Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Episode 44

Youre planning to drill through a mountain?

And bring in river water by constructing some kind of gate? Hahaha.

The dwarves and wizards were incredulously responding, as if to say, are you out of your mind? Logan just chuckled confidently, replying,

Its entirely possible. So I would like you to carry it out as planned.

Harmar and Claytons skepticism wasnt unfounded.

The McLean domain bordered the Southern Mountain Range, a place so vast that no one claimed to have seen its end. To the north, relatively shallow hills formed a series of undulations blocking the Luther River from flowing southward.

There were no rivers nearby heading east or west, and as a result, the land around the castle was barren waste enveloped by wilderness.

Logans plan was to create a massive tunnel through the northern hills to draw water from the river.

To the people of this era, it sounded more plausible to push the mountain over than to drill through it. Regardless, Logan continued his explanation unwaveringly,

Well create a tunnel, 30 meters in diameter, directly connecting to the Luther River, which will be used as a sluice. Its a civil engineering method used in the western continent, they call them dams.

Although small dams were indeed being used in some parts of the western continent at the time, precise trends of flood control would only become widespread in the Empire 20 years later.

The plan was based on a dam he saw at a fortress in the northern Empire, which used the mountain itself as a natural embankment, crafting sluices through tunnels.

I may not know the detailed principles of construction, but

Logan had dwarves and wizards to offset his lack of knowledge.

In the future, the Empire would demonstrate incredible feats, such as diverting the course of a mighty river within a few months for massive construction projects.

But for now, McLean didnt need such grand undertakings.

Just a portion of the Luther Rivers flow will suffice.

With that, it would be possible to convert the western wastelands of McLean Castle into fertile plains for agriculture.

Knowing full well that it was no easy task, Logan had planned around the use of a large number of magical scrolls and wizards, including mobilizing the domains residents for the construction.

Haha

Even after the explanation, Clayton remained skeptical, but Harmars demeanor differed,

We must choose the location carefully. The condition of the ground is critical. We also need to consider the water level and waterways. Hmm, to prevent the tunnel from collapsing, well need to construct an arched structure and get assistance from wizards

As the perplexed dwarf mumbled, Clayton looked at Harmar with a stupefied gaze, and Logan was brightened.

That means its possible?

Eh? Ah Haha. What did I just say? Hahaha. Lately, Ive been saying nonsense without realizing.

It sounded plausible even for someone like me, who doesnt know much about construction work.

Hahaha. I think my minds gone funny from staying in mines too long, Master. Ah ha, ha, ha.

Harmar tried to cover up with an awkward laugh, but Logan had already grabbed his hand eagerly,

See, I knew it was possible. Ive seen much bigger things than this!

Yes?

Harmar responded with a look that read, what are you talking about?, but Logan already seemed too far gone to hear it,

If humans can make it dozens of times larger, why cant dwarves? Right?

Truth be told, if Harmar said it couldnt be done, Logan was prepared to push over a small mountain and carve out a channel himself.

It would take significantly more time, but it was a definitive method that even an uninformed outsider could accomplish.

Although, it would have cost much more.

He probably would have been better off using that money to buy a hundred years worth of food.

That is if you didnt consider the need to prepare for war.

Regardless, Logans confident demeanour forced Harmars complexion to grow increasingly ashen, but pride stumbled over reason as he blurted out,

It would require a tremendous amount of manpower and money! Drilling through a mountain isnt as easy as

Before his rational mind could regain control, it was too late.

We have magical scrolls and wizards.

Thats not something a few scrolls can handle

We have 120 each month.

What?

There are 120 Fourth Circle Collapse Scrolls every month. Thats enough to use four a day without rest. Plus, we also have Lord Clayton here, a Fifth Circle wizard. Isnt that sufficient?

With that, the last desperate defiance of logic was futilely crushed.

Come on, now we have to find a mountain suitable for drilling that tunnel. The easiest place we can start.

There was still time before the arrival of the supplies and scrolls. If they prepared thoroughly in the meantime, there would be no issue.

Am I supposed to find the place too?

Logan was not privy to that knowledge either.

Then who will?

Huh

With Logans natural retort, Harmar slumped down powerlessly on the spot.

Two weeks later,

Really, here? Is this the right place?

Logan asked wearily on the ridge of the second-lowest mountain amongst the northern hills of McLean.

Not only was he forced to ride a pony due to his stature, but his spirit seemed greatly diminished by the sheer amount of work. Over the past fortnight, Logan had personally been mounting Harmar on a horse and traveling around.

To visualize the dam he remembered from the future and apply the dwarfs geological capabilities, it was an unavoidable decision.

And now, he was feeling the strain of it all.

Ugh. Yes. The ground and geological conditions are even, and the land is low. Plus, its close to the Luther River, making it a good place to dig a waterway.

Fortunately, Harmar finally nodded.

Despite Harmars expression being one of utter exhaustion, his face seemed to relax a bit.

But, then again.

Alright, lets head back and prepare for the construction.

Lets rest a bit! Human!

To the excessively demanding master, Harmars complexions once again turned steely and deathly.

However, Logan, ignoring his weary dwarf, lifted him back onto the horse with an indifferent expression,

Lucky its low ground with a trail already. It should make it easier to drill the tunnel.

That means the ground is harder! Dont speak so loosely if youre not going to do it yourself!

Ignoring the tired dwarfs protests, with a refreshed look, Logan drove the horse back towards the castle.

***

Three days later, at dawn, those obligated for conscription were summoned. At McLean Castles outer west gate, at Teslon Castles outer east gate. Those without a valid excuse for non-compliance

The sudden proclamation caused an uproar amongst the denizens of both domains.

Its finally

All nobles are the same.

The citizens of Teslon Castle, which could be considered a conquered land, had a sense of impending doom.

They began to dread the notion that the conqueror was starting to plunder, but the mood at McLean Castle, the true realm of the conqueror, was even worse.

If Im sent to compulsory labor, my children will starve to death! Please stop it! Lord!

Barely surviving war, now our lord wants to kill us. Ah, my goodness

Should we just run away?

Is there a place nearby to live?

Either die trying to flee, labor to death, or starve. Is this the choice were being given?

Amidst this dire situation, with no real options left, they faced a choice of how they wished to die.

The residents, who had lived passively all their lives, were forced to obey their rulers command, filled with desperate imaginings but with no other alternatives.

Three days later, at the castle gates.

See if theres a chance to escape or

Maybe purposely hurt ourselves to get out of work

Some of the gathered residents were looking around anxiously, trying to find a way out.

I can barely keep my children fed with only watery porridge, let alone have the strength for labor!

Amidst their fear and desperation, cries and pleas erupted from the crowd.