第１０７７堀：ひとまずの安心 (Part1)
Chapter 1077: A Moment of Relief
Side: Fiora da Faio, First Princess of the Kingdom of Faio
"And so, this is what we have prepared through yesterday's work."
The reservoir Yuki-sama guided me to was not only brimming with water, but right next to it, a large, newly excavated basin—I couldn't fathom how they had created it—was being filled with a steady, flowing stream, forming a small lake.
"…To be able to accomplish all of this in the time since yesterday?"
Staring at such an unrealistic scene, I was left dumbfounded. I should have expressed my gratitude immediately, but my emotions simply couldn't keep pace with the reality before me.
"Unfortunately, the amount of water the equipment installed this time can supply isn't enough to fill this up instantly. I judged that we needed to handle this urgently, so I supplemented it with magic."
"Is that so…"
…The mages we had requested could barely fill this reservoir even if several of them worked themselves to the bone; they struggled just to provide enough water for the villagers to survive for two or three days. Yet, when we asked the mages of Weed, they could accomplish this with such ease. I was stunned by the sheer, insurmountable gap in their magical prowess.
When they arrived at the village yesterday, I had felt it was quite rude of them not to use the house the village chief had gone out of his way to prepare. However, they used that house as a conference room and, in the blink of an eye, not only prepared their own living quarters but also provided accommodations for us from the Kingdom of Faio.
The buildings provided were apparently experimental "container houses," but the interior design was magnificent. Even the soldiers, who were told their quarters were "simple," found them to be a vast improvement over tents and were highly pleased. Above all, the fact that they had unlimited access to water and baths—something even the royal palace couldn't provide—was astonishing.
Well, perhaps it isn't so strange that they can do such things if they can supply water this easily.
Initially, I hadn't believed the rumors about Weed at all, dismissing them as exaggerated, tall tales. But after seeing the city of Weed, and now witnessing this result, I can no longer claim disbelief. After all, the undeniable reality is spread out before my very eyes.
My father, who ordered this mission, didn't have high expectations either. That is precisely why I am now troubled by how to explain this to him so that he might believe it.
"And this here is the equipment that supplies the water."
"…This is it? It certainly is producing water."
Inside the locked shed Yuki-sama led me to, a device sat prominently, and from the iron pipe attached to it, water was gushing out with a steady splash. The water flowed into a channel leading to the reservoir, ensuring a constant supply.
"Regarding the operation of this device…"
From there, he taught me the operation method with great care. That’s right—even if Weed conducts an investigation into the water shortage, it doesn't guarantee the problem will be solved. We must be able to use this device to supplement the water supply when necessary. I needed to learn how to use it properly, so I listened with the utmost seriousness.
"…I see. So, that means there is no telling when a malfunction might occur?"
"Yes. We haven't conducted durability tests yet."
"No, despite the suddenness of the request, I have nothing but words of gratitude for you providing something of this caliber."
What he had presented was the cold, hard fact that we didn't know how long the device would function normally. But even so, I could have no complaints after they had provided so much in such a short time. I could only offer my deepest thanks.
"No, it is too early for thanks. If we continue to conduct durability tests here and gather data, it will lead to the completion of a more stable water supply device. For that reason, I ask for your cooperation."
"Is that what this is about?"
From the beginning, Yuki-sama has been very considerate toward the Kingdom of Faio. Of course, the underlying reason is likely his consideration for the positions of Seraria-sama, the Queen of Weed, and my sister, Aria-sama, the next Queen of Roschur. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that they have kindly provided us with the means to survive.
Therefore, I shall nod honestly and follow Yuki-sama's intent.
"Understood. To complete this water supply device, the Kingdom of Faio shall install them in many villages to observe the results. Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—there are many villages suffering from water shortages, so if you install them there, you will be able to gather plenty of data."
"I see. Then, let us make use of that. First, I would like you to inform the people of this village that the water supply is ready. It would be problematic if we just did it on our own."
"Indeed. We will inform the villagers, so please wait in the conference room prepared by the village chief. We can finalize the future schedule there."
"Understood. Then, we shall see you there shortly."
With that, Yuki-sama and his group left the water supply shed. As I watched them go, one of my guards voiced his doubt.
"Princess… is that water truly safe?"
"Are you doubting Yuki-sama and his people?"
"Ah, no. My apologies. However, I suspect many others may share my misgivings… There is the possibility of it being poisoned water."
"That is certainly a possibility. This is a mine, after all. Then…"
The soldier's point was valid. Even if we asked for it and they provided it, there is room for doubt as to whether it is truly safe to use. Even though we requested it, to the villagers who don't know the process, this is clearly an abnormal situation. They would naturally be wary of whether the water coming from a shed built in such a place is safe. After all, water in mines is often dangerous, and there are many sources in this region that are undrinkable due to toxins. It is standard practice to investigate and confirm the water before drinking.
However…
"Princess!?"
Ignoring the soldier's attempt to stop me, I cupped the gushing water in my hands and drank it down.
Ah, it was cold, pure, and clear. It did not taste like water tainted by mine toxins. Rather, it was like the fresh water found in a lush forest—something that could never be obtained at the foot of these mines.
"There is no problem. It is clean water."
"You didn't have to do that yourself; we could have tested it…"
"No, I had to be the one to drink it. I asked them to come here; it would be unthinkable for me to doubt them and refuse to drink it myself."
"But the safety issue…"
"That is part of it. Doubting the people of Weed is the problem in the first place. Do you think I lack the discernment to judge that?"
Besides, if they were going to poison us here, this country would be finished anyway. Though, I highly doubt there is any reason for them to do such a thing.
"Normally, your concerns would be valid, and I do not fail to understand them. But in this time and place, you must understand that this action carries political significance."
"Understood!" the guards replied in unison.