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

 

 

Lachesis Foundation

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The following day.

At nine o’clock, a carriage drawn by two horses arrived to fetch me from the royal capital branch dormitory, precisely as had been written within the notification letter. For some reason, I was seen off by Duncan-ojisan, who was the branch manager. Moreover, this carriage. While its exterior was that of a rather plain carriage, I was quite taken aback upon boarding.

Although I had thought the stagecoach I rode from Emilia was reasonably impressive, this was on an entirely different level. It was upholstered entirely in leather and was utterly luxurious. The floor was so pristine and devoid of even a single speck of dust that one could feel compelled to remove their shoes. This interior must undoubtedly belong to a carriage used by nobility, or rather, by high nobility.

I feel so out of place that I cannot settle comfortably in my seat. It can accommodate four people, yet I am the only passenger. What a tremendous waste. I feel almost inclined to run after it once I disembark. No, that would also be wasteful, I suppose.

Very well. Let things unfold as they may. It is unlikely I shall ever ride in such a conveyance again.

The carriage turned down several streets but generally proceeded northward. At some point, the scenery outside the window changed. Although we were still within the royal capital, the view became pastoral, albeit without wheat fields or pastures. Groves of trees appeared and disappeared, lush and abundant.

So, this is the Northern District. However, it is not untamed nature. It is a pastoral orderliness clearly shaped by human hands. Is this where the nobility and the wealthy reside?

I opened the window slightly. The air was as clear as it was in Emilia, seemingly oblivious to the vulgar hustle and bustle of the adjacent districts. I gazed out at the passing scenery as if it were another world as we traversed several streets. But abruptly, the carriage turned right. It was not onto a main thoroughfare. Out the opposite window, geometrically arranged trees and blue-green grass flowed past, followed by a white stone gazebo receding into the distance.

A garden? Surely not a detached palace?

After running for a full five minutes more, the carriage began a gentle turn to the right. A white porte-cochère flashed into view for an instant before the carriage smoothly decelerated and the sound of hooves ceased.

Oh.

The door latch was released, and it swung open wide.

“We have arrived. Please alight.” (Coachman)

“Y-Yes.” (Leon)

It is marble. The floor, no, the columns and walls as well. Furthermore, a great many butlers and maids were lined up to receive me. I had thought my own family was fairly wealthy, but to compare them would be positively discourteous.

I began to wish I could return home.

“Leon-dono. We have been awaiting your arrival.” (??)

A gentleman dressed in black attire with white stockings approached.

“I have come as summoned. Here you are.” (Leon)

I attempted to present my review notification document.

“That will not be necessary. We confirm without doubt that you are Leon-dono.” (??)

I see. Though we have never met.

“Now then, if you would please come this way.” (Kian)

Very well.

We proceeded deeper and deeper into the building.

Is this truly not a palace? Furnishings of such value that my judgment fails me are arranged without the slightest hint of frugality along the expanse of corridors wider than my room. The floor is polished to such a degree that one hesitates to tread upon it. The walls, columns, plate glass, mirrors… each and every one is gleaming brilliantly.

Though I was filled with admiration, questions arose one after another.

How many servants must one employ to maintain such a state? What manner of enterprise must one operate to amass wealth of this magnitude? And why has this foundation summoned me here? Could they not have simply conducted the review somewhere more ordinary?

The sudden thought occurred to me that this might be a fraud.

But what would be the profit in that? There is none. There is no need to go to such lengths. If it were an abduction, would they not simply have the carriage stop somewhere and surround it? If that is the case, then this cannot possibly be a fraud.

And so, my mind attempted to escape the sheer lack of reality as I followed my guide. This continued for some time.

“We are here.” (Butler)

Another butler opened a door for me, and I entered the room. There, five maids were also waiting.

No, no. I am not a person who warrants such treatment.

I very much wished to say so.

“Please, have a seat.” (??)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I sat upon a sofa of fine, glossy leather.

A faint sound of water was heard behind me, and a maid brought forth a cup.

This is… It is not tea. It is a deep, somber brown. A beverage I have never before seen. Its aroma, which threatens to induce a slight trance, prompted me to utter a word.

“Coffee.” (Leon)

“Did you say something?” (??)

“No. It was nothing of importance.” (Leon)

I glossed over it, but judging by its color and its aroma, this was coffee. The memories of Reo informed me.

“Please, partake.” (??)

As encouraged, my hand reached out and took hold of the handle. I brought it beneath my nose, inhaled, and my eyes closed involuntarily. Then I brought it to my lips.

“How do you find it?” (??)

“Although I believe this is my first time tasting it, I find it evokes a most peculiar sense of nostalgia.” (Leon)

“Oh?” (??)

“Might I inquire as to the name of this beverage?” (Leon)

“It is called caffè. It is made by roasting and grinding the seeds contained within a certain fruit, then extracting them with hot water.” (Kian)

“Such a rare thing. Thank you very much.” (Leon)

It is coffee, after all.

“Not at all. Now then, let us commence the interview. I am Kian, the foundation’s representative director.” (Kian)

“Guh. You are the representative director? I must offer my most profound apologies for my earlier informality.” (Leon)

I placed my right hand over my chest to express my regret. Although his clothing was made of exceedingly fine material, it was clearly the attire of a servant.

“No, please think nothing of it. I am merely acting as my master’s proxy.” (Kian)

“I see.” (Leon)

I understand. So that is how it is.

“Now then, in accordance with the certificate of acceptance and the entrance examination results certificate you submitted,” (Kian)

Kian-san produced them.

“I shall confirm. You have been accepted into the Department of the Way of Magic Science and Technology, is that correct?” (Kian)

I nodded. He examined them intently.

“Your results are excellent. Very good.” (Kian)

Phew. He did not particularly mention the disparity in my subject scores, so I suppose it was not an issue.

“Leon-dono, what is it that you intend to study and research at Salomea University?” (Kian)

“Yes. I intend to study the formulae of magic art, comprehend its essence, and aim to refine it so that it may be of use to people. Furthermore, if possible, I wish to give it form as a magical tool.” (Leon)

“A magical tool? In what specific field? Ah, your secrets will be strictly guarded.” (Kian)

“Yes. For a start, I wish to focus my efforts upon the magical lamp.” (Leon)

For some reason, I felt I could trust Kian-san, and so I spoke of it. Well, in any case, I will be required to submit progress reports. Although my focus on the magical lamp was still but a vague notion, and the content of my patent application still has considerable room for improvement.

“A magical lamp? Hmm.” (Kian)

Ah, I had not considered how that would be evaluated. Will I be told it is not sufficiently lofty?

“The magical lamp is an object used by many people. Personally, I consider it an excellent focal point. In conducting these interviews, we often encounter individuals who set exceedingly high goals, which frequently leads to significant setbacks.” (Kian)
Ooh.

“That being said, as we are speaking at this stage, prior to your university enrollment, you are perfectly free to take a full six months to reconsider and alter your focus upon the successful conclusion of your contract. Following that period, you will be requested to submit a plan.” (Kian)

“I understand.” (Leon)

Kian-san smiled gently.

“Now then, I shall explain the conditions pertaining to the scholarship.” (Kian)

The first hurdle has been cleared.

“In response to your application, Leon-dono, our foundation evaluates you as qualifying for our highest grade of scholarship, classified as Tier One. I shall provide you with the contract and its particulars, but first, I will explain the key items.” (Kian)

“Yes.” (Leon)

The highest grade.

“First, the duration of the scholarship contract is…” (Kian)

I shall attempt to summarize it for my own recollection.

The scholarship grant period continues until undergraduate graduation or withdrawal. Should you remain for graduate school, procedures are required, but it is generally continued. The period until undergraduate graduation is not fixed at Salomea University. It is fundamentally until the prescribed credits are acquired. Specifically, it differs by department. According to the entrance examination particulars, the Theology and Medical Pharmacology faculties are longer, with the average being approximately three to four years.

“Second, reporting to the foundation…” (Kian)

A progress report to the foundation in February. A results report conducted in person in July. However, for next February, only a plan submission is required. The foundation does not claim any rights to the research results. For a scholarship, I believe that is standard.

“Please note. Should you neglect to submit research reports, depending on the circumstances, we will wait for a maximum of two months. Furthermore, if the content of a report fails to meet the prescribed standard, we will wait for improvements for a period of up to six months. Should that period be exceeded, the scholarship will be terminated at that point.” (Kian)

“I understand.” (Leon)

Hmm. It is indeed strict.

“Third, regarding your residence…” (Kian)

From the perspective of preparing a suitable environment for scholarship students, you are to reside in a foundation-designated residence with a superintendent. Rent for said residence, utility fees, and provided food expenses are covered in full by the foundation as a subsidy. If the residence is unsuitable, relocation to another foundation-designated location is permitted. Moving to a location not designated by the foundation requires consultation, and the aforementioned subsidy will be terminated.

Hmm. I somewhat feel as though I will be under surveillance, but from an economic standpoint, it is a rather marvelous proposition. Rent within the royal capital is high, after all. The entrance particulars stated that even a two-person dormitory room costs 10 Cecils per month (roughly imagine 10,000 yen). This is effectively an increase to the scholarship.

“I understand.” (Leon)

“Fourth, the scholarship amount is…” (Kian)

A lump sum of 1,500 Cecils. A monthly stipend of 100 Cecils. A lump sum of 500 Cecils upon each annual renewal.

“The above will be provided via transfer to our partner bank.” (Kian)

Let me see. Assuming a four-year undergraduate period, it would be 1500 + 100 × 12 × 4 + 500 × 3 = 7,800 Cecils. Including the subsidy, it would probably be on par with Accountant Lutz-san’s income over the same period.

No, no. That is a great deal. The lump sum is enough to cover the entire first year’s tuition, including the 300 Cecils enrollment fee and 600 Cecils tuition fee for the university, and the monthly stipend is at a level that covers living expenses with spending money included. So this is what is meant by the highest grade.

Even so, the combination of housing support and a monthly 100 Cecils was entirely unexpected. I should probably not spend it and instead use it for repayment.

“The conditions presented by the foundation are as above.” (Kian)

“I understand. Ah, no. Um. I must ask you to inform me of the repayment ratio and the repayment period.” (Leon)

That is one of the most important items.

“Repayment is not necessary in any form.” (Kian)

Hah? Eh?! Is such a thing even possible? Well, judging by this mansion, they must certainly have money to spare. But even so. That is a separate matter entirely.

“No, it is not that I wish to receive cha…” (Leon)

Kian-san’s serene expression stopped me.

“It is by no means a charitable donation without obligation. Please consider it thus. It is a social contribution made through Leon-dono.” (Kian)

 

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