but Lunar's never raced. Ever. Talent or not, that's a pretty big gap."
Autumn Sun blinked at that, brows lifting a fraction. Written Tycoon adjusted her glasses, interest sharpening behind the lenses.
Black Caviar met all of their looks without wavering.
"No, I'm not joking." She continued. "And I'll raise it. I'll forfeit my black card to the winner of the bet for a whole week."
More Than Ready stared at her with the most blank look she could muster. "…Nelly," she said slowly, disbelief creeping in. "I know you're the epitome of a crazy psycho woman archetype, but Lunar's never had a proper start. No race sense, no tactics, no experience. Are you that determined to lose?" Her mouth curved into a familiar grin. "You know you don't have to bet just to let me spend your money, right?"
Before Black Caviar could respond, Saiya wandered closer. She stopped at Black Caviar's side, looking up at the adults and the looks being thrown around. Her head tilted.
"…Why is everyone staring at Mom like that?" she asked.
Black Caviar's expression softened immediately. She rested a hand on Saiya's head, giving it a brief, warm pat. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
Saiya accepted that easily, leaning into the touch for a moment before straightening again, still confused but content.
Vinnie watched the exchange, then turned back to Black Caviar. "You really think Lunar can win?" she asked, voice careful. "Is this because of her [Zone]?"
That did it.
"A—what?" More snapped, head whipping around. "She has a [Zone]?"
Black Caviar nodded once. "She does," she said. Then, after a pause, added honestly, "Or… something like one."
Autumn Sun's expression changed, her earlier ease replaced by wonder. "A [Zone]," she repeated, more to herself than anyone else.
More threw her hands up. "Since when does Guiar's kid get a [Zone] and nobody tells me?!"
"It only manifested briefly," Black Caviar continued, unbothered. "It's both incomplete and unstable."
Autumn Sun absorbed that in silence, eyes distant as she processed the implications.
Written Tycoon, on the other hand, was already thinking several steps ahead. "Do you know the classification?" she asked. "Acceleration-based? Perception? Physical reinforcement?"
Black Caviar shook her head. "No clear classification. It was too short, and too messy." She paused, choosing her words. "What I felt was overwhelming pressure. Lunar's emotions were all over the place, and it bled straight into it."
More frowned. "So… kind of a mess?"
"Think of it as a first draft," Black Caviar replied. "And I don't think that pressure is what it's supposed to look like in the end." A small exhale. "Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to observe it properly."
There was a brief pause.
Written Tycoon turned to Black Caviar, her expression going completely flat.
"…So," she said blankly, "you placed your bet on a filly who has never raced, may or may not trigger an incomplete Zone, and doesn't fully understand her own ability—on the chance that something might happen."
She tilted her head a fraction. "That isn't a strategy," Tycoon added. "That's gambling."
Black Caviar didn't argue. Her gaze stayed on the track, on Lunar at the line—standing a little stiff, clearly unsure where to put her weight, but trying all the same.
"This is Uma Musume racing," Black Caviar said calmly. "If everyone weren't comfortable with gambling, none of us would be here."
Black Caviar's gaze never left the track as she added, almost idly, "Besides… I have a lucky fairy that guarantees victory on my side."
More frowned. "A what—"
Before anyone could finish questioning that, Black Caviar reached down and gently poked Saiya's cheek. Once. Then again, lighter, teasing.
"There," she said. "My lucky fairy."
Saiya froze for half a second, clearly processing.
"…Huh?"
Black Caviar finally looked down at her, expression softening just a touch. "Saiya," she asked, as casually as if she were asking about lunch, "who do you think is going to win?"
The confusion melted almost instantly.
Saiya's eyes lit up, posture straightening like a switch had been flipped. Any trace of hesitation vanished, replaced by absolute certainty.
"Lunar of course!"