第１０７７堀：ひとまずの安心 (Part2)
Subordinates who offer honest counsel are precious. The fact that I still have such people by my side proves that this country is not yet finished; it is a joyous realization. Furthermore, we have now secured a prospect for our water supply, however temporary it may be.
"Now, we have confirmed the safety of the water. First, as Yuki-sama suggested, we will inform the villagers. The investigation will come after that. Understood?"
"Yes!"
With that decided, we headed to the village chief to inform him that not only had the reservoir been filled, but a small lake had formed further back, and we asked him to see it for himself.
"I-is this really... all in just one day?"
"Yes. Will this last for a while?"
"Yes! Indeed! With this tool that makes water spring forth infinitely, we won't have to rely on the river anymore!"
The village chief was overjoyed, but the reality is that things are not so simple.
"Village Chief. Unfortunately, this tool is still in the prototype stage. While the people of Weed installed it for us, it is not guaranteed to last forever. It is also serving as an experiment. Therefore, we cannot rely solely on something that could break at any moment."
"...Is that so?"
The village chief’s shoulders slumped at my words. It is true; one might easily think that all our water problems were solved by this device alone—much like how I instinctively reached for that core back in Weed.
Furthermore, as Yuki-sama hinted, once this experiment concludes, it will likely transition to a formal rental. Naturally, there will be a cost involved. A device like this cannot be created for free, nor is it cheap to maintain. It is a groundbreaking invention that solves the water source issues every lord has faced—the ability to draw pure water from nothingness.
The value of this device will be astronomical. I find it hard to believe that our Dafaio Kingdom, a mere small nation, could easily get its hands on such a thing.
"That is precisely why we will conduct an investigation of the water source while we have this supply. If the results are not favorable, please be prepared to abandon this village by the time this reservoir and the small lake run dry."
"..."
For the village chief, who built this village alongside the villagers, this must be incredibly painful. It carries the same weight as being told to abandon my own country.
"However, for now, let us celebrate the fact that water is flowing into the reservoir once again. Come, Village Chief, please tell the villagers. And regarding its management as well."
"Indeed. Let us celebrate first. And I shall pray that the Princesses' investigation concludes safely and brings a successful resolution!"
"Thank you. Though, supplies must be tight, so please don't push yourselves..."
Half-smiling, I arrived in front of the house where the conference room was located—the place where Yuki-sama and the others were waiting—only to see them spreading out numerous tables in front of the building for some reason.
"Yuki-sama. What is this?"
"Ah, you’ve returned. Fiora-hime, did you speak with the village chief?"
"Ah, yes. That is not a problem. I have informed him properly."
"Yes. Yuki-sama, everyone from Weed, thank you so much for your dedication to this village. But, what is all this?"
"Ah, well, since we have plenty of water to use today, I thought we might have a little celebration. Besides, we’ll be moving on to the water source investigation starting tomorrow, so it’s to boost morale. Oh, and of course, there is enough for all of you, not just us."
As Yuki-sama gestured, I saw a mountain of food piled up. And what’s more...
"I-ice cream as well! It’s going to melt! Are you an idiot!?"
What are you doing! At this rate, the ice cream will melt and vanish! I cannot allow such a waste!
"Princess!? What are you saying to Yuki-sama!"
"Silence! Everyone, assist Yuki-sama and his group immediately! Summon the villagers as well!"
"Y-yes!"
I will absolutely not allow such a reckless act! We must eat the cold ice cream! Above all else, we must secure it in our stomachs first!
"Now, now, please calm down, Fiora-hime. We are using ice magic, so it won't melt that easily."
Just as I reached for the ice cream, a voice called out to me. I turned to see Sho-sama, a fellow ice-cream lover from the Zrable Great Empire, giving me a wry smile.
"M-my apologies. I have shown you an unsightly scene."
"Not at all. Under normal circumstances, seeing boxes of ice cream left out like this would make anyone think the same. Even my Emperor would have likely gone into a frenzy."
"Eh?"
And so, thanks to Yuki-sama’s kindness, the village was enveloped in a rare brightness as the night deepened. Oh, and I made sure to secure the ice cream properly.
***
We have secured the water for now. So, a small celebration. This should improve our reputation with Weed a little. You know, you might think it’s cheap, but there is great significance in the act of handing over the physical goods.