Chapter 16 _ The land of sand covered with dark clouds

Six months ago, the old king of Alabasta died of illness, and the prince's son Kobra took the throne. The first thing he did when he took office was to set up a high tax on fresh water drinking water. He even ordered the filling of wells that the citizens had dug for their own convenience.

　　" In view of the shortage of water in Alabasta and the unreasonable use of national water, the establishment of a certain fresh water drinking water tax is intended to make the citizens learn to be diligent and thrifty and to cherish the country's fresh water resources. "

What a sympathetic king who cares about the environment and has a long-term vision! At first people thought so. However, when they knew how outrageously high the fresh water drinking water tax was, they realized what kind of evil was hidden behind the control of charity.

An adult over the age of 20 and under the age of 50 can only drink a mere 1,000 ml of drinking water a day, and an adult under the age of 20 and over the age of 50 is only 500 ml. Not enough to drink!

In the past six months, the Alabatian nationals have barely saved any income, and they even have to catch up with the continuation of previous years.

Now there are rebels all over the place, but the unexpected strength of the King's army, they all put on brand-new swords, the latest muskets, they even no matter the infantry knights, everyone is equipped with horses!

　　"The king made a fortune by collecting a huge tax on drinking water, and then replaced his guards with excellent equipment. Occasionally some scattered rebels were suppressed by the king's army. " Speaking of this, Carpenter's An unwilling color flashed in his eyes.

　　" That's why I want to desalinate the sea water. " The unwillingness in Carpenter's eyes turned into helplessness on his face. " As long as the desalination is successful, we will no longer be oppressed by the king's drinking water tax! "

　　" Naïve idea. " rayleigh sneered. " They can charge a tax on fresh water, but can't they charge a tax on sea water? "

Carpenter shook his head, disapproving rayleigh's statement. " The reason he charges the freshwater tax is that the country lacks water, so as long as I allow the country to have inexhaustible freshwater, why is he charging the freshwater tax! "

　　" How many times has the King's Army been here? " Van Pica seemed to have thought of something, so he asked.

　　" This is the second time here. " Carpenter continued the group with a look on his face, " I've been researching here for more than three months, and they came here yesterday for the first time to make trouble. "

　　" Have you made any new discoveries lately? " Van Pika continued.

　　" After I found out that the seawater became salty because of these salts, I went to buy some materials and utensils for filtration, and planned to filter out the salt in the water. It was a matter of three days, " Carpenter replied.

　　"The king really cares about you. After walking back and forth in just three days, he made a special trip to cause trouble for you. " Bit said with a chuckle.

Then Bit asked: " What was your opinion on the king Cobra before he came to power? "

　　" That's where I'm confused too, " Carpenter said with a nod. " He was famously benevolent before he took office and we all admired him. "

　　" Then did he do anything weird when he took office? Did you see him after he became king? " Raleigh probably understood what bit meant.

After listening to rayleigh's question, Carpenter rubbed his chin and pondered the events of the past six months. After a long time he said:

　　" It's really strange that the newcomer publicly gave the king's speech in Albana, and then patrolled Alabasta. This is the rule of our country for more than a thousand years, and he did not do that. "

　　" Then does your old king have any trusted and powerful ministers, the kind of ministers who are entrusted to the next generation of kings? " Bit then asked.

　　" You mean …" Carpenter heard what Bit was trying to say. " Impossible! Absolutely impossible! " He didn't seem suspicious of the man at all.

　　" Sir Bildas is definitely not someone who would do such a thing! During his ten years as Minister of State, he assisted the king to manage the country in an orderly manner, and he would never do such a thing! "

　　" People's desires are endless. He has been Minister of State for ten years. " Schalke, who has not spoken, said suddenly.

Somehow, what happened in this country brought back memories of his own haunting past. " The ruler above and above will always be the cancer of the world! " Schalke looked a little desolate.

　　" What do you mean! Lord Bildas is not that kind of person! " Carpenter changed his face and roared at Schalke.

　　" How many years has the reputation of King Kobraren Charity spread? " Bit asked directly, pointing to the core.

　　"The king he …" Carpenter was speechless. Cobra's good reputation has been passed down from childhood to adulthood!

　　" You people all over the country look at Cobra, who has grown up and has a good reputation for more than ten years. You can all suspect that a Bildas who has been working for ten years and who doesn't know where he came from has bought you. ? " Bit further, the choked Carpenter was speechless.

　　" It doesn't matter who is good or who is bad, just go to them and ask them clearly. " Roger couldn't take it anymore. This group of people is chatting here and there, and he can't hear a word anyway.

　　" Roger is right! " Ajin was the first to support. " We're just guessing here for a long time, so it's better to ask directly! "

Carpenter shook his head and rejected Roger's offer. " I still stand by my opinion, I will make fresh water from sea water. "

　　" Scientific research can't save the land of sand, nor can endless fresh water. " Bit said, looking at the stubborn Carpenter. " If you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you. "

Everyone was a little stunned when they heard it, because the meaning of Bit was …

　　" You said you can make fresh water from sea water? " Ajin , who is worthy of being a monkey spirit, dares to think and say.

Bit nodded solemnly, " That's right, I stumbled upon it when I was a kid and had nothing to do. "

Carpenter faintly collapsed. He worked hard for more than three months, but it was not as good as a child's play!

Bit saw the discomfort in Carpenter's heart, so he said comfortably: " Don't worry too much, this is scientific research, I can't tell when a whimsical idea will be used at some point in the future. "

Carpenter also gradually calmed down, and he asked Bit peacefully: " So what do I need to prepare? "

　　" Two Erlenmeyer flasks, a beaker, two pieces of rubber tubing, and one piece of long glass tubing. And an alcohol lamp. " Bit said without thinking. " Actually, some special equipment is needed, but it's fine for the time being.

　　" You wait for me, I'll prepare right now. " Carpenter said and stood up and ran towards the town. To increase his speed, his legs were straightened and turned into wheels. " Please don't worry about the poor reception, I'm sorry! " His apology drifted from afar.

　　" That … Bit, can you really make fresh water? " Ajin asked in disbelief.

Beetle rolled his eyes at him. " I'll do it later, do you think I'll do it? "

　　" Then can you make bananas out of sea water? " Ajin asked the question he wanted to ask the most.

　　" you guessed it. "

　　" I won't ask you if I can guess it! " Ajin still asked relentlessly. Everyone else was already laughing and bending over …

　　" Hey, what are you laughing at! Is this funny! "

　　" Hahahahaha …"

　　" Hey! Still laughing …"