Chapter 37

The next day, Barbarot went to Leord's mansion to report on the investigation. In the parlor, Leord and Gilbert were waiting for Barbarot.

Barbarot, who was led in by Shelia, sat on the sofa and began to report the results of the investigation.

"First, regarding the delay in the investigation from the other day, the main reason was that it took too long to find the water source."

"Hmm. You were able to find the water source, then. That's a good result."

"Yes. However, I must apologize for the significant delay."

"Gil. As I mentioned yesterday, the delay was due to my unreasonable request. Barbarot is not to blame. So, please don't blame him."

"You misunderstand, young master. While it's true that the investigation would have proceeded as planned if you hadn't made unreasonable demands, the final decision rests with the team leader, Barbarot. It is the leader's duty to take responsibility, even if a team member makes a mistake."

"That's true, but... this time, I made a selfish request as a member of the ducal family. Barbarot couldn't refuse—"

"Trying to protect him is a good thing, but it's a mistake in this case."

"You are right, Lord Gilbert. I appreciate your protection, Lord Leord, but the delay was due to my poor judgment. Therefore, it is only right that I accept the appropriate punishment."

"Barbarot... I'm sorry. It's my fault."

"It's the leader's job to manage the mistakes of subordinates. Besides, if Lord Leord hadn't worked hard, we wouldn't have found the water. So, please don't worry about it."

Leord, who had memories from modern Japan, was deeply moved by Barbarot's words. He thought that he would have been happy to work under someone like Barbarot.

While Leord was moved, the conversation between Gilbert and Barbarot continued.

"You mentioned finding water. How much do you estimate there is?"

"We haven't visually confirmed the depth of the hole, but from the sound of the stone we threw in, there seems to be a considerable amount."

"I see. Then, should we create a water channel?"

"Given that it's in the forest, a well would be impractical. So, that seems realistic."

"In that case, we should recruit earth element users..."

"I think it's possible with magic sharing."

"Indeed, using the young master's skill would make it easy."

As the three were discussing the future plans, Shelia, who was standing by the wall, raised her hand, trembling with nervousness.

"Um, may I speak, please?"

"Hmm? Sure."

Leord glanced at Gilbert, who nodded in agreement, allowing Shelia to speak.

"Yes. Based on what I've heard, couldn't we use Lord Leord's magic sharing to increase the water in the reservoir that serves as Zeato's water source?"

"..."

"Um, um! Did I say something inappropriate!?"

"No, no, that's not it. That's not it at all."

"Ha ha ha ha..."

"Ha ha ha, I can't believe we didn't think of such a simple solution..."

The three, who had been excitedly discussing, suddenly froze, making Shelia panic, thinking she had said something terribly wrong. The three then reacted in different ways.

Leord pressed his temple and looked up at the ceiling, Gilbert let out a dry laugh at his granddaughter's suggestion, and Barbarot held his head, realizing no one had thought of this idea.

Shelia, feeling extremely uneasy, didn't know what to do. Leord sighed, wondering what all the effort from the previous day had been for.

"Gil, how many people live in Zeato?"

"About 5,000, I think."

"I see—Shelia!"

"Y-Yes!"

"Thank you for your valuable input. The three of us never would have thought of it."

"N-No! My opinion isn't anything special!"

Leord laughed at Shelia, who waved her hands, insisting her idea wasn't significant.

"Ha ha ha ha! It's not a big deal, apparently. We are all less capable than Shelia."

"That's harsh."

"Indeed. We can't let her outdo us."

"Wh-What!?"

The two, sensing Leord's intention, joined in, deprecating themselves to play along. Shelia, who didn't mean to belittle them, was worried about the misunderstanding but needn't have been.

All three understood. Leord was probably teasing her, and the two were just playing along.

"Ha ha ha. Just kidding. No one thinks you're belittling us. I just found your flustered reaction amusing and couldn't help but tease you. Please forgive me."

"Wh-What!? That's terrible! I was scared, thinking I had made a mistake again! I was worried Lord Gilbert would scold me again..."

"Sorry, sorry. Cheer up."

"I don't care. Lord Leord!"

Leord bowed his head to Shelia, who turned away with a huff. Seeing Leord bow, Shelia decided to cheer up, fearing her grandfather, Gilbert, would scold her further.

"Gil, please give Shelia a reward later."

"Is that alright?"

"Yes. Solving Zeato's water shortage is worth it."

Later, Leord, Gilbert, and Barbarot visited the reservoir that served as Zeato's water source. Leord, having shared his magic with the residents of Zeato, used water magic to fill the reservoir, which had been low.

Thanks to Shelia's suggestion, Zeato's water shortage was resolved. Looking back, it was an idea that anyone could have thought of.