novelraw Chapter 115: You Really Are a Great Grandpa
Chapter 115: You Really Are a Great Grandpa
“You probably don’t know this, but I actually picked up that child,” the old man in the flames suddenly said.
“I knew it. How could an old coot like you possibly have a grandson? You never invited me to your wedding, let alone your son’s coming-of-age ceremony,” Linus replied, realization dawning on him.
“When Leon was still a swaddled infant, I noticed something unusual. His soul was abnormally strong—far beyond that of a normal baby. A powerful soul trapped in an infant’s body is a disaster waiting to happen. To prevent him from dying young, I sealed his soul away. Using it as a reference, I created a Soul Shadow to stand in its place and help him through his physical growth. Two years ago, I determined his body was finally strong enough, so I unsealed his soul.”
“And by the time his true soul regained its freedom, you were already dead, weren’t you?” Linus’s expression twisted slightly as he recalled the timing of his old friend’s death. “Did you pass on the Soul Shadow’s memories to Leon’s real soul?”
“No. Transferring over twenty years of memories would have placed an enormous burden on him. Before his soul awoke, I stripped away all those useless memories, leaving only pure soul power and some basic common knowledge.”
“So he wouldn’t have any impression of you as his grandfather?”
“Of course he would. I removed the memories, yes, but I kept the emotions contained within the Soul Shadow. When he merged with it, not only did his soul grow stronger, but he also inherited the bond of affection between us. Even if we never met in the flesh.” The old man sounded quite proud.
“You’re sure?” Linus pressed.
“See for yourself.” As the old man spoke, the flames shifted, morphing from his face into a scene.
Linus recognized it immediately—it was the Red Star Farm. He saw his old friend’s memorial shrine, and Leon standing before it reading a letter. The scene played on, showing Leon bowing toward the shrine after finishing the letter.“See? He clearly acknowledges me as his grandfather.” The flames shifted back to the old man’s face, now lit with a broad, satisfied smile.
“That’s… nice,” Linus admitted, a hint of envy in his tone.
“Yes. I thought I’d leave this world with no ties, but after meeting that child, I learned the beauty of family. Leon feels like a gift Yoba gave me. Watching him grow brought me a joy I’d never known before. The biggest surprise? When he was little, he looked a lot like I did as a boy. If I didn’t know for certain I’d left no descendants, I might have believed he really was my grandson. Isn’t that fate?”
As the old man boasted, Linus shook his head. “Then why didn’t you live a few more years in the material world? You left before Leon’s awakening—don’t you think that’s a pity?”
“Not at all. Everyone has their own life and future. Children are like eagles—the vast sky is where they belong. I gave him the best I could, then stepped back to watch him live happily. That’s enough for me.”
“You sure talk about letting go easily, but you left the kid with a run-down farm, all alone in a strange town, starting from scratch,” Linus grumbled.
“What about the savings you built up when you founded the Red Star Farm? Why didn’t you leave them for him?”
“When I raised Leon, I already had a plan for his future. If he chose city life, that large sum of money you’re talking about would have been sent to him. But since he chose to come to Pelican Town and inherit the Red Star Farm, I decided he should walk the same path I once did.”
“So you didn’t really leave him the money?”
“There’s another inheritance waiting for him. As for money? With the Red Star Farm, his future won’t lack for it,” the old man said confidently.
“If Leon finds out, I’m afraid your shrine won’t be safe,” Linus scoffed.
“He won’t. I trust him.” Then, as if remembering something, the old man added, “I’ve already spoken to Rasmodius. Unless there’s something truly urgent, don’t give Leon too much help. I’m telling you the same—can you agree to that, old friend?”
“Of course. But if the kid’s life is in danger while exploring the abandoned mines, I’ll step in,” Linus said, though he didn’t make it an absolute rule.
After all, Leon was his old friend’s child, and even if he weren’t, Leon’s friendly and respectful manner alone would be reason enough for Linus to protect him from mortal danger.
“I appreciate his manners and how he treats everyone as equals,” Linus thought.
“He’s under the protection of Forest Magic. The Power of Nature will guide him out of danger. When that happens, you only need to heal him enough to stabilize his vital signs. Leave the pain of the remaining injuries for him to bear.”
“Oh, and when you’re done, take some money from his pocket. Maybe even grab an important trophy or two. Without the sting of heavy loss, I fear the boy won’t take his safety seriously.”
The old man agreed with Linus’s plan but added that twist—he didn’t want Leon growing reckless just because of help from others.
“You really are a great grandpa,” Linus said with disdain, glaring at the old man in the flames. Still, he didn’t reject the idea.
After all, you only learn from loss. On that point, Linus agreed.
“Well, aside from Leon, is there anything else you want to talk to me about?” After so long discussing only Leon, the old man sounded a little sheepish.
“No, just Leon. As for me? I’ve got nothing worth discussing with an old ghost like you. Once my soul enters the Spirit Realm, we’ll have all the time in the world to talk,” Linus teased.
“Then get some rest. Thank you for sharing news about Leon. It’s not easy to observe the material plane from the Spirit Realm. With you in Stardew Valley, I can rest easy about his safety,” the old man said gratefully.
“No need to thank me. He’s your grandson. As his elder, it’s my duty to keep an eye on him,” Linus replied with a casual wave.
“Linus, you don’t need to envy me. My gut tells me you’ll find your own heir someday,” the old man said, his face fading from the flames as the campfire abruptly went out.
“Gut feeling? Hah, who are you kidding? Still… if I could pick up a grandkid someday, that might be interesting. Looks like I’ll have to try living a few more years.”
Linus stared at the cold ashes, murmuring to himself, his eyes now brighter and more alive.