Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 151: Last Wish and Request

While Leon was still marveling, the brown bear circled around him once and suddenly spoke.

“Child of the forest, what’s your name?”

“Leon. Do you have a name, Brother Bear?” Leon replied, returning the question.

“A name? I think I did… once.” The brown bear sat down heavily, propping his chin up with his forepaws, mimicking a human in deep thought.

But no matter how long he thought, he couldn’t recall it.

“I’ve forgotten. It’s been so long since anyone called me by it.”

A trace of sadness crept into his expression.

“After Cannoli left the Secret Woods, it’s just been me here.”

“Master Cannoli?” Leon asked in surprise.

“You know him? Well, of course. He was once a hero among your kind.” The bear’s face lit up at the familiar name.“Were you and Master Cannoli friends?” Leon pressed.

“More like father and son. He adopted me when I was young, from the place where the stars had fallen. He taught me to speak, forage, and fight. I stayed with him until the end of his days here.” The bear’s tone softened. Then he added, “Come, I’ll take you to see him. My claws are too sharp and my body too big. His statue’s covered in moss, but I don’t dare clean it for fear of damaging it.”

Leon nodded, and the bear led the way north from the pond, past thick shrubs. They came to the ruins of a palace—only floor tiles and broken pillars on either side remained, the roof and walls long gone.

At the deepest part of the ruins stood a statue. It depicted an elderly man crouching with both legs bent, hood drawn up, long beard, drooping brows, and a faint smile. He looked every bit the kindly elder.

“Was this place destroyed in a battle?” Leon asked.

“This was once our home. But I grew too big, and the house couldn’t hold me. I wanted to see Cannoli’s statue often, so I took the roof off. Back then, I couldn’t control my strength well… and it ended up like this.” The bear scratched his head in embarrassment.

“I understand,” Leon said, offering comfort.

“Please. Your hands are far nimbler than my claws.” The bear chuckled awkwardly and pointed to the moss on the statue.

Leon didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and carefully stripped away all the moss from the statue of Master Cannoli. Soon, the entire figure was clean.

When Leon removed the final patch from the top of the statue’s head, he noticed something carved beneath.

“Still chasing the sweetest taste…”

“I never noticed that before. He loved sweets—so do I. Maybe it was his last wish.” The bear, seeing Leon’s curiosity, came closer to look.

“What’s the sweetest thing, Brother Bear? Any idea?” Leon already knew the answer, but he wanted to see if the bear could give more clues.

“No. The sweetest thing I’ve eaten is maple syrup. I don’t really care for most human food, so I have no idea what Cannoli sought.” The bear shook his head.

“But you’re clever. All forest children are. Can I ask you to fulfill his last wish?”

“Of course.” Leon nodded. Even without the request, he wouldn’t pass up the chance to trade with Master Cannoli.

In the game, this meant exchanging a Sweet Gem Berry for a Stardrop—one of the seven in existence. Interestingly, Master Cannoli’s name had once been oddly translated as “Fried Cheese Roll Master,” leaving players baffled.

“Thank you, Leon. You’re a good man.” The bear rubbed against him happily. “I also have a personal request.”

“What is it?”

“Could you bring me some maple syrup? I haven’t tasted syrup gathered by humans in a long time. I miss it.” The bear’s voice softened, then he added, “I’ll pay you. I know you humans expect that. Bring me maple syrup, and I’ll teach you a very useful magic.”

“No problem. I’ll bring you a big jar so you’ll have your fill. But it’ll take some time.”

Leon smiled in agreement, thinking it was amusing that he’d triggered the Secret Note event early—straight from the source himself.

“Good. I’ll be here. I’ve been here for so long already, and I’ll probably stay here much longer. Just come find me when you have it. I’ve memorized your scent—if you’re in the Secret Woods, I’ll know.” The bear sounded pleased and rubbed against Leon again.

“You’ve never left the Secret Woods?” Leon asked, curious why an intelligent creature like this would remain here.

“Cannoli wanted to guard Stardew Valley. He’s gone now, so I’ll guard it in his place.” The bear’s tone was matter-of-fact.

“What do you eat here?”

“Fruit. Sometimes fish. I dug that pond myself and asked a guardian to stock it. There are more fish than I can eat. You’re welcome to fish there too—you’re a friend, and I like sharing food with friends.”

“Then I won’t hold back.” Leon grinned. He did need Woodskip from here, after all, for the old Community Center fish bundle.

“No problem.” The bear smiled. “Oh, and don’t tell the townsfolk I’m here. I don’t like being disturbed.”

“Don’t worry. They rarely come to the Secret Woods—it’s dangerous for ordinary people.”

“Good.” The bear nodded, then glanced back at Master Cannoli’s statue. “Leon, Cannoli was a good man. He wouldn’t let your help go unrewarded. If you fulfill his wish, he might surprise you. Don’t forget.”

“I won’t. Trust me.” Leon promised seriously.

The bear rubbed his head against Leon again. “I’m a bit tired. I’m going to sleep. You can stay or leave, but if you see the forest’s trees start changing color, leave quickly.”

“Why?”

“It means the warning barrier’s been triggered. Monsters from the desert are coming. Any that can trigger it are strong, and you could be in danger.” The bear’s expression grew solemn. “You’re my friend. I don’t want you hurt. Leaving is the best choice.”