「Since the sunlight is strong, even if we wipe it lightly, it’ll get dry quickly.」(Valetta)
Kazura gave a towel to Valetta, who’d returned from stopping the waterway. Then she spoke while gently patting the waterwheel that was dripping with water.
「That’s true. But, let’s leave the waterwheel exposed to the sun for a little longer. If our hand slip while we’re detaching it due to the moisture, it could be dangerous.」(Kazura)
To detaching the currently installed waterwheel, it only needed the cooperation from several people, but if their hand slipped because of the river water, it could cause a dangerous situation like being crushed under the waterwheel.
Because of that it’s important that the waterwheel be dried. If they left it in the sun’s scorching heat it might need about 30 minutes to dry it.
Though it was prolonged dry weather that had completely tormented the village until now, for this occasion it was a reliable ally.
While they were wiping dry the waterwheel of water on the opposite side, Valetta noticed the letters on the towel in her hand and then she stopped moving. She spread the towel open while she asked Kazura.
「Kazura-san, the letters 『shino finework company』that are written in his cloth, is it some kind of shop in Kazura-san’s country?」(Valetta)
「Aah, that’s the name of the company that my father runs.」 (Kazura)
Kazura answered while wiping the waterwheel, but Valetta was taken aback and changed her gaze from the letter on the towel back to Kazura.
「...... Kazura-san’s father?」
「Yes, that’s right. But, although it’s called a company it’s only a small workshop that’s only operated by my father and mother.」
Kazura who was asked by Valetta also stopped working and with his finger he pointed at the word 『Shino』 that was embroided on the towel that Valetta held.
「This 『Shino』 is my family name. That’s reminds me, even since I came to this place I’ve only introduced myself with my given name....... Is something wrong?」(Kazura)
Kazura was confused about Valetta who was looking at him with bewildered expression.
「No....... ano, Kazura-san, you......」(Valetta)
When Valetta was going to say it, but Kazura suddenly turned his head back and noticed that the villagers had finished with assembling the parts near the pullcart, and so she leaked out a small sigh in relief.
「Hm? What’s with me?」 (Kazura)
Kazura asked Valetta back, but she only made a small troubled smile and answered.
「Etto , let’s continue the talk later at evening..... Leaving that aside I just realized, but this waterwheel axle is made from metal, while the new waterwheel had the axle and bearing was made from made from wood, will it be alright?」(Valetta)
She changed the topic.
Although Kazura was curious about what Valetta wanted to say, it wasn’t really necessary for him to stubbornly pursue her for it.
Since the topic had been changed, once again they were wiping the waterwheel as Kazura started to answer Valetta’s question.
「Aah, I think it will be fine. The number of parts is a bit smaller than the waterwheel made from Japan, not to mention the amount of pumped water isn’t huge anyway, so the axle won’t receive too much of a burden. If we keep using it, it might get worn down, though, so we might need to buy copper or bronze from Isteria.」(Kazura)
While he thought that it might not happen, if the axle of waterwheel no. 2 really got worn out, then it might be necessary to detach it temporarily and remake the axle.
Thought it would be troublesome, they could once again go to Isteria to purchase copper or bronze, and manufacture the axle or bearing in the village.
Either way, because he expected the axle won’t became useless so soon, there would be no problem for it to turn by the time Nelson’s subordinate Isaac arrived.
When the necessity arose, the axle could be made from whatever kind of wood, or the axle could be exchanged with the one from waterwheel no. 1 or they could just leave the waterwheel aside.
「Bronze.... Could the village smelt that and make an axle from it?」(Kazura)
「It’ll be good if they are able to, but it might be faster to request it from the blacksmith in Isteria..... Alright, I wonder if it’s adequately dry like this?」(Valetta)
They had wiped off a large amount of water, Kazura looked at the waterwheel and took a short rest.
After this, they would assemble the waterwheel no.2 while the currently installed waterwheel would be demounted, for that change it was necessary to dug out the wheel-bearing pillars.
Though it was very hard labor, since the villagers had been physically strengthened by the food that Kazura brought, they seemed to carry out the task easily.
「Do we also need to help with assembling the waterwheel?」(Kazura)
「Yes..... However, it seemed that they’ve already finished the assembling.」(Valetta)