Each piece was about a meter long. Since three of them joined together, the total length came to three meters.
"Next, you’ll likely find a basket for your catch and a sieve for landing the fish quite useful. We have both right over here," the clerk said.
While Miria was checking the feel of the rod, I went to secure the basket and sieve. Both were skillfully crafted from wood. Without plastic in this world, woodworking techniques seemed highly advanced. That said, it really was just a sieve he was offering, not a proper landing net.
"It is... okay," Miria said.
When I returned with the items, she handed the rod back to me. It seemed she was satisfied with it.
"Are this basket and sieve alright with you?" I asked.
"Yes, is," she replied.
Apparently, a sieve would suffice. Well, if they didn't have a landing net, there wasn't much I could do about it.
"That should be everything, then. I'll take the whole set."
"Thank you very much. Let's see... since you're a new customer just starting out, I'll give you the lot for three thousand five hundred Nahl. I'll also throw in a cloth bag for the rod and this tackle box as a special bonus."
The clerk produced a cloth bag and a box for the fishing gear. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure if that was a good price or not. Compared to our daily food expenses, it felt a bit steep, but if I measured it against the cost of combat equipment, it was probably reasonable. At the very least, my skill must have secured a thirty percent discount.
"I appreciate it," I said.
"Bad, is," Miria whispered, gently tugging on my arm. Her "bad" was the kind used when one felt guilty about receiving an expensive gift.
"It's fine." I placed my hand on her head and lightly stroked her cat ears.
Since I had heard this was a hobby for nobles, I had expected it to cost gold coins, but it hadn't come to that. This was plenty. I had Miria carry the rod and tackle box while Roxanne took the sieve. I slung the basket over my own shoulder and we left the shop.
"Thank you, is."
"I hope you catch something."
"Catching, is," Miria declared, a look of grim determination in her eyes.
I just hoped she wouldn't dive into the sea to grab the fish by hand if she couldn't catch any the normal way. Roxanne seemed to have already warned her about that, so it should be okay. Even if she didn't always listen to me, she usually followed Roxanne's advice.
We returned to the library and moved through the wall. Our destination was Hafen, located within the territory of Duke Harz. As far as seaside locations went, this was the only one I knew. I'd heard Pelmask was on the coast as well, but I had never actually stepped outside the guild there.
There was no morning market being held in Hafen today. I wasn't sure if it was because of the holiday or if it had simply ended already. The "Holiday between Spring and Summer" apparently referred to the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year. In this northern region, the markets likely started quite early.
I scanned the area and spotted the Level 3 Elven Village Chief I had met before. I approached him to strike up a conversation.
"Is it alright to fish around here?"
"Yes, fishing is permitted anywhere. The rocky shore just ahead is quite a popular spot. Previous visitors have mentioned having great luck there. It’s difficult to cast nets among the reefs, so the fish tend to congregate there in large numbers."
"Just ahead, then? I'll go have a look."
Following the Village Chief's advice, I headed out to the rocky shore. There was always the chance he was steering us to a mediocre spot to protect the local fishing grounds, but his logic about the nets made sense. He probably didn't want us wandering aimlessly if we didn't catch anything, so it was likely a decent enough location.
The shore was dotted with large reefs. It certainly looked like a prime fishing spot. Miria surveyed the surroundings with a serious expression, eventually climbing onto a rock to peer into the water.
"Fish are here, is," she said, returning with a satisfied look.
"Alright then, Miria. Will you be okay fishing here by yourself?"
"Yes, is."
I had my concerns, but it was a hard-earned holiday; I should let her enjoy it her way. I told Roxanne as much and we set down all the gear. I placed a leather hat on Miria's head to protect her from the sun.
"I'll give you five silver coins just in case. If anything happens, go to the village and buy whatever you need."
"Thank you, is."
"I'll come back to pick you up in the afternoon. Don't wander too far off."
"Yes, is."
I left Miria with her gear and walked away from the shore. Once we were hidden in the trees, I manifested a Warp Wall on a trunk and returned home.
"I wonder if she'll really be okay," I mused.
"I believe so," Roxanne replied. "There are beast-kin in that village who can understand her language."
Now that she mentioned it, I remembered that their dialect was somewhat intelligible there. It shouldn't be an issue. Besides, Miria probably knew more about the sea than I ever would.
"I'll give you ten silver coins, Roxanne."
"Um... is it alright for just me to have some?"
"You're my First Slave, Roxanne. You're special."
"I see. Thank you very much, Master."
I handed the ten silver coins to Roxanne. Knowing her, she wouldn't waste the money on herself. She would probably end up buying clothes for Miria or something similar. Giving her a bit extra was definitely the right move.
Roxanne accepted the coins with a bright smile. I had briefly wondered if she might insist on coming to the auction with me using that money, especially since the participation fee was only a thousand Nahl. Since she didn't mention it, she likely didn't know how much the entry fee was.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Yes. Have a safe trip, Master. If you find a good party member, please do bring them back."
So, expanding the harem was perfectly fine as far as Roxanne was concerned. I fully intended to take her up on that. I'd secured her consent, and I happened to have a very good memory.