"Instead of hauling buckets from wells, or relying on water mages," Jack explained, his hand resting on the control lever like a conductor preparing to launch a HSR system train. "The river feeds directly into our pump system. All you do is turn this lever, and water flows straight from the pipes and rains down from above."
He demonstrated with a smooth motion that had become as natural as breathing.
Clean water immediately began pouring from the spout overhead, creating the effect of gentle, warm rainfall within the marble chamber.
The water fell in steady, controlled streams, heated by its journey through sun-warmed pipes and regulated by a system of valves that prevented either scalding or cold shocks.
The reactions hit like lightning strikes.
Octavia laughed with pure, unbridled delight, stepping directly under one of the streams and letting the water cascade through her elaborately arranged hair.
