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

 

 

Kaa-sama and the Theater

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“Tomorrow, you shall accompany me.” (Henrietta)

It could only be Kaa-sama who would say such a thing to me. After supper, I was halted and informed.

“Yes. For what purpose, may I ask?” (Leon)

Even now, I have preparations to make for the journey to the royal capital. Furthermore, the frequency of my training in magic art has been decreasing recently.

“Tomorrow at nine o’clock the carriage shall arrive, so wear your ceremonial attire.” (Henrietta)

She did not provide an answer.

“I beg your pardon, but I have already packed away my ceremonial attire.” (Leon)

That’s for the baggage is to be sent ahead to the royal capital.

“Unpack it, or else borrow from Hein. Your stature has changed no longer.” (Henrietta)

Ah, how unreasonable. Well, though Hein-niisan had been displeased at being overtaken in height by me not long ago, since he deals in garments, Kaa-sama’s judgment in such matters is certainly reliable.

“Understood.” (Leon)

 

—

 

“Sister-in-law, you are coming with us as well.” (Leon)

“Yes. Leon-san. Do you dislike that I am coming with you?” (Eleanor)

“It is not a matter of disliking or not. I simply do not know where we are going.” (Leon)

“My.” (Eleanor)

Sister-in-law turned toward Kaa-sama, but since no reaction was shown, she faced me again.

Yes, yes. Their good relationship is a relief to see.

“By the way, Leon-san. That jacket of yours is rather…” (Eleanor)

“Ah, this one? Since I had already packed, I borrowed it from Hain-niisan.” (Leon)

Although our height is nearly the same, the chest and waist differ considerably. In short, this ceremonial attire does not suit me.

“It has arrived.” (Henrietta)

Ah. A carriage bearing the crest of the House of Count Emily Count entered our grounds.

The coachman descended, greeted Kaa-sama, and opened the door. Since the two of them boarded, I had no choice but to enter as well.

Completely beyond my station though this situation is, I knew that Kaa-sama maintained intimacy with the Countess beyond that of merchant and customer. Since I knew that, I had fleetingly considered the possibility when I was told to wear ceremonial attire. Yet I dismissed it, for there seemed no reason to bring me along to such a meeting.

“What troubles you, Leon-san?” (Eleanor)

Perhaps she noticed my restlessly darting glances.

“Ah, it is nothing.” (Leon)

“I understand. A carriage of a great noble is truly magnificent.” (Eleanor)

“Yes… indeed.” (Leon)

Even so, the carriage of the Foundation which I had ridden the other day could hardly be said to have had more splendid furnishings.

Are we bound for the castle? Since the first examination, I have not been there, I thought. The carriage departed the manor and followed, as expected, the road that would lead there.

“Ah, that one.” (Leon)

At the place where, if we went straight ahead, we would reach the castle gates, the carriage turned west.

Sister-in-law chuckled. My dubious expression must have amused her.

Beyond lay the government offices of the domain, the library, and then… ah, the Emilia Theater. Come to think of it, I have heard, perhaps or perhaps not, that the Countess is delighted in attending plays. If the Countess herself were coming, then the ceremonial attire make sense.

Once the destination is known, however, the reason for my being brought become all the more mysterious. Are we to watch a play? Even if so, why must I attend as well?

While I was lost in such thoughts, the carriage circled the theater’s rotary and halted at the portico. I quickly alighted and assisted both Sister-in-law and Kaa-sama in descending.

“Follow me.” (Henrietta)

“Yes.” (Leon)

Of course I follow. Though if I may go home afterward, I would prefer that.

Upon entering the theater’s entrance, I found people standing in line at a slant, as though awaiting us. Perhaps they were those involved in today’s play. At the very front stood a dignified, bearded man of middle years. I did not recognize him.

“Henrietta-sama. We have awaited your arrival.” (Valdos)

“I place my expectations in you, Valdos-dono.” (Henrietta)

Kaa-sama greeted the leading man in a familiar manner. They appeared to be acquainted.

Valdos. Hearing the name, I found no connection. I do not believe he belongs to our household.

“You may leave it to me.” (Valdos)

I too inclined my head in salutation and followed after Kaa-sama. I thought we would now enter the hall, but instead she stopped along the entrance wall. It seemed we were to welcome those arriving later.

After about ten minutes, carriages began to arrive one after another, and noble ladies descended. I lowered my gaze throughout so as not to appear discourteous, and I waited until they passed by.

“Henrietta-san. How do you do. Thank you for your invitation.” (Leila)

“Leila-sama, how do you do. I am most grateful that you have come.” (Henrietta)

Hm. Perhaps she had sent invitation cards. Truly diligent in her trade.

“She is the Viscountess.” (Eleanor)

Sister-in-law whispered to me.

Ah, a person of considerable importance indeed. Within Emilia, the viscount’s rank would be second among the higher titles.

“Next is the Baroness.” (Eleanor)

That is to say, the female head of a baronial house.

Ah. For some reason, the noble ladies all gave thanks to Kaa-sama in succession. Could it be that Kaa-sama is the host? Kaa-sama’s political power is formidable indeed. It is difficult to believe that this is merely because she is of the Foundation’s bloodline. Those who know such a thing would be only Tou-sama and Conan-niisan. Not even the steward might be aware.

Then, an especially splendid carriage drew up alongside. The one who descended wore dazzling attire. Without doubt, it was the Countess.

“Norma-sama, may I offer most heartfelt felicitations upon your birthday this day.” (Henrietta)

As expected, it was the Countess. At least her name I knew.

“Henrie-san. Thank you. Yet once one reaches this age, such days are no longer so joyous. Hm.” (Norma)

At a glance, she appeared about forty.

Oh.

Before me, a pair of beautiful shoes came to a halt.

“This is my youngest son. Make your greeting.” (Henrietta)

I raised my face slightly.

“It is my first honor to behold you. I am Leon, son of Henrietta.” (Leon)

Such things ought to be conveyed beforehand. Still, since I had received ample instruction in manners, there was no need to be flustered. Yet there is such a thing as mental preparation.

“I see. You resemble your mother greatly.” (Norma)

“I am honored.” (Leon)

“Hohoho, no need for such humility. Well then, Henrie-san. I look forward to this.” (Norma)

So, it is today’s event itself that the Countess anticipates.

While I was thinking so, now middle-aged men entered. They greeted the dignified man at the front of the line, then came this way.

“The Maiden of Orcus again, is it not. A performance long since wearisome.” (??)

“Indeed. Though I understand that Master Valdos seeks to reset matters by returning to his home, still.” (??)

“To reset. I wonder whether it shall satisfy the eyes of us critics who have been summoned especially. Hahaha…” (??)

They passed before us without pause.

So, they are critics of the theater. I have never heard that such persons existed in the town of Emilia. That must be why they are summoned. Is this safe? They have already spoken harshly before even seeing the play.

Master Valdos, then. Judging from the manner of address, he must be the most prominent among those who had greeted us earlier.

Ah.

Kaa-sama, watching the critics depart, wore a fearless smile. She turned again toward their retreating backs. They were clearly her targets.

“Oba-sama.” (??)

Eh?! That voice…

When I turned, there stood my childhood friend, smiling radiantly.

“Thank you very much for your invitation on this occasion.” (Eiru)

Why is she… ah, could it be that this is the connection to Kaa-sama?

“Eiru-san. Good day.” (Leon)

“Good day.” (Eiru)

“Oh my. Leon-chan as well, good day.” (Eiru)

“Ah.” (Leon)

“Though you seem to have no interest at all in opera, I am surprised to see you at the theater.” (Eiru)

“Indeed.” (Leon)

I am the one most surprised.

“My, Eiru-san and Leon-san are truly close, are you not.” (Eleanor)

“Yes, Sister-in-law. We are relatives.” (Leon)

Eiru turned her face aside in displeasure.

Did I say something wrong?

“Well then, let us enter as well.” (Henrietta)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Ojou-sama. I shall remain here.” (Attendant)

Eiru’s attendant apparently would not enter.

 

—

 

Having once ascended the staircase, we entered the theater. From there, the floor sloped gently downward toward the stage. The seats for the audience were arranged as a stepped incline. At the front was the stage, with its curtain closed. Below it, recessed forward, was the orchestra pit. Beyond its railing, the seating for the audience rose in steps back toward us.

We sat near the right-hand side facing the stage. Why must you sit next to me, Eiru. The order was Kaa-sama, Sister-in-law, myself, and then Eiru. The audience was quite sparse, the seats scattered and empty, so she need not have sat immediately at my side.

 

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