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

 

 

Selection

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Adelaide/Adele)

“From number one Anno to number five Amber. Yes, make the connecting movements smoother. There! Do not slouch.” (Instructor)

In the practice hall, the instructor’s commands to the hands and feet, along with hand claps, resounded.

I moved my arms while being conscious of the body from the pelvis to the crown of my head. Although I had become a research student, the morning lessons continued as before. I did not know whether ballet was necessary for the male role I was undertaking, but I needed to serve as a model for everyone.

The practice hall door opened, and the office clerk entered. I wondered what it was.

She went straight to the instructor and spoke.

“Now, exchange with the back row. Adelaide-kun.” (Instructor)

Eh, me?

“Yes.” (Adelaide)

The instructor pointed to the office clerk who had entered. It seemed I was to follow her. I bowed lightly and began walking, following her outside the practice hall.

“Um…” (Adelaide)

“Please put something over yourself.” (Clerk)

It seemed awkward to go in ballet attire.

Very well.

“The shoes?” (Adelaide)

I was wearing ballet shoes.

“Ah, indeed. We will go to another building. You should also…” (Clerk)

“Please wait a moment.” (Adelaide)

I ran to the changing room, put on a jacket, changed my shoes, and returned.

It was cold. When I stepped outside, the wind hit my knees exposed from the coat. After walking a few minutes, we entered the main building.

What could this be during class? Perhaps something had happened to my family, I thought, but the clerk’s face was expressionless. It does not feel like a calamity.

“This way.” (Clerk)

“Uh…” (Adelaide)

It was the reception room.

“What is this about?” (Adelaide)

“I am sorry, but I was not informed of the purpose. I was only instructed to bring you here.” (Clerk)

“I see… very well.” (Adelaide)

I knocked on the door.

“This is Adelaide, research student. Excuse me.” (Adelaide)

Eh?

In the reception room, senior members of the opera company sat waiting.

What? What is happening?

I recognized some, but more than half were people I had not interacted with before. Others included the vice-principal of the training school and the director from last year’s young performers’ production.

“Please, Adelaide-san. Sit there.” (Senior Staff)

A middle-aged man sitting at the front indicated a leather chair.

“Excuse me.” (Adelaide)

“Hm. You were in ballet class, were you not?” (Senior Staff)

When I sat, my knees were exposed.

“Adelaide-san, let me introduce those present. You know Director Albrecht on the left, do you not?” (Vice Principal)

“Yes. It has been a while.” (Adelaide)

“The person at the front is the head of the Human Resources Department of the opera company, and the one in the second management division. The person on the far right is the deputy director of the Entertainment Department.” (Vice Principal)

“Pleased to meet you.” (Adelaide)

I had heard that the Human Resources Department manages and organizes actors, and the Entertainment Department plans and operates performances.

“There is no need to be so nervous.” (Senior Staff)

“Yes.” (Adelaide)

“The reason we brought you here today concerns your treatment.” (Senior Staff)

Treatment? The decision on the treatment of research students should primarily lie with the training school. Why are people from the main opera company involved?

“I see.” (Adelaide)

“Yes. You are likely aware, but in our opera company, male roles are chronically lacking. Aptitude and the wishes of the actors seldom coincide.” (Senior Staff)

That is understandable. Most students aspire to play female roles. I am undertaking a male role because my performance has been well received, yet playing a man is demanding in many ways.

“Recently, Director Albrecht recommended you. Therefore, if you consent to act as a male role, the opera company wishes to enter into an exclusive contract with you.” (Senior Staff)

Eh, um…

I involuntarily looked at the vice principal.

“You are being offered a position as a male-role actor in the opera company. That is what this means.” (Vice Principal)

“Truly?” (Adelaide)

“Of course. There is no deception in such a matter.” (Senior Staff)

One of the people introduced as a division chief spoke.

“I am sorry.” (Adelaide)

“Hahaha. It is understandable that you cannot believe it. It is somewhat unusual for a research student of less than a year to be selected for an actor position.” (Senior Staff)

“However, Director. This is a contract. Important matters must be explained.” (Vice Principal)

“Yes.” (Senior Staff)

“First, if you sign an exclusive contract, you will graduate from the training school you currently belong to.” (Vice Principal)

That is natural.

“The contract period will be four years. Thereafter, you may choose between exclusive and non-exclusive status. Compensation under exclusive status follows Table 1. Next…” (Vice Principal)

“…Finally, special terms. This partially conflicts with the civil law of our country, so…” (Vice Principal)

“This concludes the explanation. Since this concerns the next performance, Deputy Director…” (Senior Staff)

“Yes. Considering the performance schedule, we hope for a decision by the end of January. However, the parents should provide sufficient support, so please negotiate amicably.” (Deputy Director)

“Understood.” (Adelaide)

 

—

 

Today’s lesson was excused, and I left the training school. I thought I should consult my mother and father, yet my feet moved elsewhere. It was still just past noon, and my father was not home.

The building appeared.

“Ah.” (Leah)

I turned at the voice and saw a woman with a shopping basket.

“Leah-san.” (Adelaide)

“What brings you here at this hour? You seem dispirited, Adele.” (Leah)

We walked together and entered Leon’s boarding house.

“You’re probably come too early, and it is just past noon. Leon has not returned yet, but I will serve tea.” (Leah)

I was shown into the dining room.

“Here you are.” (Leah)

“Thank you.” (Adelaide)

The tea was served.

“I will speak plainly.” (Leah)

“Ah, yes.” (Adelaide)

“Has something happened with Leon? If he wronged you, Adele, tell me. I will deal with him myself.” (Leah)

“N-no. Leon did nothing wrong.” (Adelaide)

“Is that so?” (Leah)

“Yes. It is entirely my issue.” (Adelaide)

“I see. Then, I may not be much help. Well, drink.” (Leah)

“Talking with you puts me at ease. But why are you being so kind?” (Adelaide)

“Hm. I wonder why… Perhaps because I once had someone I thought of like a younger sister.” (Leah)

“You said she was an orphan before, did you not?” (Adelaide)

“Ah, yes. She was in an orphanage until age ten.” (Leah)

“An orphanage!?” (Adelaide)

“Yes. She had the same hair color and similar features. She was cute, so she was adopted, and I have not seen her since. She was about three years older. I do not think she became as beautiful as you, Adele… wait a moment.” (Leah)

She left the dining room.

Then, I heard footsteps as the person I cared for entered.

“Welcome home, Leon.” (Leah)

“T-t-thank you. Why are you back so early?” (Leon)

“Hm. Upstairs will do.” (Leah)

Leah-san winked.

“Thank you for the tea.” (Leon)

“You are welcome. See you.” (Leah)

 

—

 

We climbed the stairs and entered Leon’s room.

“Would you like something to drink? Ah, you were having tea… Adele?” (Leon)

I pressed myself against his back as he removed his coat.

“What is it?” (Leon)

“Will you listen?” (Adelaide)

“Of course.” (Leon)

We moved to the long bench.

“Today, there was a proposal from the opera company.” (Adelaide)

“Ooh. They asked if I would become an actor?!” (Leon)

Leon blinked several times.

“Truly? Congratulations. Eh, why do you have such a look?” (Leon)

He seemed to understand by looking at me.

“It is your dream, is it not, Adele?” (Leon)

“Yes. Until yesterday, it was.” (Adelaide)

“Yesterday? What do you mean?” (Leon)

“To become an actor, I must enter an exclusive contract with the opera company. There are special terms.” (Adelaide)

“Special terms?” (Leon)

“For two years, I may not marry.” (Adelaide)

“Marry!?” (Leon)

“Yes. Marriage.” (Adelaide)

“Uh, does that mean I must part from you or sever our connection?” (Leon)

“No. That would be unacceptable.” (Adelaide)

Decades ago, such rules existed, but following a major transfer of actresses to two other opera companies and court disputes, romance is now generally permitted. Marriage, however, slightly reduces male popularity. Therefore, new actors are restricted from marriage for two years. Pregnancy and childbirth significantly impact performances, so contraception must be used. These restrictions remain as special terms. Financial compensation is provided for this inconvenience.

“Umm.” (Leon)

Leon wore a troubled expression.

“I am sorry, Adele. I did not consider marriage or such matters. I should have thought more seriously.” (Leon)

 

—

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)