The residence prepared by Symboli Rudolf was less a place to stay and more a statement.
The iron gates opened onto a wide, manicured drive lined with old trees and trimmed hedges, leading up to a sprawling manor that blended European elegance with unmistakable Japanese restraint. Stone pillars framed the entrance, banners bearing the Symboli crest hanging with quiet authority. Servants moved with practiced efficiency the moment the convoy arrived, unloading luggage, guiding bodyguards, speaking in soft, coordinated tones. It felt like watching a fantasy story unfold.
Lunar stood slightly apart near the front steps, hands loosely clasped, simply watching. Tokai Teio, meanwhile, had decided subtlety was optional—just tempered by a little more awareness than in her younger days. She was the same girl who'd walked behind Symboli Rudolf through the airport with a small smile and boundless confidence, but here, in the open space of the manor grounds, she slipped easily into a more familiar role.
She'd approached the group with an easy grin, hands on her hips as she chatted with the younger girls, pointing out parts of the manor, asking if they'd traveled far, slipping naturally into the role of an older senior entertaining juniors. Then, as if remembering something important, her eyes lit up.
"Oh—right. You guys wanna see something?" she asked, already stepping back.
She burst into the courtyard with irrepressible energy, launching straight into her famous "Teio Step"—heels tapping, arms bent upward, her body moving in a rhythm that was playful but practiced, refined by years of experience. She spun neatly on her heel and struck a pose.
"Ta–da~!"
Namawa practically lit up. "SO COOL!! DO IT AGAIN!"
Saiya clapped hard enough her palms stung, laughing openly. "That's it! I've seen that clip before!"
Invincible Caviar crossed her arms, chin tilted away as if unimpressed—though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. More Than Ready leaned forward with open interest, while Autumn Sun watched with a small, approving tilt of her head.
Lunar's thoughts drifted to the recordings her mother used to keep—old DVD footage of Tokai Teio's winning lives, something her mother greatly enjoyed. She'd never fully understood why performances had to follow races in Japan, but she'd enjoyed them nonetheless. Who wouldn't enjoy seeing cute girls dance after achieving their dreams?
Lost in that thought, she didn't notice the presence drawing closer until a shadow slipped gently into her view.
"…You are~"
The voice was smooth, almost musical.
Lunar stiffened.
She turned—and found herself looking up at Maruzensky.
Close. Too close.
Her mind instantly spiraled.
What does she want? She smells really nice..? D-did I do something wrong? Why is she smiling like that—
"ARE SOOOO CUTE!!"
Lunar let out a startled sound as she was suddenly scooped up, her face buried squarely between two very soft, very warm mounds. Her feet left the ground, arms pinned awkwardly at her sides as Maruzensky laughed, utterly delighted.
"How are you this cute?!" Maruzensky gushed, squeezing her just a little. "That childish face! Those mature eyes! Your gap moe is simply supreme!"
"M—mmph—!" Lunar's voice was completely lost.
Across the courtyard, Saiya's jaw dropped.
"…Oh no," More Than Ready said, glancing sideways at Saiya with a teasing grin. "Lunar's been claimed by another woman."
Saiya spluttered, face flushing. "H-Hey! What are they doing!"
Before Maruzensky could cuddle her again—
"Let her go." Anonym had appeared at Maruzensky's side, eyes flat, expression sharp.
"Let Lunar go," she repeated. "…old hag."
The effect was immediate.
Maruzensky froze like she'd been struck by lightning. "O—old… hag…?" she echoed faintly.
Lunar was swiftly and gently extracted as Anonym grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, placing herself firmly between Lunar and the now visibly shattered Maruzensky.
Maruzensky sank to her knees dramatically, hands braced on the ground. "…She called me an old hag…" she whispered, soul visibly leaving her body.
Anonym clicked her tongue. "Don't touch people without permission."
Lunar blinked, cheeks burning, still processing what had just happened.
As she did so, footsteps approached—measured, unhurried.
Symboli Rudolf stopped a short distance away, gaze flicking briefly to the still-collapsed Maruzensky, who looked like she'd been struck by a mortal wound. Rudolf closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. "…Maruzensky," she said flatly.
"R–Ru-chan…" Maruzensky whimpered, voice barely holding together.
Rudolf turned to Black Caviar and inclined her head, immaculate posture never wavering. "My apologies. She has a tendency to… forget herself when confronted with something she finds especially charming."
Black Caviar waved a hand lightly, already smiling. "No harm done," she replied easily. "I'd take enthusiasm over stiffness any day." Her expression softened, sincerity slipping through. "And thank you again for arranging the stay in this place. It's more than generous."
Rudolf shook her head once. "It is the least I can offer an Uma Musume of your caliber." Her gaze sharpened slightly, returning to that composed authority. "Your presence alone will draw attention to the Kikuka-shō—and to the Uma Musumes competing in it. That kind of spotlight benefits the Japanese racing scene as a whole."
Written Tycoon nodded in agreement. "A sound assessment. Exposure at that scale reshapes narratives, not just results."
Black Caviar laughed softly, fond rather than dismissive. "Truly an emperor-like mindset." Then her expression softened as she glanced toward the others. "Still, my children will gain just as much from this. Experience, perspective, inspiration." She shrugged lightly. "I'd call that a win-win."
She extended her hand again.
Rudolf accepted without hesitation, their handshake brief but firm—mutual respect passing cleanly between them.
With that settled, Rudolf turned back to the scene of emotional devastation.
She bent down, grasped Maruzensky under the arms, and lifted her upright with effortless precision—tucking her up like an unruly child.
"W–wait, Rudolf—!" Maruzensky protested weakly, legs dangling.
From nearby, More Than Ready let out an unrestrained laugh. "Pfft," she said, grinning. "Seeing an undefeated legend like Maruzensky get hauled off like that really drives it home." She shook her head in amused disbelief. "That woman really is the Emperor."
"You've done enough discomfort," Rudolf said, already steering Maruzensky forward. She glanced back over her shoulder. "Teio. With me."
Tokai Teio straightened instantly. "Aye aye, prez!"
As Rudolf led the two toward the exit—Maruzensky muttering mournfully under her breath—the mansion grounds slowly returned to a calmer rhythm, the earlier chaos fading into something warm, strange, and unmistakably memorable.
—
The mansion eventually settled into a comfortable quiet.
Servants moving with practiced efficiency. Shoes were changed, clothes set aside, tension slowly melting away now that the long journey was truly over. Before long, everyone had gathered in the main living room—a wide, sunlit space with tall windows, soft couches arranged in a loose circle, and the faint scent of lavender in the air.
Some flopped down immediately.
Namawa sprawled dramatically across an entire couch as if she'd been felled in battle, one arm flung over her face. "I ran a full race in my dreams and survived an eleven-hour flight," she groaned. "I deserve a medal."
Saiya laughed and dropped onto the cushion beside her, still buzzing with energy despite everything, legs swinging back and forth. Invincible Caviar took a seat with far more composure, posture straight but noticeably looser than before, while Lunar lingered near the edge of the group before settling beside Anonym, who wordlessly made space for her.
Persian sat properly as always, though she sank a little deeper into the sofa's softness with each passing second.
Nearby, the adults settled more neatly—Written Tycoon and Autumn Sun taking adjacent seats, I Am Invincible stretching out with an ease born of familiarity, quietly chatting as they relaxed, with the usual stand out, More Than Ready, collapsing into an armchair and released a long, theatrical sigh.
The low murmur of conversation faded when Black Caviar stepped forward.
She stood at the center of the room, arms crossed loosely, gaze sweeping over the group.
"Alright," she said, calm but carrying effortlessly. "Now that we're settled, we should go over the plan for our stay."
That drew everyone's attention.
"First," Black Caviar continued, "today is a rest day. No outings. No obligations. You've all traveled far—and overstimulated yourselves more than enough." Her eyes flicked briefly toward Saiya. "Eat. Sleep. Recover. That's it."
Namawa lifted her head weakly. "So… napping is encouraged?"
"Yes," Black Caviar said without missing a beat.
Namawa dropped back down. "Best trip ever."
A few quiet chuckles followed.
"Tomorrow," Black Caviar went on, "we'll go out and actually enjoy being here. Sightseeing, food, activities—what we do will depend on what you all decide together today." Her gaze briefly swept over the fillies. "That would be your chance to explore."
Saiya's eyes lit up instantly. "We get to choose?!"
Invincible Caviar glanced over, faintly surprised. "…That's rare."
Black Caviar smiled. "You've earned it." Her eyes then shifted toward the window, toward what lay beyond. "Because the day after tomorrow," she said, "we'll be attending the Kikuka-shō."
Namawa blinked. "…The what-ka-sho?"
Several heads turned toward her in unison—Invincible Caviar staring outright, Saiya pausing mid-shift, Persian slowly closing her eyes like she needed a moment while Anonym glanced over, expression flat but clearly incredulous.
"You don't know the Kikuka-shō?" Saiya asked.
"It's—" Namawa waved a hand helplessly. "I know it's a race thing! Probably important! Very… sho?"
Black Caviar allowed herself a small smile and continued before the pile-on could begin.
"The final leg of the Japanese Triple Crown," she explained. "You'll be watching from the stands. No distractions. I want you to see what that stage looks like. What it feels like." Her tone softened just slightly. "The favourite for this race is Orfevre—my friend's daughter. If she wins this, she will be crowned as the seventh Triple Crown winner Japan has ever been allowed the privilege to witness."
More let out a playful groan. "Ehh… so that's why you dragged all of us across the ocean."
Autumn Sun smiled knowingly. "I thought as much."
I Am Invincible chuckled. "Figures. Nelly doesn't do anything without a lesson tucked inside."
Black Caviar didn't deny it. "You can't understand something this grand just by hearing about it," she said simply. "You have to witness it, and this is the opportunity to do so."
There was a brief silence—then Namawa grinned, eyes sparkling.
Then Namawa's face lit up, grin spreading from ear to ear. "So we rest, we have fun, and then we watch a super-duper amazing grand race?"
Saiya nodded eagerly, leaning forward. "That sounds awesome."
With the plan laid out, Black Caviar let the conversation drift on its own.
The living room quickly filled with overlapping voices as ideas for tomorrow began flying freely.
"I'm telling you," Namawa said, sprawled halfway off the couch now, hands clasped behind her head, "we have to try proper Japanese street food. Takoyaki, taiyaki, ramen from some tiny shop that looks suspicious–"
Saiya leaned forward instantly. "And sweets! Those fluffy cheese cakes—I've always wanted to try them!"
Invincible Caviar huffed softly from her seat, arms crossed, though the gentle sway of her tail betrayed her. "Is food all you two think about?"
"That's not a no," Namawa shot back without missing a beat.
Persian spoke up next, tone calmer. "I'd like to see cultural sites," she said. "Landmarks, shrines… museums, if possible. Understanding the history of Japan seems fun."
Written Tycoon nodded in approval. "A sensible suggestion, knowledge is best consumed hands on."
Anonym, lounging against the arm of her chair, shrugged. "I don't really mind," she said. "As long as today stays quiet. Tomorrow can be anywhere."
More Than Ready listened to it all, arms folded loosely, nodding along instead of leading for once. "All solid, I'm up for anything~"
""I was thinking of shopping," I Am Invincible added lightly.
"Same," Autumn Sun said with a small smile. "I want to visit that salon Gold City works at. I've heard it's a life-changing experience."
Written Tycoon brought out her tablet, already organizing things. "Noted, I believe it would be efficient to handle both in one outing."
Throughout it all, Black Caviar remained silent, seated slightly apart, listening rather than guiding. She let the voices overlap, the excitement build, plans taking shape naturally.
Slowly, her eyes found lunar who moved to a seat near one of the windows, perched on the couch with her knees drawn in slightly, watching the others with a soft, distant expression. She wasn't disengaged—just… contemplative, as if something deeper was turning over in her mind.
Black Caviar crossed the room and leaned down beside her.
"Hey," she murmured, voice low enough that only Lunar could hear. "After the Kikuka-shō… let's visit your mother."
Lunar's head lifted at once.
For a second, she just stared—then her eyes lit up, gold bright with sudden wamth. She didn't say anything. She simply leaned forward and hugged Black Caviar as tightly as her smaller frame allowed, arms wrapping around her waist.
Black Caviar blinked, then smiled quietly and returned the embrace, one hand resting warmly between Lunar's shoulders.
"Alright," she said softly. "Let's send Guiar some needed company."
The conversation drifted on for a while longer—ideas tossed back and forth, laughter fading into comfortable quiet—until it naturally turned toward something more practical.
Rooms.
They made their way upstairs together, footsteps echoing softly along the wide staircase as servants slid open doors and gestured to the available spaces. Each room was generously sized, furnished with three large beds and wide windows. There were single rooms as well, of course—but no one even pretended those were an option.
Autumn Sun surveyed the hallway once, then spoke as if the decision had already been made.
"I'll share with Anonym and More."
A few steps away, Persian immediately moved to Written Tycoon's side, fingers lightly catching her sleeve. "…Are we sharing? Just the two of us, Mommy?"
Written Tycoon opened her mouth to answer—then her gaze slid sideways to Saiya, who was already inching away, very clearly trying to reposition herself closer to Lunar.
"Saiya," Written Tycoon said flatly.
The pink haired girl froze mid-step. "…Eh?"
"You're with us," Written Tycoon continued, voice calm but utterly immovable. "You require monitoring. Especially since you've chosen to ignore your own condition repeatedly." She adjusted her glasses. "And don't think I don't have the exact figures for how much strain you put on your heart today."
Saiya visibly wilted. "Aunt Tycoon… you're making it sound like a crime."
"For you?" Written Tycoon replied without missing a beat. "It is."
Persian hid a small smile behind her hand.
Down the hall, I Am Invincible clapped her hands together and steered Invincible Caviar and Namawa toward another wing. "Alright! You two are with your beloved mother."
"Yes!" Namawa pumped a fist. "I call dibs on the middle bed!"
Invincible Caviar sighed tiredly. "…As long as I'm not sharing a bed with you. I still remember the time you shredded my favorite T-shirt in your sleep."
"That was one time!" Namawa protested. "And it was an accident!"
Black Caviar, meanwhile, claimed the largest room at the end of the hall—the one attached to a compact office space. "I'll take this one," she said simply. "I still have some things to respond to from the RA."
And just like that—they realize that Lunar was left. Almost immediately, voices overlapped.
"You can stay with us!" Namawa called from down the hall. "The more the merrier!"
"No, come with us, the view is nicer in this room!" Saiya said at the same time, Persian nodding firmly in agreement.
Anonym added coolly, "We can share a bed like usual," her tone carrying just enough edge to make Saiya bristle.
The suggestions stacked up, each of them trying to claim her, the noise pressing in from all sides.
Lunar flinched slightly, eyes flicking between them.
"W-wait," she said quickly, softly. "I—"
She took a breath and lifted one hand, small but deliberate, asking for a pause.
"…Um."
She turned and walked toward Black Caviar instead, steps quiet but resolved. Stopping in front of her, Lunar looked up, pale golden eyes steady despite the faint nerves in her voice.
"…Can I sleep with you tonight?"
For a moment, deep blue eyes just looked at her. Then a smile alongside it.
"Of course."
_____________
Night settled gently over the mansion.
One by one, lights dimmed behind closed doors. Laughter faded into murmurs, then into silence. The long day—travel, excitement, lingering adrenaline—finally began to catch up with everyone.
In the main bedroom, however, a single light still glowed.
Black Caviar sat behind the desk in the adjoining office space, posture relaxed but focused, the soft tapping of keys filling the quiet room. Her laptop screen cast a pale light across her face as she reviewed the last of her messages—approvals, confirmations, things that simply couldn't wait even on a "holiday."
She was just about to close the final window when—
The door creaked open.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Lunar peeked in, already changed into her pajamas, one hand gripping the edge of the door like she might retreat at any second. Her eyes flicked around the room before landing on Black Caviar.
Their gazes met.
Black Caviar's expression softened immediately. "You heading to sleep?" she asked, voice low and gentle.
Lunar nodded. "Mm. Yeah."
"Well," Black Caviar said, closing the laptop without a second thought, the screen going dark, "that's my cue." She stood, stretching once, and nodded toward the bed. "Come on in."
Lunar slipped inside, the door clicking shut behind her. She crossed the room quietly and climbed onto the bed, pulling the covers up to her chest and settling in with small, careful movements—as if making sure she didn't disturb anything.
Black Caviar watched her for a moment longer than she meant to. The way Lunar curled slightly on her side. How her shoulders eased the instant the blanket covered her.
It reminded her of Guiar.
She reached over and switched off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness—then crossed to the window and slid it open just enough to let the night air in. Cool breeze, soft and clean, drifted through the room. Moonlight spilled across the floor and the edge of the bed in a pale silver wash.
Lunar noticed right away.
She turned her head, eyes adjusting. "…Why did you leave the window open?"
Black Caviar paused, rubbing her chin lightly with one finger. "Habit, I suppose," she said after a moment. "I used to room with your mother back in the academy. She always slept like this—window open, moonlight in." She glanced back toward the bed. "I figured you might be the same."
She added, easily, "If you don't like it, I can close it."
Lunar shook her head at once. "No. It's… nice." The breeze brushed her face, familiar in a way she hadn't expected. It was comforting.
Black Caviar smiled faintly and left the window as it was. She moved to the other side of the bed, lying down and pulling the covers up, the mattress dipping slightly with her weight.
The room grew quiet again—peaceful, wrapped in moonlight and the soft sound of breathing.
Lunar stared up at the ceiling for a few seconds longer, watching the moonlight shift faintly across the wall.
"…Auntie," she said quietly.
There was a pause.
Black Caviar didn't move, but her voice came easily in the dark. "I'm awake."
Lunar hesitated, fingers curling slightly into the blanket. "…Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
The words sat heavy in Lunar's chest for a moment before she let them out. "…Why did Mom never talk about you?"
Black Caviar's breath caught—just slightly.
Lunar turned her head enough to look at her, pale golden eyes reflecting the faint moonlight. There was no accusation there. Just honesty. Curiosity that had nowhere else to go.
"I know you cared about her," Lunar continued softly. "A lot. You were there when… when she passed. You were the only one who came from outside the village. You cried for her." Her voice wavered, but she kept going. "And after that, you stayed. You took care of me. You brought me here. You always try to make sure I'm warm, and safe, and not alone…"
She swallowed.
"So you must have been important to Momma too. Really important." Lunar's fingers curled into the blanket. "But she never mentioned you. Not once."
Black Caviar stared up at the ceiling, eyes unfocused now. The muscles in her jaw tightened, then loosened. She didn't answer right away.
The silence stretched, filled only by the soft rush of night air through the open window.
"…Momma always told me stories," Lunar went on. "About amazing Uma Musumes. That's how I knew about Uma Musumes like Moon Ballad. Manduro. Even Charismatic, and Tokai Teio, too—we met her today, but Mom talked about her a lot before." A faint, confused frown touched between her brows.
"She told me about legends. About heroes. About the ones who defined whole eras together—even the ones people don't talk about much anymore." Lunar hesitated, then whispered, "She especially loved those stories."
Her gaze searched the dark.
"But she never told me about you," Lunar said. "And you're… you're one of the greatest sprinters ever. Not just in Australia. In the world." Her voice wobbled, not from doubt, but from trying to understand. "I've read about you. A lot. You should be in those stories too. You feel like you belong there."
Her fingers tightened again.
"So why… why was the first time I even met you—even know of your existence—at Momma's funeral? Aren't you her friend?"
Black Caviar turned her head then.
In the pale moonlight, Lunar's face overlapped too much with Guiar's—same eyes, same quiet intensity, the same way of asking questions that went straight to the heart without meaning to.
For a long moment, Black Caviar said nothing. Then she exhaled, slow and deep. "…You deserve to know that at least," she said at last.
She shifted slightly, propping herself just enough to look at Lunar properly. "Do you want the simple version," she asked gently, "or do you want the whole story?"
Lunar didn't hesitate. "Everything," she said quietly. "I need to know. Otherwise… I don't think I can really move on. Or sleep."
Black Caviar studied her for another heartbeat. Then a small, resigned smile curved her lips—fond, and a little sad.
"…Alright."
Her gaze drifted back up toward the ceiling as memories stirred, heavy and vivid.
"It all began," she said softly, "on a certain race."