[TIDK] 133 – College of Engineering

June 10

Scarlett's hurried footsteps echoed as she made her way towards the government building. Following Blythe's guidance, she swung open the door, only to be engulfed by a harsh cloud of cigarette smoke that made her cough involuntarily. Amidst the haze, Viktor, who had been engrossed in studying a map, caught sight of her. Observing Scarlett's anxious expression, he calmly inquired in a leisurely tone, "Do you love me?"

//the way he tests her memory -why is Viktor so funny

Scarlett took a moment to compose herself before replying, "I'm perfectly composed now."

"Such a pity," Viktor responded with a hint of regret.

Letting out a sigh, Scarlett gathered her thoughts and continued, "Is there no alternative way to ascertain it?"

"Why? It's more efficient," Viktor insisted.

Each time Viktor asked her about her love, Scarlett's heart fluttered. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension, fearing that she might blurt out her feelings without due consideration.

After a heavy exhale, she finally spoke up, "If I want to pursue aircraft engineering, I believe I need to delve into a more specialised study. That's why... I truly wish you could help me gain admission to Salantier Collect of Engineering."

"..."

"Recommendations, or something like that..."

Instead of offering a direct response, Viktor gazed at Scarlett intently, his eyes locked on her. Sensing her discomfort, Scarlett mustered the courage to speak up, her words hesitant. "You said you would?"

"Of course," Viktor replied, his voice trailing off briefly as he pondered. Then, breaking the silence, he suggested, "Wouldn't it be better to arrange private tutoring? I can call in a professor."

Scarlett, puzzled, asked, "How would you go about summoning a professor?"

"By simply ordering them to visit your home," Viktor nonchalantly proposed.

Caught off guard by his casual remark, Scarlett found herself momentarily at a loss. In moments like these, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of man she had been living with.

Rather than directly answering, Scarlett gave a slight nod. Observing her reaction, Viktor extinguished his cigarette with a flick, retrieved a sheet of paper, swiftly jotted something down, and then rose from his seat. Extending the letter towards her, he spoke, "I've already informed them, so take this. And in the future, please give me advance notice before coming."

Scarlett asked, "Why is that?"

"You said you hate the smell of cigarettes."

"Well... yes, I guess."

“Good.” Viktor sighed.

He opened the door and gently nudged Scarlett forward before swiftly closing it behind her. Confusion washed over Scarlett as she nervously fiddled with the letter in her hands, uncertain of what to expect.

Just as she was about to embark on her journey, a peddler hurriedly approached from a distance.

"Allow me to accompany you," the peddler offered.

"Huh? It might be inconvenient for you..."

"Not at all," the peddler replied, their face adorned with a comforting smile.

Scarlett couldn't shake off her lingering concerns, questioning if this letter alone would be enough. With a mix of trepidation and determination, she boarded the tram heading towards Salantier Collect of Engineering. Although the university – Salantier Institute of Technology – resided within the vibrant heart of the city, the College of Engineering stood in a location far removed from the bustling centre.

After an arduous tram ride spanning nearly two hours, Scarlett blinked in astonishment as she disembarked at the Salantier College of Engineering stop, taking in the sight of the building before her.

"...Is that it?" she whispered to herself in disbelief.

It was an ageing structure that left her wondering if it met her envisioned standards. Pallin, who had accompanied her, was equally perplexed, unable to hide his surprise as he uttered his thoughts aloud.

"It looks like a school in a small town," Scarlett murmured, her fingers nervously tracing the edges of the letter as she approached the entrance of Salantier's College of Engineering.

In Salantier, the southern region boasted fertile lands that the nobles eagerly acquired for farming, while the northern part remained a harsh and unforgiving terrain. If Pallin hadn't taken the lead, walking confidently ahead, Scarlett's boots would have been swallowed by the snow that cascaded around them.

With a determined grip, Pallin swung open the heavy doors of the College of Engineering, startling a male student who had been about to do the same. Recovering quickly, he glanced at Pallin and spoke up, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"You have remarkable genes."

"Pardon?"

Taken aback by the unexpected comment, Scarlett's brows furrowed.

The young man leaned in, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "Leave behind a prodigious lineage. The few elites can save countless lives, albeit often at the expense of others. Do you have a fondness for exploitation?"

Scarlett's response was swift and resolute. "No, he does not."

A knowing smile played on the young man's lips. "Then it seems fitting for you to carry on your legacy. Farewell for now."

With a respectful nod, the student began to retreat, but before he could vanish entirely, he turned towards Scarlett, his expression both sincere and doubtful. "Of course, madam, you too possess exceptional genes, but my ability to converse with women is lacking. I fear I would only utter foolishness. I bid you farewell."

And just like that, he abruptly took a different path, vanishing into the distance.

Scarlett and Pallin, taken aback, stood in front of the door for a moment, exchanging bewildered glances before mustering their composure and making their way towards the president's office, clutching the letter of recommendation. As they approached, a young female student sporting oversized glasses emerged from a worn-out room, catching their attention with her words.

"Excuse me."

Scarlett's face lit up with anticipation, envisioning the possibility of finding a study partner. With a warm smile, she responded, "Yes?"

"What brings you here?"

"Oh, I'm here for enrolment... I also have a letter of recommendation."

Curiosity sparked in the student's eyes as she inquired, "What field of study?"

"Engineering," Scarlett replied, a sense of determination shining through her words.

A burst of excitement escaped the young woman's lips, causing two male students to dash out of the room behind her. With a sense of urgency, they handed Scarlett a stack of textbooks and reference materials, their voices intertwining.