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

 

 

House Viewing (Inspection)

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“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Leon.” (Leon)

A three-story house located in the southern district of the royal capital, Solomea, in the outskirts. From the entrance facing the street, I proceeded through a long hallway until I reached the room at the far end.

Outside?

At the rear of the room, part of the wall and roof was composed of glass. Several potted ornamental plants were arranged there, giving the impression of a greenhouse. Since it was currently summer, some sections were open to the air. From there, one could also see the courtyard. It was a most agreeable room.

“Please, do sit down.” (??)

I seated myself upon the sofa indicated by the lady of the house.

The person before me appeared to be a woman of approximately sixty years of age.

Her hair was silver, and she possessed a most refined air. Though her face bore slight wrinkles, her gentle expression conveyed warmth and kindness. Her stature was of medium build. Though, with Maid Leah-san standing to her right, perhaps the comparison made her appear smaller.

Yet, this room was exceedingly comforting.

A tapestry adorned the wall on Madam’s side. To its right hung a hand-stitched cloth wall decoration, no doubt meticulously crafted.

“I am Therese Duwa Melfis.” (Therese)

Since she bore a family name, she was undoubtedly of noble lineage, though being Duwa indicated that she was a noble without territorial holdings, likely a viscount or baron. For comparison, the lord of Emilia was named Sarius Du Emily IV. “Du” in Argen language signifies “of”, and thus the lord’s domain name once matched the family name. Accordingly, Du became a mark of lordship.

I don’t know the origin of Duwa.

“Leon-san. You are a boy, correct?” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I wondered how I appeared to her. I had reached a height of 165 Selmeru (approximately 165 cm), though my voice remained high-pitched.

“Yes, that is good.” (Therese)

Good?

“Yesterday evening, I received a letter from the registered Lachesis Foundation.” (Therese)

The foundation acted with impressive swiftness.

“And it said that Leon-san might take up residence in this house starting in September.” (Therese)

“Yes. Yesterday, there was an evaluation, and I was granted assistance from the foundation. As I had to briefly return to my hometown, I arrived unannounced, and I apologize for the intrusion.” (Leon)

“That is quite all right. No need to concern yourself. Now… hmm. Very well. First, please view the rooms, and we shall continue our discussion afterwards. Leah-san, please guide him to the third floor.” (Therese)

“Yes, Madam.” (Leah)

“Thank you.” (Leon)

Leah-san began walking briskly, prompting me to rise and follow.

We returned near the entrance, turned right into the interior staircase, and ascended. On reaching the second floor, we traversed a hallway resembling a landing. Along the way was a door. I wondered if someone resided beyond it. At the corridor’s end, another flight of stairs ascended.

The third floor mirrored the second, with a hallway akin to a landing and doors at intervals. Indeed, the areas from the entrance to this staircase and the doors appeared communal. It did not seem designed solely for family habitation.

Is it intended from the outset to house others? Or added later? I could not determine.

Leah-san produced a key and opened a door.

“Inside.” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Leon)

The corridor continued southward.

“To the right, the toilet and shower. This is a storage space.” (Leah)

I nodded in understanding.

“To the left, the bedroom, and at the far end, the living room. Examine to your heart’s content. I shall remain here, so call if needed.” (Leah)

“Ah, yes.” (Leon)

Her speech was brusque, yet evidently considerate.

Now, however, I could not linger on that observation. I directed my attention to the living room first. The room spanned approximately 12 meter, with a south-facing bay window through which sunlight streamed. While not as grand as the room on the first floor, it was pleasant. The air was fresh, suggesting routine ventilation. Peering downward, I saw the first-floor roof forming the second-floor balcony, with white laundry hung out to dry. Thus, the upper floors narrowed.

The living room’s walls radiated warmth, and a small table was flanked by leather chairs, with a long chaise suitable for reclining. Though the royal capital’s winters were said to be cold, the room’s steam heating system ensured warmth. On the northern side of the room were a magical stove, water supply, and sink. Turning the faucet produced water… sufficient for making tea. Shelves and closets existed, and essential daily necessities appeared minimal.

I exited the hallway, passing the arms-crossed Ria-san, and entered the bedroom. The east-facing window allowed morning sunlight, with a bookshelf, desk, and chair present. A large bed occupied the room’s center. It seemed a comfortable room, suggesting the third floor’s tour concluded.

Hmm. Wait?

“Leah-san.” (Leon)

“Yes?” (Leah)

“How many people is this room intended for?” (Leon)

“How many?” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Leon)

Her expression was stern.

Had I asked something strange?

“There is only one bed. Clearly, it is for a single occupant.” (Leah)

“I see. It is quite a spacious room.” (Leon)

She glared.

“Do not bring a girl here just because it is spacious.” (Leah)

“Ah? Yes, I will take care.” (Leon)

“Do not say things you do not understand. That is enough now?” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Then, leave.” (Leah)

Oh dear. I have clearly earned her dislike.

Leah-san locked the door firmly, and I followed her down the stairs. Pausing on the second-floor corridor, she turned.

“Hm? Something?” (Leon)

“The second floor….” (Leah)

Why does she hesitate?

“Yes.” (Leon)

“If you reside in this mansion, do not loiter in this area excessively.” (Leah)

“Ha… that is…” (Leon)

Before I could inquire further, she abruptly turned away.

We returned to the room at the first floor’s rear.

“How did you find the rooms?” (Therese)

“They were spacious, warm, and I liked them very much.” (Leon)

“Good, I am glad. Now, may I ask you a few questions about yourself, Leon-san?” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

She donned spectacles and produced a fresh envelope, likely a letter from the foundation, glancing between the stationery and my face.

“Let us see… From the County of Emily, Duchy of Emilia. 14 years of age.” (Therese)

“Fourteen years?!” (Leah)

“What is it, Leah-san?” (Therese)

“N-nothing.” (Leah)

She appeared flustered.

“I had not properly introduced her. This is Leah-san, our household maid, who currently resides here alone with me.” (Therese)

The phrase “the master” was left unspoken.

“She handles laundry and cleaning, while I am responsible for cooking. Ah, I digress. So, you plan to enter Salomea University in October?” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Meaning the southern campus located in Rudos?” (Therese)

“Yes. The southern campus.” (Leon)

“How convenient that it is nearby.” (Therese)

It’s likely a ten-minute walk. Including the gate, perhaps the same.

“It does not say here, but may I ask your faculty?” (Therese)

“The Way of Magic Department.” (Leon)

“You are not planning to be a soldier, correct?” (Therese)

“Ha?” (Leon)

While the proportion of students in that department may be substantial, would one be considered a soldier simply by being in the Way of Magic Department?

“No, I am not a soldier. At 14, one cannot yet serve as a soldier.” (Leon)

“Ah, yes.” (Department)

In Cecelia, adulthood began at 15. Yet, average physiques remained frail. Officer cadets aside, military commission typically began at 18.

“You come from a merchant family. Do you have siblings?” (Department)

Ah. Is this an interview?

“I have three siblings, all male. I am the youngest.” (Leon)

“I see, the third son. Will you inherit the family business? Ah, forgive me. I asked something personal.” (Department)

“Oh, no. My mother often tells me to live freely.” (Leon)

“Indeed, freely? What a kind mother.” (Department)

“I wonder.” (Leon)

 

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The following morning, Nicola-san saw me off, and I departed the royal capital.

 

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