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

 

 

Resolve

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Did something happen?

With a tense expression, Adele followed behind as she ascended the stairs. I needed to listen to her story, whatever it might be.

Yet the words she spoke were unexpectedly startling.

“Marry!?” (Leon)

“Yes. Marriage.” (Adele)

“Uh, does that mean parting from me or severing our connection?” (Leon)

It was, in other words, a matter of arranging her personal affairs.

“No. I would never allow that!” (Adele)

Hmm. This is a grave problem. Has Adele really been pushed to such a limit? And yet she has come to me.

“I am sorry, Adele. I never considered marriage or such matters. I should have thought about it more seriously.” (Leon)

“Eh. Yes. There is no need to apologize. I did not think that far either… Huh? Why is it? When I was told I could not marry, I suddenly felt sad… and guilty toward you, Leon.” (Adele)

Mmm. I could not fully understand.

“I am foolish, am I not? Leon has just become a university student, so he would not even be thinking about marriage right now.” (Adele)

It was not a matter of urgency to wed. That made sense. Not much time had passed since that day, and there was no way she could already be expecting a child.

“But once I become an actor, unlike at the training school, I will not know when my days will end, so it will become difficult to meet with you, Leon.” (Adele)

“Mmm. That would be unpleasant and painful, but if that is the only obstacle, you should pursue your dream, Adele. You have worked so hard for so many years.” (Leon)

“You will support me?” (Adele)

“Of course.” (Leon)

“You will not abandon me?” (Adele)

“Why would I? I will not.” (Leon)

Her tense expression softened, as if a weight had been lifted from her face.

“Ah. I suddenly feel so happy.” (Adele)

“Once again, congratulations.” (Leon)

My chest burned warmly, and I could not help but stroke her hair.

 

—

 

“The chicken flavor is well developed and very delicious.” (Leon)

It was a whole chicken broth, clear in color and equally pure in taste.

“Is that so?” (Therese)

Her words were few, yet her smile was radiant. Leah nodded beside her.

It was a casual dinner at the boarding house. Yet every dish bore intricate care. I felt fortunate to be living here. Somehow, fortune seemed to be smiling upon us.

“By the way…” (Leah)

Hmm?

Leah turned toward me.

“Is Adele alright? Well, when she left, her face had returned to a calm expression.” (Leah)

“When you say Adele-san, do you mean the young lady who came to our home last year…” (Therese)

The lady glanced slightly upward. She was probably recalling Adele’s face.

“Yes. She is my cousin.” (Leon)

“A cousin, eh?” (Therese)

A voice, largely filled with curiosity, was audible.

“Is that young lady the one who came today?” (Therese)

“Yes, Madam. When I returned home, she appeared to have just arrived here.” (Leon)

“Well then, that would be shortly past noon. Leon, did you hear anything?” (Therese)

“No. I heard that something rather surprising happened at school. I am sorry, but I cannot say more, as it concerns her personally.” (Leon)

It was necessary to set limits first. It was not a matter for idle chatter.

“Yes. That is fine. There is also the matter of her position.” (Therese)

“Y-yes.” (Leah)

With Madam Therese’s words, Leah would likely not press further.

“Well, it is good that Adele has calmed down.” (Therese)

“Yes.” (Leah)

Although cautious, Adele was grateful to Leah.

I, too, was relieved that Leah had prevented her from succumbing to despair. Evidence of that was Adele suddenly saying she was hungry. She had apparently forgotten to eat lunch. I gave her meat skewers stored in the Storage Magic.

“Hm. Leah, it seems you have taken a liking to Adele-san.” (Leon)

“Yes. Despite her appearance, she seems to have a delicate personality.” (Leah)

I see. That is her perspective.

That evening’s dinner did not proceed beyond casual conversation.

The following week, Adele informed me that she had signed a contract as an actor. By March, she would appear as a new male-role actor in the opera company’s White Team, publicized through company leaflets.

 

—

 

Late February.

“Research on the Improvement of Light Magic Art Assuming the Application of Engraved Magic”

I had decided upon my research topic for the coming several years.

I consulted with Reelin-sensei for general guidance and Richard-sensei on technical matters, compiling a plan which I submitted to the Science and Technology Department ten days prior. Reelin-sensei advised keeping the main topic broad so that changes could be made if necessary, and to adjust through the subtitle. It seemed somewhat cunning, yet clever.

Perhaps influenced by the plan, my supervising professor was soon assigned as Zila-sensei. Visiting professors were not present daily, so day-to-day supervision would largely fall to Assistant Richard-sensei.

“So, does this mean that the submitted plan has not been approved?” (Leon)

I was stopped by Richard-sensei in the workshop room.

“Precisely. And so, this Thursday during the third period, Riveran-sensei and Zila-sensei, probably Reelin-sensei as well, will attend an interview. They wish to hear you explain the plan’s outline. Is that acceptable?” (Richard)

Riveran-sensei was the department head. I had not expected an interview with him.

“Yes. Understood.” (Leon)

There was no option to refuse.

“Very well. Then,…” (Richard)

“Ah, Sensei.” (Leon)

Sensei had turned to leave but looked back.

“Um. Was there a deficiency in the plan?” (Leon)

“Deficiency?” (Richard-sensei)

This interview is not held for all students. Would a deficiency be pointed out? That is what I wonder.

“Hm. Well, there was not any significant deficiency… ah.” (Richard)

He nodded as if noticing something.

“Eh?” (Leon)

“Rather than a deficiency, the plan simply contained slightly too much detail for its kind.” (Richard)

“Too much detail?” (Leon)

“Yes. That is merely my personal opinion.” (Richard)

“I see.” (Leon)

“Since it is your first plan, it need not be entirely solid. However, your plan had a high degree of specificity. I do not know whether the department head shares my view. You need not worry excessively.” (Richard)

“Understood. Thank you.” (Leon)

I watched the professor leave.

Thursday, three days from now.

“Leon.” (Midgan)

“Yes?” (Leon)

“Your supervising professor was decided as Zila-sensei?” (Midgan)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Then, you will be with me. I look forward to working with you.” (Midgan)

“Likewise. I look forward to working with you.” (Leon)

I would be a junior in the Zila-sensei laboratory.

“Although, effectively, it will be mostly Richard-sensei.” (Midgan)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Indeed. By the way, Richard-sensei…” (Midgan)

Hmm?

“Yes?” (Leon)

“He will become a lecturer starting in April. The appointment has not been issued, and I have not heard it from him directly. Do not mention this elsewhere.” (Midgan)

Where had he obtained that information?

“Yes. That is fortunate.” (Leon)

An assistant and a lecturer were of different rank. Salary would increase and students’ perspectives would change.

“Indeed.” (Midgan)

He nodded but did not seem particularly impressed.

“…An assistant literally assists a professor or associate professor. A lecturer, however, is judged on personal or laboratory research output. If results are not achieved within about five years, advancement in this university is closed.” (Midgan)

“Is that so?” (Leon)

“Within the university, one cannot progress to associate professor or professor without first becoming a lecturer. So, becoming a lecturer is an achievement. Yet, from another perspective, it is a rather strict position.” (Midgan)

“I see.” (Leon)

“I owe the professor much. Of course, I will do my best. Leon, it would please me if you paid some attention as well.” (Midgan)

“Understood.” (Leon)

“Hahaha. Then, farewell.” (Midgan)

Hmm. He even considers Sensei’s career advancement. Perhaps this is what earns him respect.

 

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