The days passed in a lively flurry: Rampage's iron arriving, Pilsudski lamenting with all his might that he couldn't join the bath, and Fine, watching it all, happily enjoying her sister's share of snacks just as promised. Ireland's temperatures were low; even in August, it wasn't uncommon for the average high to stay below 20°C, making for exceptionally pleasant weather. Japan's humidity and heat felt like a distant lie. As the date of the Champion Stakes drew nearer, Rampage found herself at a tea party with Fine.
"And then, and then!" Fine chattered.
"I see," Rampage replied.
As someone receiving care and assistance, Rampage had agreed to keep Fine, who was also a friend, company. Fine disliked being alone and typically had her SP captain by her side to entertain her. However, this often meant the SP's primary duty of guarding was somewhat neglected. Therefore, these tea parties with Rampage, a guest, which also served as a princess's duty for Fine, were incredibly helpful for the SPs as well.
"Ever since you came, Rampage-san, every day has been so much fun! We get to play games together, and I can even appear on your stream. Oh, and that Japanese food you made the other day was absolutely delicious! I didn't know there were ramen dishes like that! The soup tasted simple yet profound, so comforting to drink~ The noodles were incredibly thick, but their chewiness and softness were exquisite… like an angel's cheeks!"
"If you liked it that much, I'll make it again. Though, that wasn't ramen, it was udon."
Under the guise of cultural exchange, Rampage sometimes found herself in the kitchen, cooking meals with Fine. That particular time, Fine had requested ramen, but since Rampage had never made it before, she had settled for udon.
"Even so, it makes me sad to think there are only about three months left… Can't you stay longer?" Fine pouted.
"Even if you say that, I'm a Mejiro Uma Musume too, you know."
"Then marry into our family!"
"Whose bride am I supposed to become?"
"Your Highness…"
It had been the same before, but during her stay, Rampage had grown even more fond of Fine. She was repeatedly invited to simply stay in Ireland. Of course, she couldn't accept that… She was still aware that she was a Mejiro Uma Musume, even if she did occasionally crash the servers.
"A bride, huh… I wonder if I'll ever get married."
"I'm sure you will! Aren't you in high demand?"
"I'm too much of a 'flower on a high peak' for anyone to approach. Don't you think so too, Captain?"
"If I may speak frankly… perhaps only those of suitably high standing…"
"Figures…"
Objectively speaking, there probably wasn't anyone brave enough to want her as a bride. Perhaps someone from a prestigious family like Symboli, or related to a royal family like Fine's.
"But surely, if you looked in Japan, you'd find someone who loves Rampage-san?"
"I can think of one person, but I don't have that kind of hobby…"
"What does that mean?"
"I'm afraid I can't quite grasp it myself."
The captain dodged the question with a wry smile; he actually knew, but it was too early a subject for the young Fine. And naturally, the person he had in mind was…
"Haaaaah! This is the legendary autograph personally signed by Mejiro Rampage-san…! I'm practically feeling divine…!"
"Why are you so flustered, Digital-kun? The one next to it is yours. I got it for you along with Flight-nee's when we were at the Tenno Sho before."
"EHHHHH!? M-M-Mine!? It certainly says 'To Agnes Digital-kun'…!? Hmph…"
"Kuh… I should have gone with them…"
"Hehe, you shouldn't have been so stubbornly proud, should you~?!"
Ping!
"This sensation… What is this unease in my chest…? It feels like something significant has happened…!"
"Whoa!? What's wrong, Flora-san, suddenly standing up!?"
"Ah… Pay it no mind. It's just her usual Rampage-san-induced fit."
"It's always like this, always like this… There's no point in worrying. Digital, listen, don't end up like Big Sis."
"Huh?"
"Well, my romantic prospects don't really matter, do they? Even if something were to happen, it'd be years from now."
"Ehh~ but I'm curious."
"Your Highness, that concerns Rampage-sama's private life… More importantly, we must discuss that matter."
"Oh, that's right! I almost forgot, how careless of me!"
"Hm? What is it?"
"Uh, just a moment."
With that, the captain handed her a nearby backpack, from which she pulled out a letter in a file and presented it to Rampage. The letter bore the seal of the Irish royal family.
"What's this? An invitation?"
"Yep! Ehehe, I tried to make the seal look like the Super Smash Bros. invitation we played with the other day. It's stylish, isn't it?"
"Well, it's certainly stylish, if you say so… Anyway, can I look inside?"
"Of course!"
With permission, Rampage opened it. She felt a slight relief that the entire letter was in English; for a moment, she had wondered what she would do if it had been in Irish Gaelic. Since it was English, she read on without issue.
"This is an invitation to a party hosted here, the contents… a get-together and good luck wishes for the Uma Musume participating in the Irish Champion Stakes… And they want me to attend this?"
"Yep!"
It seemed the previous press conference had turned into a party. As someone who was receiving their hospitality, not attending wasn't an option… but there was a problem.
"This is for racing attire, right?"
"Yes, His Majesty also encourages participation in racing attire."
"Ehh~ not dresses?" Fine pouted again.
"Well, it's not that I don't have dress-style racing attire, but… I didn't bring any…"
"Then I'll rent one for you!"
"How much do you want to see me in a dress?"
While playfully deflecting Fine, Rampage also glanced at the enclosed list of participating Uma Musume. Saint Verdant, who had also run in the KGVI & QE Stakes, was there. The others were mostly unfamiliar names, but a few piqued her interest: Silverstone, which sounded very similar to Vice Stone; Shall We Dance, meaning "Won't you dance?"; and – Razgriz, the Irish Triple Tiara winner.
"Looks like it'll be an interesting party."
"Right!?"
Thank you to Hiroshi Itoda-sama for Silverstone, and Umihesuro-sama for Shall We Dance!
-----------------------------
I've just uploaded up to 40 chapters in advance on Patreon!
If you enjoy this story, please supporting me on Patreon!
👉 [patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your amazing support!