Translator: CinderTL
In stark contrast to the perpetually gloomy weather of the Blackwater Territory, the River Domain Nations basked in year-round sunshine, thanks to their unique geographical features.
The azure sea stretched out like a living canvas, its surface shimmering with dazzling reflections under the scorching sun.
The only drawback to this idyllic scene was the relentless heat, which made the sun feel oppressively intense.
Countless fishing boats crisscrossed the sea, their crews of fishermen diligently working amidst the rolling turquoise waves, creating a vibrant tableau of maritime activity.
"Have you heard? Lord Masdon is hosting a grand banquet at his estate today, supposedly to entertain some high-ranking dignitary."
As the fishermen hauled in their nets, they couldn't help but gossip about the rumors circulating in town.
The rough ropes slid through their calloused hands, carrying the salty, fishy scent of the sea.
"I wonder... who exactly is this VIP? What kind of influence could make Lord Masdon personally attend to them?"
"Why bother with such trivial matters?"
A nearby fisherman scoffed, his fingers deftly disentangling struggling fish from the net.
"Haven't you heard? The Wolf King's gang is growing bolder by the day. First they were robbing merchant caravans, and now they're even raiding ships at sea!"
He slammed a fish into the bucket with a thud, splashing water that soaked the hem of his trousers.
"I advise you to stop worrying about the nobles' banquets and focus on saving up to change professions. Otherwise, one day the Wolf King's men will catch you, and you and your boat will end up at the bottom of the sea, feeding the fish!"
"I wasn't..."
The fisherman, rebuffed, chuckled awkwardly and was about to defend himself when a sharp thud interrupted him.
Thud!
Everyone turned toward the sound. An old fishing boat was docked at the port. A young man wearing a wide-brimmed felt hat was bent over, tying mooring ropes. His nearly translucent, pale skin stood out starkly against the bronze complexions of the other fishermen.
"Hey! Roland!" the fisherman who had been speaking earlier called out loudly, trying to ease the tension. "Good catch today!"
"Not bad, Uncle Sam," Roland replied with a smile, lifting his fishing net. The heavy, bulging net immediately drew admiring glances.
The surrounding fishermen exchanged knowing looks. Just a week ago, this young man had been a complete novice, struggling to tie even the simplest knots and constantly pestering them for advice on tides and fishing seasons. Yet now, he was catching more fish than some seasoned veterans.
"Some folks are just born for this," someone muttered from the crowd, prompting nods of agreement.
Roland returned the fishermen's compliments with a smile, politely declined the offers of several fishmongers who swarmed around him, and carried his heavy catch home.
Pushing open the creaking door, he headed straight for the kitchen. Soon, a wisp of blue smoke curled from the stone chimney, mingling with the savory aroma of frying fish that drifted through the afternoon sunlight.
Blessed by the bounty of the sea, the people of the River Domain Nations had long since perfected the art of seafood cuisine.
With the addition of locally sourced spices, a net full of wriggling sea fish could be transformed into a table laden with fragrant and colorful delicacies in mere moments.
"Mr. Bronson, Galvis, dinner's ready!" Roland called out, shaking the water from his hands as he addressed the courtyard.
"Coming!" came the simultaneous replies from the two adjacent wooden cabins.
The first to appear was Galvis, the bard. He sniffed his way into the kitchen, but his brow furrowed at the familiar aroma of fish.
"By the gods, Roland," he said with a wry smile, his gaze sweeping over the table laden with pan-fried cod, cream-stewed salmon, and spiced grilled fish steaks. "This is the seventh consecutive day of all-fish feasts. Couldn't we have something different for once?"
Meanwhile, Bronson had already settled into his seat.
Clutching an ancient leather-bound tome in his left hand, he devoured the food with astonishing speed using his right. Were it not for the rhythmic chewing sounds, Roland might have suspected he was simply swallowing the food whole.
Moments later, the scholar rose, his eyes still glued to the pages of his book, but not forgetting to offer Roland a slight bow.
"Thank you for the meal," he said before drifting back to his study.
Such scenes had long become commonplace for the two men.
Roland picked up a golden-brown fish steak and glanced at Galvis, who was still hesitating with his fork.
"Just a few more days," he said, before stuffing the food into his mouth.
As if summoned by his thoughts, the transparent Job Panel materialized before his eyes.
In the skills section, three brand-new names had appeared:
[Lv.MAX Seamanship]
[Lv.2 Fishing (283/300)]
[Lv.2 Cooking (163/300)]
Knowing they would be staying in the River Domain Nations for an extended period, Roland had prioritized mastering aquatic survival skills to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
As expected, he quickly awakened the basic skills of Fishing and Seamanship.
As for Cooking?
That was merely a byproduct of his practice.
After all, the fish they caught fetched little at market, so he might as well use them to improve his skill proficiency.
"Once my Fishing skill reaches max level, I should unlock a fisherman-related class," Roland mused, staring at the system panel only he could see, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the table.
"I wonder what traits that class will grant..."
His thoughts were interrupted by Galvis's continued sighs.
"A few more days?"
The bard speared a piece of snow-white fish. The once-mouthwatering delicacy now tasted faintly bitter on his tongue.
"So, tonight's menu is still..."
Galvis suddenly set down his silver fork, the metal clinking sharply against the ceramic plate. His azure eyes lit up.
"Wait! Roland, do you remember when you commissioned me to gather intelligence on the nobles?"
"Mm-hmm," Roland replied, slowly swallowing the fish in his mouth before lifting his gaze.
"Tonight, Lord Masdon, the leader of the Noble Faction in the River Domain Nations, is hosting a grand banquet at his estate!"
Galvis pushed his plate away, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Realizing his impoliteness, he quickly added, "I mean, why don't we go together? You're sure to get the information you need."
The bard awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Of course, I'm not complaining about your cooking, it's just..."
"I'll go," Roland said calmly, nodding and stuffing the remaining fish into his mouth.
He chewed thoroughly until he swallowed the last bite, then wiped his mouth with a linen napkin.
"What time?"
"It begins at dusk."
Before Galvis could finish speaking, Roland had already risen and grabbed the fishing net and basket from the corner.
The poet blinked in confusion. "What are you doing?"
"Fishing," Roland replied, waving his hand dismissively. He smacked his lips, savoring the lingering taste of fish in his mouth.
Truth be told, he was starting to tire of eating fish every day.
"Might as well max out my fishing skill while I'm at it," he thought, striding briskly toward the door.
He deftly untied the mooring rope and skillfully steered the small boat out onto the open sea.
As usual, Roland cast his net and baited his hooks, then settled cross-legged at the bow, letting the fishing lines tremble gently between his fingers.
The salty sea breeze whipped through his hair, while the cries of distant seagulls rose and fell with the waves.
As the sun gradually sank below the horizon, Roland reeled in his last line and casually tossed several shimmering silver fish into the boat's hold.
He stood up and flicked his wrist.
The fishing net, as if imbued with life, arced through the air in a perfect arc, precisely capturing a churning wave of silver.
The moment the fish began leaping on the deck, radiant golden text unfolded before his eyes:
Fishing skill has reached maximum level.
[Detected: Basic class Fisherman available for selection.]
[Requirements: Strength 1, Agility 1, 2/2 Maritime Survival skill.]
[Select class?]
(End of the Chapter)
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