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

 

 

Bluff

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Mmnnn.” (Leon)

When my eyelids opened, it was dim.

Huh! Ah, I see. That is right. We slept together. The last time I slept with someone was when I had crawled into Conan-niisan’s bed, more than ten years ago. But that is beside the point.

Even though I am wearing nothing, it is warm.

“Ufuu… ah. Leon-chan, good morning.” (Adele)

“Ah, good morning.” (Leon)

“Are you getting up?” (Adele)

“It is a little before nine.” (Leon)

“Hey, just a little longer.” (Adele)

In the end, I woke up after ten o’clock. After eating a breakfast of bread and salad, I put on my robe again.

“Hey, Leon-chan. Here.” (Adele)

It was a key. She offered it with both hands as if presenting a gift.

“Take it with you.” (Adele)

“But–…” (Leon)

“This time, come next Saturday at night. I will be there by nine. Even if someone invites you, come back properly.” (Adele)

I heard that the opera company has Sunday and Monday off.

The reason is that in the Holy Divine Church, the Sabbath is from sunset on Saturday to sunset on Sunday. Although it has become largely ceremonial, markets do not open and theaters likely to draw crowds remain closed.

“Alright. I understand.” (Leon)

When I received the key, Adele smiled blissfully.

I took a step or two toward the entrance but returned to hold her close.

 

—

 

Monday.

The semester’s end was approaching, and the liberal arts examinations were underway. I had already earned the credits for those courses, so I did not go to the university and came instead to the Royal Capital branch of the Liones Trading Company in the Eastern Ward. I was shown into the reception room.

“Ah, Leon.” (Duncan)

Soon, the person I was waiting for arrived.

“Oji-san. Hello.” (Leon)

Branch Manager Duncan and Secretary Nicola entered.

“I am sorry to trouble you by coming.” (Leon)

“Not at all.” (Duncan)

“Now, let us begin with business.” (Duncan)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“About the joint project for the iron.” (Duncan)

The steam-function magical iron I had applied for had been prioritized by the company for examination and was registered at the end of February. The period for objections still remained, but for now the patent rights belonged to me and Liones Trading Company.

“A joint project. Your work is fast indeed.” (Leon)

“Hahaha. I am flattered, but it was not proposed by us.” (Duncan)

“From the other party?!” (Leon)

Oji-san nodded. The Patent Guild, upon finalizing registration, notifies the patent holder and publishes the contents of the patent. Therefore, companies that saw the public notice contacted Liones Trading Company, which was listed as the named patent holder.

“The parties that have contacted us are, for now, Conrad Trading Company and Rexby Trading Company.” (Duncan)

“I see.” (Leon)

Conrad Trading Company is the firm that produced the iron I had modified. They are mid-tier in domestic magical apparatus manufacturing. And Rexby Trading Company is the largest domestic trading company, handling everything from cradle to coffin.

“Now, regarding the situation, their statements differ completely.” (Duncan)

“I see.” (Leon)

“Conrad Trading Company said they were very impressed by the prototype, though half of that is diplomatic courtesy. They wish to commercialize it and will pay a licensing fee. They requested, under a non-disclosure agreement, technical disclosure, magic stones, and three actual units each.” (Duncan)

I see.

“They are friendly, though.” (Duncan)

“And Rexby Trading Company?” (Leon)

“Yes. They are quite hostile.” (Duncan)

“Hostile, you say?” (Leon)

“They offer 10,000 Cecil (roughly 10 million yen), for the exclusive sales rights. If we refuse, they are ready to file objections to destroy the patent.” (Duncan)

“That much is unnecessary just to file an objection.” (Leon)

“Exactly. Even if the objection succeeds, they will not gain exclusive sales rights.” (Duncan)

At present, no similar products are circulating. The fact that they pressured us after seeing the publication suggests that, even if there are partially known examples, the rights likely do not belong to Rexby Trading Company. If they had rights, filing objections or suing later to claim royalties would be simpler than pressuring. No sales are currently occurring, so no urgent damage arises.

In other words, the straightforward approach would not succeed, hence this.

“Tou-sama and Kaa-sama have heard of this, correct? Have they given any instructions? If allowed, please tell me.” (Leon)

“Yes. You could say that is why you were brought here. For Conrad Trading Company, proceed. For Rexby Trading Company, leave them be.” (Duncan)

This largely aligns with my intentions. If the latter can be handled, some movement may occur during the objection period.

“Is it safe to leave them be? We would be opposing Rexby Trading Company.” (Leon)

“Hahaha. If the opponent is them, any product sold is a rival.” (Duncan)

“Do not engage in business that defies reason.” (Leon)

That is the company motto of Liones Trading Company.

“Yes. For now, I have a favor to ask.” (Duncan)

“Magic stones and actual units. Three each, correct?” (Leon)

“You are quick.” (Duncan)

“Understood. Emilia’s workshop also has lighting magical apparatus.” (Leon)

Oji-san nodded with a smile. They should be busy fulfilling orders for the National Theatre.

“I will pay for labor properly. Nicola.” (Duncan)

“Understood. The iron products will be sent separately to Leon-sama’s residence. How shall we handle the magic crystals?” (Nicola)

Leon-sama. Well, I have become a business partner now.

“Yes, if they are here, I will take them home along with the irons.” (Leon)

“You will take them? I see. Very well. We shall prepare them.” (Nicola)

Nicola bowed and left the reception room.

“Now, that concludes the business discussion.” (Duncan)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Hmm?” (Duncan)

“By the way, is Yohan-kun alright?” (Leon)

“Yohan?” (Duncan)

Oji-san blinked several times.

“I see. Adelaide, who he had grown attached, left. Occasionally he cries. He returned Sunday, and then he was clingy. More importantly…”  (Duncan)

“More importantly?” (Leon)

“Blanche sometimes appears absent-minded and cries.” (Duncan)

“Oba-san?” (Leon)

“Yes. According to the head maid, that is how mothers are. Apparently, it is worse if it is a son.” (Duncan)

I wonder. Kaa-sama is different, I think. She seems concerned about me, at least. She does not cry.

“And you, Oji-san?” (Leon)

“Me? Well… Adelaide is my stepdaughter. We have known each other for just over a year, but it has brought some weight.” (Duncan)

“Indeed.” (Leon)

“Well, my shoulders feel a little lighter now.” (Duncan)

“Shoulders?” (Leon)

Oji-san nodded thoughtfully.

“When I was with Blanche, I swore to properly raise both daughters, like Yohan. It was quite a burden. That burden has lessened somewhat. Normally, this is felt when sending a daughter off to marriage, but becoming an actress is equivalent to that.” (Duncan)

“I see.” (Leon)

Oji-san is admirable. As someone dating Adele, I feel a little guilty. She said not to mention it, so there is nothing I can do.

“Therefore, Leon.” (Duncan)

“Yes.” (Leon)

“Soon, you will also take a daughter from some household.” (Duncan)

“Ah.” (Leon)

“Pay a little attention to the father-in-law as well.” (Duncan)

 

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