Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

Ardi stretched his arms as he glanced at his Daily Quest List.

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[Explore Avalon Island] – Travel at least 5 km in any direction.

Reward: +1 Low Gacha Ticket, +1 Random Item (White).

[Fishing Assistance] – Help the fishermen catch 3 kg of fish (3 Unit Food).

Reward: +1 Low Gacha Ticket, +1 Random Item (White).

[Physical Training] – Engage in 2 hours of endurance training.

Reward: +1 Low Gacha Ticket, +1 Random Item (Green).

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He rubbed his chin. "Fishing, huh…? That actually sounds relaxing."

Yui, floating beside him in her fairy form, tilted her head. "Master, I never thought you'd pick fishing over running or sword training."

Ardi grinned. "Hey, even a lord needs to unwind sometimes."

Just then, Megumi entered the room, holding a small wrapped bento. She gave Ardi a sharp look.

"My Lord," she said sternly. "I heard you've been skipping lunch lately."

Ardi blinked. "Huh?"

Megumi turned to Yui for support. "Lady Yui, please tell him that this is unacceptable behavior."

Yui nodded solemnly, arms crossed. "She's right, Anata. You're the lord—if you collapse from hunger, what would happen to the village?"

Ardi scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Geez, you two make it sound like I'm on the verge of starvation."

Megumi huffed, pressing the bento into his hands. "Then prove us wrong by actually eating it today."

Ardi sighed but smiled. "Alright, alright. Thanks, Megumi."

Satisfied, Megumi bowed lightly. "Enjoy your trip, My Lord."

With that, she left to continue her kitchen duties.

Yui giggled. "She's practically your second wife at this point."

Ardi groaned, walking away as Yui laughed mischievously.

Tomo and Noboru were already waiting at the village entrance when Ardi arrived. Both fishermen stood stiffly, their hands clasped in front of them.

"M-My Lord," Noboru stammered, bowing deeply.

Tomo followed, his voice shaky. "It is an honor to have you join us today."

Ardi waved a hand dismissively. "Come on, you guys. No need to be so formal."

The two fishermen exchanged glances, clearly nervous.

As they walked, Ardi decided to break the ice. "So, how's the fishing been lately?"

There was a brief pause before Noboru hesitantly answered, "Um… It's been… good, My Lord."

Ardi raised an eyebrow. "Just good?"

Tomo coughed, still awkward. "Uh… well, we've been catching plenty of fish, actually!"

Ardi chuckled. "That's more like it. Tell me about what you've been catching."

The two hesitated, but after a moment, they relaxed slightly.

"Well," Noboru started, "our Fish Hatcheries are doing well. Right now, we're cultivating six species."

Tomo nodded, finally gaining confidence. "we managed to catch 4 types of fish that are similar to the fish in our home region my lord. They are : Amago Trout , Ayu Fish, Nigorobuna , Biwa Catfish

Ardi nodded. "And the other two?"

Noboru said embarrassedly, "We were quite doubtful about why they appeared in the Avalon Island river, but it seems like both of them are fish from an unknown area."

Ardi turned his gaze to Yui and ask, "what kind unknown fish Noboru and Tomo managed to catch, Yui."

Yui answered casually, "Master, they are Pike and Tench.

Ardi thanked and rubbed Yui's head gently, "Thank you, my dear" in teasing tone.

This managed to make Yui annoyed and she hit Ardi's cheek gently with her small hand.

Seeing the casual behavior of their lord and lady, both fishermen visibly relaxed, walking more casually.

By the time they reached the riverbank, the awkwardness was completely gone.

The river was calm, reflecting the clear sky. Tall reeds swayed in the gentle breeze, and the occasional splash of fish breaking the surface echoed in the quiet surroundings.

Ardi rolled up his sleeves. "Alright, let's do this."

Tomo and Noboru exchanged glances before handing him a fishing rod.

Ardi refused the fishing rod they gave him and took out his basic fishing gear from his inventory.

"My Lord, do you have experience with fishing?" Tomo asked carefully.

Ardi grinned. "Nope. But how hard can it be?".

Noboru sighed. "Then allow us to guide you, My Lord."

Ardi nodded. "Please do."

Tomo demonstrated first. He cast his line smoothly, the baited hook landing gently in the water. "It's all about patience. The fish won't bite right away."

Noboru added, "You also need to be careful with how you reel in. If you pull too hard, the fish might get away."

Ardi followed their instructions, carefully mimicking their actions.

A few minutes passed. Then—

Tug.

His line jerked.

Ardi's eyes widened. "I think I got one!"

"Stay calm!" Noboru instructed. "Slowly pull and let it fight a little!"

Ardi gritted his teeth, his muscles tensing. The fish struggled, the rod bending slightly.

Then, with one final pull—

SPLASH!

A silver-scaled Ayu broke the surface, flailing in the air.

Ardi grinned victoriously. "Gotcha!"

Tomo and Noboru clapped. "Well done, My Lord!"

Ardi wiped his brow. "Man, that was more intense than I expected."

Noboru laughed. "That was just a small one. Wait until you hook a Pike—those things fight back really hard, my lord."

Ardi smirked. "Then I guess I'll just have to level up my fishing skills."

Yui, who had been watching from a rock, giggled. "Anata, I think this is the first time I've seen you struggle so much with something."

Ardi pouted. "Oi, I just started! Give me a break!"

Yui winked. "Well, at least now I know what to do if you ever get too cocky."

Ardi sighed, shaking his head as Tomo and Noboru laughed heartily.

The fishing trip continued, with Ardi slowly getting better with each catch.

The soft sound of flowing water and the occasional rustling of reeds filled the air as Ardi cast his fishing line again. The river reflected the mid-morning sunlight, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

"Yui, why don't you give it a try?" Ardi asked, adjusting his grip on the rod.

Yui, who was perched comfortably on his shoulder, smirked. "Fishing? No thanks. I'd rather sit here and watch you struggle."

Ardi sighed. "You could at least pretend to support me."

Yui giggled. "I am supporting you—emotionally."

Ardi focused on fishing again. Catching smaller fish like Ayu was easy, and he was starting to get the hang of reeling. But then—

Snap!

The line jerked violently, and a large fish broke free.

Yui burst into laughter. "Pfft—Anata! You're terrible at this!"

Ardi glared. "Excuse me?!"

"Even the fish don't respect you!" Yui teased, poking his cheek.

That was it.

Without hesitation, Ardi dropped his rod, grabbed Yui, and launched a tickle attack.

"Ahhh! W-Wait! Hahaha—Anata, stop!" Yui squirmed, her small body flailing in his hands.

"No mercy," Ardi declared, his fingers dancing along her tiny sides.

Tomo and Noboru exchanged another look before sighing. Their lord was supposed to be fishing, yet here he was, tormenting his fairy companion instead.

After several minutes of playful bickering, Ardi finally relented, setting Yui back on his shoulder.

"I'll get a big one next," he muttered.

Yui wiped a tear from laughing too hard. "Sure, sure. I'll believe it when I see it."

A 2 hours later

Ardi managed to catch 8 small fish such as ayu fish and Amago Trout and finally managed to catch 2 larger biwa catfish which made him a little proud and teased Yui by stroking Yui's soft silver hair.

when Ardi was busy teasing Yui.

Tug.

Ardi's rod bent sharply, the line pulling hard.

"Oh? This one's big," Noboru noted.

"Steady, My Lord!" Tomo advised.

Ardi gritted his teeth. This time, he wouldn't lose. He let the fish fight against the tension, learning from his past mistakes, before gradually pulling back.

The struggle lasted over ten minutes as the fish desperately resisted.

Then—

SPLASH!

A large pike broke the surface, flailing in the air.

Ardi grinned victoriously. "Gotcha!"

Before he could celebrate, Yui floated up to his face, cupped his cheek, and softly kissed him.

"Good job, Anata~" she said sweetly.

Ardi froze.

His brain completely shut down.

Yui pulled back, smirking. "What's wrong? Usually, you're the one teasing me."

Tomo and Noboru awkwardly coughed.

"My Lord… congratulations," Noboru finally said.

Ardi blinked, still processing. "R-Right… thanks."

Yui giggled. "Aww, look at you, all flustered~"

Ardi groaned, rubbing his temples. "I swear, I will make you regret teasing me, Yui."

Yui stuck out her tongue. "And yet you still love me."

Ignoring her, Ardi activated his Appraisal Skill, and a simple virtual panel appeared.

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Appraisal Panel

[Pike]

Weight: 3.8 kg

Length: 80 cm

Category: Freshwater Fish

Edibility: High

Notes: A strong predator fish that puts up a fight when caught. Best prepared grilled or made into stew.

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"Not bad," Ardi muttered, storing the fish.

"At least now you're not a completely useless fisherman," Yui teased.

Ardi rolled his eyes. "Glad I passed the test."

As Ardi continued fishing, something felt… off.

A strange sensation crawled up his spine—the unmistakable feeling of being watched.

His grip on the fishing rod tightened.

Yui, who had been lazily swinging her legs, suddenly stopped. She felt it too.

The air seemed… heavier.

Someone—or something—was observing them.

Ardi narrowed his eyes. "Tomo. Noboru."

Both men straightened. "Yes, My Lord?"

"Did either of you notice anything… strange?"

Tomo frowned. "Now that you mention it… the river has gone quieter than before."

Noboru nodded. "The birds have stopped singing too."

Yui whispered, her voice unusually serious. "We're not alone."

Ardi's hand drifted to the hilt of his katana.

Something was out there.

And it was watching them.