Chapter 160: Baron Vili Fishing

Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Baron Vili Fishing

On the distant sea, the waters were calm and the sun was warm.

Nearly ten massive fishing boats sailed across the sea, leaving trails of ripples in their wake.

This was the Conch Fishing Team, which had set out from White Bear Town.

On the deck of the largest vessel in the center of the Conch Fishing Team’s fleet, Vili leaned against the wooden railing. He gazed at the vast expanse of the distant sky, enjoying the sea breeze, and felt a profound sense of ease.

On Vili’s previous trips to sea, he had almost always been on a mission.

Either he was on patrol or hunting Pirates. It had never been this relaxing.

"Lord Baron, would you like a snack?"

A slender young man approached and asked Vili.

This was Yadon, the grandson of Old Yor, whom Vili had brought with him from Fandou Village.

Yadon now served in the Personal Guard Team, though not in a leadership role. This wasn’t because Vili didn’t value him. On the contrary, it was precisely because Vili held him in high regard that he wanted Yadon to train and temper himself, working his way up from the bottom.

’After all, not everyone is like me, blessed with the experiences of two lifetimes and a Title Attribute Panel.’

’So, for Yadon, advancing one step at a time is the better path.’

Yadon had no complaints about Vili’s arrangements. He worked hard and trained diligently. By now, Yadon had already become a Junior Knight’s Squire.

This sea voyage wasn’t a major affair, so Vili hadn’t brought Sopps, Sandoor, or Dane along. Instead, he had brought Yadon to serve as his attendant, accompanied by a dozen or so Personal Guards.

"No, thanks."

Vili waved his hand, indicating he wasn’t hungry at the moment.

As Yadon gazed at Vili’s back, admiration welled up inside him.

’The Lord Baron started out as a farm boy, just like me, but through his own efforts, he’s now the Baron of White Bear Town. It’s amazing and so admirable. I just hope I can work hard enough to achieve even a tenth of what the Lord Baron has.’

"Lord Baron."

Just then, a burly, bearded man approached.

His name was Yoblin, the third-generation captain of the Conch Fishing Team.

The first captain was Yoblin’s grandfather; the second was Yoblin’s father.

He hailed from a rather renowned family of fishermen.

"We’ve reached the distant sea. With your permission, we can begin the first haul now."

Facing the young Lord, Yoblin felt a deep sense of awe.

Although Vili acted calm and approachable, the aura of an Upper-Ranker that clung to his every move left Yoblin feeling somewhat apprehensive.

This wasn’t simply because Vili had developed a noble’s bearing after six months as a Lord. It was also due to his power. The strength of a peak Middle Knight could exert considerable pressure even on a Junior Knight.

"Of course. You can begin the haul whenever you’re ready."

’I’m no fishing expert. I never even awakened a related title from all that fishing I did by the shore.’

’So right now, I should listen to the professionals.’

"In that case..."

Yoblin bowed slightly. "Then please, Lord Baron, you should make the first haul."

Vili nodded.

This was a custom from the time of Blue Whale Town: when the Baron Lord accompanied them to sea, he had to be the one to cast the first net.

If a full net of fish was caught, it symbolized that in the coming year, the fleet would have a bountiful harvest.

So Yoblin now looked at Vili with anticipation.

A crewman then brought over a small fishing net and handed it to Vili.

Normally, these large fishing vessels used enormous nets that required several, or even a dozen, people working together from different positions to cast. Alternatively, they would cast the net from a high point, using a geared mast to help pull the ropes and haul it in.

This small net in Vili’s hands was specially prepared just for the Baron’s cast.

At this, the other crewmen on the ship also gathered around.

They too were filled with anticipation for the Baron’s cast.

’I hope he catches a full net...’

Watching Vili prepare to cast the net, Yoblin prayed silently.

Yoblin had already determined from observation when they arrived that this area was teeming with fish.

’As long as the net is cast properly, we’re bound to have a decent haul.’

’I just hope Vili’s cast goes smoothly. If he doesn’t catch anything, not only would it be a bad omen, but it would also be embarrassing for the Lord Baron.’

Of course, Vili couldn’t hear Yoblin’s thoughts. He gripped the edge of the net and flung it forcefully into the sea.

As a Middle Knight, he could clearly perceive the fish swimming in the sea beneath the ship.

He aimed his cast toward the densest school of fish and shrimp.

WHOOSH!

The net flew from Vili’s hand, spreading open in an instant like a giant blooming flower before landing in the sea.

"Lord Baron, haul it in!"

Yoblin called out from the side.

Vili acknowledged him and began to pull on the rope.

The net in the water began to gather, tightly enveloping the fish and shrimp within.

"Good heavens!"

When Vili lifted the net from the water, Yoblin’s face lit up with delighted surprise.

The bulging, heavy net was clearly packed with fish and shrimp.

Vili was very strong; he needed no help to haul the fish- and shrimp-laden net completely onto the deck.

Vili opened the net and emptied its contents onto the deck, where they formed a sprawling pile.

Leaping shrimp and flopping fish writhed in a chaotic pile on the deck, as if already aware of their impending fate as food.

At the sight of such a large catch, the crew suddenly burst into cheers.

The sailors were firm believers in age-old customs.

To them, Baron Vili catching so much fish and shrimp was a sign that the fleet would have a huge harvest in the year to come.

"Thanks be to the Lord Baron!"

Yoblin shouted.

He did it both to boost the crew’s morale and to subtly flatter Vili.

"Thanks be to the Lord Baron!"

The other crewmen roared in unison.

Yadon, standing off to the side, joined in the cheering.

For a moment, the atmosphere on the ship was electric.

A full five minutes passed before Yoblin stepped to the front of the deck and bellowed, "Alright! Now, we officially get to work!"

At Yoblin’s command, all ten fishing boats began their haul.

Giant nets were cast into the sea from high on the ships’ hulls, scooping up countless marine creatures.

When the nets were opened, their contents blanketed the entire deck.

Crabs, shrimp, starfish, and a few strange-looking fish flopped about on the deck.

The crew’s spirits were high as they began sorting the catch on deck.