The Elf Saint is a NEET, so I Forced Her to Work in Another World

The Blame Game (Part 2)

***The Saint's Tree, Cherwoods***

"In order for us to bring in huge amounts of water into the interior of Cherwoods, we have to widen the irrigation canals, and put paddling machines so that there's a continuous current to push water up to the very end of this system."

The Dorians watched Kuro's presentation about his proposed network of irrigation canals stretching far north up to the shores of Cherwoods, and south to the frontiers. He also showed them a miniature example of his canal design to reinforce his proposals, much to the delight of the elves.

"In time, we can also build aqueducts so we can bring water even to the highest elevations of this land."

"You mean we can supply the settlements in the hill areas with this 'aqueduct', Mister Kuro?"

"You're right on track, milord!"

The Lord Ingwer observed his companions as they trade questions with the human commoner. He would also look into the miniature samples and try the system for himself. The irrigation network Mister Kuro was proposing was viable, and it would solve his city's issues in a blink of an eye (since they could use magic to move earth in a flash). However, there were questions in the Elvish lord's mind...

"Mister Kuro."

"Milord?"

"Well, I admit, your proposals are good," the Lord Ingwer began, "and really, I think this might be the answer to our city's problem with water supply. But then, I hope you forgive me for asking this. I wanted to know, what will you gain from these plans, Mister Kuro?"

There was a moment of silence, as the question of the Elvish lord visibly surprised the human commoner. Nevertheless, Kuro was quick to recover his senses; he smiled and said, "Milord, I won't deny I'm getting some sort of benefits in doing this for your saint. However, if you suspect that it is for money, for fame, or even controlling Her Holiness, then I plead for consideration. Though I may not elaborate on our working relationship, I can say with confidence that it is I who needs her help more than she needs mine."

"Are you saying that you're not interested in these things around you? Vast palaces? The power and influence?"

"Do all elves wanted those?"

The Lord Ingwer shook his head.

"Then, milord, not all humans are the same as well. For me, I only wanted to live in peace, and those things you mentioned won't bring me what I desire."

The human commoner and the Elvish lord locked gazes for a short while. The Lord Ingwer was determining the sincerity of the man before him, and likewise, Kuro would never back down from his intimidation. And when the former realized the truth behind his host's words, he asked another question...

"Alright, Mister Kuro, you convinced me. Now, I still have another concern," the Elvish lord brought everyone's attention to the miniature. "While I agree that this network of irrigation canals can solve our problems with water supply, I want to know where would we get this 'paddle machine' to create a current in the ditches?"

"Well, there are ways to build that 'paddle machine'," Kuro got a parchment and drew his ideas. "First, a 'quite' simple paddle machine in which we can use elvish manpower to push the water. Advantage of this design is that it's easy to build, and we need to get those machines as soon as possible. The disadvantage is, its power depends on the physical strength of the elf 'pushing' it."

"Not to mention, if we're using people, they get tired."

"Exactly."

"And the second option?"