novelraw Chapter 194
Chapter 194
After thinking for a moment, Leon continued asking, “How much does it cost to build a barn?”
“A barn, huh? That one’s more expensive—3,000 G in labor fees, plus 400 pieces of wood and 100 stones to build a basic barn. It can hold up to eight animals. If you upgrade to a big barn, you get an extra birthing room so pregnant cows and goats can give birth safely. And if you upgrade to a deluxe barn, it comes with an automatic feeder.”
Robin explained the details clearly.
“With a basic barn, can I raise cows, goats, and pigs right away?” Leon pressed.
Unlike the coop—which requires upgrades before you can keep ducks or rabbits—Robin hadn’t mentioned anything about needing to upgrade the barn before keeping larger livestock.
“Yes, you can. Unlike coops, barn animals can be kept together,” Robin confirmed.
Sure enough, Robin’s answer lifted Leon’s spirits. Being able to raise cows, goats, sheep, and pigs in just the basic barn was a huge bonus. Maybe he wouldn’t even need to upgrade at all.
But Robin’s next sentence quickly crushed that thought.
“Still, I don’t recommend it. Mixed animals can fight, get hurt, or even get sick. The basic barn has no separate stalls, so it’s better to upgrade step by step—expand the space and let me help redesign it to create separate living areas. That way, accidents won’t happen.”
Leon was half-convinced. With a playful tone, he teased, “You’re not just trying to get more money out of me, right? I’m from the city—I don’t know much about farm life. You’d better not be scamming me.”Robin rolled her eyes. “If you don’t believe me, go ask Marnie. She’s the professional rancher.”
“Just kidding,” Leon said quickly, then decided, “Robin, I’ll start with a coop to test the waters. When do you have time to come to Red Star Farm to start building?”
“The day after tomorrow. I still have one project to finish first,” Robin replied.
“Do I need to pay a deposit?” Leon asked.
“No. Just get the materials ready and choose a spot for it. I’ll come over the day after tomorrow and build your coop. Once it’s done and you’re happy, you can pay me then,” Robin said, shaking her head.
“Alright, I’ll wait for you then.” Leon nodded and turned to leave.
“Hold on—you’re not paying me yet?” Robin stopped him. “I haven’t paid for this batch of wood.”
“Put it on my tab. When the coop’s done, I’ll add 800 G to your payment. That way, we’re even,” Leon reminded her.
“Fine. Since you trust me so much, I can’t let you down. I’ll make a few personal improvements to the coop’s interior—make it easier for you to care for your chickens,” Robin offered.
“How exactly will you improve it?” Leon asked curiously.
“Heh, you’ll see when it’s done. Think of it as a surprise.” Robin waved it off.
Leon didn’t push further. He’d find out soon enough once the coop was built.
“It’s already lunchtime. Why don’t you stay and eat? You helped me a lot today and even left me with an order. I should treat my big client properly,” Robin suggested after glancing at the sun.
“Wouldn’t I be intruding on your family meal? Your husband’s not exactly fond of me,” Leon reminded her.
“Yeah, he can be hard to get along with. But it should be fine—you and Maru get along, don’t you? Plus, he worked on your cave just yesterday. I doubt he dislikes you that much,” Robin reassured him.
“Alright, but if your husband pulls you aside later, don’t blame me,” Leon agreed after some thought. Free food was still free food.
Still, he gave Robin a heads-up. He didn’t want to cause trouble between her and Demetrius later that night.
After all, inviting him over could be seen as bringing the wolf into the house. From Demetrius’s perspective, Robin was inviting a guy who posed a big “threat” to his precious daughter to sit at their dinner table. That was practically a betrayal.
If Robin dared to take the risk, Leon dared to show up.
In fact, the more he thought about it, the more amused he became. He couldn’t wait to see Demetrius’s face when he walked in and sat down.
“Hahaha, it’ll be fine. I’m sure he’ll welcome you—and so will Maru. I’ll go get things ready. Demetrius usually cooks, so I’ll just tell him you’re coming and have him make a few extra dishes.”
Robin then asked, “Do you want to come with me now, or wander around a bit first?”
“I’ll catch a fish as a gift. Feels rude to show up empty-handed,” Leon suggested.
“Good idea. But fishing is all about luck. I like to fish at the mountain lake sometimes, but it can take forever. Don’t get so caught up that you miss lunch,” Robin warned.
“Don’t worry, I’m pretty decent at fishing,” Leon reassured her.
Under normal circumstances, he might have been unsure. But his fishing skill had leveled up—just to level 1, but still boosted by the system. The first three fish of the day were almost guaranteed to bite. Catching one would be easy.
“As long as you’re confident. Just make sure you show up before we start eating, or I’ll have to come find you and make up some excuse,” Robin teased.
“Don’t worry, I won’t be late. If you don’t believe me, we can bet on it,” Leon challenged.
“Nope. No gambling. And I believe you, Leon,” Robin said, then added with a smirk, “Besides, I’m pretty sure you have a backup plan. Even if you don’t catch one in the mines, you’d find another way to get a fish. No way I’m taking a bet I know I’ll lose.”
Leon shrugged. She wasn’t wrong. If he didn’t catch anything, he could always get a fish by… less conventional means. In a pinch, he’d blow one up.
“Hahaha, of course. See you soon.”