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

 

 

Innovation of Light Expression

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Leon-niichaaaan.” (Yohan)

Five days or so had passed since my arrival in the royal capital.

I had come to Duncan-ojisan’s house. When I was shown into the guest room and waited there, I heard a sweet, charming voice.

“Yohan-kun. Good afternoon.” (Leon)

Although the maid who admitted me had said he was taking a nap, it seems he awoke.

“Yes. Good afternoon.” (Yohan)

His reaction differed from the first time we met. His mood was clearly cheerful.

“You know, you know. The boat floats, and it is really cool.” (Yohan)

He was referring to the toy I had given him. It seems he had truly taken a liking to it.

“Honestly! Yohan, running around is dangerous. Ah, Leon-kun, welcome.” (Lotte)

“Lotte-san. Good afternoon. And my congratulations.” (Leon)

“Ah… yes. Thank you.” (Lotte)

It seemed Lotte-san had passed the entrance examination for the Salomea Opera Training School. Today, I had been invited to the celebration of this achievement.

“Onee-chan, your face is red.” (Yohan)

“It is not red at all.” (Lotte)

They resembled true siblings.

“Lotte-san, I present this to you. A gift in celebration.” (Leon)

I withdrew a long paper box from my bag and handed it to her.

“What? For me?” (Lotte)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Thank you. But Leon-kun, you will be entering school soon as well, will you not?” (Lotte)

“No. I was already celebrated the other day.” (Leon)

“Is that so? Then, may I open it at once… no, perhaps I should wait until the celebration proper.” (Lotte)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Training school begins in October, yes?” (Leon)

“Yes. Duncan-san will pay my tuition, but since Onee-chan became a research student, the cost will be lessened.” (Lotte)

So, it is Duncan-san. Adele-san refers to him as Otou-san, yet Lotte-san persists in calling him Duncan-san. There must still be some unresolved feelings.

“I had heard somewhere before that research students appear in performances. Are they different from ordinary pupils?” (Leon)

That was dangerous. I nearly mentioned that Adele-san had told me so. That would have been reckless, for she had said she had not informed her household of her lodging arrangements. Women are perceptive, and one must not be careless.

“My, you are well-informed. Research students are like fledgling actors. Most current actors of the opera troupe have once been research students. Their treatment differs. Thus, once enrolled in training school, the first aim is to become a research student.” (Lotte)

“I see.” (Leon)

“Yes. I have been overtaken once more.” (Lotte)

I understood.

When one has an accomplished elder sibling, one is inevitably conscious of it. Yet I greatly love my two elder brothers, and it is clear to see that Lotte-san loves Adele-san. What she feels is not envy so much as a slight regret. Though, indeed, she does treat others a little sharply.

“Why do you laugh? You are thinking, ‘I could never win against Onee-chan’, are you not?” (Lotte)

Oh dear.

Though I had only thought it heart-warming, that sentiment was not accepted.

“Not being able to best Adele-san… is that not something only Lotte-san thinks?” (Leon)

“What?” (Lotte)

“Between siblings, it is only natural to harbor the spirit of rivalry. As you know, I have elder brothers. And though I hesitate to speak of it myself, they are rather distinguished individuals.” (Leon)

“Ah. Yes. That may be so.” (Lotte)

“And so, since I cannot rival them, I pursue a different path.” (Leon)

Though in truth, I had long wanted to pursue control.

“However, Lotte-san, you are admirable.” (Leon)

“Wh-what do you mean!” (Lotte)

“You challenge Adele-san directly, upon the same path. That is admirable.” (Leon)

“Uuugh. Hmph.” (Lotte)

Apparently displeased, she turned her face away.

“By the way, earlier Yohan-kun said he floated the boat toy. Does he play with it in some pond?” (Leon)

“No. A pond is dangerous, so we float it in a large washbasin.” (Lotte)

“Yes. A washbasin.” (Yohan)

His gaze was upon Lotte-san’s hands. He seemed intrigued by the box. Since she had answered, it seems I had not been completely disliked.

At that moment, the door burst open.

“Onee-chan.” (Adele)

Lotte-san swiftly moved her hand to conceal the box.

“Onee-chan, welcome home.” (Yohan)

“I am home.” (Adele)

Adele-san entered the guest room, clad in the same uniform as before.

“Leon-chan, it has been a while.” (Adele)

She winked playfully.

“It has been some time, Adele-san.” (Leon)

Indeed, it seems she still kept my visit to her lodging a secret.

She came directly to my side and seated herself upon the sofa next to me.

“Onee-chan, should you not go change?” (Lotte)

“I have no time for that.” (Adele)

“Eh?” (Lotte)

She then withdrew a thin book from her bag. The cover was soft, not hardbound.

“Leon-chan, look at this.” (Adele)

Theatrical Criticism, October Issue. Ah, one of those monthly magazines.

The printing was rather coarse.

“A theatrical booklet? Has Adele-san been featured in it?” (Leon)

“No, not that. Here!” (Adele)

She pointed to the cover.

“Emergency Special Feature. A New Expression Is Born…” (Adele)

“Yes, yes, and then” (Adele)

She opened to the page where a bookmark had been placed.

“A new theatrical expression witnessed by this magazine’s critic in the provincial city of Emilia!” (Adele)

This was it. The innovation of light expression pioneered by Master Valdos. It must be that. Though scarcely half a month had passed since then.

“And it is quite specific. ‘By making use of seven colors of illumination, he succeeded in depicting water, fire, and formless things, greatly enhancing the sense of realism. By fortune, I was invited to Emilia Theater and witnessed it with my very eyes. My soul was shaken. I give thanks to God’. This critic, Konikku, is always known for sarcasm and harsh words, yet here he lavishes praise upon Master Valdos for three whole pages.” (Adele)

Ah, so it was one of that pair. Before it began, they had taken a cynical attitude and spoken rather cruelly.

“This Emilia, that is your hometown, is it not, Leon-chan?” (Adele)

“Yes. I was indeed impressed by the depiction of fire.” (Leon)

“Mm? What did you say?” (Adele)

“Ah, the depiction of fire…” (Leon)

“Wait! How is it that you know about it, Leon-chan!?” (Adele)

Eh? Why was she angry?

“That’s because I saw that performance, of course.” (Leon)

“No way! They said it was a one-time performance to celebrate the Countess’s birthday!” (Adele)

“Yes. Kaa-sama is acquainted with the Countess. She invited Master Valdos to design the production as a birthday celebration.” (Leon)

According to Sister-in-law, Kaa-sama had worked tirelessly on planning and preparation, while the expenses had been shared with several of the Countess’s companions. If one bore the cost alone, one would attract envy. Kaa-sama’s subtlety was truly remarkable.

“So, it is true. No way. How vexing. I too wanted to see it!” (Adele)

“Haha. Incidentally, here.” (Leon)

“What is it?” (Adele)

I pointed to a line in the article.

“The magical apparatus spotlight that enabled smooth dimming was developed by a merchant company in Emilia. Could it be…?” (Leon)

I nodded.

“It was our company!? I see! Ah! Otou-saaaan!” (Adele)

“Onee-chan, calm down. Duncan-san has not yet returned.” (Lotte)

“Th-that is true. Hey, hey, Leon-chan.” (Adele)

Adele-san clasped my hand between both of hers and pressed it to her bosom.

“Eh?” (Leon)

Her hands were soft and smooth.

“That amazing depiction of fire, what was it like?” (Adele)

“Onee-chan.” (Lotte)

“Well, let me explain.” (Leon)

It was not something that required concealment.

“When wind is blown upon a sheer fabric, it flutters gracefully, does it not?” (Leon)

“Yes, yes.” (Adele)

She gazed up at me with her large eyes.

“They tore the fabric into thin triangular strips and let them flutter, then cast red and yellow light upon them. It truly looked as if flames were rising.” (Leon)

Adele-san’s eyes moved irregularly, as though she were imagining it.

“Ahh, I see. That must have been amazing!” (Adele)

She tugged upon my hand.

“Indeed. That contrivance was devised by Master Valdos and the troupe.” (Leon)

“Wow, so it was.” (Adele)

“Hey, Leon-kun and Onee-chan, you are sitting far too close!” (Lotte)

“Too close.” (Yohan)

Little Yohan repeated it with childish mispronunciation.

 

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