"How have things been recently? The Academy must be in an uproar."
"Not particularly. Since I—the person in question—am extremely calm about it, most of the girls feel it would be silly to make a fuss without reason. They're keeping their cool."
Rampage exchanged these words with none other than Mejiro Asama.
Since returning to Japan after her overseas expedition, invitations to tea parties from Asama had increased significantly. Nine times out of ten, the cause was "Sue-chan" bragging to Asama about the trip—likely boasting about sharing a bed with Rampage or other intimate details. Being who she was, Sue-chan undoubtedly spilled everything.
Consequently, Asama, who ultimately loved her grandchildren dearly, had been doting on everyone more. Ryan, McQueen, and even Palmer were feeling the aftereffects of this wave of affection. Though Palmer, being a social juggernaut, simply dragged Helios along to introduce her without a care in the world.
"So, after I retire, am I going to have to undergo 'Lady Education' at the Mejiro house or something?"
"Do you really think there is any fool left who would try to force such things on you at this stage? The disposal of the vulgar lot is already complete. Besides… looking at the faces of those critics when you conquered the Arc… It was a composition so beautiful I wanted to paint it and preserve it for eternity. The title, I suppose, would be… Ultimate Glory and Hellish Despair."
"Uwah. That title alone screams the misery of those vulgar people."
This was exactly why she was Mejiro Rampage. Her existence had reached a level where she could puff out her chest and simply define herself by her name. After all, trying to change the habits of a powerhouse who smoked herb cigars right before a G1 interview would be an act of madness. Besides, Rampage already possessed the manners required of a working adult; forcing anything more upon her would be boorish.
"Still, you came up with quite the interesting concept with the Finals and the Legends. Shall I participate, too?"
"Eh."
"I am joking. Unlike Shinzan-san, I haven't trained. I've been busy running the Mejiro household, so I couldn't possibly run a race worthy of note. I know my limits."
"Even so, that surprised me… That sounds exactly like something Sue-chan would say."
"That old hag would definitely say it."
"Grandmother… your language."
"Then, that shitty old hag."
"Why do you get younger whenever Sue-chan is involved?"
Whether they got along well or poorly was up for debate… no, they definitely got along, but those two had a truly indescribable relationship.
"So… how is Sunday-san doing over here?"
"Yes, she's been telling me very interesting stories."
For the time being, Sunday Silence was staying at the Mejiro estate. She was browsing properties and looking for land, but… since finding a suitable plot near the Tracen Academy was difficult, she was debating whether to compromise with a large existing house or buy land further out. Apparently, money was no object, so she had zero hesitation about purchasing real estate. She was even considering buying a portion of the Mejiro family's vast land.
"It seems McQueen has really taken a liking to her. At the Academy, I often see them eating sweets together."
"That is unexpected. To think she would get along so well with McQueen."
"Well, if I had to guess, I would have thought she'd mesh best with Palmer."
Sunday had become fast friends with McQueen.
In history, Sunday Silence was known as a self-righteous, violent horse who would pick fights with anyone—except Mejiro McQueen in the adjacent pasture. While McQueen largely ignored the aggression, over time, Sunday opened up to McQueen to the point where they were described as looking like lovers. The reason remains unclear, but one theory suggests Sunday liked McQueen because he wasn't afraid of him.
"Haa~… You can't underestimate Japanese snacks… I've never had a cake like this before."
"Eh!? Does America not have shortcake!?"
"We don't have stuff like this… but it's damn delicious!? I'm loving this Matcha Parfait too!!"
"In that case, shall we go here next!? It is irregular, but they serve a DX Melon Parfait!! There is a rumor that today is the day. Even if it isn't, the sweets there are exquisite!!"
"Alright, let's go! I'm going right now! I borrowed Rampage's car, so we'll take that!!"
"Yes!!"
"…And that's basically how they've become best buddies."
"Oh my…"
"Thanks to that, the gas and tires on my Impreza are vanishing… Tohoho…"
Despite having an absurd amount of money in her account, Rampage still retained the financial sense of a commoner and trembled at gas price hikes. Lending the car was fine, but Sunday using it without reserve was terrifying in a different way. She did refill the tank, at least, but her driving must have been rough because the tires were wearing down fast. That was the bigger problem.
"However, having her come to Japan is a great asset. Please tell her that as far as the Mejiro family is concerned, she is welcome to stay as long as she likes."
"Well, I'll tell her, but… that person is pretty free-spirited…"
Thinking about Sunday rolling around town with McQueen in the passenger seat of her Impreza, touring gourmet and sweet spots right now… Rampage wondered if her suspension would survive.
"You have time today, correct? Then please go keep Dober and Bright company. They've been wanting to see you."
"Understood. I'm never opposed to spending time with those cute two."
"Oh? Are you saying you dislike spending time with me?"
"Don't be mean. How could I dislike spending time with my favorite Grandma?"
"Fufu. Good answer♪"
Asama's mood always improved when called that. Being respected as the "Grandmother" and head of the house by everyone was pleasing, but as a grandmother, she wanted to be yearned for affectionately. That was why she loved it when Ran called her that.
"If I had my wish, I'd love for Dober and Bright to call me that too…"
"It's better not to force it. They might call you that eventually."
"Then I shall wait in anticipation."
As they enjoyed their tea, the door opened. There stood Sunday and McQueen, arms full of souvenirs. Their tour for the day had apparently concluded.
"We're back, Asama-san. Here, got you some souvenirs."
"My, how thoughtful. Did you enjoy yourselves, Sunday-san?"
"Yeah. McQueen guided me all over the place. But hey, McQueen, you better move your ass tomorrow to lose weight, alright? You ate more than me. You were Mejiro Pacqueen."
"I-It wasn't that much!? I am fine! My weight management is perfect; there isn't a microgram of miscalculation!!"
"Oh, really? Then I'm telling that pervert."
"Please stop, Rampage-san!!"
"See, you are worried."
"Good grief…" Asama sighed, watching the scene. "I won't tell you not to have fun, but I would have no complaints if you could possess just a little more prudence and composure…"
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