Ch.88Bourgeoisie (4)

“Your Majesty, while there is still much work to be done on the aqueducts connecting to the water source and the sewers leading to the discharge area, the installation of water and sewage systems for the newly constructed city will soon be completed.”

“Is that so? Faster than I expected.”

There had been so much work lately that I had forgotten about the excellent concept of shift work, but thanks to some ruthless official who suggested it, I was able to recall that such a brilliant method existed.

I wanted to apply shift work to other government offices and factories as well, but since indoor spaces could only use candles for light, I had to reluctantly give up on the idea. I use candles like water, so I momentarily forgot how expensive they actually are.

If the officials hadn’t prostrated themselves begging me to withdraw the order because candle prices were too high, I might have made a serious mistake. There was a good reason why people stopped working when the sun set in times without electricity.

Ah, of course, there were no such constraints for outdoor work where torches could substitute for light sources, so I enforced two shifts for outdoor operations. As a result, the water and sewage system installation was completed faster than expected, as you can see now.

Naturally, even with torches, it’s darker than daylight, and construction in such conditions is dangerous, so I only allowed digging work at night. Yet seeing how quickly it was completed proves the effectiveness of shift work. Definitely delivers results.

“We have completed the installation of clay stone pipes for all sections of the water and sewage systems except where the design calls for strong currents—”

Clay stone refers to concrete.

I was so surprised when I saw one of the professors of magical alchemy making primitive cement.

Ancient Rome had used it, so it made sense that cement would exist in this world, which is clearly more advanced in terms of civilization than that era. Still, I couldn’t help but be amazed that it was made entirely through rudimentary craftsmanship without any industrial facilities.

Anyway, I modified the professor’s cement by adding limestone heating, slaked lime production, and calcination processes to make it easier for mass production, then distributed it to construction sites. The professor complained about my unauthorized modifications, but production volume issues made it impossible to use his method as is, so I had no choice.

It’s not made by carefully measuring chemical components like in modern processes, so its performance will be lacking, but it’s similar enough that it should be sufficient.

“Once we insert copper pipes manufactured at the foundry into the rapid flow sections and finish the joints with clay stone, the installation of the city’s water and sewage systems will be complete.”

“Hmm… I understand.”

‘Metal is expensive, so it can’t be helped… but it’s still disappointing.’

Ideally, I would have wanted to lay all water and sewage pipes with metals like copper or iron, but considering the extensive length of the systems, construction time, and materials, such an approach was impossible.

In the end, I had to compromise with reality and install copper pipes only in areas of the underground water and sewage systems expected to experience severe wear, while making everything else out of stone.

Well, considering that stone water and sewage systems from Roman times have lasted until the modern era, durability shouldn’t be an issue if they’re well-made, but it’s still disappointing.

[How about lead?]

[No. Actually, I’m taking this opportunity to legally prohibit the use of lead in all cooking utensils and tableware. The reason is… yes, military supplies.]

Some people asked if we could use lead since it’s easier to process and significantly cheaper, but I flatly refused.

Ancient Rome also made water and sewage systems with lead for those reasons. Of course, it was only good at first. As time passed and the dangers of lead became widely known, it terrified the Romans, but the astronomical cost of tearing out and replacing all the systems under the city meant they had no choice but to continue using them despite the known risks.

However, only I knew why lead was dangerous; others had no idea, and they gave me incredulous looks for suddenly banning lead without explanation.

Unable to clearly explain the dangers of lead without evidence, I simply used my authority to silence everyone and prevent any objections. Since direct opposition would cause strong resistance, I also threw in the excuse about military supplies. Sure, lead is extremely heavy and difficult to make into cold weapons, but who are they to argue when I make such claims?

“Tell them to finish the water and sewage systems in a way that makes future expansion easy as the city grows, and that further shift work is unnecessary, so they should stop now. Continue construction of the water and sewage systems extending outside the city.”

Water is already becoming scarce, and Dijon’s population will continue to grow, so we need to build at least two more aqueducts to draw water from other sources. Even with a river, it’s insignificant compared to those of other major cities, and a few wells are woefully inadequate.

“I shall convey your orders.”

The official’s face brightens noticeably upon hearing my command. Is ending the two-shift system really that pleasing?

It’s not my benevolence but necessity that’s ending it, though the official doesn’t seem to see it that way. Well, think what you will.

‘Now there’s no need for shift work, or rather, it’s no longer possible.’

Creating sewers extending to the downstream river and aqueducts reaching the upstream water source requires more than just digging. This time we managed by digging at night and installing the sloped pipes in the morning, but such coordination isn’t possible for water and sewage systems extending outside the city.

Like Roman aqueduct bridges, we need to design systems where water flows smoothly over long distances using gravity alone, requiring all kinds of knowledge from civil engineering to architecture. Measuring terrain precisely to dig tunnels or build bridges is dangerous work—doing such tasks at night would lead to accidents.

“Ah, and start connecting the water pipes to the inner city as well. We can’t have only the citizens outside the walls using the water system we’ve built, can we? Fortunately, with many buildings being demolished for reconstruction, the work should be easier.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

The official’s expression, which had been bright until just now, instantly darkens again.

He flinched slightly when I mentioned that tearing up the city floor to install water and sewage systems would be convenient, suggesting he’s somewhat angry. I feel a bit guilty, but it is relatively easier, isn’t it? I’m providing water, so shouldn’t you just endure it?

……….

“Privileges?”

“Yes, from now on, people working at the court or cooperating with the court can receive rent reductions when residing within the city walls.”

“That’s good for me, but… what’s the reason for such privileges?”

“Well—”

Why else? It’s to keep public slaves from fleeing the harsh workload by holding their homes hostage.

“—I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps it’s His Majesty’s goodwill? I’ve gladly accepted His Majesty’s favor.”

“Hmm… I see. As a loyal subject, I should also gladly accept His Majesty’s favor.”

Phew, I barely managed to hold back what I was really thinking.

Not only I but several others have noticed the real reason behind these privileges, but there’s no point in spreading such information around.

“And… ahem, is your work very difficult?”

“Pardon…?”

“Ah, the color has drained from your face, and your lips are completely dry. I apologize if I’m being presumptuous.”

“Ahaha… thank you for your concern. Work has been quite overwhelming lately.”

If I continue pretending to be concerned like this…

“Indeed, with the war, factories, currency, university, and so on, there’s been an extraordinary amount of work. With money needed in so many places, your accounting duties must have been tremendous. You probably haven’t had time to rest, and fatigue has been accumulating… Ah!”

I’m sure I had it somewhere—found it.

“What is this?”

“It’s a fatigue recovery tonic. Even I, who merely serves as a treasurer, have been exhausted from the excessive workload lately, but this helps tremendously. It’s made from a blend of ginger, honey, and various medicinal herbs.”

“You… want me to drink this?”

As I hand over the well-sealed earthenware container, the clerk’s face twists strangely.

Until just now, he wore the face of a working professional overwhelmed by fatigue, but now he shows the face of someone suspicious of sudden kindness.

Tsk… how troublesome—no, I should actually be grateful that he’s showing his emotions so openly.

Moreover, I would have been disappointed if he lacked caution. There’s no value in collaborating with someone loose-lipped.

“Of course, it’s not free. A price is required.”

“A price… you mean money? But didn’t you say you were a treasurer?”

“Yes, and since I have plenty of money, I’d like cooperation instead of payment.”

“…I won’t participate in corruption.”

“Of course not. Corruption is out of the question. All I want is to know about policy decisions a little earlier than others. In exchange, I offer you this.”

“Sigh… Look, even if it’s not corruption, do you really think I would do such a thing for a mere fatigue recovery tonic…?”

He’s caught on—how quick.

The clerk’s face, holding the container I handed him, fills with questions that instantly transform into shock.

Inside the container was the yellow fatigue recovery tonic that applies equally to everyone.

“For fatigue recovery, it’s sufficient, isn’t it?”

If I lean forward slightly while emphasizing my chest… perfect.

“…Elizabeth, was it?”

“Yes. Elizabeth de Rothschild. You can call me Elise.”

It’s done. Those eyes clearly belong to a man consumed by greed and desire.

Well, an ordinary person wouldn’t consider sharing non-confidential information as corruption. That’s why rumors about the gate passage tax spread before the policy was even implemented, right? When you add gold and a woman to that moral reassurance, it becomes easy.

I thought it might be difficult since he’s worked in Dijon for a long time, but he’s no different from the others. Truly, there’s no man who doesn’t fall for gold and women.