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

 

 

Unexpected Visitor

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Having completed my greetings with Madame Therese, I carried a small wooden box along with Leah-san, each of us bearing one, as we ascended the stairs. We arrived at the corridor before the room on the third floor.

“Cleaning shall be performed on Mondays and Thursdays in the early afternoon, using the spare key. Understand?” (Leah)

“Yes, understood.” (Leon)

“In instances when I am late, meals shall be placed upon this shelf. As for laundry, place it within this bag and leave it beneath here. I shall take it downstairs to wash and hang.” (Leah)

“Thank you very much.” (Leon)

“Very well. Afterwards, I shall return folded items to the upper shelves. And… as for garbage–…” (Leah)

Hmm?

Leah-san moved purposefully along the wall, pulling a handle attached to a metal panel.

“When opened in this manner, it leads to the collection chamber on the first floor. Dispose of trash there.” (Leah)

“Ooh.” (Leon)

I peered inside myself, but the darkness prevented any clear view of the bottom.

“Shall I simply drop items in here?” (Leon)

“Yes. Do not throw away bottles or breakable items. Place such things together beside this shelf instead. Now, open the door for me.” (Leah)

Once inside the room, Leah-san instructed me regarding the use of the magical stove, the shower, and the heating, as well as local information about nearby shops, before taking her leave.

Her manner of speech is somewhat stern, yet she is gentle. Leah-san seems capable and dependable as well. Now then, I shall carry up the remaining belongings and organize them.

 

—

 

Phew.

It took over an hour to carry everything upstairs. More than transport, the effort was in dismantling the larger wooden boxes, cleaning up the resulting wood shavings, and tidying the area. It was quite exhausting.

After a brief rest, I began storing my belongings. The magical apparatus doorbell rang. I opened the door.

“Leah-san, what is it?” (Leon)

She pointed downward with her finger, her expression more severe than before.

“Is there still something remaining?” (Leon)

Had I caused some trouble?

“No, a visitor has come.” (Leah)

“A visitor? For me?” (Leon)

Who could it be? I have no idea.

“They are downstairs. They also came yesterday.” (Lia)

“Huh?” (Leon)

Descending the stairs, I realized who had come between the second and first floors.

“Leah-san!” (Leon)

“Leon-chan, it has been quite some time.” (Leah)

“Yes, it has been a while. Um, what brings you here?” (Leon)

Leah-san glared sharply as she descended beside me.

“Oh, well, Otou-san mentioned you would likely arrive in the royal capital around today, and I knew where this place was, so I came along.” (Adele)

Came along? Really. Hmm, what is this? Adel-san wore a plain navy outfit, which is uncharacteristic for her.

Perhaps she noticed my gaze.

“This? It is the training school uniform.” (Adele)

“Hee.” (Leon)

Ah, a uniform. It suits her, yet it is unlike the clothing she usually chooses for herself.

“Yes. It is a bit plain, but it is popular with the boys.” (Adele)

Indeed, it appears neat and modest.

“May I come in?” (Adele)

“Ah, of course. Please do. I just arrived, so it is not organized at all.” (Leon)

“Yes, yes.” (Adele)

Leah-san remained in the corner, still glaring.

I invited her in and led her to the back parlor.

“Third floor, huh? It has a pleasant atmosphere. Do you live here alone?” (Adele)

“Yes, I do.” (Leon)

“Well, I am envious.” (Adele)

With that, Adele-san loosened the front of her jacket.

Oh my. A thin blouse is lifted by generous curves, the narrow waist accentuating them further. She removed her arms from the jacket and placed it on the sofa. Her long chestnut hair, gathered at first, was then tied up.

Ah.

When she swept her hair back, she appeared slightly younger, adding a touch of cuteness to her beauty.

I must not stare too long.

“Did you come from training school?” (Leon)

She wore the uniform, making my question rather foolish.

“Yes. It is surprisingly close. Only ten minutes by rail carriage.” (Adele)

Rail carriage. So that is the abbreviation.

I noticed her sleeves were unbuttoned.

Wait, wait, wait. How far is she planning to go?

No, she merely rolled up her sleeves. I was startled.

“The opera theater is nearby as well. From next year, I shall begin performing, so come see me.” (Adele)

“Eh? You shall become an actor?” (Leon)

“Yes. From next year, I have been offered a position as a research student. The formal announcement shall follow shortly.” (Adele)

“Research student?” (Leon)

“One step in the training school curriculum. Half actor, half student.” (Adele)

“Remarkable indeed.” (Leon)

“Hehe, well, I shall begin with minor roles among the ensembles.” (Adele)

She opened her bag, withdrew something, unfolded it, and wore it.

An apron. Why an apron?

“Come, I shall help you organize your belongings.” (Adele)

“Eh, that is why you came? Oh, Leah-san mentioned you also came yesterday.” (Leon)

I was both pleased and slightly disappointed to learn the reason Adele-san came.

“Yes. I thought you might struggle alone, Leon-chan.” (Adele)

“That may be so, but… I am terribly sorry.” (Leon)

“It is quite all right. I am pleased to help. You see, Leon-chan, men are usually rather careless. They place things roughly, leaving them there indefinitely. The beginning is most important.” (Adel)

She smiled warmly.

What a wonderful person.

“Or did you think I had some other reason for coming?” (Adele)

“Ah, no… not at all.” (Leon)

“Fufufu. How cute.” (Adele)

“Haa…” (Leon)

Adele-san approached within arm’s reach.

“Cute, yet undeniably masculine. You possess a noble presence.” (Adele)

Her hand reached toward my hair.

“I want to play male roles.” (Adele)

“Male roles?” (Leon)

“Perhaps you know, but in the opera troupe, all actors are women. Therefore, female actors play male roles as well. That is what male roles are.” (Adele)

“Indeed.” (Leon)

Adele-san is beautiful, tall, and dignified. She might very well suit a male role.

“In that sense, Leon-chan, your face is ideal for male roles.” (Adele)

“Eh, really?” (Leon)

“Delicate, and with a touch of makeup, it might work perfectly… ah.” (Adele)

Eh!

Adel-san touched my chest.

“You have surprisingly firm muscles, including your abdominals.” (Adele)

Even my stomach was touched.

“Hm. Once unclothed, it must be quite impressive. But it does not make you girlish. Ah, that matter aside, let us finish tidying.” (Adele)

“Ah, yes.” (Leon)

I was flustered.

 

—

 

With our combined efforts, we managed to organize the remaining items within an hour.

“Come.” (Adele)

“Yes.” (Leon)

We proceeded to the bedroom and opened the closet.

“Given the warm weather, summer clothes go in front. Coats and winter wear go in the back.” (Adele)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“You have an unexpectedly large wardrobe, but as a child of a merchant family, it is understandable. Swap front and back when the weather cools, understood?” (Adele)

“I understand.” (Leon)

“Underwear and socks go here.” (Adele)

She opened the lower drawer, revealing neatly folded items.

“Ah, I am sorry, even my undergarments?” (Leon)

“No matter. They are yours, Leon-chan. And laundry… how shall it be handled?” (Adele)

“Ah, Lia-san, the maid who came earlier, shall wash them.” (Leon)

“…That is slightly enviable.” (Adele)

“Eh?” (Leon)

“No matter. Everything is taken care of. I shall occasionally come by to see, so keep it neat, please.” (Adele)

“Eh, yes.” (Leon)

“Expecting visitors adds tension, which helps keep things organized. Now, let us go to the parlor.” (Adele)

We arrived at the parlor but proceeded directly to the kitchen.

Adele-san had brought a brush and cloth, which were properly hung and ready for use.

“The dishes are washed and stored, so they are ready whenever needed.” (Adele)

I see. Though Adele-san is radiant, she is remarkably attentive and domestic-minded.

“However, I suppose I shall only make tea here.” (Leon)

“Leon-chan, you cannot cook?” (Adele)

“No, I have never done so.” (Leon)

“Very well. I shall teach you when you come to my home.” (Adele)

“Adele-san can cook?” (Leon)

“Of course. I am Okaa-san’s daughter. Occasionally, I cook for Yohan and Lotte, and they always say it is delicious.” (Adele)

Indeed, how fortunate.

“Since this is a boarding house, meals are provided, yes?” (Adele)

“Yes. The landlord prepares them, Sunday through Thursday.” (Leon)

“And Friday and Saturday?” (Adele)

“The nearby shops suffice.” (Leon)

“I see. Eating out, then.” (Adele)

She smiled, as if amused by her own thought.

“Well, I believe the tidying is complete for today.” (Adele)

“Yes. Thank you very much indeed.” (Leon)

“You are too formal. I have always wanted siblings. Well, Yohan became like a brother, but the age difference is too great.” (Adele)

“Ah.” (Leon)

“I have not informed anyone at home, so I shall depart now.” (Adele)

“Eh? You have received no hospitality at all.” (Leon)

“It is all right. And do visit my home, Leon-chan. Yohan calls you ‘Onii-chan who gave me the ship,’ and he loves that toy very much.” (Adele)

“Yes. I shall surely do so soon.” (Leon)

 

—

 

Descending to the first floor, I found Madame Therese present.

“This is the landlord, Madame Therese, and the maid, Leah-san. And this is–…” (Leon)

“I am Leon-chan’s cousin, Adelaide. Pleased to meet you.” (Adele)

I thought I heard her softly say “cousin”.

“My, what a beautiful young lady. That uniform…” (Therese)

“Yes. I attend the Salomea Opera Troupe’s training school.” (Adele)

“I see.” (Therese)

It seems to be quite renowned.

“Yes. I hope to visit again, but today I shall take my leave.” (Adele)

“Very well. Until next time.” (Therese)

She was then escorted to the rail carriage station.

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)