novelraw Chapter 168: Commanding the Lords in the Name of the Emperor
Chapter 168: Commanding the Lords in the Name of the Emperor
Amid laughter and casual chatter, the two soon arrived at the open space in front of a large mountain villa at the foot of the northern slopes.
Before Leon could escort Maru into the house, he noticed a dark figure standing at Robin’s door. If it weren’t for the moonlight glinting off the blue shirt the figure wore, Leon might never have noticed anyone was there.
That figure was none other than Maru’s father, Demetrius.
The moment Leon saw him, Demetrius also saw Leon. But his gaze merely swept over Leon before locking onto his precious daughter. The sight of Maru’s radiant smile instantly darkened his expression.
Maru didn’t seem to notice her father standing in the chilly mountain night, waiting for her. Her eyes were fixed entirely on Leon, and Demetrius could almost feel his teeth grinding.
“Maru, your father’s here to take you home.”
It wasn’t until Leon’s reminder that Maru noticed Demetrius watching her from the doorway. She hurriedly called out, “Dad? What are you doing here?”
“Of course I came to wait for you. It’s late, and I can’t relax knowing you’re outside alone.” Demetrius quickly swapped his grim look for a smile.
“I’m an adult now. Why do you still treat me like a kid?” Maru muttered, a little embarrassed. She was used to this sort of overprotective care, but with Leon right there, she couldn’t help wondering if he might think she was being a spoiled brat.
“I’m only worried about your safety.” It was the first time Demetrius had heard Maru speak to him in that tone. His heart almost broke, but he still forced a smile.“Yes, Demetrius is only concerned for you, Maru. You’re lucky to have such a father.” Leon chimed in, then reached into his System Backpack and pulled out prepared copper and iron ingots.
“Here are the metal ingots you needed. Take them inside first. I’ve got something to discuss with Mr. Demetrius.”
“All right. Thanks, Leon. I had a great time today.” Maru was long past being surprised by Leon’s ability to summon items out of thin air. She obediently picked up the ingots and headed inside.
Demetrius had the urge to help carry the “heavy” ingots, but remembering Leon’s words, he stayed put.
Once Maru was inside, Demetrius stepped right up to Leon. “Are you getting a little too close to Maru?”
“We’re friends. And I’ve got a few things I need her help with. So what if we’re close?” Leon replied with a smile.
“Maru’s a good girl, and a genius. I don’t want anyone or anything interfering with her bright future.” Demetrius’ tone was solemn.
“Am I interfering with her?” Leon countered.
“What do you think?” Demetrius sneered.
“Maybe. I’ve got too much free time after tending the farm every day. But if my farm had a bat-and-mushroom cave to manage, I wouldn’t have much time for socializing.” Leon shrugged meaningfully.
“If it’s just attracting fruit bats or setting up mushroom bins, I can handle it anytime. But combining both? That’s tricky. I’ll need time to design it.” Demetrius got Leon’s point and reluctantly explained.
“In that case, maybe I should invite Maru to the farm tomorrow. I heard she’s off. She could help me check the soil nutrition.” Leon smiled as if thinking aloud.
“Fine. Tomorrow I’ll help you remodel the cave.” Demetrius wasn’t stupid—he knew Leon was threatening him.
Though seething inside, he had no choice. He could tell Leon would follow through.
Seeing Demetrius’ forced expression, Leon’s grin widened. “Then I’ll be counting on you, Mr. Demetrius. I hope you’ll take care with the work. If the cave ends up shoddy, I might need Maru’s help to find the problems. That might disrupt her bright future again.”
“There won’t be any problems!” Demetrius practically roared, already rolling up his sleeves.
Leon casually drew his Galaxy Watermelon Knife, running a hand along its mirror-smooth blade. His voice stayed calm. “Then I’ll be waiting for your arrival at Red Star Farm tomorrow.”
One look at the violet blade was enough for Demetrius to remember—this young man wasn’t just any farmer, but a fighter who could slay monsters. He lowered his sleeves.
“All right. Just make sure you’re up early. Remodeling will take time.”
“Of course. Ever since I came to Stardew Valley, I’ve been an early riser. No need to worry about that.” Leon sheathed the Galaxy Watermelon Knife and reassured him.
Demetrius nodded, then turned and went inside without so much as a goodbye.
Leon could only shake his head. Still, his goal was met, and he had no real reason to keep Demetrius talking—he wasn’t some clingy drama queen.
Watching Demetrius’ face had been amusing, though. Leon now fully understood the satisfaction of commanding the lords in the name of the emperor.
With the promise of a new income project for Red Star Farm tomorrow, Leon cheerfully prepared to head back. But just as he was about to leave, a stone fell from the sky and landed beside him.
He looked toward where it had come from and spotted Linus standing on the mountain behind Robin’s house, waving. The gesture seemed to say, Come here.
Leon didn’t hesitate. He skirted around the east side of Robin’s house, following a gentler mountain path to reach Linus.
When he arrived at Linus’ tent, he found the man sitting by a burning campfire, a cleaned carp skewered on a stick, roasting over the flames.
“Linus, are you inviting me to some grilled fish?”
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