The Great War of Rhodesia

9. Reservoir Hill

Finally the waterfall with a waterwheel that is characteristic of the Bukit Reservoir area began to be seen in the line of sight. The Aksa and Nata troupe took less than 20 minutes to arrive at the Ellian place of the North Granisun complex.

Ellian, Katarina, and several Residents of the Reservoir Village were waiting for their arrival in front of an artistically-looking wooden house right across the lake. It was the home of Ellian and Katarina.

Some residents are seen to have prepared flower arrangements which are then given to Aksa and Nata as they exit the Lucia Iron Train. The residents were old residents who knew the two young men.

"You have really come back" said Katarina a little incredulous at the presence of Aksa and Nata before her.

"It's nice to see you again, Mrs Katarina," Nata replied.

"Well, this place is like a painting. Beautiful," said Aksa who looks more interested in the surrounding than Katarina.

The artificial lake under the waterfall now looks more beautiful surrounded by various types of flowers. At first glance, water animals live in it. Like small fish and freshwater crabs. A simple wooden pier was built on the west bank. There are two small chairs on it.

"True, this place becomes like a resort for a vacation." Nata added after staring around.

"Our goal is to make this place as beautiful as possible" said Ellian who was satisfied with the reaction of the two young men.

"What is a building for storing electric power?" Aksa asked as her gaze found a fairly large, dull white building on the hillside next to the floodgates. A large iron pipe was also seen coming down from the building.

Aksa could guess that the iron pipe contained several electrical cables used to meet the needs of electric power in place of Ellian, Reservoir Village, and Selene's farm. It was because he had drawn his designs before.

"The building actually contains an electrical storage device produced by the waterwheel," answered Katarina this time.

"The building is ruining the view" said Aksa later who looked disappointed.

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Then Aksa and Nata are guided by Ellian and Katarina starts to tour the fields around the place. And do not miss visiting the greenhouse which is now widened three times larger than the previous size. There are several new plants planted in it. Whether known by Aksa or not.

And not only types of plants to eat, but also types of medicinal plants, fungi, and flowers. Aksa and Nata seemed impressed to see the collection of plant species that this region now has.

Then after taking more than 2 hours driving around in the hot sun, finally they decided to take a short break inside the wooden house of the two sisters before continuing on towards Selene's place in the west. And also to try the herbal tea that has always been proud by Katarina as a new mainstay commodity from the region.

"Hm, this hermal tea is delicious. L like it. Warm in the body, but it feels cool in the mouth," Nata said after sipping a dark red drink from inside his glass.

Nine of them, including Ellian and Katarjna, were seen jostling inside the narrow house. Even 3 extra seats were removed to accommodate for everyone to be seated.

"Thank God if you like it" said Ellian who looks relieved that Nata seemed to like the herbal tea.

"Right, the people of this region really liked it." Lucia also added.

"What is the name of the leaf that causes this coldness, Mrs Katarina?" ask Aksa later.

"Oh, you even recognize the shape of the plant?" Katarina looks surprised Aksa even knows that the unique taste comes from a leaf. "We call it Lamia leaf. This plant grows a lot around the Old Forest," he added.

"Yes, we also have leaves that have a cool taste like this. His name is Mint leaf, "Aksa quick reply. He did not look too impressed with the herbal tea as Nata did. Even though he still seems to enjoy it.

"This drink is suitable for a hot day or a cool day. It is also hot or cold to drink with ice. So naturally this drink is very popular with many people," said Nata who tried to make Katarina again excited after having been lethargic to see the reaction of Aksa.

"Even get out of the area as well." This time Lucia added.

"Oh, out of the area? How could? Is the trade route closed?" Nata looks curious. It was like Aksa sitting next to him.

"Although officially our trade routes are closed, some merchant ships can still stop at our ports. And therefore our goods can still circulate outside there. Even in small numbers," Lucia replied later.

"I don't know what the details are, but it's all thanks to the Hunters and Brawlers who brought him out for the first time." Ellian added as she refilled the empty Lucia glass with herbal tea from the pot in front of her.

"You mean those who are out to run the Service Request task?" tanya Nata made sure.

"really. So this herbal tea concoction was originally brought out by the Hunters and Brawlers while carrying out their Requests for Services duties. And it seems outsiders love it and dare to pay dearly for it." Katarina answered with a long explanation.

"And ever since then the Hunters and Brawlers have often all brought items from this region to be sold again out there. To find additional income. According to them the items from this region are highly sought after and of high value." Which was later followed by Lucia.

"It is good for those who have to put their lives at risk through the military guard of other kingdoms" Nata replied honestly. "At least they have more income" he added later.

"Because demand is higher than the availability of goods, it makes the goods effective exclusive and high value. It is also possible," Aksa said in response.

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And then they continued the conversation this time about things related to daily life and lifestyle. Like plants that produce materials to make goods become more durable and durable. Or about how plants help maintain a certain environment and ecology so as not to be easily damaged.

Aksa and Nata had to forcefully end the conversation after 45 minutes. And promised to discuss it again completely with Ellian and Katarina the next day. Because after this they still have to visit Selene's place.

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