novelraw Chapter 4: Starfruit Saloon
Chapter 4: Starfruit Saloon
"With pleasure." Leon agreed without hesitation.
Jodi covered her mouth, chuckling. "Haha, then let's head out together. I imagine you’ll want to know where Pierre’s General Store and the Joja Corporation supermarket are. After all, you’re a farmer, and seeds are essential to your farm."
"But more than either of those, I’d like to find the town’s restaurant." Leon shook his head with a wry smile. "After a long day’s work, I’m starving."
"Then we have to go to Gus’s Starfruit Saloon. He’s the best chef in town. And you can meet plenty of your new neighbors there." Jodi suggested at once.
"Alright. Please lead the way. If you haven’t eaten yet, perhaps I could invite you to dinner as thanks." Leon nodded promptly, not forgetting her kindness.
"Hahaha, too bad I’ve already eaten. But if you insist, I wouldn’t say no to a beer." Jodi spread her hands.
"Then a beer it is." Leon replied with a grin.
The two set off toward the saloon together. Along the way, many people greeted Jodi, proof of her good standing in Pelican Town.
Several curious glances were cast at the unfamiliar young man walking with her. Most were simply curious, without any hint of rejection or hostility—something that let Leon breathe easier.
The Starfruit Saloon wasn’t far from the town square, just to the east. It was a completely wooden building with a large sign of a starfruit hanging above the door, and a smaller sign beneath reading “Serving Food and Drink.”Outside, several townsfolk were chatting. Jodi led Leon through the small crowd and into the saloon, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.
Most eyes turned toward Leon.
"A new face."
"Oh, a young fellow I haven’t seen before."
"Handsome too. Is he related to Jodi?"
"Haha, Leon, you actually came. Welcome, welcome."
Unlike the strangers’ curiosity, Lewis strode over the moment he saw Leon enter.
"Looks like you’ve met Jodi already. That’s good—she’s one of the nicest people in town." Lewis praised Jodi openly, then turned to address everyone.
"Everyone, this is the man I mentioned a few days ago—Leon, the new farmer inheriting Red Star Farm. From now on, he’s one of us in Pelican Town. Let’s all make him feel welcome."
"Welcome!"
The saloon’s patrons clapped and cheered, and it didn’t feel perfunctory. Clearly, a newcomer was something worth celebrating here.
"Not many young folks are willing to move to a rural town like ours these days. Welcome, Leon. I’m Marnie. I live just south of your farm. If you ever build a coop or a barn, come visit my ranch. I’ll make sure you get the healthiest young animals."
Marnie, a warm-looking, slightly plump middle-aged woman, stepped up to introduce herself.
"I will, Ms. Marnie. That’s actually part of my farm plans." Leon readily accepted her pitch. As one of Stardew Valley’s key suppliers, her ranch was an important business to connect with.
He did plan to raise chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, and pigs eventually—there was no way he’d pass on building ties with the ranch owner.
Still, seeing Marnie and Lewis side by side brought to mind a certain little secret between them, though the thought quickly passed. Spotting Lewis looking ready to drag him into rounds of drinks, Leon quickly spoke up.
"Making new friends is great, but I think I should eat something first. I’m about to faint from hunger."
"Hahaha, I forgot your house is still empty and you don’t have any food. Go try Gus’s cooking—he’s the best chef in town. I recommend his salad. My treat." Lewis said warmly.
"Uh, Mayor, there’s no need. I have money with me." Leon tried to decline.
But Lewis pushed him toward the bar. "Don’t be polite. I was closer to your grandfather than you realize, and I owe him a great deal. As his grandson, I won’t neglect you. And I told you—just call me Lewis."
With that, Lewis pulled a mock-angry face and called toward the bar, where a plump man was polishing glasses. "Gus! Come serve our new farmer. You might have a new supplier soon—freshness guaranteed!"
"With pleasure! Welcome, Leon. Here’s the menu—order whatever you like." Gus set down his glass, walked over smiling, and handed him a menu.
"Of course, if you want a drink, too, I’ll cover that myself. Don’t be shy—make yourself at home."
Leon didn’t refuse. He knew Gus’s friendliness was genuine.
A woman with long blue hair, wearing a striking red dress, stepped up from behind the bar. Her features were lovely, and she carried a lively, almost magical energy.
"Hello, farmer. I’m Emily. If you ever want a drink, come find me."
Her bright, energetic greeting made Leon smile. "Thanks, but I don’t really drink much."
"Haha, that’s fine. We also serve fresh juices. It’s spring—how about some peach juice? Since Gus is treating you, you don’t have to worry." Emily winked, and Gus, overhearing, didn’t mind.
Instead, he nodded cheerfully. "That’s right. Spring peaches are the sweetest. Give it a try—I picked the ripest, juiciest ones."
"Then I’ll have a peach juice and a pizza."
Leon scanned the menu—most dishes were familiar to him. Considering both his appetite and value for money, he went with the hearty pizza and Emily’s peach juice suggestion.
"Alright. One pizza and one peach juice, coming right up."