Chapter 23 – Let’s explain!!

“Are you sure Master Rust?”

Asks Kalin with a surprised expression.

Everyone is looking at the monster I took out of my backpack with surprise on their faces, but Kalin was the first one to throw me a question.

“Yes, I’ve confirmed it.
The disease was caused by water contaminated with poison from its tentacles.”

“We do use water from the river, but the jug we use to store water should be purifying it.
It’s old, but it should have purged the poison…”

Says a doubtful Kalin.

“Yes, the water from the jug is being purified.”

I agree with Kalin.

“Then why?”

“The problem isn’t the purified drinking water, it’s the water for domestic use that is not being purified.”

“…! Are you saying…”

Kalin looks at two people, the person in charge of the meals in the tent, and the manager of the tent for singles.

“Exactly.
Water taken directly from the river is being used to wash tableware and clothes.
I found trace amounts of poison in tableware and clothing that have been washed.
This very small amount of poison enters the body through the mouth and skin, accumulates, and causes the disease.”

I say while showing the 《Transcribe》 scroll.

“So that is why there were so many patients from the single’s tent…”

Whispers Ahri.

“Lady Kalin, I am deeply ashamed…”

“It is my responsibility…”

The two people responsible for the two affected areas begin to apologize.

“No.
The purified water from the jug is limited, so we have to ration it, and I was the one who decided to divide it evenly.
This is not your fault.
We need to re-evaluate how it is distributed to every facility.”

Says Kalin.

“So Master Rust.
You finished treating the patients the previous night, found the origin of the disease the next day, and even took down the monster causing it.”

Says Kalin with a mixture of admiration and for some reason exasperation on her face.

“Beyond normal standards to the point of offensiveness.”

Mumbles Roa under her breath, and I let out a dry smile.

“No, Hipopo actually defeated it on the way here.
That’s why this was all resolved so quickly.
It was a coincidence.”

I respond sincerely.

“And by the way, since the monster was only taken out yesterday, we shouldn’t use water from the river for a while, and you should dispose of the water you have been using to clean.
Well, the source of the poison is gone, so it should be safe to use again in a few days.
Hipopo, that was the only monster in the pond, wasn’t it?”

“Bumobumoh.”

Hipopo nods, while looking pretty proud of itself.
It’s so cute.

I straighten my posture and face Kalin again.

“Lady Kalin, I would like to report that I have completed your task of treating the patients and removing the source of the disease.”

Kalin’s face tenses up as it goes back to her politician expression.

“Master Rust, your work regarding this issue was remarkable, and far exceeded my expectations.
You have my gratitude.”

I then toss away this formal way of speaking and ask a question normally.

“This disease was caused by the accumulation of very small quantities, so there might be more people getting sick.
Please tell everyone to come to me if they feel something is wrong.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Also, I can expand the purifying water jug if you give me the budget for it.”

I indirectly ask for money.

“Budget? All right.”

Says Kalin with a sarcastic smile.