The race is today

We use the limited amount of time we have to work on remodel after remodel in order to improve the airship's performance.

Finally, at breakfast on the day of the race. Nemo and I are both naked.

"All right. It's finally time. Gangsters from all over Britain, no, all over the world, are watching the Family Gathering." Lupin says. "Let's win this race with style and get our hands on Victor's literacy remains or whatever!"

"Come to think of it, I have yet to hear the details of what goes on during the race. Do I need to be there in person?" Van Helsing says.

"Apparently, we need a minimum of five members on our team in order to register for the race." Doreen says.

"Hmph. I see. I suppose I'll have to go with you just for the bodycount." Van Helsing says.

"Why don't we take this opportunity to go to the racing venue in the airship and give it a little test drive?" Doreen asks.

"That's a good idea. So you two, let's head over to the race." Victoria says. "Um... Why haven't either one of you said a word all morning? And why are both naked?"

"Oh? you noticed that, did you Vicky? You want to know why we're so quiet? Well, why don't we just tell you." Nemo gradually stands up at the end of the table and looks at all of us. She slowly smooths back her hair, then suddenly, she falls to her knees and places her head against the floor.

The movement is fluid and refined.

"Um... What are you doing?" Victoria asks.

"This is the ultimate form of apology, created by the finest minds in all of Asia! Do! Eg! Za!" Nemo says.

"Dogeza? I've never heard of it." Van Helsing says.

"You said it was an apology. Which means that you feel the need to apology for something right now?" Doreen asks.

Nemo nods vigorously, her face still staring at the floor. "I thought the race was tomorrooooooow!"

"What?!" Victoria asks.

"I still have to install the modified engine and give it a test flight!" Nemo says.

"I always knew you were an idiot. But when you go this far, it's more funny than pitiful at this point." Van Helsing says.

"Aaaaah! I have no rebuttal!" Nemo says.

"Um, I had the date wrong too, and... I'm sorry." I stand and bow, joining Nemo in apology.

Not that any of this will turn back the clock any...

"Hmm... Well, what's done is done. Why don't we head to the venue ahead of them?" Lupin asks.

"What good will that do? There's no point in us going if we don't have an airship." Van Helsing says.

"The airship will make it. Knowing you, Nemo, you'll find some way to fix it up just in time for the race, right?" Lupin asks.

"Yeah! Obviously! It'll be ready by the 12 o'clock start time! I guarantee it!" Nemo says.

"Nemo, I'll help. I'm just as responsible." I say.

"No need, but your enthusiasm is appreciated, Caleb." Nemo says. "Like Doreen was saying earlier, you need at least five people present to even register for the race. Dracy's going to stay here and mansion-sit so I want you to go the race with Lupin and the rest so we have enough people."

"I see... Right. Good luck. You can do it, Nemo." I say.

"Leave it to me! With a beauty like you cheering me on, there's no way I can fail! Time to get to work!" Nemo cracks her knuckles and takes off.

"Are you sure she can do this? I'm going to fill her head in with more lead than a pencil if we can't even join the race." Van Helsing says.

"She should be fine. Her failures do stand out at times, but that's because she always tries new things. She's a gifted engineer." Doreen says.

Lupin nods in agreement.

"I agree. Nemo is truly skilled. She'll find some way to make it happen." Victoria says. "Van Helsing, you do acknowledge that Nemo is very technically proficient, don't you?"

"Hmph... Even with her skills, her personality ruins it. Either way, I won't complain if she makes it on time." Van Helsing says.

"We've been through rougher situations together. Let's have some faith in her." With Lupin's encouragement ringing in our ears, we prepare to depart.