Only One Year Left—I'll Become a Legendary Uma Musume!

Mejiro Ardan knocked softly on the door.

After careful consideration, the pale-blue-haired Uma Musume had finally taken that step from her own room next door, arriving here to take action.

The reason?

Because an embrace alone wasn't enough—or rather, a comforting hug during sadness alone wouldn't break through Twilight Song's stubborn defenses.

Even today, Mejiro Ramonu's unusually harsh words had only cracked her walls slightly.

Twilight Song was silent, too silent to be just a child.

But someone had to try. Ramonu wasn't suitable—not just because of her prideful nature as the older sister, but because her relationship with Twilight Song had become slightly strained after today.

After all, Ramonu was the one who'd openly rejected the filly's seemingly reckless idea.

Ardan's instincts told her Twilight Song's proposal for consecutive G1 races wasn't just a random impulse; rather, it had been carefully thought through, with full awareness of the consequences—a solemn decision.

Twilight Song wasn't impulsive or ignorant of consequences. She clearly knew that she was setting her own career ablaze, desperately seeking the greatest possible glory within her first year.

But… why? Why such urgency?

Why did it have to be so urgent in her very first year?

Could it be she truly had only one year to run? But Twilight Song was still so young—it was barely her debut year!

Mejiro Ardan couldn't figure it out. So instead of wasting time wondering, she decided to ask directly. No matter what, no matter the circumstances, directly asking was necessary.

She needed to reach Twilight Song's heart.

After all, though Twilight Song might officially be from a branch family, they were still bound by blood. And besides, even though they'd only spent three months together, Ardan simply couldn't watch Twilight Song continue running down a path of self-destruction.

She just couldn't.

But after knocking, no response came—not even the slightest sound.

It felt almost as though Twilight Song wasn't even in the room. Ardan took a deep breath, suddenly uneasy, and called softly once more.

Why do I always have this terrible feeling that one day Twilight Song will simply vanish from our side?

"Ruka, it's me. May I come in?"

Still no answer. And perhaps, no matter how many times she asked, there wouldn't be any reply.

Decisively, Ardan gently pressed down on the door handle—it seemed Twilight Song never locked her door while sleeping.

Since she'd decided to act firmly, being slightly forward now was necessary—this too was the courage of an older sister.

"Ruka, as expected, you're still awake."

Ardan entered the pitch-black room, immediately noticing the small figure curled up beside the bed. Golden eyes stared quietly into the vast darkness beyond the narrow windowsill.

She looked like a cat curled tightly by a fireplace, as though only in this cramped position could she truly feel safe.

Twilight Song didn't respond, merely staring silently at the stars outside.

But Ardan wouldn't back away now. She sat beside Twilight Song, gently taking the filly's wrist in her hand, as if afraid she'd run away if left unattended.

"Are you still upset with Ramonu-neesan?"

"No. She didn't say anything wrong."

It was just that the advice wasn't suitable for her own circumstances. Yet, how could she possibly explain that without revealing her secret?

What could she even say?

I'm sorry, but I must run both races because I only have a year left to live?

If Twilight Song ever said that out loud, she'd give herself a firm slap the moment she woke up the next morning.

"Then why are you so anxious?"

Instead of lingering on Ramonu, Ardan got straight to the point.

One whole night was enough time to cool off. Twilight Song seemed calmer now—this child really was mature beyond her age. Was it because her immediate family had all passed away?

But, silly child, if you wanted, you could always become a true Mejiro…

Twilight Song froze, staring up at Ardan in disbelief.

"Is... is it that obvious?"

"I think Ramonu-neesan probably noticed as well."

"Ah, mm… ngh."

Twilight Song quickly averted her gaze, forcing herself to regain composure.

Honestly, if Ardan hadn't been holding onto her hand, Twilight Song might have already bolted—running straight under the blankets, sticking out her tongue, and playing dead.

"Can I… not say?"

"Is it really that difficult to talk about? Then don't force yourself."

"I'm sorry, Ardan-neesan. You'll both find out eventually, but… I can't tell you right now."

"I see. Then I'll wait. We'll both wait for you."

Twilight Song looked at the Uma Musume before her—the girl who'd embraced her when she'd cried, who was now patiently staying by her side without even demanding an explanation, simply supporting her decision not to speak.

Really… how could she ever leave, being treated like this?

She couldn't imagine leaving Mejiro Manor anymore. She desperately wanted to stay forever in this warm place.

Twilight Song felt a blush creep onto her face for the first time. Thankfully, it was dark, so Ardan probably couldn't see clearly. Biting her lip softly, she looked back toward the stars.

Too embarrassing. She was once a mature, working adult—and now here she was, a blushing mess over a single Uma Musume's kindness.

"Ruka, do you like stars?"

Ardan smiled, finding the scene of Twilight Song's slight blush beneath the moonlight surprisingly adorable. But she followed Twilight Song's gaze and asked gently.

"Mm… Because no matter what happens, the stars won't abandon you at night."

Even if they remained silent, even during those cold, lonely nights in her old apartment, they were always there, quietly keeping her company.

"I see. Then, I'd also like to become your star, Ruka."

I also want to remain by your side—always.

Twilight Song covered her flushed face with her hands.

"But we'll eventually be separated, right? There'll be times when we can't be together."

Ardan shook her head softly, standing up and gazing affectionately down at Twilight Song.

"Then we'll always reunite again eventually, right?"

"What if... What if some impossible difficulty stops us…? What if it's too hard to meet again?"

"No such thing. If that really happens, I promise to do everything in my power to find you. Rest assured—I'll always stay with you."

Twilight Song pouted lightly, instinctively wanting to shake her head. But Ardan was quicker.

"Don't you believe me?"

Ugh.

This cunning Uma Musume. Could she really say she didn't believe her after that? What else could she say?

"…Mm. Then I'll wait for you to find me."

If it really happens, and if you really can find me…

"I will. Alright, Ruka, good fillies should sleep now."

Twilight Song hopped down from the windowsill, slipping obediently under the covers. Ardan carefully tucked her in before softly slipping out the door.

"Good night, Ardan-neesan."

"Yes. Good night, Ruka."

Stepping outside, Ardan quietly shut the door, turning to meet Ramonu, who'd been silently waiting nearby the whole time. They walked away together in silence.

"Ardan, do you think I should apologize?"

"No need. She understands—she isn't angry at you."