Rice Shower's Perspective
"Whoa...! So this is France!"
"We're finally here," Hachiman muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Twelve hours in the air really takes it out of you. But I have to admit, it feels like France. Even the airport is on another level."
"Mm-hmm! It's so beautiful," Rice added, her eyes sparkling.
A driver stood nearby, waiting politely. "Mr. Hikigaya, Miss Rice Shower. If you are ready, I shall escort you to the facility where you will be staying. Shall we?"
"Yes, please. Lead the way," Hachiman replied.
If I remember correctly, Rice thought, we're staying at the same place Speed Symboli-san used back when she was racing. The person lending us the rooms must be so kind.
[Inside the Car – In Transit]
"Wow..." Rice breathed, her face pressed against the window.
Hachiman watched her out of the corner of his eye. She's really taking it all in. Well, I can't blame her. It's her first time abroad; anyone would be restless. It's only natural to be more overwhelmed by the cityscape than the upcoming race. After all, it looks nothing like Japan.
"Look at all the lovely houses, Big Brother! Do you think the place we're staying looks like those?"
"It'd be nice if it did," Hachiman said realistically. "I doubt it'll be a shack, but... I haven't seen it myself, so don't get your hopes too high."
The driver chimed in reassuringly. "Rest assured, we have received word from our hosts that everything is prepared for your arrival."
"O-oh, I see... That's a relief," Rice said, her shoulders relaxing.
"Glad to hear it," Hachiman added.
"The staff are quite enthusiastic. It has been a long time since a Horse Girl from Japan has come to stay, after all."
Enthusiastic...? I wonder what the rooms are like. I'm actually getting a little excited!
"Once I have shown you to your quarters, what are your plans for the day?" the driver asked.
"I'd like to go for a walk and see the town!" Rice said eagerly. "I want to see all these beautiful streets up close."
"Rice, you should save that for tomorrow," Hachiman interceded. "The first thing we need to do is acclimate to French time."
"Acc... acclimate?" Rice tilted her head.
"A wise decision, Mr. Hikigaya," the driver noted. "You departed Japan at 1:00 PM. After a twelve-and-a-half-hour flight, it is now 1:30 AM by Japan's clock. However, with the seven-hour time difference, it is only 6:30 PM here in France. While you could go out, it is best to let your bodies adjust to the local rhythm first."
"Is that how it works...?" Rice looked out the window, bewildered. "Back home, it's the middle of the night? It feels so strange. Everyone here is walking around normally, but in Japan, everyone is asleep..."
"Exactly," Hachiman said. "That's why our first mission is simple: dinner, a bath, and sleep."
[Chantilly Academy]
"Is this... a school?" Rice asked, staring up at the gates.
"Indeed," the driver explained. "Speed Symboli-san stayed in the dormitories here when she was a student. If you'll excuse me for a moment..."
He stepped toward the entrance. "Pardon me. We have Rice Shower and Mr. Hikigaya, here from Japan for the upcoming races. We were told we could use the facilities. Could you please put us in touch with the trainer, Mr. Fabre?"
"Ah, Rice Shower and Mr. Hikigaya? One moment, please."
Wow... Rice thought, her head spinning. I couldn't understand a single word they said after the names. Is this what they call the 'language barrier'?
André Fabre: "Forgive the wait. I am Fabre, the one who authorized your stay. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Rice panicked internally. A-a greeting! Right... how do you say it in French...? "R-Rice Shower! I... it's a pleasure to meet you, too!"
"I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, her trainer," Hachiman said with a polite nod. "Thank you for having us."
"There is no need for such formality," Fabre said with a warm smile. "I've heard much about you both from Speed Symboli. Please, make yourselves at home."
"Thank you," Hachiman replied.
Fabre blinked, a look of mild surprise crossing his face. "...This is unexpected. You understood what I said?"
"To an extent," Hachiman replied. "You said we didn't need to be stiff because Symboli-san told you about us, and that we should feel at ease, right?"
"It seems we shall get along famously," Fabre laughed. "As you can see, I am an old man—nearing the end of my years—but it is a joy to meet a trainer like you."
"Not at all. It's an honor for me to meet a master of the craft like yourself, Monsieur André Fabre."
"Hahaha, I'm flattered. You must be exhausted after such a long journey. Let me show you to your rooms."
I wonder what they were talking about? Rice wondered, watching them. I really should have studied my French harder...
[Inside the Academy Dorms]
"In this dormitory, trainers and Horse Girls live under the same roof," Fabre explained. "The wing on the right is for the girls, the left is for the trainers, and this central area is a common space. Girls are allowed in the trainers' wing, but trainers are strictly forbidden from entering the girls' wing. Please keep that in mind."
"Understood," Hachiman said. "Rice, this center part is a common area. Right for you, left for me."
"So we're living together!" Rice chirped.
"In a sense. But I'm not allowed in your wing, so it's pretty much the same as the rules back in Japan."
"I've arranged for you two to stay in the trainers' wing," Fabre added. "I thought it would be more reassuring to have you close by in an unfamiliar place. Your rooms are right next to each other."
"That's very thoughtful of you. We appreciate the consideration."
"Think nothing of it. It's a long way from home, and with the language gap, being apart would only lead to anxi—"
"TRAINER!!"
Fabre paused. "Hm? What is it?"
A young girl suddenly appeared, looking at the newcomers with wide eyes. "Who are these people?"
"They're guests from Japan," Fabre explained. "This young lady is participating in a race next month, so I'm showing them around."
"Her?" The girl's eyes lit up. "She's so cute! She looks just like a little doll!"
GLOMP!
"Hyah?!" Rice squeaked as she was pulled into a sudden hug.
"I like her! She's way too cute! Hey, what's your name? Tell me!"
"U-um... I..." Rice stammered, overwhelmed.
"Her name is Rice Shower," Hachiman stepped in. "And I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, her trainer. Hachiman is the given name, Hikigaya is the surname."
The girl looked at Hachiman and recoiled. "Whoa!! A zombie!?"
Hachiman's expression didn't change. "..."
"I... I am so sorry," Fabre coughed, looking embarrassed. "She's... a very honest child."
"Don't worry about it," Hachiman sighed. "It's been a while since someone called me a zombie. It's almost refreshing. And don't worry, kid. I'm not a zombie. I'm just tired."
"O-oh... okay! That's good!" The girl beamed, her energy returning instantly. "So you're Rice Shower! Nice to meet you! I'm Carnegie!"
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