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

 

 

Secret of Birth

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I meticulously examined the scholarship requirements and the contract in my own careful manner. As for reading the contract, I had attended Manager Begart’s class on the subject. Since there were no special clauses that might serve as pitfalls, I concluded a provisional contract on the spot.

Private Scholarship Benefactor Registration Number 479-012. This indicates that the Lachesis Foundation is recognized by the state as a certified benefactor. Since 479 denotes the registration year, it means they have been a benefactor for ten years. Furthermore, I could also inform the university of the scholarship contract’s contents. Naturally, the foundation would not engage in any unscrupulous acts for the sake of honor, but this was an underlying assumption. However, since I was a minor, any contract involving monetary matters required a supplementary note indicating parental consent.

I returned briefly to Emilia and was instructed to send the contract to the foundation within two weeks.

“Now, henceforth, you shall have a meeting with the master, the head of the household. However, there are certain promises which you must make beforehand.” (Kian)

So, the premise is that I meet this master. In that case, it makes sense that I am summoned here.

“Yes. What would that be?” (Leon)

“You shall not ask questions concerning the master’s personal matters during the meeting.” (Kian)

Hmm. I am quite curious to know what kind of person an unimaginably wealthy individual might be. Nevertheless, I have no intention of asking in a manner that might displease the person seeking to become my benefactor.

“Understood.” (Leon)

Upon hearing my response, Kian-san smiled joyfully.

Eh? So much so?

I must steel myself. No matter the person I am led to, I must remain unmoved.

“Now then, we shall ascertain the master’s circumstances, so please wait a moment. Should you wish to use the lavatory during this interval, you may inform the butler there.” (Kian)

 

—

 

Indeed, the place the butler had led me to earlier was lavish, yet the corridor I now traversed, escorted by Kian-san, seemed even more magnificent. I found myself bereft of further words of praise.

Once I return home, I must endeavor to forget this spectacle.

“This way.” (Kian)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Excuse us. I have brought Leon-dono.” (Kian)

“Very well.” (Master)

As I proceeded over the plush carpet, I could not help but notice its lavishness, and instinctively, I placed my right hand upon my chest as a gesture of gratitude.

Then, I slowly lifted my gaze.

“This time…” (??)

I foolishly remained with my mouth agape, yet not even a voice emerged.

Why is this so? Kaa-sama–…

I nearly called out thus.

The figure seated gracefully upon the single armchair, though wearing different attire and hairstyle, bore the exact face of Kaa-sama.

“This time, what is it?” (??)

A deep, resonant voice. A man… this is not Kaa-sama.

“Th-thank you very much for including me as a recipient of your assistance.” (Leon)

“Sit.” (??)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“House steward… or perhaps it is better to say representative director now. This is by his recommendation. If you wish to express gratitude, you should do so to him.” (??)

“Master, you jest.” (Kian)

“Nevertheless, it is the wish of our lineage to support young individuals with promising futures. Take heart.” (??)

“Yes.” (Leon)

While responding reflexively, I observed the face of the person addressed as master and committed the image to my internal mental record.

Though expressionless, he resembled Kaa-sama perfectly. Yet, when speaking to me with the corners of his mouth lifted, he was a different individual. Furthermore, he stands roughly 100 millimetres taller.

If he resembles Kaa-sama, he should also bear resemblance to me. Having only seen myself reflected in mirrors, some subtleties felt unfamiliar. I see now. Kian-san must have recognized me as the applicant for that reason. Moreover, the fact that I had never met any maternal relatives aligns with this revelation.

Various thoughts and reflections circled my mind.

“Then, Leon-dono.” (Kian)

Though I wished to observe further, some instinct strongly indicated that lingering too long would be dangerous.

“Yes. It has been an honor to meet you. I shall take my leave.” (Leon)

“If the opportunity arises, we shall meet again.” (Master)

I rose, bowed, and departed the room.

Kian-san escorted me to the front entrance, and though I took the carriage, I was entirely absent-minded. He accompanied me back to the merchant guild dormitory, and I watched the carriage depart.

Afterward, in the room where I lodged, I remained in a daze for some time, until I recollected myself.

“I must go to the branch office.” (Leon)

 

—

 

“Oh, Leon. How did it go?” (Duncan)

How much does this Oji-san know? Regarding the extraordinary scholarship, it is naive to think it was simply due to excellent grades. There must be another reason.

“What is it?” (Duncan)

“No, it appears I have been granted the scholarship, provided I obtain parental consent.” (Leon)

“Hm? Of course, that can be obtained. The application was under the chairman’s instructions.” (Uncle)

“Indeed.” (Leon)

Ah, the chairman, yes. That makes sense for Tou-sama.

“Leon, something seems amiss. Did something occur?” (Duncan)

Is he concerned for me?

“Oji-san, how much do you know of the Lachesis Foundation?” (Leon)

Oji-san exchanged glances with Nicola-san.

“Not much at all. I first learned of the foundation through a letter from the chairman. It instructed us to treat them with courtesy. Out of curiosity, I had Nicola investigate.” (Uncle)

“Yes.” (Nicola)

Nicola-san opened her notebook.

“According to the Ministry of Education and Science, the representative director of the Lachesis Foundation is a person named Kian. The private scholarship benefactor registration was roughly ten years ago. Cases that reached contractual completion are not numerous, and they appear to provide assistance selectively. Details of recipients are not publicly disclosed. Officials report that, generally, the foundation’s reputation is not poor.” (Nicola)

“What say you, Leon?” (Duncan)

“Thank you very much.” (Leon)

“Was there something that troubled you?” (Duncan)

What troubles me is that matter.

“Yes. The place where I was received by carriage was a mansion I had never seen before. Even if told it were a palace, or rather a detached royal residence, I could only accept that as truth, for it was so resplendent.” (Leon)

I chose to speak cautiously.

“I see. That would indicate a great noble… yet, if it is merely the name Kian, then perhaps he is not nobility.” (Uncle)

“Indeed. Even if the day-to-day operations are managed by ordinary people, if nobility were behind him, they would likely publicize the representative’s name due to vanity.” (Duncan)

“Now that you mention it, that is true.” (Leon)

Perhaps my uncle truly knows nothing. If so, I judged too hastily.

“In any case, if you have secured the scholarship, that is excellent. I shall write to the chairman regarding this matter.” (Duncan)

“Thank you very much.” (Leon)

“And what are your plans thereafter?” (Duncan)

“The day after tomorrow, I shall depart for Emilia from the royal capital, but there is a place I must visit beforehand.” (Leon)

“I see. Then, come to my home tomorrow evening.” (Duncan)

“Ah, no. I would be remiss to trouble you repeatedly. I believe it will be mid-September, but when I am in the royal capital, I shall visit.” (Leon)

“That is acceptable. I shall follow your judgment. Farewell until then.” (Duncan)

“Yes. I am indebted to you.” (Leon)

 

—

 

The next morning, I headed south. It was slightly north of the southern campus of Salomea University, in the outskirts, yet still within the royal capital. Emilia’s streets were thriving.

I disembarked from the horsecar railway and sought my destination, Beitar Street 212. The number and signage corresponded.

Perhaps this is the place.

Facing the cobblestone street, a three-story building rose.

I opened the iron gate and approached the entrance. A cord hung down, running through a pulley into the interior. Likely, a doorbell. I tugged it gently.

A few seconds later, a voice emerged from within. The door swung outward, and a figure emerged.

Enormous!

Wearing an apron and a white scarf over the head, it was a maid. She was considerably taller than I. Indeed, perhaps one and a half times my size laterally as well.

“Who are you?” (Maid)

Quite brusque.

“I am Leon.” (Leon)

“Leon?” (Maid)

“Is Madame Therese at home?” (Leon)

She scrutinized me from head to foot.

“What is your business?” (Maid)

“I may be taking residence here shortly. I came to offer my greetings.” (Leon)

“Riaaa-san. A guest, you say?” (??)

“Yes, Madam. He says he is Leon.” (Maid)

A loud voice.

“Show him in.” (??)

“Very well.” (Maid)

Though she replied, her expression remained formidable.

 

—

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