Chapter 160 (2/2)

“First of all, as the damages of the areas surrounding the river were severe, I think you must evacuate the people there to a safe area. I think our empire can only stand if they survive.”

“Hmm.”

“Besides, I think you should hold those responsible for the flooding accountable because they didn’t make the necessary preparations for the flooding despite the crown prince’s order. I think it is right for you to take back or demote the titles of the lords involved as well as forfeit their estates.”

Facing the emperor confidently, who was watching her, she continued, “And before we have further damages, I think we should temporarily build a dike to protect the river from flooding.”

“Temporary dam? How?”

“Well, you can build it by using sandbags. You can make a large pouch with a coarse cloth, then put a lot of sand in it. So, if you use sandbags like that, you can make a temporary embankment in a short time. The effect is excellent compared to the efforts. ”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.”

Those who attended the meeting turned their eyes at her in surprise. As I didn’t think about it, I also looked at her with a surprised expression.

Then she said, smiling brightly after sweeping her back, “Also, how about collecting money from the nobles and rich commoners in the empire for donations to the affected people in the areas? Even though the donation is small to them, it will be of great help to the affected residents.”

“Good idea. Great, Lady Jena.”

The emperor nodded, looking at Jiun for a long time meaningfully.

I cleared my throat when he turned and looked at me.

‘It’s my turn?’

“Okay, now, how about you, Lady Monique?”

“As Lady Jena already presented excellent ideas, I don’t have much to add, but… ”

“But?”

“I think that replacing those responsible should be postponed later. Considering the personality or conduct of those who ruled the affected areas, it is unlikely that they neglected the crown prince’s order without any reason. Even if they did, it would only add confusion if you replaced the leadership when they were so busy coping with the flooding. So, I think it won’t be too late for you to punish them only after you find out the cause of the flooding first and resolve the situation.”

By any standard, Jiun presented a better idea than me.

When I looked around, I saw Marquis Mirwa’s son and Duke Jena smiling in satisfaction. They cast a sarcastic glance at me.

“That’s all?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Anybody can second one’s opinion easily. Your Majesty, what do you think? I think you can accept my daughter’s proposal as it is.”

“Okay. Let me accept her proposal. But Lady Monique also has a point. So, let me deal with the matter of punishing those held accountable later.”

I smiled bitterly at Jiun who was watching me proudly. My head throbbed because of her burning hostility toward me.

“Hmm, let me ask both of you one more thing. I asked you to tell me about the measures to tackle the flooding. Do you have any more to say, in addition to what you already said?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

When I saw her answering quickly, I guessed what she was thinking about. It seemed that she wanted the emperor to be satisfied with her solution instead of trying to seek a better one.

‘I wish he could keep his promise.’

I stared at Duke Lars quietly. If he pretends he doesn’t know my reaction, Jiun’s answer is going to be a shackle that will tie my ankle further. As if he noticed my anxious eyes, Duke Lars nodded slightly.

‘Okay, let me trust him once.’

I sighed a little and opened my mouth, “If I add a little more, the plan she mentioned can be a measure to tackle the current situation right now, but it can’t prevent the recurrence of the same flooding in the future. So, I think we need to come up with preventive measures to stop the drought and floods in advance, based on the lesson we learned this time.”

“I think she is right. If so, what do you think are the long-term measures that you have in mind, Lady Monique?”