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

 

 

Departure and Independence

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

In the blink of an eye, September arrived.

Today was the day I left my hometown of Emilia and set forth for the royal capital.

A few days prior, I had sent the not-so-many belongings I possessed to my boarding residence. Yesterday, I spent the entire day cleaning my room. Ursula, who had intended to assist me, cried throughout and contributed little in the way of help. I entrusted the remaining items to my elder brothers, Conan-niisan and Hein-niisan, requesting that they either dispose of or otherwise manage them. Even if I were to return to the town of Emilia, I would no longer reside here.

Last night, Otou-sama offered me alcohol for the first time, a custom recognizing a child’s passage into adulthood. Technically, this occurs after the New Year when one reached the age of 15, yet it mattered little since I would not return to Emilia by that time. Both of my elder brothers urged me to drink as well, but Kaa-sama intervened, advising moderation. Moreover, Hein-niisan and Sister-in-law Eleanore began crying midway, which proved troublesome indeed.

Now then, it is time to proceed toward the carriage station.

Ah.

Upon reaching the entrance, I found a considerable number of people gathered. Not merely family members, but all the household servants as well.

“Leon, congratulations upon reaching adulthood. It is a matter of pride for us to see you set forth.” (Valant)

“Thank you very much, Tou-sama.” (Leon)

“Take care of yourself.” (Valant)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Even after you live independently, remember that you remain family. Should you come to Emilia, be sure to visit here.” (Henrietta)

I could not help but notice a subtle droop in Kaa-sama’s brows.

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Also, I shall visit the royal capital eventually, and at that time, I shall pay my respects to your boarding residence. Be sure not to make a face as though you despise it.” (Henrietta)

“My apologies.” (Leon)

Finally, a smile appeared.

“Take care. I shall also come to visit when I am in the royal capital.” (Conan)

“Please take care.” (Leon)

“Thank you, Nii-san, Sister-in-law-san.” (Leon)

“Leon!” (Hein)

“Wah!” (Leon)

Hein-niisan embraced me. Perhaps the remnants of last night’s intoxication lingered, for he said nothing, merely nodding and patting my back with exaggerated force.

Conan-niisan pulled him away.

“Young Master Leon, please go safely.” (??)

““““Please go safely.”””” (??)

The steward, the accountants, and all the servants waved their hands in farewell. And there, just beside the gate, was…

“Ursula. Thank you for everything until today. Be happy.” (Leon)

I had heard yesterday that she would return to her hometown to marry. Originally, this was to have occurred sooner, but she had postponed it until I became independent.

“Yes, certainly. Young Master, please go safely.” (Ursula)

“Yes. Everyone, take care. I am off.” (Leon)

With a spirited wave of my hand, I set off toward the royal capital.

 

—

 

We arrived. It was my second visit to the royal capital, Salomea. This time, I traveled by the shortest route unrelated to the dragon veins. The magic beasts were in a stable period now.

From the carriage window, I glimpsed the herds of magic beasts, yet as it was daytime, they made no attack. Thanks to that, we reached our destination on the third day. Though the carriage was of slightly lower grade, compared to the Lachesis Foundation carriage, it was quite similar. Moreover, the fare was inexpensive.

Though I received a substantial parting gift from Tou-sama and Kaa-sama, I must now manage my household finances independently. Frugality was essential. Perhaps because I had grown accustomed to carriage travel, the journey seemed to pass in an instant.

Now then, we arrived at the South District Main Gate Park.

In the past, moats flanked both sides, yet they have been filled in, and the gate no longer serves its original purpose. Still, given that the surrounding towns extend uninterrupted for roughly ten kilometers, the functional meaning as a gate has vanished. Nonetheless, as one of the former four major gates of the royal capital, it remained quite grand. Though less opulent than the South Gate of the Central District I had once visited on a sightseeing tour, it possessed its own dignity, which I found pleasing.

Today, there was no one to welcome me, so I should promptly board the rail carriage to reach my boarding residence. Familiarity with the area allowed me to locate the station quickly.

The cobblestone road has a strip of earth in its center, upon which are laid two pairs of rails side by side, forming what is essentially a double track. A few weeds grow between the rails. Though the wheels travel atop the rails, the cobblestones beneath were hardly suitable for the hooves of horses.

The station platform was slightly elevated with stone, easing the boarding process. According to the signage, the carriages ran at five-minute intervals during morning and evening, but at present, the intervals were ten minutes. After a brief wait, a two-horse iron-wheeled carriage arrived. We boarded the South District Circular Line, moving leftward and northbound.

It being daytime, the carriage was fairly empty. When full, it might carry 20 passengers. An ordinary carriage would require at least four horses, yet the iron rails and wheels reduced friction sufficiently to allow two horses to suffice.

According to my knowledge, powered carriages existed, driven not by horses but by steam or electricity. In such cases, the rail network would extend not only across a city but throughout the country, or even the world. Considering the vast quantity of iron necessary for just two rails here, it seems almost unbelievable, though one may hope it becomes reality.

“Rudos Second District, Rudos Second District. Next stop is Salomea University Main Gate.” (??)

The carriage passed along the east side of the university grounds, heading north. After several minutes, we arrived at the station.

“Salomea University Main Gate. Main Gate. Next stop is Beitar Street.” (??)

I alighted at the Beitar Street station and paid the fare. The circular line fare is 20 Darcs (roughly 200 yen), regardless of distance. My boarding residence was merely two streets west, almost within sight. While convenient, I did not intend to use the carriage for commuting to the university. Before long, I arrived at the boarding residence.

A three-story building. Here I should reside for the coming years. My heart brimmed with excitement.

I pulled the doorbell cord. After a brief moment, the door opened, and Leah-san appeared.

“Oh, it is Leon, is it not?” (Leah)

“Leah-san, greetings. I shall be in your care.” (Leon)

“Oh, come in.” (Leah)

Though brusque, her expression seemed softer than before or so it appeared.

“The parcels have arrived. I placed them over there.” (Leah)

Several wooden crates rested along the corridor immediately to the left upon entering the entrance.

“Thank you very much.” (Leon)

“You have many things. What is inside?” (Leah)

No, it is not many. Lia-san’s sense differs from mine.

“Most of it is books and clothing.” (Leon)

“I see. And you must have some undergarments for the journey here.” (Leah)

“Yes, I do.” (Leon)

“I shall wash them… well, after speaking with the lady of the house. Let us proceed.” (Leah)

I was shown into the back parlor.

Though September had arrived, the weather remaind warm. The plants beneath the sunroom are green and vigorous.

“Madame Therese, it has been some time. From today onward, I shall be in your care. I humbly request your guidance.” (Leon)

“Oh my, welcome. I am glad to see you well, and I too request your favor. You may address me as Therese-san.” (Therese)

“Very well, in due course.” (Leon)

“Fufufu. That shall suffice. Please sit there, and we shall discuss matters henceforth.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I seated myself upon the opposite sofa.

“Meals shall be served morning and evening, primarily on weekdays. From Friday night to Sunday morning, no meals shall be provided, so keep that in mind.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“On occasions when meals cannot be provided, I shall notify you in advance. Similarly, should you be unable to eat due to any circumstance, inform us beforehand if possible.” (Therese)

“Understood.” (Leon)

“You shall eat either in the dining hall to the right upon exiting here or in your room. Should it be past nine o’clock in the evening, the food shall be placed in a cupboard on the third floor.” (Therese)

I nodded.

“Furthermore, Leah-san shall perform cleaning twice weekly during the daytime, excluding the bedroom, which you shall maintain yourself.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Leah-san will also handle the laundry, so do not hesitate to provide your undergarments. She will instruct you on the proper method for depositing laundry and waste.” (Therese)

Indeed, she even washes undergarments. Though it feels somewhat improper, I have never washed them myself until now.

“I am grateful, Leah-san.” (Leon)

“Oh, leave it to me.” (Leah)

“Leon-san, is there anything you wish to ask?” (Therese)

“Yes. Concerning the rent for this residence…” (Leon)

“This month’s payment has already been transferred from the foundation.” (Therese)

“Is that so?” (Leon)

“Likewise, your scholarship payment, Leon-san. You may confirm with the bank.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Anything else?” (Therese)

“No, nothing for the moment.” (Leon)

“Very well. Leah-san, please hand over the key.” (Therese)

“Yes, Madame.” (Leah)

“Do not lose it.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leon)

I received the key.

“Tonight, we shall prepare a welcoming meal for Leon-san. We shall speak further at that time.” (Therese)

“Yes. Then, until later.” (Leon)

 

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