They all call me Great Master

The fisherman's chuckle startled the Young Lion.

Pistri Hamlet stopped in his tracks, eyeing the fisherman with caution—draped in a black robe, his attire obscured, yet the pale hands, clean face, and those seemingly hand-stitched shoes bespoke a notable origin.

Speculating inwardly, Pistri's gaze returned to the fisherman's face.

Long eyebrows, a pronounced nose, coupled with bright black pupils, which appeared both infinitely affectionate and as clear and innocent as a child's eyes, especially with the slight curve at the corners of his mouth, intensifying this impression. That faint smile naturally drew others' eyes.

Very charming.

Especially that smile, reminding Pistri of his own father.

Composed, and completely in control.

Also, beyond doubt!

Hiss!

Wait!

Father?!

As these thoughts raced through his mind, the Young Lion gasped.

Never had he seen anyone else with a demeanor resembling his father's—a visage can be imitated, but not the aura. His father, the Grand Duke of Inner Bay, King of the Pioneer Era, was acknowledged as the mightiest of South County. Just by standing silently, he commanded others' respect.

No matter how similar in appearance, without that aura, standing beside his father would make one nothing but a clown.

But this young man before him…

"Who are you?"

The Young Lion asked softly.

The young fisherman frowned, looking at Pistri with displeasure, seemingly accusing Pistri of interrupting his fishing.

The Young Lion was unimpressed.

A straight hook!

A foot from the water's surface!

If someone could catch a fish like this, he'd eat that fish right then and there.

Thinking this, the Young Lion's fingers touched the 'Poison Dragon's Tooth.'

He wasn't intending to attack.

He just wanted to be on the defensive.

He wanted to know more.

'Sorry!'

He said inwardly, just about to make his move.

But just then—

Splash!

With a splash, a fish, weighing over ten pounds, leapt out of the water, heading straight for the straight hook.

The hook went through the fish's mouth, out through its gill, and with its writhing, the whole fish was securely tied by the fishing line.

The young fisherman smiled and lifted the rod to reel in the catch.

And then, right before the Young Lion's eyes, began to handle his catch.

'This, this also works?'

The Young Lion looked at the river surface, then at the young fisherman, astonished.

He then became more convinced that the young man before him was not a true fisherman.

What kind of proper fisherman would cook a big fish right away?

Shouldn't they trek repeatedly to the market, telling everyone 'How did you know I caught a fish'?

And why the market?

Upon catching a big fish, a fisherman gets lost.

Immediately, they head where the crowd is.

'Definitely here for me!'

The Young Lion thought, his vigilance reaching unprecedented heights, muscles tense, then…

He swallowed.

On the campfire, a prepared fish was roasting.

As seasoning was sprinkled on, a tempting aroma began to spread.

The Young Lion's stomach started growling in sync with that aroma.

Hungry!

So hungry!

Since the evening, Pistri hadn't eaten a thing, followed by a series of heart-stopping chases and battles.

Although, with Spirituality's leap and sealing lifted, his power began its triple advancement.

But no matter how powerful, even a demigod would feel hunger.

More so for a young man barely able to touch the 'step.'

The Young Lion swallowed again.

Then moved his feet.

He wanted to distance himself from the roasted fish.

But the young fisherman, from somewhere, got a fan and began fanning vigorously.

Whoosh!

The aroma overwhelmed him, and the Young Lion couldn't resist anymore.

He felt his pockets.

His wallet, long lost in the pursuit and battle, was nowhere to be found.

Then, he looked at the ring on his left hand.

It was not some Secret Technique item.

Just a decorative gold ring.

Without hesitation, the Young Lion took off the gold ring and handed it to the young fisherman—

"Excuse me, could I trade for a piece of fish?

Not the whole thing.

Just a part would suffice."

The Young Lion asked courteously, gesturing to avoid misunderstanding, indicating about two fistfuls.

Compared to the gold ring, a bit of fish flesh was nothing.

In fact, this gold ring could trade for dozens, if not a hundred such fish.

But right now, the ravenous Young Lion couldn't care less.

He waited eagerly, nervously for a response.

While the young fisherman chuckled—

"I thought you'd draw the dagger hidden in your sleeve and rob my fish."

The young fisherman's words stunned the Young Lion.

He thought he had concealed it well enough.

Yet, the other had seen through him.

Instantly, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"No, please don't misunderstand, I mean no harm, I just encountered some incidents, leaving me on edge, which led to some extreme reactions.

Please believe me, I truly mean no harm."

Watching the Young Lion awkwardly explain, Arthur almost burst into laughter.

It was his first time seeing such a 'principled' Noble.

In danger, showing courage.

Facing strangers, not abusing power.

Even if the stranger appeared abruptly, he still chose a purchase when wanting some grilled fish.

What to say?

Clear!

Arthur's heart praised.

The smile on his lips grew brighter.

Arthur certainly didn't dislike 'clarity'; the clearer, the more he liked it.

After all, contaminated as he was, more clear water only made him seem clearer.

Naturally!

Before the sediment settled, he would appear even murkier.

But that was temporary.

Arthur firmly believed.

Therefore—

"No need, my treat."

Arthur said, while putting away the Lannister Family's Seasoning Jar—such rich and alluring aroma was beyond Arthur's culinary skills.

"Ah?

Thank you."

The Young Lion expressed gratitude repeatedly.

But when Arthur tore off a piece of fish, he accepted it with both hands.

However, just as he was about to take a bite, Arthur suddenly lowered his voice—

"Aren't you afraid I've poisoned it?"

Immediately, the Young Lion froze, mouth agape.