Garnett, who is clearly teasing us, has invited us to join him in a name that is terribly difficult to refuse, and we walk along the mountain path as he invites us.

　In contrast to the carefully maintained paths of the past, the path that leads deep into the mountains still has a roughness to it that is typical of the outdoors.

　However, it is not so much a roadless road as it is a road that has been left with traces of human life, such as the ruts of small wagons and the areas where weeds do not grow along the ruts.

It's been a long time since I've been here. I remember coming here right after we started doing business, but it's been a while since we came here, hasn't it?

　After walking for a while, following the ruts of the wagon, the trees that had covered the surrounding area suddenly diminished in number, and they came to an open area with a great view.

　It was a lake shining in the mountains.

　The clear lake's surface reflected the cloudless blue sky and the lush green mountains, and the view was breathtaking to just look at.

'Last time I was here, you were asked to repair the pier?'
I heard the salmon roe that we use at Wakaba-tei was caught in this lake. Fishermen's wagons pass by here every morning, so I guess the grass didn't grow on the ruts like that.

　Garnett walked over the pier we had [restored] a long time ago and sat down on the tip of it.

　I sat next to him, too, and threw my legs out toward the water, which sparkled in the sunlight.

　I felt like I could reach the water's surface if I stretched my toes out, but the garnet on the other hand was dangling its legs with a rather generous amount of room.

'Well, that guy from Ulysses just told me that he sends out his 'boat' when he fishes in the lake on the ground. Could that be a reference to this lake by any chance?
'Maybe. I haven't heard of any other lakes, and even if there were, this would be the closest place to it.

　There are several rivers near Green Hollow that might be good for fishing, but they are not big enough to float a boat.

　The river is not big enough for a boat to float in, but it's the kind of river that kids in town can walk across from one end to the other.

I've never done much fishing, but there are a lot of knights who enjoy fishing.
Oh, really?
''It seems to be a fad after the continent was unified. In the past, hunting was a pastime for knights and nobles, but after the knights were made to carry out official duties, it wasn't uncommon for them to be sent to lands unsuitable for hunting. ......
...... So, he said he started fishing instead. It's funny.

　The conversations me and Garnett are having are literal chatter that doesn't mean much.

　There's no point in knowing, and there's nothing to gain by talking about it.

　But that's actually a good thing.

　I'm not talking about a reasoned exchange of information, but rather a mutual presence to pass the time with ...... just being comfortable with this above all else.

I'm sure you're not going to be able to get away with it.　But I feel like things have changed a lot for me, you know?
'Yeah, I can kind of see that. You were quite the little shit when I first met you, you know.
No, no, no. No, not that way.

　Garnett awkwardly twisted his expression and leaned towards me by one fist.

　And while blatantly swimming in the water, she flapped her legs above the surface of the water and began whispering in a whisper.

It's a very good idea to have a good time with your mother. Now, it's kind of ...... that I want to get this over with as soon as possible, and then think about what happens afterwards ...... with you.
'Oh, it's Garnett for Lord Luke!
'Whoa!

　Because of the sudden call from behind me, Garnett panicked and nearly fell into the lake.

　I quickly hugged Garnett's body and turned to the owner of the voice standing on the shore edge of the pier.

'Oh my God, you scared me. 'What is it, Sakura? What's going on here?

　He lifted Garnett's light body and sat him back down, then stood up from the edge of the pier and headed toward Sakura.

　If we had been this far away, we wouldn't have heard Garnett's mutterings at all.

　In fact, he must not have even known if we were having a conversation or not.

　That's why in such a situation, if you don't panic or make a fuss, act as if you are surprised because you were suddenly called out by a loud voice, you won't feel any discomfort.

I'm going to practice my swordsmanship. It's not too crowded after lunch here, so I can swing my sword as much as I want.
'You're right,' you hear, 'if you're going to fish, it's better in the morning or evening when it's cooler. I guess the fish don't want to move around in the middle of the day because it's too hot.
You're in the know. So, what is it, Master Luke, that you do for a living?
'No, it's just a walk. It's been a while since I've had a whole day off, so I thought I'd take a walk around some places I wouldn't normally go.

　Garnett, who had been left at the end of the pier, seemed to be able to calm his breathing while I was talking to Sakura, and with a nonchalant look on his face, he tried to join the conversation himself.

"Independent training, huh? Do you want me to join you?
You've just been playing with Chandler and the others. Next time, I'm going to spray you with an extremely tainted potion before I do the restoration.
It was a joke. I'm sorry, Sakura. I don't think I'm going to be able to deal with them since I just had a big party at the Order Headquarters.
'I envy you that. There's no more meaningful training than hand-to-hand with the best of the best, you know.

　Sakura chuckled with a hand over her mouth and then turned to me again.

'Luke-dono. It's not an urgent matter, but would you give me a chance to talk to you again at a later date?
'I don't mind, but what's wrong with ......?'
I would like to speak with the Lord Luke of all people about the godsend.

　Behind the smile that emerged was a more sincere and serious thought than ever before.

"...... Okay, I get it. You can come over to my house anytime after work if you want.