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

 

 

Journey to the Royal Capital (1): The Journey by Carriage

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Departure is always half expectation and half unease. In youth, everything is brimming with freshness.

“Then, it is about time.” (Father)

Today is the day of departure for the royal capital, in order to take the second examination of the Royal Salomea University. The system clock indicates the time as eight fifteen.

“I shall now take my leave.” (Leon)

In front of the service gate, my family has gathered together to see me off.

“Indeed.” (Father)

Somehow, Tou-sama’s expression appears deeply moved.

“When you meet Duncan-san, you must be certain to greet him properly.” (Mother)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I was about to reply to Kaa-sama that I already understood, but since they have agreed to provide the travel expenses, I made sure to give a proper response.

“Safe travels, Leon-san.” (Eleanor)

“I shall return, Sister-in-Law.” (Leon)

“Have you forgotten anything?” (Conan)

“No.” (Leon)

Conan-niisan and Sister-in-Law sent me off with gentle smiles.

“That luggage must be heavy. Are you certain you are fine on your own? Since I have a rest day today, I shall escort you to the carriage station.” (Hein)

“Thank you, but it is all right, Hein-niisan.” (Leon)

“Hein, allow him to go by himself. For four days until he reaches the royal capital, he will be alone.” (Mother)

“Y-yes, Kaa-sama.” (Hein)

“Well then.” (Leon)

With a light wave of my hand, I stepped out of the gate with brisk footsteps.

Just a short while before, I had felt nothing in particular, yet even though it was a road I always traversed, a faint sting pricked my nose. After walking for about 15 minutes, I arrived at the square before the southern gate of the castle. From there, the stagecoaches that ran along the highways stretching in all directions departed. The one I was to board was bound for Maxia, the marquisate capital of the Maxim territory.

The mechanical clock embedded into the tower beside the castle gate showed the time as eight thirty-two. Compared to the system clock, it was two minutes ahead. The scheduled departure time of the stagecoach was precisely nine o’clock.

From the town of Emilia, the royal capital lay to the northwest. In contrast, Maxia was nearly due north. In other words, one had first to proceed northward, then later head west. There was also a stagecoach that proceeded directly to the royal capital, which took only two and a half days. However, that highway strayed away from the dragon veins, which meant magic beasts tended to appear, thus making it rather dangerous.

Initially, since I had intended to travel at my own expense, I had thought to take the latter route, which was cheaper. Yet, Kaa-sama persuaded me otherwise, saying that since they would cover the travel expenses, I should proceed via Maxia. Therefore, I complied.

There was a man holding a signboard which read “Bound for Maxia”.

“I am the one with the reservation.” (Leon)

I showed the wooden tag that indicated the fare had already been paid.

“Ah, one person, is it? The carriage on the left. Second class enters from the rear door. Departure is in thirty minutes according to that clock. It will not stop for two hours, so if your bladder is fine, then you may board.” (Stagecoach Attendant)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I had no particular urge.

When I entered the wooden box-like carriage, there was already one passenger seated. It was an elderly man wearing a navy-colored mantle. At first glance, he appeared to be a merchant. Surely, he must be experienced in travel. Since he looked toward me, I gave a slight bow of my head.

There were three rows of seats, yet surely the spot where he was seated must be the place that shakes the least. Nevertheless, it would be somewhat awkward to sit directly beside him, so I chose the vacant rearmost row.

Since it was second class, I had wondered what kind of seating it might be, but lowering the open armor-shaped window seemed to provide a reasonable degree of insulation, and the seats were soft and not bad at all.

Toward the front, there was a wall, but beyond it must be the first-class compartment.

 

—

 

A small hand-held bell began to ring continuously in a shrill tone.

“Departure for Maxia.” (Coachman)

Hearing a deep, loud voice, I opened my eyes.

When one is reading documents within one’s mind, the passage of time becomes truly swift. At some point, two more passengers had joined the second-class compartment. They were seated together on the middle row, thus appearing to be companions.

*Pash!*

With the crack of a whip or the snap of reins, the carriage began to move. Replacing the creaking of the wheels, the sound of horseshoes striking the cobblestones resounded. Today’s weather was favorable, and the road toward Maxia was a gently descending plain. It seemed there would be no hindrance to the journey, which was a relief.

For a while, it was farewell to the town of Emilia. A mingling of elation and slight loneliness welled within me.

Once the carriage left the town, it picked up speed. I could see a stone tower marking the boundary of the dragon vein barrier, though smaller than the ones located east and west of town. Since dragon veins ran north and south, the highway we now followed northward lay upon one. Thus, this direction carried very little danger. Even as the townscape vanished, a tranquil countryside spread beyond the window.

Seeing it this way, the difference between being on a dragon vein and otherwise is far too great. When departing west from Emilia, it became barren wasteland almost immediately. Until now, I had hardly thought of it, yet when confronted directly, I naturally wondered what exactly dragon veins are.

Why do such things exist? In the world where Reo once lived, there were similar concepts, but never so clearly delineated as this.

 

—

 

“There shall be a 30-minute rest.” (Coachman)

After two hours of travel, the stagecoach stopped, and we alighted in a small village. The carriage horses were being given water. Since it was hot, it must be difficult for them as well. My own legs felt somewhat stiff, so I decided to stretch. Although the carriage was reasonably comfortable, it remained cramped nonetheless.

“Young man.” (Merchant-looking man)

When I turned, it was the merchant-looking man who had boarded earlier at Emilia, gazing at me.

“What is it?” (Leon)

“Are you heading to Maxia?” (Merchant-looking man)

When traveling, one ought not to reveal personal information to strangers. Conan-niisan had often told me this. However, since it is the common destination of the carriage, if I denied it yet he himself was going to Maxia on the same coach, it would be awkward.

“Yes, I am.” (Leon)

“I see. I feel as though I have met you, or someone very much resembling you, before.” (Merchant-looking man)

So, saying, he scrutinized my face intently.

“I-I cannot think of any such connection.” (Leon)

No, someone resembling me, ordinarily, that would mean Kaa-sama. In that case, this man might be a client or a trading partner of the Liones Company.

“Is that so? Forgive me for troubling you. I too am traveling to Maxia, so let us be well acquainted.” (Merchant-looking man)

“Yes, likewise.” (Leon)

Ah, perhaps I was too wary.

 

—

 

After noon had long passed, the stagecoach ascended a low hill and glided into a town.

“Departure from this town of Slota shall be in one hour. Before we set out, a bell shall be rung, so please return by then.” (Coachman)

The cobblestoned square resembled that of Emilia, though of smaller scale. It must be the town of a baron.

(Cecilia’s ranks of nobility are six in number: Grand Duke [extraordinary], Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, and Baron. In addition, there are the subtle honorary titles: Baronet, Knight, and Honorary Knight, which do not carry land or stipend. A Baronet can pass the title to descendants and is nominally considered nobility, even when rising from commoner status.)

Hmm.

Stretching widely, I stepped away a little from the carriage. Hunger gnawed at me. When I looked about, I saw carriages and carts stopped along the edge of the cobblestones. Perhaps food stalls.

“The butter bread over there is delicious.” (Merchant-looking man)

Eh. It was that man again.

Just as I wondered why he suddenly brought up such a topic, I realized I had unconsciously rubbed my stomach.

“Each time I come here, I purchase and eat it. That soup over there as well.” (Merchant-looking man)

“Ah, thank you for such important information.” (Leon)

“Ah, I have certainly let slip a merchant’s treasure. Hahaha.” (Merchant-looking man)

With a joking tone, he departed somewhere.

A sweet aroma and a slightly sour fragrance drifted through the air.

Yes, I shall purchase some.

A long loaf of bread had been split vertically, its interior stained yellow.

“One, please.” (Leon)

 

—

 

After departing Slota, the stagecoach traveled for more than two hours, passing through an earthen embankment, and arrived at the town of Laris, the lodging place for the night. This was a fortress city, situated along the banks of the Leiz River. Since the journey had proceeded smoothly as scheduled, we arrived while the sun was still high.

“Tomorrow as well, we shall depart at nine o’clock. Please be aboard about fifteen minutes prior.” (Coachman)

Nodding to the words of the coachman, we disbanded for the day. The second-class passengers were, after all, four in number. Fortunately, since lodgings had already been reserved by the company, I would be staying there.

Is this overprotectiveness, or merely a lack of trust in me? Perhaps both.

It was a three-story brick building, stately yet with a calm atmosphere. Upon entering, I approached the reception. It was, after all, my very first time at an inn. I felt a little nervous.

“Welcome.” (Inn Receptionist)

A well-groomed man greeted me.

Now then.

“I am Leon, with a reservation under the Liones Company.” (Leon)

“Yes, indeed. One night’s stay. Please sign here.” (Inn Receptionist)

A sturdy register book was presented.

So, this is the inn’s guest ledger.

Name, address, and affiliation. I took the provided pen, dipped it into the inkwell, and wrote.

Emilia, Count of Emilia’s Domain, Second District, Number Eleven. Leon, Liones Company.

“Ah, so you are with the Company.” (Inn Receptionist)

“Yes, I am an employee.” (Leon)

It was not a lie, for I did assist with accounting.

“I see. The members of the Liones Company have long favored us with their patronage. We are most grateful.” (Inn Receptionist)

So, this is one of the regular inns used along this route.

The cost was six Cecil for a night, so I handed over the equivalent small silver coins.

Although meals were not included, the price seemed somewhat high. However, since my parents were paying, I had no grounds for complaint.

“Today, a single room has been prepared for you. Your room is in the new wing, number 211 on the second floor. Here is your key. The new wing is to the left at the end of the corridor.” (Inn Receptionist)

“Thank you.” (Leon)

The new wing, the new wing.

Proceeding down the corridor from the reception, I entered the new wing as directed. Ascending the stairs, I found room 205. To the left was 204, to the right 206.

This way.

There it was, marked upon the door, room 211. It was a corner room.

Strange. However I look, there are barely ten rooms along the corridor. And yet, to call it room 211. What manner of numbering is this? Ah! Of course. The first digit “2” must denote the second floor. Thus, one could determine the floor from the room number. How clever.

Inserting the flat wooden key into the lock, I opened the door and entered. Though only about half the size of my own room at home, it was sufficient for a single night’s stay.

I placed my luggage down and decided to go explore.

 

—

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