Chapter 106: In France, My Adorableness is Absolute Too, You Know

About an hour’s drive from Paris lies the elegant Chantilly Racecourse—one of France’s oldest, and often called the most beautiful in the world.

Tucked away in the nearby forest is a place just as grand as Japan’s Tracen Academy: Chantilly Tracen Academy. This will be my home for the next six months. I had plenty of options across Europe, but the deciding factors were simple—El-chan, Kahifutara-san, and Angelie-chan are all here. Socially, it’s the best possible pick.

After landing at Charles de Gaulle, we took a moment to absorb the European air. Most of our luggage had already been sent ahead, so we strolled through the terminal with just our carry-ons.

"Phew… finally made it."

"You good with the jet lag?"

"Slept on the plane, so should be fine."

"Alright. Let’s go then."

"Mhm."

"Oh, right. I’ll handle the press, so just act natural, Apollo."

"Gotcha~"

We were still mid-chat when I locked eyes with a group of adults who screamed "press." They started shouting in French and rushed over. Cameramen, reporters—more than twenty of them, crowding in fast.

Not just French, either. I heard German, English, something else. Probably a mix of European outlets. Tomio could speak French and German, so I left the translations to him.

While he handled the mob, I caught a few phrases: The Big Three, Long-Distance Big Three. I tilted my head, listening. When Stayers Million popped up, I had a decent idea. Tomio leaned in.

"They’re asking, ‘This year’s Stayers Million is unusually competitive. As one of the Big Three in long-distance racing, how do you feel about it?’"

"...Should I answer in English?"

"Up to you."

I stepped forward and took in the crowd. Big-name racers get this treatment when they fly to Japan for the Japan Cup, so this was probably being broadcast live. The camera lenses were massive, the air tight. Still, I answered.

"I’m aiming to sweep the Stayers Million. I owe Kayf Tara-san a debt. And I’m not planning to lose to Angely-chan, either."

A collective “Whoa” rippled through the group. Their faces said it all—Is this girl serious? Not many Japanese horse girls had won G1 races in Europe, especially at long distances. The skepticism was palpable.

Right now, the so-called Big Three of European long-distance racing are:

Kayf tara, last year’s champion.

Angely, currently on a G1 win streak.

And me—Apollo Rainbow. Holder of two world records in 3000-meter-class races.

It’s clear I’m carrying Japan’s reputation. They looked at me like I was an alien from some mysterious island nation. In their eyes, I was probably this bizarre horse girl from Japan’s Twinkle Series. That’s exactly what their faces were saying.

One careless remark and I could damage Japan’s image. I had to walk the line between confidence and courtesy. My English wasn’t perfect, so sarcasm or anything sharp was out of the question. The best move was to breathe, stay calm, and keep things simple. Or let Tomio step in if needed.

…That said, part of me wanted to go off-script. Flash a little charm. Dazzle every man in Europe glued to the live stream. I am world-class adorable, after all. And if you’re born cute, don’t you want the world to notice? There’s something wickedly fun about being adored by everyone before dedicating your love to just one person… right?

"They’re asking, ‘Do you plan to challenge any 2400-meter G1 races?’ I told them you weren’t doing the King George or the Arc, but they’re still pressing."

"If I ever do, it won’t be until next year at the earliest."

"Yeah."

"I’m better at long distances, so I haven’t really thought about it!"

Once I get used to the foreign media, I’ll show my real self. For now, playing it safe works. I could’ve stood there smiling and let my trainer do all the talking. I’m cute enough that silence still plays well on camera.

After escaping the press via taxi, we arrived at the edge of Chantilly’s thick forest.

France felt completely different from Japan—except for the smell of the grass. That same bitter, earthy-green scent. It tugged at something nostalgic. Guided by it, we moved toward the academy hidden in the woods.

Hoofbeats echoed faintly from somewhere deeper in the trees—likely horse girls in training. It felt like the forest itself was part of the course. The ancient, towering trunks gave a sense of both natural weight and the long legacy of France’s Twinkle Series.

Chantilly wasn’t just France’s top academy—it was one of Europe’s best. Even before we reached the building, I felt that familiar race-day tension in the air. A quiet, invisible pressure.

When the academy finally came into view, excitement surged in my chest. I only realized I’d started walking faster when I looked back and saw Tomio lagging behind, panting. Nerves. Thrill. As I grabbed Tomio’s hand and stepped through the gate—

"Hello, Apollo Rainbow-san."

A horse girl greeted me with a calm, airy voice. She had a softness like Mejiro Bright-san, but her eyes were sharper—like she saw straight through you, yet would still forgive anything. It was disarming.

But something in me knew—this girl wasn’t ordinary. If she went out of her way to greet me, she had to be someone important. Maybe a dorm leader. Probably student council. In Japanese terms, she had the aura of someone like Symboli Rudolf. A Fuji Kiseki-Hishi Amazon hybrid.

…That said, something threw me off.

"I, uh… don’t speak French. Is English okay?"

"Of course~"

"...Um. That sheep next to you… what’s the deal with…?"

"Oh, this is my dearest friend~"

"O-oh…?"

A fluffy, healthy sheep stood calmly beside her—not on a leash, just… there. Nuzzling her like it belonged. It reminded me a little of Meisho Doto-chan, honestly.

Still… France, a legendary racehorse, and a sheep. Who was this girl? I figured I should ask her name, but gently. No room for social landmines.

"Ah, let me introduce myself properly… I’m Apollo Rainbow. Are you, um, our guide? Or maybe part of the student council…?"

"Oh my, how rude of me~ I’m the vice president of the student council, Alle France~"

"……Huh!? A-Alle France…!?"

Alle France. The Queen of Longchamp. The Arc-winning legend. One of the greatest racehorses in European history. And now… a horse girl. My knees nearly gave out. This had to be her.

Without thinking, I reached out.

"I-I’ve been a fan since your past life… Can I take a photo with you!?"

"Oh my~?"

Holding her small hand, a realization hit me: this academy might be full of legendary overseas horses reborn as horse girls. Obvious, in hindsight. But I hadn’t considered it.

Kayf Tala-san, Angely-chan… even Monjeu-chan probably studied here. The more I thought about it, the more famous names came to mind. Japanese horse girls were elite in their own right—but this felt different. Almost surreal.

Will my heart even hold up? I wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt. The uniforms here were mostly the same as back home, though the design had slight differences.

"So, if you’re the vice president… the president must be here too?"

"Seabird onee-sa— I mean, the student council president is currently away… my apologies~"

…Huh? Seabird onee-sama?

My spine tingled. Another heavy name. But before I could respond, Tomio nudged me forward, and Alle France led us inside.

Fundamentally, Chantilly Tracen Academy mirrored Japan’s. If anything, Japan’s might’ve been modeled after this one. We were shown the trainer’s building and led to our new office.

The room had clearly been storage until recently. A little dusty, but decent space. Better than nothing. We’d clean it thoroughly before settling in.

"Next, I’ll show you the classrooms and other facilities~"

With Tomio off handling luggage, it was just Alle France-san and me walking through the school.

I bombarded her with questions—student and trainer count, how training and academics were balanced, where the indoor and outdoor tracks were. After the Emperor’s Cup, everything had moved too fast. I hadn’t had time to learn anything.

But Alle France answered everything, gracefully and patiently. By the end of the tour, I felt like I had a decent grip on what Chantilly Tracen was all about.

Or at least, I hoped I did.

"Alfrance-san, thank you so much!"

"It’s part of my student council duties~. Now then, take care."

With the school buildings nestled deep in the woods, the track course feels like it was carved straight from the hillside. The turf here is thick—lush enough to make Japan’s look threadbare.

I take a light jog along the edge. The moment my feet hit the ground, I feel it: soft, heavy, slow to return force. Digging in will be tough. Accelerating like I used to in Japan or America? Out of the question. No wonder running styles are different here. This turf doesn’t allow it. Sprinting like I usually do would drain me in seconds.

I’ll need to adjust fast. I’m probably fine in normal conditions, but if this turns to soft ground after rain... I’m in trouble. Kayf Tara-san’s famous for thriving on that kind of turf. I’m the opposite. But races aren’t just about compatibility—they’re a mix of skill, luck, and timing. So all I can really do is adapt. And maybe pray a little.

Wearing my brand-new uniform, I jog lightly through the hallways toward the trainer’s office. A few horse girls glance my way as I pass.

"Who’s that girl?"

"She’s cute."

"Maybe she’s from Japan…?"

Lately, I’ve been growing—too fast, really. In both height and looks. I’ve hit a level of fluffy, angelic cuteness that actually makes people stop and stare. Not quite in the same league as Bright-san or Alfrance-san when it comes to innate charm, but... I’ve got my own appeal. That’s enough.

Feeling oddly optimistic, I dash toward the next hallway turn. Just as I round the corner, I hear footsteps and a voice from the other side—too late to stop.

"Whoa—!? Watch ou—"

"Oof!?"

Everything goes dark. Something soft smothers my face. I can’t breathe. I panic—until hands grab my shoulders and yank me back. I stagger away, realize what happened, and bow frantically.

"I-I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking—"

"Nah, I wasn’t paying attention either, so it’s fine~ …Wait, huh? You’re Apollo Rainbow, aren’t you?"

"Eh? How do you know my—"

I look up, startled. Our eyes meet. She’s about my height, with long bay hair, flashy earrings, and a sticker of angel wings on her cheek. That detail clicks instantly.

"You’re… Angely-chan?"

"Bingo~!"

Angely. Her vibe now is way different from the composed presence she projects in races. She’s on a six-win streak, including three graded stakes and a G1. Of course I knew her—but this is our first actual meeting.

"Mhm mhm, the real thing really is adorable~!"

...This is our first meeting, right? She’s getting very close.

Her eyes sparkle like shiitake mushrooms (why?), and she closes the distance fast. I try to back away, but she loops an arm around my waist and pulls me in. Her chest smothers me again—soft and overwhelming. I squirm, helpless.

"Ahhh! You really are like a little fairy! Wanna take a pic!? Oh! Let’s go get parfaits right now! I know a perfect spot!"

"Mmggmm~!"

No matter how hard I struggle, I can’t break free. What is this strength!? I thought I was pretty tough myself!

Just as I’m on the brink of suffocation, a familiar voice rumbles behind me.

"Hey, Angely. Cut it out."

"Ah, Kayf Tara-chan!"

"Pwah! Kayf Tara-san?!"

That voice—low, rough, pulled from somewhere deep. Golden eyes. Wild chestnut hair tied back, tail to match. Arms crossed, she towers over me. A flicker in her gaze—disdain, pity, annoyance... something else. Then a snort. A short, sharp laugh. Cold, layered.

“So, you came after all. All the way to Europe.”

“…Yes. I intend to repay my debt from Dubai.”

“…Hmph. You idiot.”

Kayf Tara-san chuckles darkly. Her golden eyes stay dull, unreadable. I only know the situation secondhand, so I have no right to speak. Still, I hold on to hope—for this world.

Maybe that’s our difference.

I have hope. For Europe. For you.

No—more than that.

I won’t let you go, Kayf Tara-san. You, who should understand the meaning of a snowflake. Whether you realize it or not, you carry something essential to who I am.

I say nothing, but I meet her eyes, unflinching. She’s taller by a full head, and slightly irritated by my defiance. The tension tightens—until Angely-chan bursts in to smooth it over.

“Come on, Kayf Tara-chan, you don’t have to be like that! Lumos-san and the others are working hard too! And so is Apollo-chan! Right? She’s just like this sometimes, so cut her some slack!”

“Angely, quit saying annoying things.”

“You’re the one who’s always too sarcastic! Before rivals, you’re friends, right? C’mon, shake hands and make up!”

She’s smaller than Kayf Tara-san, but Angely-chan doesn’t flinch. Her presence fills the room, bright and bold. But Kayf Tara-san is just too tough.

With a click of her tongue, she brushes past Angely-chan’s aura like it’s nothing and walks off. My hand, half-raised in a peace offering, hangs in the air.

“Hey, Kayf Tara-chaaan!”

“…………”

I don’t feel angry. She’s not a bad person. I just wish—desperately—that we could find a way to understand each other.

Still frozen, I hear Angely-chan say, “Seriously, sorry about that~!” Her ears and tail droop, and she takes my hand, giving it a squeeze like she’s trying to fix what just happened.

When I tell her there’s no need to apologize, she replies:

“Kayf Tara-chan has her cute sides, y’know~ Like how she loves cats, or how much she cares about her sisters. She talks big, but she’s still an important friend! Wouldn’t it be great if we could all get along and make long-distance racing even more exciting together?”

Bright to the core, that one. Angely—just like the clean burst of speed she shows on the turf. Her personality is just as refreshing.

“Angely-chan, thanks.”

“Huh? For what?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself.”

“Nngeh?”

“Ahaha, never mind.”

I pivot toward the new trainer’s room. Seeing the conversation’s over, she turns to go.

“Well, see ya! It was great meeting you!”

“Yeah! Getting to see the real Apollo-chan in the flesh is seriously the best! Next time, let’s actually go get parfaits together!!”

“Got it!”

“Oh, and one more thing!”

“Yeah, what?”

“I do wanna be friends—but I won’t lose to you on the turf! Later!”

With a flash of fang, she grins and vanishes down the hall before I can react. The last glimpse I catch—those sharp, focused eyes—sends a shiver down my spine.

I feel ashamed. I’d been so fixated on Kayf Tara-san, I underestimated her. Angely isn’t just cheerful. She’s serious. What kind of races will someone like that run?

I can’t wait to find out.

“…Heh.”

I walk down the now-empty hallway and push open the door to the new trainer’s room. Tomio’s there, buried in luggage and yelling, “Help me out here!”

“Ugh, you’re hopeless! Tomio, you really can’t do anything without me, can you?”

Grinning, I rush to his side—hiding the fierce, familiar burn rising in my chest. That old competitive fire. It’s back.