Rome Must Perish

The game resumed, and this time it was the Skodisqi players’ turn to serve...

While the rugby match was in full swing, Maximus also arrived at the Kupa River, but he was on the south bank. Beside him were Agricultural Officer Volenus, Public Works Officer Capito, and Engineer Spukala. The group strolled along the riverbank and arrived at the water wheel.

"Leader, I specially asked Budocaribas about it, and he told me that the condition of the Kupa River since the beginning of spring is markedly different compared to the past two years. In the previous two years, around this time, the Kupa River water would at least rise up to there."

Volenus pointed at a wooden pillar standing in the water, supporting the water wheel’s axle. About half a meter below the pillar’s lower part was a thick black line: "But this year, the water level is so low, which resembles conditions from earlier years. He believes that after the rainy season, the river level probably won’t surge like it did in the past two years, flooding more land on the north bank and expanding the Validosi Swamp."

"Oh, really?" Maximus, hearing this, did not seem overly enthusiastic and instead asked, "He said it won’t surge; so roughly how much will it rise? Why has the Kupa River’s water level been lower than the last two years since spring began?... Did you ask all these questions?"

"I did, but he couldn’t clarify." Volenus replied.

"They are the original inhabitants here, accustomed to everything in this area, relying on experience to manage things, but we must not be like them!" Maximus solemnly reminded, "Since we’ve already settled here, we need to develop this place diligently! The Agricultural Department must start recording the climate and river water level daily from now on, and gradually figure out the patterns so that in the future, we can better guide the tribesmen in farming and improve the tribe’s ability to defend against floods."

"Yes, Leader." Volenus responded respectfully.

"Capito, has the Public Works Department considered building river dykes along both banks of the Kupa River this year to prevent future surges from flooding farmland?" Maximus asked further.

Before Capito could respond, Engineer Spukala spoke up first: "That won’t be possible this year. The riverbank within our territory is quite extensive. First, we need to survey the terrain on both sides thoroughly and understand the volume and flow rate of the river after it rises...

Not to mention other aspects, the amount of clay and stone bricks required alone would be enormous. It definitely won’t be completed this year, and it will probably not even be feasible next year. If we rush to build it, the completed dykes might not be able to effectively withstand significant surges of river water!"

After hearing Spukala’s explanation, Maximus didn’t press further and said, "Since the construction of river dykes falls under the Public Works Department’s responsibility, the timing should also be decided by you. However, a detailed plan must be made before construction begins and submitted to the Political Affairs Hall for discussion..."