novelraw Chapter 130: He’s a Really Nice Person
Chapter 130: He’s a Really Nice Person
Once Leon confirmed that Marlon wasn’t joking and that there really was a special channel for daily fortune-telling, he finally felt relieved.
So it wasn’t that he had terrible luck—it was the elves messing with him. Three Prismatic Geodes yielding two stones and a lump of clay? Definitely the elves’ fault. Yes, that had to be the truth.
At least, that’s what Leon told himself for comfort.
He wasn’t sure whether the “elves” Welwick mentioned were the Junimos he knew or some other kind of fairy, but he made a mental note of this special TV program and added it to his must-watch-every-morning list.
He lingered for a bit to watch the local news, but aside from a few petty neighborhood stories, there was nothing major. There was no mention at all of the Fanjier Republic’s war with the Gotro Empire. Leon couldn’t tell if it was because the Republic was completely overpowering the Empire, making the news unworthy of mention, or if they had suffered setbacks and were keeping it quiet to maintain morale.
He leaned toward the first explanation. After all, Jodi’s husband was a soldier in this very war. In the game, he returned in the spring of the second year with only some minor post-war trauma and no serious injuries. That meant the front lines probably weren’t under severe pressure.
After turning off the TV, Leon began thinking about dinner. He remembered the bread he’d prepared for his trip to the mines last time—still untouched. He pulled it out, sliced it thin with a kitchen knife, and pan-fried it in a bit of oil. That would do for a simple meal.
The crispy bread reminded him of fried mantou slices—both made from wheat flour. Fried bread was drier and crumblier, but still edible. And Leon hated wasting food, so he polished off the whole batch.
Full and satisfied, he took a shower, washed his clothes, and changed into fresh socks and shoes.
It had been over a week since he arrived in Stardew Valley, and he’d kept a strict schedule: going out during the day and sleeping early at night. He hadn’t yet experienced the charm of a nighttime walk, so tonight he decided to give it a try.He ruled out heading toward Pelican Town—it was too far, and he’d risk running into acquaintances who would rope him into small talk. Instead, he set off toward the remote forest north of the farm.
Climbing the stone steps, Leon strolled along the mountain path, letting the night wind brush against his face. Tall trees rose on all sides, and though nothing particularly unusual stood out, it wasn’t boring—now and then, he spotted birds and squirrels darting through the canopy.
He followed the forest trail for quite a while before realizing he had circled around to the northern mountain slopes. Looking down the steep incline, he could see Robin’s house lit by electric lamps.
“I’ve gone a bit far. Time to head back.”
He wasn’t planning to disturb Robin, so he turned to retrace his steps—until a voice called out.
“Is that you, Leon?”
“Maru?” He turned toward the slope and spotted her. If she hadn’t been standing on the roof in blue work overalls, he might not have seen her at all in the darkness.
And no, that wasn’t racial bias—just an honest fact about her natural advantages.
“Out for a walk?” Maru cupped her hands around her mouth to call up to him.
“Yeah. You? Out for some moon-gazing?” He wasn’t going to turn away after she’d greeted him.
“I’m stargazing. I love astronomy.” She pointed to the telescope beside her.
“Stargazing, huh? That’s nice,” Leon replied.
“Do you like looking at the stars?” she asked.
“Not really.”
“Why not?”
“Because I almost got killed by a star before,” Leon said dryly. “There’s still one lying in my field right now. Can’t crack it open, can’t move it—drives me crazy.”
“What? Your farm got hit by a meteor?” Maru was stunned. She looked him over. “But I haven’t heard anything about that in town. Is your farm okay?”
“It’s fine. Just one stubborn rock sitting there. If it had caused damage, maybe I could’ve wrung some compensation out of the insurance company,” Leon joked.
“That’s a relief. But now I’m really curious about that meteor. Would it be okay if I scheduled a time to visit your farm and see it?”
“Of course.” Leon didn’t see a reason to refuse. It was just a look, not a handout—and he’d earn some goodwill. A good deal.
He also admired Maru’s bright, talented persona. Pretty, with a great temperament—aside from a darker complexion, she was nearly perfect.
“Thanks! How about tomorrow? I’m off work then.” Maru’s smile lit up her face, her white teeth gleaming in the moonlight. Leon couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Sure. Just don’t come too early—I won’t have time to host you.”
“I know. Mornings are your busiest, with watering and all,” she replied, then waved at him. “Hey, do you want to try my telescope? It’s high-precision. You can see the moon’s surface clearly. Maybe you’ll start to like astronomy.”
This wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment offer—Maru truly found the night sky beautiful and mysterious. She figured Leon disliked stars because of his meteor incident, and maybe she could help him rediscover their beauty.
“No thanks. It’s late, and I need to get some rest.”
Leon wasn’t about to be caught stargazing alone on someone’s balcony—especially with their daughter—at night. Who knew if the “daughter-loving” black uncle would come swinging a club at him?
“I see. Then head back soon. Goodnight, Leon—see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Maru.”
After waving goodbye, Leon retraced his way through the forest and back to the farm.
Meanwhile, Maru turned to see her father, Demetrius, climbing onto the rooftop.
“Who were you talking to just now?” the black geologist asked.
“Leon, the new farmer in Stardew Valley. He was walking by the back mountain,” Maru said.
“Oh? Then why did I hear you say ‘see you tomorrow’?” Demetrius pressed.
“Because a meteor fell on his farm, and I want to check it out.”
“You’re going alone?”
“Yeah. Dad, are you interested in the meteor too?”
“Of course,” Demetrius replied with a smile, though inwardly he was gritting his teeth.
“Then let’s go together tomorrow. But I’ll ask Leon first—we can’t just trespass on someone’s farm,” Maru said cheerfully, oblivious to his thoughts.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll let me come with you,” Demetrius assured her.
“Mm. I think so too. He’s a really nice person,” Maru said, not noticing how her father’s expression soured at her words.