Chapter 20

After making sure that Aruru had squatted down by the riverbank where reeds grew, I headed towards Torre.

"Let's get started right away."

As soon as he arrived, Torre grabbed the gears and his eyes sparkled.

Even if I say "assemble," all I can do is hand over the parts. It's not like a woodworking set where you just fit the pieces together.

While Torre started assembling the gears with brisk movements, I sighed in admiration at the pile of materials.

Since we can't use iron yet, these are wooden gears, but they are intricately made. It's hard to believe he managed to create such a large quantity in such a short time. All I can do is praise him. And he's already built the water wheel too, which is quite impressive.

Hmm, what's this?

A green tube like a hose catches my eye. When I pick it up, it feels squishy. It feels like a soft rubber hose, but I've never seen rubber products in the Principality before.

Maybe there was rubber, and I just didn't know about it? If so, I feel like I've missed out... but it's too late now.

"Sure enough, young Master Joshua. Your keen eye is truly inspiring."

Without stopping his work, Torre chuckled and spoke to me.

"What is this?"

When I pull it, it stretches. If it's made of a rubber-like material, it probably doesn't let water through.

"That's the skin of a Kaiser Frog," Torre said.

"Eh... a frog's skin!?"

I stop trying to run water through the hose by the riverside. I wish I could be praised for not throwing it away.

"Of course, just peeling the skin won't make it usable. We have to go through a process similar to tanning leather."

"Hmm. Do you use different chemicals for tanning?"

"Yes, I thought this would be perfect for this part."

"Indeed. This is great. I wonder if there are Kaiser Frogs here too."

"Perhaps. There might be similar monsters. Hehehe."

It's worth looking for. I should consult with someone like Baltro. Capturing frogs might not be popular...

"Hmm. Young Master, that look on your face... You must be thinking of something interesting!"

"Ah, yeah. If we can prepare a large quantity, we can use this for many things."

"That sounds exciting. We must find those Kaiser Frogs."

In Japan, rubber products were everywhere. From tires and window seals to rubber bands, they had various uses. If we can make rubber products, our options will expand.

If we have rubber, we might even be able to make plastic, which could lead to a breakthrough in Cambreland.

"No, wait. We don't have to get it from frogs."

"Hmm?"

"Maybe we can look into certain plants. If we can find frogs, that's fine, but for mass production, we need something we can cultivate."

"Are you suggesting raising frogs?"

"That's a bit... I'd rather not."

Let's move away from frogs... I remember rubber comes from the sap of rubber trees.

While we were talking, Torre's fingers continued to work precisely and delicately. The next part is a large one.

"I can help if you just need someone to hold things."

"Then, could you lift that end for me?"

"Got it."

Time to stop playing with the frog rubber. Finally, it's my turn to help.

But then, a gruff male voice from behind stopped Torre and me.

"Master Joshua, may I assist you?"

"Rumburg!"

"I may be unworthy, but I have plenty of strength."

The speaker was Rumburg, who had been leading the patrol around the Rubicon River. He bowed deeply, just as he would at the manor. Since I had entrusted the patrol to him, it makes sense that he would be here.

"Thank you for the patrol. How did it go?"

"Yes, there are no dangers in the surrounding area at the moment."

"So you just returned here. You could have taken a break."

"No, I was instructed to conduct a thorough reconnaissance centered around the Rubicon River, which is this location. However, with the presence of the person to be guarded, the patrol area is limited."

"True. I asked you to patrol to protect the citizens."

"Indeed. Baltro is guarding the manor, and if we secure this distant location, the mission will be accomplished."

"That's why you offered to help."

What should I do... No, I should gratefully accept the offer. Not just Rumburg, but the three citizens with him also seem ready to help.

"Alright. I'll ask for your help. I'll watch over Torre's work and check on Garm and the others."

"May I send two of these men to the large construction work? I think Torre and I can manage with one more person."

"Sure. But please take breaks and be careful not to overwork yourselves."

"Your kind words, Master Rumburg, are deeply etched in my heart."

Rumburg knelt and bowed, and he started dabbing his eyes with a silk handkerchief again...

"Torre is waiting. I'll leave it to you."

"As you wish."

Haha, I ended up laughing awkwardly.

◇◇◇

As I went around checking on Torre, Garm, and their apprentices, and occasionally on Aruru, the sun set before I knew it. Their work was incredibly fast, but they didn't finish everything, starting in the afternoon. The work will continue tomorrow.

I grabbed the stubborn dwarves and gnomes by the collar and brought them back to the manor. When we returned, the citizens had finished their tasks, and the light of torches could be seen here and there. Feeling guilty for making them continue to camp outside, I resolved to improve their living conditions as soon as possible. Even though I really don't want to work, I can't afford to say that now... I'm the only one staying at the manor.

I considered letting the citizens into the manor, but that could cause conflicts between those chosen and those not chosen. I also thought about letting in only the children and the elderly, but the numbers were too large, so I gave up.

It's not an easy task...

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