novelraw Chapter 232: Even a Fair Judge Can’t Settle Family Matters
Chapter 232: Even a Fair Judge Can’t Settle Family Matters
Unlike when he had eaten with Abigail, Leon maintained the custom of separate dining when eating with Robin. After all, that was the mainstream dining etiquette in this world.
So, Leon mostly used serving chopsticks to place food into his own small plate, and then ate with another pair.
Robin did the same—using a fork to place food onto her plate and a spoon to eat—avoiding letting any saliva-contaminated utensils touch the shared dishes.
But these were all minor details neither of them cared much about. Robin, without being taught, had already started mixing the stew from the beef and potato dish into her rice, eating with relish.
“Leon, I didn’t expect your cooking to be this good. Looks like you’ll make a fine domestic husband in the future.” Robin praised him as she ate.
“In Stardew Valley, is it all the men who do the cooking?” Leon asked instinctively.
“No, why would you think that?” Robin looked at him curiously.
“Then maybe think about what you just said.” Leon sighed, half amused, half helpless.
Robin burst out laughing. “Ah, I was just speaking my mind. I’m really not good at cooking, so Demetrius takes care of everything in the kitchen.”
“Oh.” Leon nodded and didn’t pursue the topic further. If he kept going, he feared he might get smacked.“So, have you set your sights on someone yet?” Leon hadn’t said another word, but Robin couldn’t help herself—her topic jumping straight to his love life.
“Uh… not for now.” Leon hesitated for a moment before replying.
“Then you’d better hurry.” Robin leaned in, speaking with mock seriousness. “The single ladies in town won’t wait forever.”
“Why is everyone so interested in my love life? Is matchmaking some kind of Pelican Town tradition?” Leon asked in exasperation.
From Gus and Willy to George and Lewis, and now Robin—it seemed everyone was invested in his relationship status. It felt strangely familiar, like being cornered by nosy neighbors in his old village.
“It’s just that we want you to settle down in Pelican Town. These days, most young people don’t want to stay in rural towns. More go out than ever return. I can’t even imagine if Pelican Town will still be as lively a decade from now.” Robin explained.
“Ah, so it’s the population loss problem. I guess the real cause is the lack of job opportunities here. If Pelican Town were a bustling town full of work options, the young folks wouldn’t be so quick to leave.” Leon analyzed.
After all, that was true in any world. Did young people really dream of big cities? Not necessarily. It was more about opportunities, higher pay, better job prospects, and good public amenities.
If they could get stable, high-paying jobs in their hometown with decent infrastructure, most would give up the idea of working far away.
Robin sighed. “That’s exactly it. But Pelican Town’s development really isn’t great right now. Aside from a few annual festivals drawing tourists, the economy depends almost entirely on long-time local merchants like us. If the eastern mines close for good, the population could drop by half.”
She added, with some frustration, “Lewis has complained to me about this more than once. He’s even considered raising taxes on us merchants to build public facilities and attract tourists—without even considering our current income.”
“Did you all agree to that?” Leon asked.
“Of course not. Everyone’s money is hard-earned. We understand Lewis’s intentions, but we have families to support too.” Robin answered, then asked offhandedly,
“By the way, how much tax do you pay on your farm? Uh, if it’s inconvenient to say, forget I asked…”
She stopped halfway, realizing it might be a sensitive question.
“It’s not that I can’t say. Do you really want to know?” Leon asked, a bit hesitant.
“Yeah, I’m curious.” Robin nodded eagerly.
“It should be about the same as yours, except I don’t have to pay taxes for the first three years after inheriting the farm.” Leon admitted after a short pause.
“Three years tax-free, huh? Makes sense. You were new to town, and the place was just wild land before you took over. If Lewis still taxed you, Pelican Town might already be bankrupt.” Robin replied without a hint of jealousy—just matter-of-fact.
Then she encouraged him, “So you’d better make the most of these three years to grow your farm. Who knows, maybe it’ll bring new life to Pelican Town and make it lively again.”
“You really care about Pelican Town’s future. Can you tell me why?” Leon asked, curious. Robin’s constant focus on town matters made him wonder—was she planning to run for mayor after Lewis retired? Or maybe she was hoping a more prosperous town would bring her more business opportunities?
“It’s personal,” Robin said after swallowing her mouthful of rice. “It’s about my son, Sebastian.”
“Mm.” Leon nodded, showing he was listening.
Robin went on, “He’s told me more than once he wants to leave Stardew Valley, but I’ve always stopped him. I know it’s selfish, but he’s my only child. I don’t want him far away.”
She sighed. “I know why he wants to leave. Aside from work, most of it is the pressure from his stepfather. You know Demetrius and I have a blended family, right?”
“Demetrius focuses solely on his scientific research, and most of his attention toward the kids goes to Maru. I’m often busy with work myself, so Sebastian often feels like an extra piece that doesn’t fit. He stays in his room all day playing games, growing more withdrawn.”
Leon only nodded quietly, letting her speak.
“So I keep thinking, if Pelican Town gets better, maybe Sebastian will find a job here he likes. Then even if he moves out, he won’t go far from me.” Robin said.
Leon still just nodded.
Robin rolled her eyes. “Can you say something besides ‘mm’?”
“What am I supposed to say? This is your family matter. It’s not my place to interfere.” Leon said helplessly.
“Of course you can,” Robin replied immediately. “Otherwise, why would I tell you all this?”
“Huh?” Leon looked at her, baffled as to why she thought he had any special insight worth hearing.