Chapter 54 Going to the Royal Capital (Part 2)
West Eston City was actually quite close to the Royal Capital. It was the first city west of the Royal Capital, and the crow's-eye distance from the capital was only 120 kilometers. However, due to a large lake lying between the Royal Capital and West Eston City, they had to travel around the lake, making the journey a bit longer.
The lake was called Lake Eston, the very origin of the city's name. It was also the largest freshwater lake in the Principality of Huntington, surrounded by forests and hills. The road meandered through the quiet lakeside forest, where the chirping of birdsong was a delightful sound.
The carriage wheels creaked, and Jiangyou leaned against the large window, sighing leisurely, "It's so comfortable~"
This time, they were traveling alone. Jericho drove the carriage, and Andrei rode beside it on his large black horse, keeping an eye out for possible dangers along the way. He would occasionally chat with Jiangyou at the window, introducing the surrounding scenery.
"If we travel at full speed, it would only take a day to get from Eston West City to the capital," Andre said. "But that would be too bumpy and uncomfortable, not good for the horses or the people. We don't need to rush into the city; we can enjoy the journey along the way."
Jiang You wholeheartedly agreed with this plan. For her, traveling is about the process, not just about reaching a destination.
"Lake Eston is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in the kingdom, with many campsites and fishing spots around the lake. The lake is rich in a kind of white fish that is very soft and has few bones, and tastes extremely delicious. When I was studying at the Royal Academy of Magic, I often went fishing in the lake."
"Hmm?" Jiang You tilted his head. "College?"
"Yes, this lake is very large. We are now on the southwest shore of the lake, and on the north shore of the lake is the Royal Magic Academy. The Royal Magic Academy is located on the outskirts of the royal capital and covers a very large area. It is like a small town in itself, self-sufficient."
"Oh, university town." Jiang You said with understanding.
Andre was already used to the strange words that Little Bone often blurted out. He didn't care and just said, "There's a camping spot not far ahead. We can rest for a while, catch some fish, and have lunch."
Jiang You readily agreed.
Their carriage continued along the main road through the forest for a while before turning onto a smaller path leading to the lake. After a series of downhill slopes, the scenery before them suddenly opened up. The clear lake shimmered with ripples, the green lawn lay like a thick carpet, and the flat ground was marked by a yellow earthen flatland where the carriages were parked, a square campsite where tents were set up, and an area where the soil had been burned black from frequent bonfires.
Not far away there is a small wooden pier extending into the lake. There is already someone on the pier wearing a straw hat and holding a fishing rod, fishing.
Jiangyou grabbed her straw hat and hopped off the carriage with a "Hey!" The wind was strong and cool by the lake. Holding her hat with one bony paw, Jiangyou ran happily toward the lake, spinning around several times. Her skirt fluttered like a double-petaled sunflower in full bloom, glittering in the sunlight.
Andrei rode his horse and caught up with her. "Would you like to ride with me for a ride around the lake?"
"I do!" Jiangyou nodded with great interest, and then Andre bent down and picked her up and carried her onto the horse.
The light skeleton was obviously not a heavy burden for either the knight or Diego. After Jiangyou sat down in Andre's arms, Diego excitedly let go of his steps and ran happily on the flat shore of the lake.
"Woohoo!" Jiang You shouted happily, "What a cool breeze!"
Jericho's eyes were dazzled by the sunlight reflected from the white bones, so he stopped looking around. He parked the carriage in an open space, took out the tent from the carriage, and began to set it up diligently.
By the time Jiangyou and Andrei returned from their horseback ride, the camp had a stove and two tents. The two horses that had been pulling the carriage had been freed and were leisurely grazing on the grass.
Jericho was wearing a straw hat and sitting on a small stool, fishing by the lake. Beside him were two fishing rods.
——The cat’s daily preferences are very clear at a glance.
Diego joined the two horses grazing, and Takuyu and Andre gladly accepted Jericho's silent invitation and sat by the lake to fish.
Since lunch was a treat, all three of them were extra attentive. Andrei helped Jiangyou cut up the earthworms and put the bait on, then taught her how to cast. "See that bubbling spot up ahead? That's the nest Jericho has set. Stand firmly, throw the bait far back, and drop it right there. Then, wait for the fish to bite and the float to be pulled underwater."
He finished his demonstration and sat down on an empty chair. "Fishing is an activity that requires patience. You might not catch any fish for several hours. Fortunately, we have a whole..."
Before he could finish his words, the float he had just thrown out was pulled directly into the water. His light frame was pulled forward by the fishing rod and he took two steps forward. "Eh? Eh? Did I catch a fish?"
"Oh my God!" Jericho and Andre jumped up at the same time, and helped Jiangyou to pull the fishing rod one after another. A moment later, a three-pound fish stared at them with wide eyes.
"Is this enough for lunch?" Jericho licked his lips. "How about we catch another one?"
Andrei removed the fish from the hook and put it into the bucket. He also put half an earthworm on Jiangyou's hook and said, "I heard that novices can easily catch fish. Let's give it another try!"
Fifteen minutes later, the knight, the Nekomata guardian spirit, and the lich squatted beside the barrel, drooling at the three big fat fish crammed inside.
"There are three. Can I roast one, boil one, or half-roast and half-boil one?" Jericho asked, sucking his saliva.
"I brought a clay pot and fermented black beans," Jiang You said. "Such a fresh fish would be best steamed! Freshwater fish have big heads, so we'd make fish head soup! I also happened to bring some fried tofu!"
Fish head cooked with fried tofu is so delicious that it will make your tongue drop!
"But with so many fish, it's totally fine to grill one for everyone to satisfy their cravings!" she added.
Jericho swallowed a few times, so greedy that even his cat ears and tail couldn't hide it.
"It would be nice if there were some side dishes! I only brought some fried tofu and sauces this time, but not any other side dishes." Jiang You said with some regret, "I was thinking of going to the capital to buy more."
"It's okay." Andrei said calmly, "Do you want to eat lotus root and purslane?"
"Eat!" Jericho nodded vigorously.
"Purslane can be used in cold dishes, and lotus root can be used in cold dishes or fish soup," Jiang You tilted his head, "but where can I get these things?"
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