Blacksmith Volume 3 Chapter 1
The water from the river was very clear.
Despite the summer heat, the water flowing out of the forest was really cold.
I could see wet rocks shining in the distance, the water on them having not evaporated.
The horse-drawn carriage was currently parked beside it.
After taking off my shoes, I stepped into the water to try it out.
As I thought, it’s cold. Currently, it’s around two in the afternoon, meaning it’s the hottest time of the day, but that just makes the cold water feel even better.
Ah~ I’m finally back home. A feeling that was both beautiful and natural swept over me.
Looking around, the land was gradually turning more green, making it even more beautiful.
“This is the Helan territory.”
Iris descended from the carriage shortly after and took in the view with her mouth agape. Vaine could be described the same way.
“The water’s so clear! Kya! And It’s cold too!”
Iris stepped into the river while saying so.
“This looks like a good fishing spot.” Vaine pointed out with a slightly different perspective. Well, he’s not wrong.
In the river, you could see a few fish swimming here and there.
I cupped a bit of water into my hands and drank it without hesitation.
A cool feeling immediately flushed throughout my body. Natural water sure is refreshing.
The other two drank some themselves after watching me.
“It’s great!” “This is good water.”
For some reason their happy faces made me smile, almost unwillingly so.
“Ah, welcome to the Helan Territory!”
“It’s a nice place.”
Iris said with shining eyes.
Just by looking at the territory her eyes had begun to gleam, I’m sure they’ll shine even more in when she see’s the rest.
‘It’s somehow fun watching her’, that’s the kind of feeling I’m getting right now.
As Vaine immersed his lower body in the water he said: “I want to come back here sometime just to relax.”
Looking closely at him, he also seemed to have shining eyes.
They were the eyes of a young boy in his prime.
“How about we stay here one night then? We have everything we need, and we can have an amazing dinner if we grill some of the river fish.”
“Seconded!” Iris cheered while raising her hands and jumping into the river.
“Okay then, let’s get some fishing equipment ready.”
First I had Vaine look for tree branches that we could use as replacements for fishing rods, but because the forest was nearby, it shouldn’t be too hard.
After that Iris and I searched through our luggage for materials that we could use in replacement for fishing lines and hooks.
We couldn’t find hooks, so I created some by processing a little bit of iron with magic.
Shaving down the end, they slowly became pointed. I’m a little anxious because I wasn’t able to put barbs on it, but with Vaine’s fishing skill there shouldn’t be a problem.
The ‘fishing line’ that we found was just white yarn…
It might not be the best fishing equipment but it passes, right?
Just as we finished, Vaine came back with three branches that were the perfect size for rods.
He is truly a dependable man.
We immediately tied the threads on, and our fishing rods were completed.
For bait, we used the dried meat we had on us.
‘Will fish eat meat?’ I thought, but Vaine pushed away that anxiety by saying “If they can smell it, the fish will eat anything.” how reliable.
Climbing to the top of the biggest rock I could find, I cast my yarn.
The best strategy for fishing is to be patient. The scenery is beautiful too, so it’s the perfect time for me to relax and take it all in.
Iris stood at the edge of the river and took aim, placing a foot into the water before finally casting her line.
This was probably her own way of enjoying both the coolness of the river and fishing at the same time.
Looking at Vaine, he walked in until he was submerged to his waist before casting.
From my viewpoint, he looked completely like a professional.
With a slightly apologetic look, Iris called out to me saying “Do you need any help over there?” To which I replied “No,this is just how I do things. I like fishing this way.”
Seriously, I’m really having fun here.
Anyways, I’ll stop playing around now and start fishing for real!
Plopping myself down on the rock, I started sucking on a piece of dried meat while patiently waiting for my prey.
This is a really relaxing moment for me.
Under the cool shade of a tree, my heart was being healed by the beautiful scenery in around me.
“Ah~ This is so blissful~”
“Fufu, just now you sounded like an old man.”
At the bottom of the rock to my lower left, I could see Iris looking up at me.
Apparently, my words from a little while ago were funny considering that fact that she was still giggling a bit.
“This is only the edge of the Helan Territory and it’s still this beautiful.”
Taking a seat beside me, she cast her line into the river.
“It is, and I can only imagine what the center will be like. It’s probably amazing considering the proud face have on, Kururi.”
“Fufu~n”
“I