Chapter 173: [The American Conste]
"I haven''t really shared much about that part of the story with everyone."
This is the story from before I came to America.
The situation was so unique that it presented quite a few challenges.
>Summons from the conste!?
>That''s clearly VIP treatment
>Well, I guess that''s what happens when a Nobel Peace Prizeureate goes abroad
"Oh, no! That''s not it! It''s not anything grand like that! When you''re trying to get a visa, you have to go to the conste, that''s all!"
>Is that so?
>I didn''t know that
>I went to get a visa when I had a long business trip
"Wow, the conste is something else. I don''t think there''s a ce where you can feel overseas so intimately."
First, getting into the conste is incredibly strict.
It''s not about conditions; it''s a physical thing.
"I had to go through baggage inspection, turn off and hand over all electronic devices, and even go through a metal detector and body check. In a way, I think it''s quite a valuable experience."
Literally, that ce''s premises are like a foreignnd.
I thought the body check would be just a light pat-down, but they frisk you thoroughly.
It''s a bit embarrassing.
Especially in my case when it''s done by someone of the same sex.
"Just a body check is normal, right?"
"Don''tpare your daily life to mine."
When I''m with Angu Ogu I get used to body checks, but this is different; she''s a real VIP.
Actually, I''ve been through body checks at airports, but it''s a different feeling when it happens in Japan.
"So, after submitting documents and rmendation letters and going through an interview at the conste, you can get a visa issued. Just be careful, everyone. Like I said, it''s ‘America''."
"Huh? Was there anything else?"
"Currency in the building… The visa processing fee is paid in dors, right? I forgot to bring them. If you have a card, you can manage, but it''s one of those ‘Oh, I see'' moments."
"That''s where Irohaes in handy."
"I''d rather not hear that from Ogu, though."
>I see. Iroha-chan doesn''t have a credit card because she''s a minor, right?
>Going home to get it and then undergoing another strict check is a hassle.
>Can''t you do currency exchange or something like that within the conste?"
"Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding. What I meant earlier was I had a card, so I ‘managed''. But it''s not a credit card."
There are cards other than credit cards that allow dor transactions. There are a few options. These are handy for individuals like me, a middle school student who frequently makes online orders.
Like a debit card. While there is a difference in that it deducts the amount directly from your ount, the basic usage is simr to a credit card.
Or prepaid cards. There are differences such as being disposable or requiring a recharge, but the usage isrgely the same.
When youe to America, card payments are the main method.
In fact, it''smon to see ces that ept cards only, not just ‘cards epted'' as you might find in Japan.
"So that''s the deal with getting a visa, with many things to be aware of."
In my case, there was an even bigger issue.
Specifically, with a student visa, you''re not allowed to work in America.
While there may be exceptions for on-campus jobs, I couldn''t go that route, so I had to consult awyer and navigate the system.
"Other things to consider. Including insurance, vinations, and being able to answer questions during immigration inspection, right?"
>I see, sightseeing is the way to go, right?
>Iroha-chan doesn''t seem to need to worry about those things
>What did you think when you came to America (U.S.)
"Everything is so big. I just went to the supermarket here…"
"Iroha, let''s get everything."
"Oh, right. Actually, we''re nning to have a party today to celebrate our move-in together, everyone.
>What, a celebration for moving in together!?
>That''s an important milestone
>In that case, I guess yesterday. No, the real anniversary should be spent together, just the two of us. That''s unavoidable.
"Could you please not go off on your own like that? Anyway, that''s why we thought about cooking and treating each other. Anything in particr? It seems Ogu is good at cooking, right?"
>Has Ogu ever done cooking streams before?
>Her cooking skills are unknown… but I can imagine why, haha!
>Interpreting Ogu as a good cook might lead to different conclusions
"Haha, you guys can say that now, but just wait!"
"So, what''s the n? We don''t want to spoil the surprise, but it''s not fun if we cook together. August, which side do you want?"
"After eating Iroha''s cooking, I might need something to cleanse my pte, right? So, I''ll be on the second shift!"
"You''re talking big, but who knows what will happen, right?"
"Haha! Iroha, you better do your best!"
>Now, it seems like a g has been raised.
>It feels like the oue has been decided before the battle even starts, haha
"Ogu is fine… I''m more curious about Iroha-chan''s cooking
I rolled up my sleeves and stood up. "Shall we do this?".
***
cing my hand on my waist, I stood alone in the kitchen.
I already decided on the menu.
Since it was my first time in this environment, I chose a menu with as little chance of failure as possible.
And that was curry and rice!
"My mother sent me a bunch of stuff like curry roux, rice, and other things with a message like ‘Keep this forter.''. But I never thought I''d get to use it so soon. I should thank her."
With gratitude towards my mother, I immediately started cooking. Considering time efficiency, it made sense to start by cooking the rice.
"Huh?"
I stumbled right away.
I''m not that interested in meals in general, so I tend to overlook things. Even when I got stuck during that incident, I had American meals every day, but I didn''t have any particrints.
That''s why I hadn''t noticed until now.
Things I took for granted in Japan are simply not there in America. Specifically…
"Oh no!? I don''t have a rice cooker!?"
Huh?
Could it be that I''m really going to have a head-to-head battle with Ogu?
No, no, no, I can''t let that happen!