Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 15: A Strange Girl

“Preparing dinner,” Leon replied truthfully. Though the purple-haired girl hadn’t introduced herself, her distinctive hair color made it easy enough for him to guess her identity.

“So you’re the one who inherited this old farm, right?” The girl gave Leon a quick once-over, then took a small step back and explained.

“Sorry. I knew someone had inherited the farm, but I didn’t know you’d already arrived. I just came over without thinking.”

“It’s fine. But it’s not exactly safe for a girl to be wandering around here at night.” Leon shook his head and asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

“Not at all. I like the night and quiet places. Before you moved in, this farm was my favorite spot to come at night. It’s peaceful here, no one to bother me.” She tilted her head, then asked a bit awkwardly, “Do you think I’m weird?”

“Not at all. Everyone has their own preferences,” Leon replied with a shake of his head.

“Thanks for understanding. Oh, I’m Abigail. What’s your name?” Her face brightened at his answer, and she stepped closer without hesitation.

“Leon,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same here. We don’t get many newcomers in Stardew Valley. Everyone in town’s a familiar face. It’s nice to meet someone new.” Abigail nodded in agreement.

Leon smiled. Seeing she had no intention of leaving, he asked, “Have you had dinner yet? Want to eat together?”“Are you asking me out? We’ve only just met.” Abigail blinked at him in confusion.

Leon winced inwardly. He’d forgotten that the culture here leaned more Western. He had only meant it as a polite gesture, but to her, it might have sounded like a date.

After all, in Western culture, sharing a meal outside of friendship was usually something couples did.

He quickly explained, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought it might be livelier with company.”

“You’re strange. But you seem like a good person.” Abigail smirked, unintentionally handing Leon a ‘good guy’ card.

“Why do you say that?” Leon was puzzled. How had he earned that label so suddenly?

“Just a gut feeling. I can’t really explain it. I just think you’re not a bad guy… though definitely a bit odd,” Abigail said, looking conflicted.

Leon only shrugged. He didn’t mind her calling him strange. Glancing at the pot, where steam was curling upward and the scent of meat was in the air, he asked again, “So, do you want to stay and have something to eat? If not, I still think you should head back soon. It’s not safe for a girl to be out so late.”

“Well, since you’ve invited me twice already… I guess I’ll stay for a bit.” Abigail hesitated, then decided to accept.

Leon was a little surprised, but he said nothing more. Once he knew she was staying, he went back inside the cabin to fetch an extra set of utensils.

When he returned, he found Abigail crouched by the firepit, poking at the burning wood with a stick.

“You know, I’ve always wanted to try making a campfire outdoors. That’s part of why I came over when I saw you,” she explained eagerly when she noticed him.

“So you’re the adventurous type?” Leon concluded.

“Yeah, you could say that. I don’t like a quiet, uneventful life. I feel like I should do something special. That way, when I’m old, I won’t regret living such an ordinary life.” Abigail’s eyes lit up, clearly pleased by his assessment.

Leon opened his mouth to say something, but since they had only just met, he decided against it. He simply set the utensils down and turned his attention back to the fire and the simmering pot of meat porridge.

They stayed like that for a while—one squatting, one standing—watching the fire and the pot. Leon felt a bit awkward, but Abigail seemed perfectly fine, occasionally sneaking glances at him before turning her gaze to the pot again, a curious look on her face.

“It’s about ready. How much do you want?”

Lifting the lid, Leon saw the meat shredded and tender, the rice grains plump and swollen. He tossed a handful of dirt into the firepit to put out the flames, then grabbed a ladle and began serving.

“Just half a bowl. I can’t eat too much at night,” Abigail said.

Leon filled her bowl generously anyway, with extra meat. After all, when you had a guest, you had to show some hospitality.

The porridge was simple—just salt, oil, and pork—but the rich aroma of meat mixed with the soft, soup-soaked rice had a certain charm.

Leon found it comforting, downing two large bowls without pause.

Abigail, in contrast, ate slowly and neatly, taking small spoonfuls, cooling them with her breath before tasting, savoring each bite without much expression.

“Good?” Leon asked after setting down his bowl, feeling nearly full.

“It’s… okay,” Abigail replied, finishing her last spoonful.

“You’re blunt,” Leon chuckled, taking her bowl. “Well, since you’re done, you should head home.”

“Alright.” She nodded and, without another word, turned and walked off into the night.

Leon was left staring at her retreating back, speechless. Then he simply shrugged and took the bowls back inside.

After washing the dishes and cleaning up, he went through his nightly routine and went straight to bed.

Since taking over the farm, he hadn’t stayed up late once. By eight or nine, he was always ready to sleep—well before midnight.

With nothing else to do at night, sleeping was the best option.

The next morning, Leon woke naturally after a full night’s rest. The sky outside was dim and overcast.

He got out of bed, walked to the window, and glanced at the clouds. A look at his watch confirmed it wasn’t too early.

“Looks like it’s going to rain.”