Chapter 29

After the wyvern incident, nothing particularly eventful happened, and Leord spent his days in peace. As always, Gilbert and Barbarot treated him under the pretext of a diet, but overall, things were calm.

It had been about three months since Leord arrived in Zeato. The season had changed from spring to summer since he left the academy.

The world of Fate 48 has the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and the climate is basically the same as Japan's.

Therefore, the scorching sun was now baking the skin, and the summer sun was raging.

Leord, having finished his daily training, sought water to quench his parched throat.

"Water... Give me water..."

Like a withered mummy, Leord asked Gilbert for water. Gilbert promptly took out a cup and handed water to Leord.

"Master. I have a report to make."

While gulping down the water, Gilbert delivered a report to Leord.

"Hmm. What is it?"

"Currently, Zeato is experiencing a water shortage."

"What!? What do you mean!?"

"Yes. Due to the lack of rain recently, there is a water shortage.

If this drought continues, it will become a serious problem. The residents are now trying to conserve water."

"Master Leord. Currently, Zeato is using the water from the reservoir to get by.

As Gilbert mentioned, the drought is continuing, and the river water level is dropping. If this continues, there will definitely not be enough water."

"Can't something be done?"

"Without finding a new water source, it will be difficult..."

"The knights have also sent out investigation teams, but so far, there has been no significant report."

(What, I didn't know about this event! What should I do!?

Wait, can't we do something with magic?)

Leord thought of an idea and suggested it, but reality was not so simple.

"Can we use magic to supplement the water?"

"Master. It might be possible for an individual, but this is a problem for the entire Zeato.

If we try to supplement all the drinking and living water with magic, no matter how much magic power we have, it won't be enough. Moreover, it's not just for one day."

"Oh... I see..."

Leord felt dejected by his shallow thinking but quickly changed his mindset.

He wondered why Gilbert had come to him with this issue. He was just a mere presence, not even a proxy lord.

While he could fight a bit now, he had little chance of being of help with the water shortage.

Thinking this far, Leord still couldn't understand why he was told about the water shortage. So, he decided to ask straightforwardly.

"I have a question. Why are you reporting this to me?"

"That's because I told Gilbert that Master Leord might come up with a good idea."

"You're giving me too much credit. I can't think of anything else. At best, we can only focus on water conservation."

"I see... I'm sorry for asking too much."

"Don't worry. It means you value me, so I won't blame you."

However, no one could come up with a solution to the water shortage.

"Um..."

While the three of them were scratching their heads, the maid Shelia peeked in, tentatively addressing them.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"N-no. It's just that you usually train, but today you all looked so serious... I couldn't help but listen..."

"Shelia! I understand your curiosity, but do you know what it means to eavesdrop on your master's conversation!?"

"S-sorry!!"

"Alright, Gilbert. This is an important matter, but Shelia is not entirely uninvolved. There's no need to be angry."

"Master. This is something that needs to be strictly disciplined from the start. As a maid serving the Duke's household, she must maintain decorum.

Especially eavesdropping on Master Leord's conversation is unacceptable.

If this were a highly confidential matter, it would require a more serious response."

"Ah...!"

Shelia let out a small scream, not expecting to hear the word "serious" from her grandfather, Gilbert.

"Indeed, you're right, Gilbert. But since Shelia is scared, I'll let it slide this time for my sake."

"You're too lenient, Master. However, if you insist, I have no choice."

Shelia, realizing she wouldn't be punished, sighed in relief.

"So, Shelia. You must have a reason for speaking to us. What is it?"

"Ah, right. About the water shortage, since Master Leord can use earth and water magic, I thought you could investigate the water source or create a reservoir..."

"Hmm..."

"Shelia! I taught you to seek permission from your master before giving your opinion!"

Leord was impressed by Shelia's suggestion, but Gilbert scolded her for giving an opinion without permission.

"Gil. Don't be so angry. I'm not upset."

"Master, don't be so lenient! Shelia will get out of hand!"

"H-hai..."

Leord, overwhelmed by Gilbert's sternness, could only nod.

"More importantly, Master Leord. Is it possible to do what the maid suggested?"

"I won't say it's impossible, but it might be better to call in specialists from the capital."

"Is it possible for you, Master?"

"I've never tried it, so I can't say for sure."

"Hmm..."

Gilbert, hearing Leord's words, seemed to be thinking about something. Leord tilted his head, puzzled by Gilbert's sudden contemplation.

"Master. It might be a good opportunity. Join the knights' investigation team to investigate the water source and also deal with monsters."

"Hmm, I see. I understand—Huh!?"

Leord, nodding in agreement with Gilbert's suggestion, was taken aback by the last part of his words.

The next update is scheduled for Monday.