New chapter of Control Engineer is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

First Examination

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The carriage came to a halt. Several carriages had already stopped, and more continued to arrive afterward. It was a square situated among the cobbled streets of the town.

After waiting for several minutes, the carriage door opened.

“Examinees, please disembark and wait.” (Examiner)

This was within the walls of Emilia Castle, which I had always gazed up at from outside. It was the first time I had entered within the castle walls. Since the merchant company also conducted business for the castle, Tou-sama and Kaa-sama frequently entered. Kaa-sama, being a favorite of the Countess, was often invited.

About 30 minutes earlier, the examinees had gathered at a place called the South Gate, where we were made to board a large carriage. We had been transported within the castle grounds to arrive here.

Following the child of my age who had been seated before me, I too stepped down.

Ugh. Whoa.

“Are you alright?” (Examiner)

“Ah, yes. I am all right.” (Leon)

Though my legs tangled and I staggered several steps, I somehow managed to regain my balance.

What is this? The instant my foot touched the cobbles, a tingling sensation surged through me as though I had been shocked. Something I had never felt before welled up from the pit of my stomach. It was as though mana were surging forth within me.

A dragon vein… Yes, that is it. This place is a dragon vein situated atop the nexus of the dragon veins. It is the reverse sensation of the loss I had felt when I passed outside the barrier.

“Good, all have disembarked. Follow me.” (Examiner)

Though this phenomenon intrigued me, now was not the time. I must concentrate upon the examination.

We advanced along the edge of the square where we had alighted and arrived before a large stone-built structure. The Royal Salomea University Entrance Examination Hall, the venue for the First Examination of the Department of the Way of Magic.

So, this is the place.

Since being informed that I would sit for the examination, I had diligently worked through the assignments under Beigel’s guidance, and at last, the day of the examination had arrived. I must give my utmost.

Upon entering the building, we turned twice along a long corridor and were shown into a large chamber.

“In ten minutes, the examination shall commence. Examinees, be seated in order of your examination numbers.” (Examiner)

The one who spoke appeared to be one of the examiners.

“Number twenty-three, twenty-three… here it is.” (Leon)

My seat was toward the back. Glancing about, I counted roughly 50, no, perhaps 60 examinees. I lowered the seat of the splendid fixed chair and sat.

“Calm yourself, Leon.” (Leon)

“Now then, the first subject. We shall distribute the question sheets for language and history. However, until instructed to begin, keep them face down.” (Examiner)

I placed the handed sheet face down.

“The answer sheets shall now be distributed. First, write your examination number and your name.” (Examiner)

I let out a breath.

“Commence the examination.” (Examiner)

The sound of sheets being turned echoed here and there. Taking a single deep breath, I too turned my paper face up.

Very well, let us begin.

 

—

 

“Stop writing! Hand over your answer sheets.” (Examiner)

Two examiners moved among us to collect the sheets one by one.

Phew. Though these were not subjects of my greatest strength, I believe I managed to answer about 70 percent. The remainder, I filled in as best I could.

The subjects yet to come were arithmetic and physics.

 

—

 

“Welcome home, Young Master Leon.” (Zolka)

“I have returned.” (Leon)

When I returned to the merchant house after the examination, I was greeted by Zolka, the head maid.

“Begging your pardon, Beigel is awaiting you in the annex.” (Zolka)

“Is that so? I understand.” (Leon)

I had not heard that he would be coming.

Leaving my satchel in my room, I hurried across the courtyard and entered the annex.

“Beigel-sensei.” (Leon)

“Oh, Leon-kun. Come, sit, sit.” (Beigel)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I lowered myself onto the long bench.

“From the look on your face, it appears you completed the examination without incident. Well done.” (Beigel)

“Ah, yes.” (Leon)

“How did it go?” (Beigel)

“Yes. In arithmetic and physics, I feel fairly confident, but in language and history, my performance was only moderate. It is thanks to you, Sensei. I am most grateful.” (Leon)

“That is good to hear. However, it is still too soon for gratitude.” (Beigel)

Unlike the austere Morgan-sensei, Beigel carried the air of a kindly old gentleman. I suppose he meant that gratitude should wait until I had passed.

“Until next month, I remain your teacher. Now then, shall we review those subjects you said were only moderate?” (Beigel)

“Eh? Ah, yes.” (Leon)

“Which questions gave you trouble?” (Beigel)

“Yes, let me see. In history, there was a question on the fiscal reforms of the 350s. It asked us to name three major policies and describe them in outline.” (Leon)

“Oh, quite a detailed point to inquire into. Yet you should have studied it.” (Beigel)

“Ugh, yes. I wrote of the reduction of the Tyros Church’s holdings, the monopoly on salt, and the revision of the exchange ratio between silver and copper with Rutnas.” (Leon)

“Oh, that is correct.” (Beigel)

“However, I could not recall the exact tax rate of the monopoly, nor the ratio for the exchange.” (Leon)

“That is indeed a delicate point…” (Beigel)

 

—

 

In the blink of an eye, it was August, and a sealed letter arrived from the Royal Salomea University. It bore the words of Notification of Results of the First Examination for Admission to the Department of the Way of Magic.

After washing my hands and steadying my breath, I broke the seal.

 

—

 

“Congratulations, Leon.” (Conan)

“Well done, Leon.” (Hein)

“I believed in you, Leon-san.” (Eleanor)

At supper, I shared the results with my elder brothers. I had already informed Tou-sama and Kaa-sama before the meal.

“Thank you. But it is only that I have passed the first examination.” (Leon)

“That is true, there is still the second aptitude examination.” (Conan)

“If it is aptitude, you will have no problem, Leon.” (Hein)

“Is that so? When is the second examination?” (Eleanor)

“It begins on the 22^nd of this month, Sister-in-law.” (Leon)

“In the royal capital, was it not?” (Conan)

I nodded to my elder brother Conan-niisan, who was grinning broadly.

“So, in less than three weeks. Yet the journey to the capital takes four or five days.” (Conan)

“Then, there is not so much leisure.” (Eleanor)

“Indeed.” (Leon)

We must depart Emilia by the beginning of the week after next.

“Leon.” (Father)

“Yes, Tou-sama.” (Leon)

Tou-sama, who rarely smiled so gently, spoke.

“I have already dispatched an express letter to Duncan.” (Father)

“Duncan-ojiisan?” (Leon)

He was Tou-sama’s younger brother, the manager of the branch in the capital.

“Indeed. He will arrange matters for your convenience there.” (Father)

So swift in his work.

“Ah, the branch has a dormitory. You should stay there.” (Father)

The letter had stated that I could stay in a university dormitory since it was summer recess, but perhaps this would be more secure.

“Thank you very much.” (Leon)

Kaa-sama also nodded in agreement.

 

—

 

“Good morning.” (Leon)

Today was the day I assisted with accounting. Since I had arrived at the office slightly early, I thought none would yet be present, but there was one person already.

“Manager Begart. I passed the first examination. Thank you for all your support.” (Leon)

Hm? His response seemed subdued.

“First, congratulations. I heard it from the Company Head, your Tou-sama. He was in high spirits yesterday, so I suspected that must be the case.” (Begart)

“Hahaha.” (Leon)

So, that was it.

“I graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Commerce, so I cannot be of help with the aptitude examination of the second round.” (Begart)

“No, not at all. You have supported me greatly thus far.” (Leon)

“You, Leon, have been helping me, so it is only natural. Ahahaha…” (Begart)

At that moment, the door opened.

“Good morning.” (Lutz)

Lutz-san entered the room.

“Good morning.” (Leon)

“Good morning.” (Begart)

“By the way, has something good happened?” (Lutz)

“Eh?” (Leon)

“Well, the Manager’s laughter could be heard down the corridor.” (Lutz)

“Now, I wonder.” (Begart)

“Ehh, please tell me.” (Lutz)

 

—

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