A fair amount of time had passed since we’d started, and while it wasn't quite evening yet, the sun was beginning to dip. My stomach was starting to rumble, so I decided to call it a day on the fishing and start cooking our catch. Anima had landed a good number of River Fish, so it looked like we would have plenty to eat.
As for my own haul, I’d brought in twenty-two Crystal Fish and nine Gold Tails. It was a massive catch with incredible monetary value, but in terms of edible fish, I had exactly zero.
I didn't really need the money, so I planned to release them eventually. However, I figured if I let them go now, I’d probably just reel them in again if we decided to fish a little more after the meal. I decided to wait until right before we headed home.
Fortunately, they were safely stored in a high-performance magic livewell. It used space-time magic to expand its interior, ensuring the fish weren't under any stress.
I still felt a little frustrated by my luck, but I was looking forward to the salt-grilled fish nonetheless. I pulled a cooking station out of my Magic Box and split the tasks with Anima, scrubbing off the slime and beginning the prep work.
The River Fish looked a bit like ayu, and apparently, the innards were edible. However, I’d never been a fan of that unique bitterness, so I decided to remove them.
Once that was done, I skewered them and reached for the salt—then paused. Wouldn't these be great glazed with miso, like dengaku? Yeah, Miso Dengaku sounded perfect. I decided to make about half of them that way.
"Master, shall I get the fire ready?" Anima asked.
"Yeah, that’d be great. You’re using a magic tool for that, right?"
"Yes."
Nodding, Anima pulled out a magic tool that looked like two spinning tops joined together. Apparently, it was a staple for adventurers when they camped; you stuck the part with the magic crystal into the dirt and pressed a button on the other half to ignite it. It was essentially a portable gas stove—easy to start and easy to put out.
Anima quickly picked a spot and lit the flame before setting out some folding chairs. She was so efficient and reliable at this sort of thing.
"Okay, do I just stick these in the ground around the fire?"
"Yes. I’ll lower the flame for a moment, so please place them around here..."
"Got it. Is this about right?"
"I believe that should be fine. I’ll bring the heat back up now."
With the preparations complete, I sat down next to her and watched the fish sizzle over the flames. They looked incredible. I’d been born and raised in the city and had never gone camping before, so this whole situation felt wonderfully novel.
Once they were grilled to a certain point, I brushed miso over the ones I’d set aside and let them cook a little longer.
"Mmm, that smells incredible. There really is something special about this. Great weather, a beautiful view..."
"I've heard the stars are breathtaking out here at night," Anima added softly.
"I bet they are. It’s almost a shame we’re only here for the day."
Anima hesitated, then whispered, "In that case... if you'd like... shall we stay the night and head back tomorrow?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "Eh? I mean, I’m fine with that, but are you okay to stay, Anima?"
I was happy to hear the suggestion, of course. Opportunities to relax like this were few and far between, and it was the perfect chance to use that super high-end magic tool I’d bought after the Six Kings Festival and never touched. Still, I worried about her schedule.
When I asked, Anima gave a wry smile. "Actually, Cara insisted I was overworking myself and forcibly changed my one-day holiday into two days. I don't have anything planned for tomorrow."
"I see. Then it’s no problem... I have to say, though, I’m a little surprised. I didn't think you’d be the one to suggest it. Wait... Anima, did you suggest staying because you knew I wanted to use that magic tool? Are you just being considerate?"
"Ah... well, yes. That is true... or at least, I wish I could say that with more confidence..."
"Hmm?"
Anima knew I’d bought a magic tool that was perfect for this kind of trip but hadn't had a chance to use it yet. I assumed she was just looking out for me, but she looked strangely troubled. Her gaze wandered for a moment as she searched for the right words, then she spoke in a tiny voice.
"To be honest... the fact that I just wanted to spend more time with you... was more than ninety percent of the reason."
I laughed softly. "I see. Well, that’s a reason that makes me very happy."
"Auu... Ah! M-Master!? Look, I think the fish are ready!"
She was clearly embarrassed, judging by how frantically she changed the subject. I couldn't help but smile.
It was such a modest request, hardly selfish at all, but seeing Anima speak her own heart like that made me irrepressibly happy. Being with her always felt so peaceful and grounding.
With that warm feeling in my chest, I reached out and took one of the skewers.