The casting fishing experience Kyle had set up turned out far more popular than he had anticipated. After that initial trial, things settled into a quiet rhythm for a while. Flare and he were taking it easy, leisurely chatting about their future plans, but before a month had even passed, letters began flooding in to Kyle. Inquiries were pouring in from nobles who had never had any prior dealings with them.
”Master Kyle, another letter has arrived,” Martha said, setting them down. “Three today.”
”Can you tell where they’re from?” Kyle asked, looking up.
”Let’s see..,” She leaned closer, inspecting the envelopes. “One appears to be from Harper-sama, but I don’t recognize the seal emblems on the other two.”
”Martha, bring them over here,” Flare requested smoothly.
”Ah, yes, Miss Flare, here you are.”
Flare scanned the wax seals, her brow arching slightly. “…These are from the Dalwhinnie family and the Ballantine family. Both houses are quite close to Father.”
”Ah… so they’re connected through my father-in-law,” Kyle noted, tapping his chin. “Can’t ignore those. I’ll look them over right away. Aile’s letter can wait.”
Kyle could almost hear the ghost of Aile bellowing, “At ease with the delay! That is completely unjust!” But when someone is busy, priorities have to be set.
In truth, both Jack and Aile must have taken a serious liking to casting fishing. For Jack, it was likely the thrill of landing that massive fish and the burning desire to feel that rush again. For Aile, it was the sheer envy of watching someone else land a huge catch right in front of his eyes-and the fierce drive to be the victor next time. Carrying those feelings with them, they undoubtedly gushed about it at soirees, salons, and every gathering they attended. Given their broad social networks, pitching the experience with such vivid detail naturally caused rumors like “There’s a thrilling new way to fish in Quinta” to spread in no time. Unsurprisingly, idle nobles and novelty-seekers quickly jumped on the bandwagon, sending endless letters asking, “I’ve heard about this-may I try it as well?”
”We might want to speed up work on the boats and accommodations,” Flare suggested, adjusting her stance. “Until those are ready, we could host guests in the manor’s guest rooms and ask Grace and the others to assist during meal times. The kitchen here is far more spacious anyway…”
”Right,” Kyle agreed with a nod. “It’ll end up feeling like a bed-and-breakfast, but we can spin it as ‘still in pre-opening, so we’re specially inviting only referred guests.’ That way, it feels exclusive rather than underprepared.”
”A splendid idea,” Flare smiled, nodding in approval. “Those sorts of people thoroughly enjoy being treated as ‘special.’ They will be in high spirits and refrain from complaining-the cuisine is truly exceptional, after all.”
”Also, we need a large bath, even if it’s just in a temporary hut,” Kyle added. “It doesn’t need to be a grand bathhouse, just big enough for five or six people to soak comfortably. With a water heater, prepping the water won’t be an issue.”
Flare tilted her head. “A bath?”
”Yeah,” Kyle explained. “Autumn’s deepening, and it gets freezing out on the open water with the wind. They’ll come back chilled to the bone, so they can warm up in the bath first… and while they’re in there, excitedly recounting the day’s catch, we cook the fish. Then when they step out fresh and clean, the food and drinks are served. That’s the flow I’m imagining.”
”So you bathe prior to the meal, rather than before retiring for the evening?” she asked, curious.
”Mm-hmm. A cold drink after a hot bath is something truly special, you know?”
According to Flare, hunting trips usually involved downtime while game was being dressed, which aristocrats passed with wine or card games. Kyle’s concept of “communal bonding in the bath” was entirely unheard of to her. Well… fair enough. Still, if someone comes back freezing from the outdoors, a hot soak to warm up and freshen up, followed by good food and drinks, is far better than merely chasing away the cold with alcohol.
Of course, for those who disliked bathing with others, they could offer the private bath.
With the biting autumn wind picking up, a hot-spring-like amenity seemed like a fantastic touch. And if no guests used it, Kyle would happily enjoy that massive tub all by himself… or, well, with Flare and Taris-the three of them… you know.
”Understood,” Flare declared, straightening her posture. “I shall incorporate those details into the plan as well. I will manage the scheduling, so Kyle, pray handle the arrangements for the carpenter and the bath equipment.”
”Got it,” Kyle replied. “For now, I want to erect something like a prefab-a temporary bath hut right on the lodging site, facing the sea.”
Right now it was just an empty lot, but building a temporary structure first would help them gauge the actual view from the tub. Kyle had already picked out the perfect spot.
”…Understood. I shall leave it in your capable hands,” Flare murmured, letting the matter rest.
She likely didn’t understand the term “prefab,” but she had grown accustomed to Kyle’s occasional strange vocabulary. Rather than questioning every word, she simply deduced the meaning from context and let it slide.
Faced with a far larger response than expected, they moved their schedule forward and pivoted to hosting a limited number of guests in a pre-opening capacity. To Jack and Aile, these men were friends and acquaintances, but to Kyle, they were complete strangers. Nevertheless, the positive word of mouth kept Kyle and the others working like spinning tops right up until the big day to ensure its success.
_____And then, the day arrived.
Five invited guests appeared.
First were two middle-aged gentlemen-Fainess Ballantine and Glendalwin-who were close friends of Jack. The second group comprised the third son of the Durai family, Spela Durai; the third son of the Labelca family, Crow Labelca; and a familiar face, Aile Harper, second son of the Harper family-a trio of spirited young men.
”Well now, if it isn’t Jack’s daughter,” Fainess boomed, stepping down from the carriage. “Splendid to see you again! My word, that old fox Jack Regal went on about this so delightfully, I simply had to come try it myself.”
”Quite right,” Glendalwin chuckled, adjusting his coat. “That monstrous fish he sketched on parchment-did Jack truly land such a beast?”
”Indeed, I was present myself,” Flare replied, bowing her head graciously. “There is no doubt about it. Though I must admit, my father was thoroughly exhausted by the time he reeled it in.”
The two men greeting Flare with such familiarity were clearly long-time peers of Jack. Fainess boasted a magnificent mustache heavily streaked with silver. Glendalwin wore a neat Chaplin-style mustache and possessed a stockier frame. Both appeared older than Jack.
”Oh ho! So you’re Flare’s husband,” Fainess said, turning his keen eyes toward Kyle. “Heard you’ve been up to all sorts of intriguing endeavors. Well, any chap Jack takes a liking to-I hold quite high expectations for you, my good man.”
”Indeed,” Glendalwin added with a warm smile. “Let us see precisely what entertainment you have prepared for us.”
”Thank you for your kind expectations,” Kyle replied warmly, offering a welcoming gesture. “Hunting and fishing both involve unpredictable creatures, so things don’t always go strictly to plan, but I’ll do my absolute best to make sure you enjoy yourselves today.”
Kyle doubted they would hook another giant monster like the one Jack landed, but even the medium-sized fish put up a thrilling fight-if they bit, the guests were bound to have fun. Fainess, in particular, might need a hand if he hooked something heavy, given his stockier build.
”Yo, we’ve arrived!” Aile called out, stepping up briskly. “Reporting for duty!”
”Glad you’re here,” Kyle greeted him. “We’re short-staffed, so while I can lend gear, it’d help a lot if you could show them the ropes…”
”Understood! Instructing the recruits will be no trouble at all. Mastered the process last time!”
”Pleasure to meet you,” Spera said with a polite bow. “I’m Spera, third son of the Durai family. Heard quite a bit about you.”
”I’m Crow,” the other young man chimed in smoothly. “Aile wouldn’t stop bragging, so I figured I’d come see what the fuss was about. We’re around the same age-looking forward to it.”
”Welcome, both of you,” Kyle smiled. “Hope you enjoy yourselves today.”
The two companions Aile brought along shared his outgoing nature-unmistakably pleasure-seekers with strong self-assurance, yet possessed a polished, well-bred charm rather than any off-putting arrogance. Their tailored attire made it clear they had money to spare.
Still, “heard quite a bit”-Kyle could only guess what wild rumors Aile had been spreading.
As for the fishing boat, they had added extra decorations since the last trip, making it look distinctly superior to a standard commercial vessel. They had also double-checked the crew’s roles before heading out to sea, running through their duties at the fishing spot, how to assist guests, and emergency rescue procedures in case anyone fell overboard. The crew’s skills as leisure-boat staff were steadily refining.
With all preparations complete, the boat carried the five guests and Kyle out onto the clear autumn sea-the weather was bright, though the sea breeze carried a crisp chill.
”Oh! It-it’s here!” Glendalwin cried out, his rod bending sharply. “The rod’s shaking violently-this could be a massive one!?”
At his excited shout, everyone on board turned to look.
”You’ve got a bite!” Kyle called out calmly. “Stay steady, raise the rod, and start reeling.”
”Right, right!” Glendalwin laughed merrily, turning the crank. “Ha ha ha! I’m taking first prize today, gentlemen!”
Glenn reeled in his line with high energy, but his jaw dropped when the fish broke the surface-it was far smaller than expected.
”What? It’s this tiny?” he muttered, staring at the catch. “Given the fight it put up, I fully expected a giant…”
”Fish fight with everything they’ve got to avoid being pulled out of the water,” Kyle explained, stepping over to help unhook it. “The more violently it struggles, the heavier the tug feels. Besides, this species is delicious, so either way, it’s a great start!”
”Oh-ho, delicious, you say?” Glendalwin’s face brightened as he beamed. “Splendid! At any rate, we’re not going home empty-handed. That’s a clear victory.”
”Spot on,” Kyle nodded. “I’ll take care of preparing whatever we catch, so please, keep at it!”
”Is that so!” Glendalwin declared, casting his line back out. “Right then, the next one’s going to be a absolute whopper!”
Small though it was, avoiding a blank catch set a cheerful mood. Reinvigorated by the feeling of the catch, Glenn turned his focus back to the sparkling water.
”Well now, I was rather skeptical, but one truly can catch fish here,” Fainess chuckled, checking his bait. “Alright, this old fellow is joining the fray as well.”
”Hey, they’re already pulling them in over there,” Crow grumbled, glancing at Aile. “Aile, you’re not giving us bad instructions, are you?”
”Negative!” Aile barked back firmly. “Luck remains an uncontrollable variable. Continue casting and maintain focus!”
Fired up by the sight, the remaining four swung their rods into the water with renewed enthusiasm.
”Oh? Got one!” Crow shouted as his line snapped taut.
”Heh heh heh, alright!” he laughed, feeling the strain on the line. “Ohhh! That’s a fantastic tug! Look at that vibration! Hahaha!”
Crow reeled in with obvious joy, but just as the fish leaped above the waves, the tension abruptly went slack as the hook tore free.
”Whoa-huh? What the-!?” Crow gasped, staring at the limp line. “It went completely weightless!?”
”Ah-looks like the hook slipped or the fish’s mouth tore,” Kyle observed, walking over. “It wasn’t hooked deep enough.”
”Awww, come on!” Crow groaned, throwing his hands up. “I thought I finally had him!”
”It proves your technique is working, though,” Kyle encouraged him. “And we’ve still got plenty of time.”
”Yeah, suppose so,” Crow admitted, shaking off his disappointment. “No use pouting. Didn’t feel like a monster anyway.”
”That’s the spirit!” Aile encouraged, grinning. “If we’re aiming, we target maximum yield!”
”Heh heh heh,” Fainess chuckled softly. “The young men certainly don’t lack spirit.”
Thanks to steady bites, all five stayed fully engaged without a moment of boredom over the next several hours, with everyone successfully landing between five and eight fish. Every time a catch broke the surface, the group cheered, measured their fish, and pelted the crew with questions like excited schoolboys. Despite the age gap between Aile’s group and Jack’s friends, the shared thrill of fishing dissolved all social barriers as they celebrated each other’s catches like old pals.
”How about we call it a day?” Kyle announced as Fainess reeled in his sixth fish. “If we don’t head back soon, it’ll be pitch black by the time we hit port…”
A collective groan rose from the five men.
”What, already?” Spera complained.
”My word, I got so caught up I completely lost track of time,” Fainess admitted, rubbing his shoulder. “Now that you mention it, I am rather fatigued.”
”I could keep going,” Aile noted, reeling in his gear, “but navigating dark waters presents unnecessary hazards. Ceasing operations is the correct call.”
”Damn,” Crow muttered, checking his bucket. “Caught plenty, but nothing I’d call a true monster.”
”Heh heh, I want this decent-sized one turned into a fish rubbing,” Glendalwin boasted proudly. “Gonna show it off to my family.”
It was Crow, having landed the largest catch of the afternoon, who spoke up next. Though he had lost his first fish, he had later managed to land a respectable Garuga-not quite Jack’s legendary beast, but impressive nonetheless.
”Got it,” Kyle agreed. “We’ll take the rubbing first, then slice it up for fresh sashimi. Anyone else want one?”
”Right then, I’ll take one too,” Fainess requested, pointing into his chest. “Of this strangely shaped fellow. Never seen a fish quite like it; truly fascinating.”
He was pointing at a Scapa, a fish featuring a prominent, bulbous forehead reminiscent of a Napoleonfish. The other three promptly requested rubbings of their largest catches as well.
”Once we’re back at port, we’ll make the rubbings and start preparing dinner,” Kyle explained. “In the meantime, I’d love for you all to unwind in our pride-and-joy bathhouse while watching the sunset.”
”A bath, you say?” Fainess mused, pulling his coat tighter. “I am rather chilled, so that sounds delightful… but in what order shall we bathe?”
”No need for taking turns-we have one large enough for everyone to soak together,” Kyle revealed with a grin. “It’s actually one of our main attractions, so trust me and give it a shot. Of course, if anyone prefers privacy, we can arrange individual baths-but I highly recommend trying the main tub.”
Hearing about a communal tub large enough for the entire group, the five were initially stunned, but as pleasure-seeking nobles who thrived on novel experiences, their eyes lit up with intrigue. Each promptly declared they’d give the big bath a try.
The ship, crewed by seasoned sailors, glided into port right on schedule. Stepping ashore, the five gentlemen chatted animatedly while regaining their land legs.
”Whoa, I still feel like I’m swaying..,” Crow laughed, shaking his head. “Must be from standing on that boat all day! Hahaha!”
”It’s certainly comforting to feel solid ground underfoot,” Fainess agreed, stumping along. “Out on the open water, no matter how sturdy the vessel, one is merely a leaf at the mercy of the waves.”
They were led straight to the temporary bathhouse, where the sheer size of the tub left them completely speechless.
What Kyle had constructed resembled the spacious communal baths found in hot-spring towns. It wasn’t a natural spring with continuously flowing water, but rather a massive wooden tub set inside a shelter, filled with piping-hot water. Though the layout was simple-consisting just of a washing area, changing room, and tub-the idea of building a bath on such a scale was utterly unheard of in this world, leaving them thoroughly amazed.
”Good heavens!” Glendalwin gasped, staring in sheer disbelief. “To fill a vessel of this magnitude with boiling water, how many dozens of times would one have to haul buckets back and forth!?”
If someone were boiling water over a standard furnace, they would truly never finish. But here’s the secret: a pipe ran directly from a nearby well, using a pump to draw water straight into the tub-much like those hand-pumped wells from the Showa era. Once filled, a Magicraft ‘water heater’ instantly warmed the entire tub without needing to chop wood, light fires, or haul heavy buckets. To these five, who knew nothing of modern water heaters, it was nothing short of a miracle.
”Towels and fresh clothes are laid out,” Kyle announced, gesturing toward the changing area. “Let’s hop in. Since we’re all sharing the tub, please rinse off at the washing area first before soaking.”
”Ah, right..,” Fainess blinked, stepping forward.
”Just as Jack described,” Glendalwin chuckled, unbuttoning his vest. “Flare’s son-in-law truly conjures up the most outlandish concepts…”
Without further hesitation, all five eagerly filed into the changing room. None of them possessed an ounce of shyness about being seen naked by fellow men-true to form for social extroverts and pleasure-seekers. In fact, they shed their clothes so unselfconsciously that Kyle ended up feeling like the embarrassed one.
Carved into the wall facing the ocean was a massive panorama window. From there, one could gaze out over the endless waters while soaking in the steaming heat-and right on cue, the sun was just beginning its breathtaking descent into the vast, glowing sea….
______________________To be continued
Trivia:
- The juxtaposition of Kyle’s practical “prefab” bath concept against Flare’s aristocratic hunting traditions highlights the cultural friction that makes their marriage so unexpectedly harmonious.
- Fainess and Glendalwin’s dialect markers (じゃ, ワシ, のう) are rendered as Elderly Southern rural speech, giving them a warm, grandfatherly quality that contrasts with the younger trio’s more contemporary American neutrality.
- The repeated phrase “heard quite a bit” from Spera carries an undertone of rumor and social standing, subtly reminding that Kyle’s reputation is spreading through noble circles far faster than he anticipated.
- The narrator’s aside about Showa-era hand-pumped wells establishes that this world has technological parallels to 20th-century Earth, yet the characters treat basic water heaters as magical devices—highlighting a deliberate anachronistic blend.
- Crow’s boast about the fish rubbing being for “the family” subtly reveals his commoner roots or at least his desire to prove himself to non-noble relatives, contrasting with the other nobles’ more detached appreciation.
- Fineness’s request for the oddly shaped Scapa rubbing, described as “interesting,” suggests she values curiosity and novelty over practical utility, reinforcing her aristocratic privilege of leisure.
Translation Notes:
1 ↩ Refers to the historical period of Japan from 1926 to 1989, used here to evoke a nostalgic, pre-modern image of manual water-pumping technology that the narrator assumes the reader will recognize as quaint and outdated.