Hachiman's Perspective
"Big Brother!"
"I saw everything, Rice," I said as she trotted toward me. I reached out, patting her shoulder. "You were incredible out there. Truly."
"Mm-hmm! I'm just so happy I could win this one too!" Her face was radiant, the kind of pure, unadulterated joy that makes all the stress of training worth it.
"I'm glad. I'm proud of you, Rice."
"Ehehe..."
Much like the Prix de Royallieu, the crowd at the Royal-Oak greeted Rice with a thunderous ovation. But it wasn't just for the winner; they offered sincere, heartfelt applause for every girl who crossed the finish line, regardless of their placement. There was a profound sense of sportsmanship in this country that made me feel remarkably at ease. Rice, usually so shy, was waving back to the stands with a genuine smile. She wasn't doing it out of obligation—she truly felt the connection.
"Rice-san, congratulations," Krone said, stepping forward. "That was a magnificent performance."
"Oh, Krone-san! Thank you so much!"
"...And good work to you as well, Sister," Krone added, her voice dropping an octave as she looked toward the girl standing behind Rice.
"…Indeed," Lepreux replied stoically.
"Hie?! L-Lepreux-san? Since when were you there?" Rice squeaked, jumping slightly.
"She's been here the whole time, Rice," I deadpanned.
Trainer Apple joined us, looking at his trainee with a gentle but firm expression. "Good work, Lepreux. A pity about the result, but you ran well."
"…I apologize for failing to meet your expectations, Trainer," Lepreux bowed her head.
"No need for apologies. You weren't lacking; our opponent was simply a step ahead. More than that, it seems we were lured into a very clever trap."
"…" Lepreux remained silent, but I could see her jaw tighten slightly.
Trainer O'Ryan leaned in, looking at the Japanese duo with keen interest. "So, tell me. How did the level of Japanese racing feel to you, Lepreux?"
"…I never intended to underestimate them," she began, choosing her words with clinical precision. "But I feel that Japan has already reached the world stage. Especially in long-distance categories... she is becoming a genuine threat."
Hearing such high praise from an elite European runner was a quiet thrill. Given her serious personality, I knew she wasn't just being polite—she meant every word.
"I'll admit, when I heard the stories from Madam Speed Symboli, I was a bit skeptical," Fabre said, joining the circle. "But after seeing your training and these two races, my doubts have vanished. As she said, Japan has arrived. Moreover, my trainees and I have learned a great deal from observing your methods."
"Ho? That's fascinating," O'Ryan said, his eyes lighting up. "Would you care to elaborate on that?"
"I second that," Apple agreed. "We barely scratched the surface during our last talk."
Fabre smirked and gestured toward me. "I think the man best suited to explain is standing right in front of you. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Hikigaya?"
Don't throw me under the bus like that, I thought, feeling the collective gaze of three world-class trainers lock onto me. I can't exactly run away now, can I? I looked over at Rice for help, but she was... occupied.
"..." Krone was creeping forward, her arms outstretched like a pincer.
"N-No! Krone-san, stop! I'm all sweaty from the race!" Rice protested, trying to keep a polite distance.
"I do not mind in the least," Krone replied, her eyes unfocused. "It is a victory hug. It is a biological necessity."
"I-I said no! Big Brother, help!"
Lepreux watched the struggle with a blank expression, but as Rice looked at her pleadingly, something shifted in the older sister's gaze.
(...I think I understand why my sister is so fixated on this girl. I see. She possesses an almost magnetic quality... it triggers a protective instinct.)
"…Perhaps a handshake to commemorate a well-fought battle would be more appropriate?" Lepreux suggested, stepping in. "Krone, what do you think?"
"っ! Yes! Rice would prefer that!"
"…Very well," Krone sighed, sounding profoundly disappointed. "I shall settle for that. For now."
Good god, they really are sisters, I thought. Different flavors, same intensity.
"I hear you're headed back to Japan in three days, Mr. Hikigaya?" Apple asked.
"That's the plan. I have a certain trainee back home who has been... quite vocal... about our immediate return." (Rudolf's face flashed briefly in my mind, and I felt a cold shiver.)
"I see... Lepreux, Krone," Apple turned to the sisters. "Standing before you is the girl who just handed you both a loss. Tell me, would you be interested in a joint training session with Miss Rice Shower before they depart?"
"!!" Krone's eyes snapped toward her trainer. "Please, tell me everything."
"…I am also interested," Lepreux added.
"Good. Ambition is a fine trait," Apple smiled.
"Now, now, don't leave me out," O'Ryan chuckled. "I'd like my girls to participate as well. After all, you can never have too many eyes on a high-level session, right?"
"That sounds suspiciously like you're asking me for permission to invade Chantilly Academy again," Fabre laughed. "But a chance to train with this many elite minds... it's a rare opportunity. If Mr. Hikigaya is willing, I shall host it."
Why is it always up to me? I looked at the two sisters, who were now staring at me with the same expectant, burning gaze. Fine. I only have two days left anyway.
"As Mr. Fabre said, an opportunity like this won't come again," I sighed. "Alright. Tomorrow is a mandatory rest and recovery day for Rice. We'll do the joint sessions for the two days after that."
"Excellent!" O'Ryan beamed. "We'll handle the logistics. It's all on you now, Fabre!"
"You drive a hard bargain," Fabre shook his head, though he looked energized. "But let's see what we can do."
The rest of the day was a blur. Rice and I went through the awards ceremony, followed by an impromptu photo shoot where Krone insisted on being in every frame. That set off a chain reaction; soon, the French girls were lining up for photos, followed by a massive group shot of the trainers and trainees from all four nations—the UK, France, Ireland, and Japan. I made sure to get enough prints for everyone.
"Phew..." I leaned against a railing as the sun began to set over Longchamp. "Rice, how about we go shopping tomorrow? We need to pick up souvenirs and gifts before we head back."
"Yes! I'd love that!" Rice cheered, her exhaustion seemingly forgotten. "We only got to go sightseeing once a week, so I haven't really seen enough. Let's look at everything, okay?♪"
"Yeah," I smiled. "Let's do that."
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