第１０７６堀：医者として見た村のありよう (Part2)
"The total operating time so far is about six hours straight. No troubles. If there is a problem, it’s the discharge volume. Looking at the footage, it seems like a lot at first glance. But, if the entire village were to use it to their heart's content every day..."
"The absolute volume is low."
"Indeed."
If it were just one family using it, this would be more than enough. However, there are around 100 people living in this village, and they use water not just for eating and drinking, but for their fields as well. Considering that, it certainly feels precarious.
"But it's collecting in the reservoir, right? It’s not like they’re using it constantly."
"Well, yes. In a few more days, it should be full for the time being. But still, if they start watering the fields, the absolute volume will definitely fall short. After all, right now, no one is using it at all."
That is the reality. The footage we are seeing right now does not reflect a situation where everyone is utilizing the water. It is merely a scene of water flowing out. If the villagers were to hear about this, given that they have been restricted on water until now, they would surely rush in to claim it and use it up rapidly. If that happens, the water in the reservoir, which has barely begun to accumulate, would be empty in the blink of an eye.
I was agonizing over whether there was any other good method when...
"So, I have a proposal. To compensate for the low absolute volume I just mentioned, and to collect more data on the device, I want to install another unit and have a reservoir dug large enough to store the water from that additional unit."
As expected of Agil. She had already figured out the necessary course of action and proposed it. Indeed, what she is saying makes perfect sense. As things stand, there isn't enough water, so we install another water-producing device and dig a reservoir to match.
"I agree with Agil's proposal. We still don't know the cause of the water shortage. I believe our priority should be securing the water supply first."
"Mikos agrees too. Water shortages are difficult in many ways, so I think everyone will feel relieved if there is water."
"I also agree with Agil's proposal. The work will take some time, but this provides a means to resolve the water shortage for now. If we can stabilize that, I think it will be easier to report to outside parties."
Not just me, but Mikos and Kirue also agree with Agil's opinion. That’s right. Above all else, water. If we can secure that, we can buy time for whatever else we need to do.
"Indeed. Then, let's go with that direction. For this time only, I will use magic to create the reservoir. It would take far too long to dig it by hand, after all. Well, we could leave it to the villagers or soldiers, but that’s a concern in its own right."
"Yes. Water is a sensitive matter. Besides, it wouldn't be good to tell them that we were the ones who supplied it. It would be better for Princess Fiora to inform the villagers that the water has been secured."
"That's true. It would be a disaster if the village decided to leave the rule of the Dafaio Kingdom and join Weed because we provided the water."
As Kirue and Agil say, they are right. If that were to happen, the governance of the Dafaio Kingdom would be shaken. Furthermore, it would be troublesome for us if this village were to come under our direct protection, so to avoid such trouble, it is appropriate for Princess Fiora to make the announcement.
"That's the consensus, but what do you think, Show-dono?"
"I agree with everyone's opinion as well. If there isn't enough water, increase it. And rather than us reporting it, we uphold the Dafaio Kingdom. I think you've grasped the important points. Well, the problem is the cause of the water shortage. I went around asking the villagers, but as expected, the possibility that it's because it hasn't rained for a long time is high, so it's difficult..."
Show-san shakes his head as he says this. Since it is a matter of nature, it seems there is nothing that can be done.
"Well, we have no choice but to investigate that thoroughly and report the facts. Then, I will convey this to Princess Fiora, and we will begin the work tomorrow. I'm counting on you."
" " "Yes." " "
And so, we began to move to properly resolve the water shortage.