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

 

 

The Royal Salomea University

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Once again, welcome to our home, Leon. I am glad you came.” (Duncan)

“Yes. Thank you for your invitation.” (Leon)

On the night I entered the royal capital, I was invited to dine at the home of Duncan-ojiisan, who was branch manager here.

“Blanche, offer your greetings.” (Duncan)

“It has been nearly a year, has it not? I am Duncan’s wife, and now your aunt, Blanche. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” (Blanche)

“The pleasure is mine. Please treat me well.” (Leon)

Hmm. As expected, she is beautiful, befitting the mother of Adele-san. Yet she hardly seems old enough to have given birth to her. In that regard, she resembles Kaa-sama.

“Otou-san, I am hungry.” (Yohan)

“Yes, let us speak as we eat.” (Duncan)

Yohan-kun grasped his spoon firmly and carried soup to his mouth.

“It is delicious.” (Yohan)

“I am glad. It was worth the effort of making it.” (Blanche)

He seemed well attached to her.

That is good. Truly, the soup is delicious.

“Did you prepare this yourself, Blanche-san?” (Leon)

“Yes, I did.” (Blanche)

“You are skilled at cooking. It is delicious.” (Leon)

“Fufufu. Leon-san, you greatly resemble Sister-in-Law.” (Blanche)

Indeed, Kaa-sama sometimes traveled to the capital for business. They must have met then.

“I am often told so.” (Leon)

“Yes. Though you are a boy, you are slender and charming, so you could almost be mistaken for a girl. Is that not so, Lotte?” (Blanche)

“No, he does not look like a girl, Onee-chan. That is rude.” (Charlotte)

“No, I did not mean it in that sense. I simply meant to say he is cute.” (Blanche)

“Onee-chan, calling a boy ‘cute’ is not exactly a compliment.” (Charlotte)

Uuuu…

“I see. Forgive me, Leon-chan.” (Adele)

“-chan?” (Leon)

Otou-san seemed somewhat surprised.

“Yes. We became acquainted before Otou-san returned, so is it not acceptable? Leon-chan himself agreed.” (Adele)

“Ah, well, if Leon does not mind, I have no objection…” (Duncan)

Duncan-ojiisan seems indulgent toward his daughter. For some reason, Charlotte-san’s gaze feels cold.

“Ufufufu. Oh, that reminds me. Why have you come to the capital, Leon-chan?” (Blanche)

“Ah, I forgot to mention. I have come to take the second-stage examinations of the university.” (Leon)

“A university? Which one?” (Blanche)

“Salomea University.” (Leon)

“Salomea University? The royal one? That institution must require extraordinary intelligence for admission. And if you are at the second stage, that means you passed the first stage?” (Blanche)

“I cannot say if I am intelligent, but I did pass the first-stage examination.” (Leon)

“Impressive. Indeed, Leon-chan is clever. Just as I expected.” (Blanche)

“Is it truly such a prestigious school?” (Leon)

“Indeed. The head of the main branch, a very sharp man, also graduated from that university.” (Blanche)

“I see.” (Leon)

“Yes. Even in our training school, people talk about students from your university. Oh!” (Blanche)

Charlotte shot a glance at Adele-san.

I wonder why.

“No, I have not yet passed. By the way, you mentioned a training school?” (Leon)

“I attend the Salomea Opera Company’s training school.” (Adele)

An opera company!

“Indeed, Adele-san, that is quite an achievement.” (Leon)

The Salomea Opera Company is one of the three major operatic institutions, even I have heard of it. My sister-in-law, who loves opera, often spoke of it after dinner. To enter, one must be visually stunning. Moreover, ballet and dance are required. Even after entry, one must sing, dance, and act skillfully to rise in rank.

I see. There exists such a training school. I had not known.

“Thank you. By the way, Lotte is also taking the exam this year.” (Adele)

“Eh?” (Leon)

“Do not worry about me!” (Charlotte)

Ah, a slight rebellious streak. Yet, given these beautiful sisters, their appearance is flawless.

“When is the second-stage examination?” (Charlotte)

“The day after tomorrow, Lotte-san.” (Leon)

The word “from” means the exams begin in order of registration. Students come from all over the nation, so the schedule cannot be strictly fixed. Those who reach the required standard all pass. I wonder if Lotte-san has some interest as well.

“I see. If I am admitted to that university, will I live here?” (Adele)

She seemed curious about that.

“Ah, that would indeed be delightful.” (Adele)

“Onee-chan!” (Charlotte)

“No, that is not possible. The university has dormitories. It would not be proper for a young woman to lodge in a household with your daughter.” (Adele)

“Oh, what a shame.” (Charlotte)

She nodded several times.

“Indeed, Nii-san and Sister-in-Law have their own considerations. It will likely proceed as you say.” (Blanche)

In pleasant conversation, we enjoyed our meal, then returned to the dormitory.

 

—

 

Two days later, I rode a carriage to the second-stage examination venue at the Royal Salomea University.

The city of Salomea was divided, as Nicola-san had told me, into Central, North, East, South, and West districts, arranged in a cross of five squares. Three broad streets ran north-south and three run east-west.

In Central District lies Martin Square with its triumphal arch. North of it was the royal palace and Salomea Cathedral, surrounded by several churches. Government offices lie in the surrounding area. The northern edge hosted the residences of the nobility. North District had abundant green spaces, forests, and lakes, along with the Odette Palace and estates of major nobles.

East District was largely commercial and residential, though greenery was also abundant. West District houses artisans and craftsmen. It was the production area. South District was a cultural and educational area with museums, libraries, art galleries, and many schools. The university I am visiting is in South District.

The carriage proceeded westward into Central District.

A large, somewhat yellow-tinged white building appeared to the right ahead. It must be the walls of the royal castle. Soon the carriage turned left into South District. To the right, I saw trees and lawns.

That must be Martin Park. A large square lies ahead, with the triumphal arch at its center, though it is not visible from here.

After ascending a slope for about five minutes, the carriage stopped.

“We have arrived, sir.” (Driver)

I saw a black iron fence and, slightly further, a gate.

“Thank you. How much?” (Leon)

“The fare is 88 Dalc for Route 11.” (Driver)

“Very well.” (Leon)

I paid eight large copper coins and eight small copper coins and alighted from the carriage. The dormitory was roughly six kilometers away. The journey had taken about thirty minutes.

I approached the gate. A sign read: “Royal Salomea University, South Campus: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of the Way of Magic.”

Originally, the university was established in a gifted northern palace. Its older faculties remain on the North Campus. With the expansion of faculties, South Campus was added. The guard at the gate checked my examination slip and informed me that the examination hall was to the west, in the martial arts hall.

So, this is the university. It is spacious.

I examined the campus map carefully. The grounds cover approximately one square kilometer.

The eastern edge, where I then stood, contained the Faculty of Engineering. The central area had common facilities such as the hall, auditorium, library, and administrative offices. North lay the Faculty of Arts, while the western half was mostly training grounds. The Faculty of the Way of Magic was in the west. Two dormitories lay at the north and south ends. The martial arts hall was north of the training grounds. Using my mental system, I stored an image of the map.

I proceeded along the path, passing numerous large buildings. The scene seemed familiar. Leon’s university must have been similar. As I moved westward, glancing around, I saw a large vacant lot, the training grounds. To reach the martial arts hall, I needed to turn right at the corner.

Ahead, I saw several people in reddish-gray uniforms. They were soldiers. Four of them stood along the side of the path.

Boards, about the size one could carry with both hands, leaned at their feet. Words were written on them, “The Faculty of the Way of Magic is a national treasure. Increase the number of students in military service. Do not waste the taxpayer’s money”.

They glared at me as I passed.

I could not fully comprehend their message.

Military service students must be those enrolled under the army. But why advocate increasing their number? And what of “Do not waste the taxpayer’s money”? Being a royal university, it must receive government subsidies. Were these considered wasteful? Or were non-military students considered wasteful?

Their purpose was unclear, but they merely glared. I passed by them and arrived at the martial arts hall, the examination venue.

 

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