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

 

 

Strategist

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“We have arrived!” (Leon)

At the square before the gate of Emilia Castle, I alighted from the station carriage. It had been approximately half a month since I last returned to my hometown. Now, it was time to proceed to the mansion.

After walking for about five minutes, a passing carriage drew up beside me.

What is this?

“Leon-chan.” (??)

I halted in surprise.

“Ojou-sama.” (??)

The lady’s attendant, whether a maid or lady-in-waiting, restrained her. To prevent her from calling out again in a loud voice, I hurried to catch up with the carriage.

“Ah, Eiru. It has been some time.” (Leon)

“I heard that you were accepted into Salomea University.” (Eiru)

“W-Why do you know that?” (Leon)

“I met with Oba-sama yesterday, and she mentioned it to me at that time.” (Eiru)

What connection could she possibly have with Kaa-sama?

“I see. Very well, then. Until next time.” (Leon)

“Wait, the conversation is not finished yet.” (Eiru)

Though I had no intention of continuing the conversation.

“That is fine for me, but there are other eyes watching.” (Leon)

“Indeed, Ojou-sama. Let go.” (Attendant)

This town is small. Gossip will spread quickly.

“Very well. Until next time.” (Eiru)

The carriage departed, leaving me behind.

 

—

 

“Zolka, Ursula, I have returned.” (Leon)

Upon returning to the mansion, I found the maids engaged in cleaning along the hallway leading to the entrance.

“Oh, it is Young Master Leon. Welcome back. I shall inform Madam immediately.” (Zolka)

Zolka hurried off toward the main building.

“Master, welcome back. If you have any laundry, please hand it to me.” (Ursula)

“Yes, yes. I have some. Please come to my room to retrieve it.” (Leon)

Returning to my room, I removed the laundry from my bag when Zolka arrived.

“Madam requests your presence immediately.” (Zolka)

“Very well, very well. Ursula, please take care of this afterward.” (Leon)

I handed the bag to her.

Zolka disappeared from sight.

“Ursula.” (Leon)

“Do you still have laundry remaining?” (Ursula)

“No, it is not laundry.” (Leon)

“Pardon?” (Ursula)

“This is a souvenir from the royal capital. I am giving it to you, Ursula.” (Leon)

“For me?” (Ursula)

“Yes. You have taken such great care of me.” (Leon)

I would soon be departing for the royal capital, and henceforth, we would not meet as often as before.

“A hand mirror. Thank you very much. I shall treasure it.” (Ursula)

“You are exaggerating. It is because a few more wrinkles have appeared recently.” (Leon)

“Oh, Master…” (Ursula)

“Very well, I shall take my leave.” (Leon)

 

—

 

There were matters I wished to inquire about.

I arrived at the entrance to Kaa-sama’s room in the main building and slightly opened the door.

“It is Leon.” (Leon)

“Do come in.” (Henrietta)

“I have returned.” (Leon)

“I heard you were accepted. Congratulations.” (Henrietta)

Though her face bore little expression of joy.

“Thank you very much. This is a souvenir from the royal capital.” (Leon)

I placed a small paper bag upon the desk.

“I see. Thank you.” (Henrietta)

Kaa-sama did not even direct her gaze toward it, her face impassive and oppressive.

“I heard that you went to the Lachesis Foundation in the northern district and met with the head of the household.” (Henrietta)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I had not informed Duncan-ojisan of this. In other words, the Lachesis Foundation must have contacted Tou-sama or Kaa-sama directly. I fixed my gaze upon Mother-sama without hesitation.

“Fuuu. Is that so? And you have nothing to say?” (Henrietta)

“I believed that Kaa-sama would speak to me.” (Leon)

“You are a more cunning strategist than I expected.” (Henrietta)

“After all, I am the child of Tou-sama and Kaa-sama.” (Leon)

“Most of what Leon thinks is indeed correct.” (Henrietta)

She is remarkably shrewd.

“I see. If one were to resemble so closely without sharing blood, one would doubt the gods themselves.” (Leon)

“Indeed. Yet you have never truly believed from the outset.” (Henrietta)

“No, I believe only when it suits me.” (Leon)

“You have the temperament of a merchant. And did you hear anything?” (Henrietta)

“Yes. It is the wish of our family to support young individuals with promising futures. You must take heart.” (Leon)

“Hmph. The family, is it?” (Henrietta)

“Is there some falsehood mingled within?” (Leon)

“Who can say? I wonder.” (Henrietta)

For a moment, her eyebrows drew together, though her expression soon returned to impassive.

“By the way, why did Kaa-sama marry Tou-sama? Though our family is wealthy, theirs is of an entirely different magnitude.” (Leon)

“Is it necessary to answer that?” (Henrietta)

As expected, she would not tell me. Yet she did not deny it, tacitly acknowledging that she married into a family of equivalent or comparable means to her own, or at least not vastly different. Even if I learned more, it would bear little significance. I resolved to cease my inquiries here. I could not question why she had withheld the truth. I, too, bore my own hidden grievances toward Kaa-sama and the family. Moreover, I would soon depart from this household.

“Now, regarding the matter for which I summoned Leon.” (Henrietta)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“I shall explain my thoughts. I do not oppose your receiving assistance from the foundation.” (Henrietta)

I nodded thoughtfully.

“However, since you have met with the head of the household, there must be some intention toward you.” (Henrietta)

“Intention?” (Leon)

“You may call it an aim, if you prefer.” (Henrietta)

I considered carefully.

“Do recipients of the scholarship meet everyone?” (Leon)

“If that were so, they would not appoint the house steward as the representative director.” (Henrietta)

I understood.

“Then, the reason he resembles Kaa-sama is because he also resembles me?” (Leon)

“You see, he wished to meet you and observe your face. Perhaps. In any case, I advise you not to become involved beyond matters concerning the scholarship.” (Henrietta)

“Why is that? Would he do me harm?” (Leon)

“That is unlikely. However…” (Henrietta)

“However, what?” (Leon)

“As you must have sensed, it can unsettle your perception, particularly regarding monetary matters.” (Henrietta)

“I understand.” (Leon)

“Exactly. That would not be to your benefit. If he raises matters outside the contract, you are free to refuse.” (Henrietta)

“But he is an investor in this trading company. Is that truly permissible?” (Leon)

“Certainly. Moreover, once you reach 15, your direct ties to the trading company will cease.” (Henrietta)

“That is true.” (Leon)

“You should establish a financial foundation early, so that you may refuse with firmness should anything arise.” (Henrietta)

“I shall take care.” (Leon)

“That will suffice.” (Henrietta)

“By the way, regarding the addendum for the scholarship contract with the foundation, should I request Tou-sama’s signature?” (Leon)

“Yes. Since it was he who made the decision, that would be appropriate.” (Henrietta)

“I understand. Very well.” (Leon)

“Oh, regarding Conan…” (Henrietta)

She paused at the door.

“Yes.” (Leon)

“You understand, I trust. Please forgive that child.” (Henrietta)

She was referring, no doubt, to Tou-sama having arranged his admission to the university, naturally contingent upon the foundation’s scholarship. I did not know how much of this had been Nii-san’s own decision, but the initiative must have originated from Tou-sama.

“It matched my wishes. For now, nothing has gone awry.” (Leon)

I could not say aloud that I could not defy Tou-sama. Regardless of who initiated it, Nii-san had surely considered my well-being in executing his strategy. I trusted him.

 

—

 

“I have returned, Tou-sama, Conan-niisan.” (Leon)

Upon entering Tou-sama’s office, my elder brother was also present.

“Indeed. Congratulations.” (Valant)

“Congratulations. Well done, Leon.” (Conan)

“Yes. Thank you for providing the travel expenses, Tou-sama. And thank you as well, Nii-san.” (Leon)

“Very well. Sit.” (Valant)

I faced Tou-sama. Perhaps it was the first time outside the dining room.

“The Lachesis Foundation contacted us. They report that Leon met with the head of the household.” (Valant)

“Yes.” (Leon)

As expected… the head of the household.

“That was unexpected. Traditionally, the foundation only meets the head of our trading company and their successor.” (Valant)

I see. Even Tou-sama had not anticipated this.

“Understood. I shall not disclose the matter regarding the co-investors of the Liones Trading Company.” (Leon)

Father-sama nodded calmly.

“This is the scholarship contract with the foundation. I have already signed it.” (Leon)

“Very well. Prepare the addendum, and we shall send it to the foundation ourselves.” (Father)

“Understood.” (Leon)

Thus, my academic path, scholarship, and lodgings were confirmed.

I wrote to Madam Therese, informing her that I would be under her care from mid-September.

Biegel-sensei rejoiced at my acceptance, and upon receiving the souvenir I brought, was greatly moved. He conducted the final lesson, after which I expressed my gratitude repeatedly and bid farewell.

Though he would no longer have a pupil within our household, he would continue teaching elsewhere in Emilia.

 

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