Chapter 122 Hey, That's the Ladies' Room!
"Is that house for relieving oneself?" the merchant asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Of course. It's a public restroom meant for people like you," Vincent replied with a hint of disdain.
Vincent strongly supported Henry's ideas, such as the importance of proper sanitation. Having accessible toilets could prevent the spread of diseases, like the Black Death or the plague, which were the greatest fears in ancient times.
While one could find food when hungry or work hard for a living, the consequences of an epidemic were devastating, often wiping out entire villages or cities.
To prevent such outbreaks, hygiene was crucial. Henry initiated a city-wide sanitation campaign, prohibiting open defecation and disposing of waste in water sources. Everyone was required to take a bath after a day's work, leading to the establishment of public restrooms and bathhouses.
Initially, many commoners didn't understand the necessity of these measures. However, after a few days, everyone complied willingly, using the public facilities and maintaining personal hygiene.
Who wouldn't want to live in a clean environment, free from the stench of summer or the nuisance of flies? Taking a refreshing bath and sleeping would be more comfortable.
"Alright, clean them up and dispose of them properly," Vincent said sternly. "And don't forget to pay the fine. It's ten copper coins for public defecation."
"What? A fine for copper coins?" The merchant exclaimed, taken aback.
"Of course. No one is allowed to litter in public, especially with something as repulsive as human waste," Vincent explained, making it clear that the fine was non-negotiable.
"Fine, I'll pay," the embarrassed merchant responded. Ten copper coins meant little to him. He just wanted to put the matter behind him.
Upon hearing this, the other merchants, who were bursting for the toilet, hurried to the public restroom. A middle-aged woman stood guard at the entrance with a stack of toilet paper on her desk.
"Do you need toilet paper?" the woman asked seriously, "One toilet paper for a steel coin."
"What's toilet paper?" one of the merchants asked, confused.
"It's for wiping." the woman replied calmly.
"Aren't there wooden sticks or bamboo pieces for that?" another merchant asked, puzzled.
In this era, people used wooden sticks, bamboo pieces, or even leaves and grass in the wilderness for personal hygiene.
The woman glanced at the merchants' luxurious clothes and said, "There are some inside. Remember to clean up after using them."
"I'll take a toilet paper."
"I'll take one too."
The merchants, seemingly provoked by the woman's disdainful gaze, all bought toilet paper.
The toilet paper was a softer alternative developed by the research department. It was made from soft grass fibers soaked in water to achieve a gentle texture. Once discarded or soaked, it would completely decompose in three or four days.
"The vertical one is for urination. Don't defecate in it. The rows of water channels are for that purpose." the woman reminded.
"Got it." the merchants nodded. It was indeed a new experience, having to pay for toilet paper even when using a restroom.
In fact, in Eldoria, it was common for people to carry their own paper when going out. The grand market had everything one could need.
"Hey! There is the women's restroom. The men's restroom is on the left." the woman shouted.
"Got it!"
The merchants who entered the wrong door quickly ran to the left, realizing their mistake. The woman's role was to prevent men from entering the women's restroom. She was paid fifty copper coins a month, and she managed the sale of toilet paper on her own.
As the merchants emerged from the restroom, they never imagined that using the facilities could be so enjoyable. The well-designed toilets and the overall cleanliness made them appreciate the experience.
The woman saw everyone coming out and emptied a bucket of water into the drain. The flowing water would carry away all the waste, which would then be directed to a sewage tank. Every morning, someone would come to clean the tank, and the waste would be taken to the outskirts of the city to be used as fertilizer.
"Where can I buy this toilet paper?" a merchant asked.
"At the grand market. They have everything there."
"The grand market?"
The merchants were puzzled. What kind of place was this?
Soro also experienced using a public restroom. He couldn't help but feel amazed. How did they come up with all of this? Everyone had the same mind, so why were others so much more advanced?
"Father, we need to buy a lot of that paper. I don't want to use wooden sticks anymore." Gael said, tugging at Soro's sleeve.
"Alright, we'll get some," Soro nodded. Just from using the public restroom, he could see the advanced ideas of Eldoria, far surpassing those of the Royal City.
Zachary silently observed everything and then walked away. These merchants were nothing special, just a group of people who hadn't seen much of the world.
He needed to report the task to Henry quickly. They were just one step away from success. If it worked, Eldoria would usher in a new era of development.
Passing by the hamburger stall, Zachary saw Brandon and his family in line. He was surprised. Wasn't Brandon supposed to go and meet Henry first?
But Brandon had other plans. He caught a whiff of the meaty aroma, combined with the scent of bread, and his son's clamor. That's why he decided to join the line and buy a hamburger.
Yes, it was all because of his son. Brandon turned to look at his wife, who was holding their eight-month-old son, with a look of admiration in his eyes as if to say, "You're doing a great job."
Brandon's wife could only smile helplessly. Their son was crying while trying to nurse. How could she breastfeed in such a place? She could only let the baby suck on her finger.
And she couldn't understand why her husband suddenly decided to join the line to buy a hamburger.
The merchants also noticed the long line at the hamburger stall and couldn't help but be a little surprised. What kind of business was so popular?
"It smells so good! It must be delicious since so many people are buying it."
"Let's go and try it. We haven't had breakfast yet."
"They're lining up. Should we join the queue too?"
"Yes, Let's go!"
