Episode 37: The Waterworks and the Giant
The next day was just as sunny.
Bright, clear sunlight poured down from the clear blue sky. Bathed in the sunshine, the wooden pulley went whirr as it spun around.
“Here we go!”
With a bucket filled with fresh water in hand, Luke wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Securing water was a matter of life and death for a castle built high in the steep mountains like Rietberg Villa.
There were two main methods to do so. The first was to draw groundwater. A bucket attached to a rope was placed into a well dug deep underground, and water was manually pulled up using the pulley.
The other method involved placing rain gutters on the mansion’s roof to collect rainwater at one spot. The former was mainly used for drinking and cooking, while the latter was saved for cleaning and watering the fields.
Water collection was hard physical labor, but it was an essential daily task.
At first, Luke had struggled, exhausted from making multiple trips with the heavy water load. However, thanks to the rigorous training from the strong knights, it gradually became easier each day.
Water was a precious resource that couldn’t be wasted. Luke carefully transferred the fetched water into a large pot for cooking.
Soon enough, the large pot was filled to the brim with clear, fresh water.
“Is anyone there!?”
A voice roared from the direction of the washroom, startling Luke to a stop.
It sounded like the fierce roar of a wild beast.
“W-what…?”
Standing at the entrance to the courtyard that led to the kitchen was a gigantic man who seemed to tower over Luke.
Even for Luke, who was accustomed to the tall knights of the order, this impressive figure was astonishing. His shoulders and chest were sturdy, and beneath his cropped black hair gleamed a sharp gaze typical of a predatory bird.
What struck Luke the most was the scar on his face. A deep, aged scar ran diagonally from the man’s forehead through his eyebrows down to his cheek, looking reminiscent of a battle-worn warrior.
He certainly didn’t look like an ordinary villager; perhaps he was a wandering mercenary.
This muscular man, who looked every bit the seasoned warrior, looked down at Luke with an air of calmness, despite his frightening expression deepening into a frown.
“Hm? Did you hire someone new?”
The giant inquired, loosening his collar as if feeling the heat of the day.
“Um, can I get you a glass of water?”
“Sure, water would be great.”
Luke’s heart leaped at his chance to serve the man, as he had just drawn fresh water.
“Thank goodness,” he thought, reaching for the water jug, pausing only to consider the man’s earlier request.
“Would you mind if I added a little something to the water instead of just plain water?”
“Oh?”
The man replied, raising an eyebrow with interest.
Luke retreated briefly into the kitchen, then quickly returned.
“Here you go!”
It looked just like regular water, but its surface had a trace of stirring.
The man downed it in one go, his eyes widening in surprise.
“Delicious! Is there salt and sugar in here? And what’s that aroma…?”
“Yes. Just a tiny pinch of salt and sugar. I also added some citrus juice.”
In an effort to help replenish the knights after their rigorous training, he had come up with this refreshing concoction.
The invigorating sensation it offered to tired bodies had become immensely popular among the knights, disappearing almost as soon as it was made.
He felt a bit anxious about serving it to someone he had just met, but he sighed in relief when the man praised its taste.
“I thought something a bit salty would be fitting for travelers from afar. The acidity of the citrus also helps relieve fatigue, so I figured it’d be just right.”
“How did you know I’m from far away?”
“Your cloak.”
Luke pointed to the man’s outerwear, which was a thick, heavy cloak made from compacted fur. Its brushed interior offered excellent warmth against the cold.
“It’s quite chilly now, but today’s sunny weather has been a rare blessing, making it unusual to see someone wearing such a heavy coat. Forgive my intrusion, but your footwear looks like winter gear too. It made me think you might’ve just come from further north, along the neighboring country’s border.”
“Hm…”
The giant rubbed his stubbly chin in thought while pausing momentarily.
“Thank you. It was delicious.”
He laughed heartily, a warm sound that comforted Luke.
With a wave of his large hand, the giant turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing with a strong thud.
“I’m glad he enjoyed it!”
Though he appeared frightening, Luke felt relieved to know he was a kind soul.
As Luke resumed his work, he suddenly spotted Emil standing by the entrance that led from the courtyard to the grain storehouse.
Emil was staring blankly in the direction the giant had gone, his mouth opening and closing in disbelief.
“Emil? What’s up?”
*
“Alexia! I’m back!”
Alexia was in the midst of discussing the operation of a new clinic to be established in the castle town with her butler, Eckart, in her office.
Without a knock, the door sharply swung open, and a burly man like a bear swept in with his thick coat billowing as he spread his strong arms.
“Father?”
Before she even had time to be surprised, he wrapped her in a tight embrace. While Alexia was tall, this bear-like giant—her father—towered even more.
The Margrave who ruled over this castle and its lands, and Alexia’s father.
Viktor Alexander Rietberg.
“My Lord?! I just received word yesterday that you’d be back in a few days…”
Eckart inquired while fussing with his monocle, to which Viktor bellowed with a jovial laugh.
“I wanted to see my precious daughter. I decided to return early.”
Viktor’s steed was renowned in Rietberg territory for its speed, and he must have galloped through the mountains like a summer storm to arrive home ahead of schedule, leaving his subordinates in his dust.
Alexia chuckled, slightly amazed by his haste.
As her father embraced her tightly, she drew close and kissed his cheek, which was adorned with a wild bush of unkempt beard.
“Father, how was your inspection?”
“It was truly fruitful. There’s much to discuss.”
As Viktor’s eyes softened at the reunion with his beloved daughter, the old scars etched on his face seemed to lighten with joy.
A refreshing breeze swept down from the mountainside.
With the sun shining down on Rietberg Castle, welcoming its lord home after a long absence, the light appeared to soften, bathing the castle in a warm amber glow.
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