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Vol 03 Chapter 80-2: Flood Control I

Previously, due to the king’s illness and financial constraints, large-scale flood control was not feasible. They did manage small-scale projects from time to time.

「We’ll start flood control in all areas surrounding the proposed capital site. I’ll ask the patricians to provide personnel for labor. Naturally, we’ll cover all the costs for the laborers’ food. This should prevent any complaints from them.」

I want to send a message to the patricians with this: I don’t need your money, so at least send manpower.

「My king. I have no objections to the flood control project. It will reassure the people and it could potentially increase the harvests in the affected lands several times over thanks to proper irrigation. But do we have someone capable of designing such a large-scale project? I’m aware you’ve employed a Kirisian architect, but flood control is different from building structures. Can that Kirisian handle it?」

「No problem. I’ve hired another Kirisian, a scholar well-versed in astronomy and geology. Together with the architect, they can certainly archieve this.」

I spoke with full confidence.

「One more thing, what will happen to the defense line? As you know, the current capital was strategically placed with the defense against King Domorgal’s Country in mind. With our territory expanded and the border moved north, should we not also move the capital north? This location is actually further south.」

「That’s true. However, I no longer see King Domorgal’s Country as a significant threat to our country. The real security concern now is the danger of being encircled by our neighboring countries. Hence, it’s better to have the capital near the country’s center. I also plan to construct paved roads to the border concurrently with the flood control project. These roads should help us respond swiftly to any military actions around the border.」

Along these new roads, we will need to build stations at periodic locations. This will increase the speed of information transmission using courier horses.

If these measures are completed, we should be able to respond to threats more swiftly than ever.

「I see… then there’s no issue on my part.」

Raymond easily conceded to the relocation of the capital.

And so, the flood control project was also decided.

◇

「How about it, Ismene? How does it feel to have your master become a king?」

「…Well, it’s like the chicken’s egg I was warming ended up having a dragon hatch from it?」

「I understand yet don’t understand your analogy.」

Akira interjected with a wry smile.

「Ah, but it was an excellent suppression. I’ve seen and heard about various civil wars in the places I’ve been, but I’ve never seen anyone settle things as neatly as you, my king. Would it be alright if I wrote a book about it?」

「It’s fine. Do as you wish. But don’t exaggerate too much.」

History books from the past tend to be quite arbitrary. You always see numbers that make you feel like they’ve added several extra zeroes at the end.

Witness A: 「It was a tremendous army!」

Recorder A: 「I see… let’s make it a million then.」

I’m sure this scene happened at least once in history.

◇

「So, why did you call for me?」

「Well, to put it bluntly, I want you to design a new capital. Akira, you too, I’m counting on your knowledge.」

There’s no time to visit other countries to study their capitals right now. These two are my only hope. Especially Akira, who has seen the capitals of the Scarlet Empire and the Persis Empire, possesses invaluable first-hand information.

「Really?!! Are you really letting me design the new capital?!!」

Ismene leaned forward, excited. For an architect, this must be the ultimate honor.

「It’s not just you. I plan to call on another Kirisians as well. Whether your design is chosen will depend on your skill.」

But I’m well aware of Ismene’s talent. It’s unlikely there’s a better architect than her in the Adernian peninsula.

「But the place I have in mind has been prone to severe flooding in the past.」

I handed the map to Ismene and pointed to the planned location.

「Wow… this is… certainly a challenging location.」

Ismene frowned, looking concerned.

「That’s why we need to undertake flood control before constructing the capital. Can you also take care of it? It should encompass this area…」

When I asked about the flood control, Ismene’s expression darkened.

「I can handle small-scale rivers, but this large scale would be challenging… if not handled properly, flood control can worsen the flooding. I will need someone with specialized knowledge. We will need the help of a magician as well.」

「I see. So, we need a geologist.」

Tetra can fill in for the magician, but finding a geologist is a problem… Isn’t there one looking for a job somewhere?

Then, a guard asked for permission and entered the office.

「My King, Ainz-sama requests an audience with you.」

What could it be? I’ve already paid back my debt.

「Ainz? Let him in.」

As I said that, Ainz entered the room. After ceremoniously sitting himself in a chair and bowing deeply, he began to speak.

「Actually, I have come here to offer you the services of a geologist!」

「What does this mean? Do you have the power of foresight?」

「No, I don’t. It just so happened that I got my hands on a geologist when I overheard your conversation about needing one.」

This guy is impressive.

Does your trading company even deal with geologists? Good timing.

「It’s my brother.」

「…Have you turned your own brother into a slave…?」

That’s the lowest of the low.

「No! He’s not a slave. He’s a proper person, I think… He is a bit of an eccentric, though. Would you please meet with him?」

「Alright, let’s meet him.」

After a while, Ainz brought in a man who introduced himself as Nikolaos.

I don’t know why, but he’s emitting a strange aura.

「I am a scholar from Kirisia named Nikolaos, I specialize in astronomy but I’m also skilled in mathematics, geology, and physics.」

「Ah! Nikolaos the eccentric from Alto! Number one on the ‘Most Annoying Scholar’ rankings!」

Ismene pointed at Nikolaos.

「Hey! Who are you calling eccentric?!」

Even your brother called you an eccentric, though. But number one in the annoying rankings? There’s such a ranking?

「He’s incredibly annoying. Always harping on about how the Earth orbits around the sun, he uses it so much that it has become his catchphrase. In the morning, instead of a greeting, he says ‘It orbits,’ and at conferences, he only repeats that the earth orbits around the sun. And yet, he never presents solid evidence. Then, when someone refutes him, with his persecution complex, claims he is being persecuted for his ideas. Are you trying to play the tragic scholar? You’re not being persecuted for your ideas; it’s just that you, yourself, are annoying. A friend of mine is always complaining about your antics.」

「I’m telling you, my calculations are correct!」

「Missing some numbers, aren’t you? Then prove it by finding the annual parallax!」

「Well, you explain the retrograde motion of the stars!」

Aren’t you guys forgetting you are in front of a king? Well, I don’t really mind. It’s good they have some nerve.

It’s turning into an online argument battle. Are all Kirisians like this? They seem to be arguing about the heliocentric and geocentric models. Which one is the correct one here?

For now, it’s confirmed that this world is round. It’s easy to see if you observe a ship sailing. But whether we’re orbiting the sun or the sun is orbiting us hasn’t been confirmed yet. In this world, there’s magic, a Griffon, fairies, blessings, and other strange things so I wouldn’t be surprised if the sun orbited the earth as well. I don’t understand astronomy anyway.

「Whether the sun revolves around the earth or vice versa isn’t my concern right now. What’s important is, can you help with flood control?」

I asked, cutting through their heated debate.

「Yes, I can. I’m quite confident in my understanding of river dynamics,」

Good, that’s what matters.

「Alright then, Ismene, Akira, Nikolaos, and Tetra, I’m entrusting these four with the flood control project. The project will begin when it’s approved at the council with Raymond and the others, but you can start with the preliminary research.」

「Understood!」

I wonder how long flood control projects typically take. It probably depends on the size of the river and the scope of the project, but having a team with diverse expertise should help expedite the process.