Chapter 188.2
…Or at least that’s what I was thinking when several young men gathered and started doing gymnastic exercises .
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Kei-san noticed them at roughly the same time and called out to them .
As we parted with them and went our way, I asked Kei-san what those gymnastic exercises were for, and apparently, they were exercises that the people here did before going out to fish .
“For a long time now, the fishermen have been waking up and doing these exercises . It’s dangerous for fisherman if they’re unable to move well while riding a boat . This is true not just for the person himself but also for the other fishermen with him . That’s why the fishermen have to check on their body’s condition before going fishing . Or at least that’s what I’ve been taught anyway . ” [Kei]
“I see . ” [Ryouma]
“Although to be honest, even without the exercise movements, it’s obvious when someone is feeling unwell, so there are a lot of people who just do it because it’s tradition . But if you tell that to my dad or the strict elders, you’ll get yelled at . ” [Kei]
Kei-san said while laughing like a mischievous child .
Suddenly, someone called out toward us from a distance .
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“Hey!” [???]
“Ah, good afternoon!” [Kei]
Apparently, an acquaintance of Kei-san had appeared . He greeted him and parted ways, but just when I was thinking that was the end of it, ten seconds later, another voice called out, and then again a few seconds later . Every time we passed by a person, they would call out to us .
“Everyone knows each other, huh . ” [Ryouma]
“Well, it is a small village . It’s only natural . Most of the men are fishermen, so people are bound to know who’s whose wife and what number which son is .
Because of that people from outside the village stick out like a sore thumb and become the talk of the town, making it really easy for people to remember them . I think they’ll remember you very quickly, Ryoumkun . ” [Kei]
This is the countryside, alright . I have to be careful not to leave a bad impression on them .
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“How many people live in this village?” [Ryouma]
“Not even 500 . Although the number would be higher if you include the people who leave town to find work or make money from other villages . Oh, look . You can see it now . ” [Kei]
I followed the direction he pointed at, and there I saw a light that was irregularly reflected . I immediately recognized the lake before me as the same one when I first got here . We continued along our way and passed by the side of the last building .
“!!” [Ryouma]
When all the structures obstructing the view were gone, the unfolding scenery was so beautiful I found myself at a loss .
Winds gave rise to waves upon the vast lake, causing the reflection of light to waver .
The water is really clear . I wonder if it’s not very deep .
Even from a distance, I could clearly see the fresh aquatic plants beneath the lake .
The blowing winds are cold, but for some reason, I feel warm when I see this view in front of me .
In front of the lake is a beautiful white beach, on which small boats and tools of some sort could be seen orderly arranged .
Finally, there’s something to this place that makes it look like a fishing village .
“Don’t you think it’s beautiful? This view . ” [Kei]
I thought this place looked like Okinawa when I first saw the forest on the way to the village, but…
“Yes . It’s really beautiful . It’s almost as if the nature here has been left untouched, and yet at the same time, it’s so beautiful it would be enough to attract tourists . ” [Ryouma]
“I’m glad you like it so much . ” [Kei]
To Kei-san and the villagers of the fishing villages in this region, Ratoin Lake is an important place that keeps them fed . Because of that it is both their duty and pride to protect it . Only by doing so are they worthy of receiving its blessings .
“If that’s the case, then there must a lot of rules here . ” [Ryouma]
“You’re not a fisherman, so there’s not that many . There are still some that you have to pay attention to, though . For example, anyone can catch a blessing from the lake, but if you’re not a fisherman, your options are limited to either diving or fishing with a rod . You can’t fish using nets or baskets . Also, can you see that island over the lake?” [Kei]
“Erm… Are you talking about that raft-like thing made up of branches? There seems to be something on top of it . ” [Ryouma]
It’s far and there’s also the reflection of the light, so it’s hard to see, but I can at least tell that there is a hairy creature on top of it . Something like a sea otter or a beaver .
“That island is a nest created by a monster we call ‘Yadonezumi’ to pass the winter . When Spring comes, the small fishes use it as a hiding place, while the fishermen use it as a landmark to find the fishing grounds . Because of that another rule you need to keep in mind is to never hurt that Yadonezumi or its nest .
If you see it at the beach or in the village, please be careful not to drive it away . It may be a monster beast, but it’s no threat . ” [Kei]
“I understand . I’ll be careful . ” [Ryouma]