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

 

 

With Leah

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The following day, I went to the bank, and just as Madame Therese had said, the scholarship had been deposited from the foundation. Along with that, a considerable sum had also been transferred from the Liones Trading Company, which took me by surprise. The reason was surely the reward for the magic stones used at the Emilia Theater, as Manager Begart had mentioned. I had become temporarily somewhat wealthy, yet I must carefully consider how to properly use these funds.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting.” (Leon)

Upon leaving the bank, Leah-san was waiting for me in an alley. She was to guide me through the shopping street we were about to visit.

“And the payment for the enrollment fee?” (Leah)

“All was completed without delay.” (Leon)

I had transferred the enrollment fee along with the first-year tuition, amounting to slightly more than 900 Cecil, roughly equivalent to 900,000 yen.

“Hm. Leon’s words are difficult to understand.” (Leah)

“My apologies.” (Leon)

“Do not worry. Leon’s university? Madam said it was a university for considerably intelligent individuals. You need not adjust to me. Simply inform me clearly when you require something.” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Leon)

As expected, Leah-san is kind.

“So then, what is it you wish for first?” (Leah)

I had requested to go shopping.

“Yes. Though I am unsure whether I shall purchase anything, I would like some clothing for men.” (Leon)

“Hmm. A jacket? Or undergarments?” (Leah)

“Undergarments.” (Leon)

“Pardon? I did not hear.” (Leah)

I did not wish to speak loudly due to the presence of bystanders. Approaching Leah-san, I whispered the word ‘undergarments’.

“D-Do not come so close.” (Leah)

“My apologies.” (Leon)

“W-Well, very well. Follow me.” (Leah)

 

—

 

“Ah, I have purchased everything I intended to buy.” (Leon)

In the Beiter Street Market, bustling with countless commoners, Leah-san guided me to shops selling undergarments, socks, sundries, and tableware, and we acquired quite a quantity of goods.

“You have been most helpful.” (Leon)

“Of course.” (Leah)

She truly seemed like a reliable elder sister, carrying a large portion of the load herself.

“It is nearly noon. Are there any establishments here with delicious cuisine?” (Leon)

“Indeed, there is. Judging by your appetite last night, Leon, a roasted chicken is most suitable.” (Leah)

Last night, a welcome party was held at the boarding house. Madame Therese’s cooking prowess was revealed, and it was extraordinary. Her soups, in particular, were exquisite, breaking the pie lid to pour in the cream soup heightened its flavor wonderfully.

The head cook, Liegas, of the Emilia Trading House produced refined, craftsperson-quality dishes, yet Madame Therese’s cooking could only be described as home cuisine. Every dish provided a sense of comfort.

Considering that I may savor such meals for several years, I can do nothing but offer gratitude to the foundation.

“A roasted chicken, you say?” (Leon)

“Yes. Not particularly refined, but affordable and substantial. Most importantly, it is delicious.” (Leah)

“Excellent, let us go!” (Leon)

“Yes.” (Leah)

After a walk of approximately five minutes, we reached the western end of the shopping street.
We entered an older, somewhat worn, and frankly slightly dirty shop.

“Ah, Leah. You brought a cute one with you today.” (Shopkeeper)

“Cute?” (Leah)

“Yes.” (Shopkeeper)

“Leon is a boy. Even if you are the shopkeeper, I shall knock you down!” (Leah)

“Oh! Scary! My apologies, Nii-chan.” (Shopkeeper)

“It doesn’t matter.” (Leon)

Kuuh.

“What would you like to order?” (Shopkeeper)

“A roasted chicken… since it is noon, half a portion each will suffice.” (Leon)

“Ah, as always.” (Shopkeeper)

He disappeared toward the back of the shop.

“Though the shopkeeper is such a fellow, the food is quite good.” (Leah)

After a few minutes, he returned with two plates of roasted chicken cut into chunks, the skin a caramel hue, along with small bowls of soup. A skewer was inserted into each piece.

“The proper way to eat is to skewer it like this!” (Shopkeeper)

Before he finished speaking, Leah-san took a bite in one swift motion. Her manner was wild, so different from the refined way she had eaten last night.

Had Madame Therese instructed her somehow?

Seeing Leah-san glance at me, I likewise took a bite in one motion.

“Hmmmm!” (Leon)

Delicious!

Chewing, the juices from the meat surged forth from beneath the skin.

“How is it? Delicious, yes?” (Leah)

I nodded vigorously.

Indeed, as Leah-san had said, it is not refined, but it is perfect for a growing young man.

“And tell me, what is your relation to Leon?” (Shopkeeper)

The shopkeeper was grinning mischievously.

“She is our new lodger.” (Leah)

“I see.” (Shopkeeper)

He finally digested the information.

“Yes. It is delicious, indeed.” (Leon)

“It is my specialty. And by ‘lodger,’ you came to the royal capital from elsewhere, yes?” (Shopkeeper)

“Yes, from the County of Emily.” (Leon)

“The County of Emily?” (Shopkeeper)

He tilted his head, clearly unfamiliar with the location. He looked at Leah-san, but she shook her head. Apparently, my hometown is not widely known.

“About three days by carriage from here.” (Leon)

“I see. If you enjoy it here, come again, will you?” (Shopkeeper)

“Yes.” (Leon)

From Friday night until Sunday morning, meals are not provided at the boarding house, so I must become familiar with multiple such establishments.

“Leah-san.” (Leon)

“What is it?” (Leah)

“I find it difficult to inquire of Madame Therese, so I shall ask here. Madame Therese’s husband… what is the story?” (Leon)

“Yes. He was a court baron, but he passed away before I arrived at that mansion.” (Leah)

A court noble receives monetary rewards rather than land holdings. Thus, he was a Duwa and a baron.

“How unfortunate.” (Leon)

“Indeed, is it not?” (Leah)

“Yes. Then, Madame Therese is a baroness in her own right now?” (Leon)

“I am uncertain, but she said she is treated as a quasi-baron. It was a one-generation title.” (Leah)

A one-generation title is granted to an individual with merit, valid only during their lifetime and not inheritable by descendants. Upon the individual’s passing, the spouse retains a rank one tier lower. I have heard of such a system.

Later, I learned that Madame Therese receives a pension from the kingdom.

“Is that so? And children?” (Leon)

“Do not inquire. I shall not answer. Also, not about the second floor.” (Leah)

These matters are evidently private. Perhaps the second floor is connected to her children.

“Yes. I apologize.” (Leon)

“Hmph. Obedient and well-mannered. I like that.” (Leah)

 

—

 

“Leon, was that acceptable?” (Leah)

“Yes, indeed. I simply wished to thank you for accompanying me.” (Leon)

I had paid for our meal.

“Well, a man treating a woman is not improper. You are a student, however?” (Leah)

“Yes. I had a little money from selling some possessions before coming to the royal capital, so it is sufficient for now.” (Leon)

To be precise, it was rights rather than possessions.

“I see. My thanks.” (Leah)

“No, not at all.” (Leon)

Upon returning to the boarding house, I left my belongings and once more boarded the rail carriage circular line. After traveling south for approximately ten minutes, we arrived at a bustling commercial district and disembarked.

The Adventurer Guild, Royal Capital Southern Branch.

What a splendid building. A four-story stone structure facing a broad street. As expected of the royal capital. There are eight branches, yet even one of them is more than twice the size of the Emilia branch.

I come here to become an adventurer. It’s likely that I could continue my student life without special difficulties solely with the scholarship. Still, Kaa-sama advised that I should establish a financial foundation early.

Capital is necessary for any endeavor. To earn through the magic arts, becoming an adventurer is the most expedient path. Developing magical apparatus for patents and income is not impossible, yet it is far from simple. There are examples, such as the magical lamp, but that succeeded only because my family, the Liones Trading Company, existed. Without that, connecting it to rewards would require years.

Entering the guild building, a vast hall greeted me, with numerous counters arranged with tables. To the right are general request counters, the center holds comprehensive information and acceptance counters, and the left houses settlement counters. Though smaller in scale, the Emilia branch employs a similar layout. The purchase counter appears to be outside, which is understandable.

I, or rather ‘I’ in this context, headed to the comprehensive information desk. Beneath a sign labeled ‘New Memberships,’ instructions for the procedure were posted. It seemed I must submit a personal history document. Qualifications and benefits for guild membership were displayed on the wall.

I read them carefully.

Membership qualifications…

• Thirteen years of age or older, meeting standards set for each profession.
• Not wanted for crimes, no serious criminal record.
• Not serving a term of expulsion from the guild.

Interesting, expulsion exists.

Membership benefits…

1. Placement in requests corresponding to rank; ranks determined for individuals or affiliated groups.
2. Mediation between clients of specific requests and public institutions (ensuring payment, assisting in dispute resolution).
3. Purchase of magic crystals from magic beasts, their remains, or found items.
4. Discounted sales of magical apparatus, magical tools, equipment, and potions.
5. Priority use of labyrinths and welfare facilities.
6. Access to Adventurer Guild financial services.

I see, I see.

Certainly, the second point is crucial. Being a merchant’s child, I understand this well. Becoming an adventurer offers numerous advantages. I shall write my personal history and submit it.

 

—

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