novelraw Chapter 60: A Good Man
Chapter 60: A Good Man
Regarding the mining issues in Stardew Valley, Leon had already seen related reports in the local news. The largest vein in Stardew Valley had once collapsed, and all sorts of monsters appeared afterward, rendering the old mines abandoned.
But Stardew Valley’s rich mineral resources meant the authorities never gave up exploring it. Eventually, in the southernmost reaches of the original mountains near Pelican Town, a prospecting team discovered a new vein. Though not as abundant as the old mine, it still produced plenty of copper and iron, enough to be contracted out by the state governor. This, in turn, helped re-employ the local miners of Pelican Town.
The mine Clint mentioned was referring to this newly opened vein. However, Leon wasn’t interested; from the news, he could tell that vein yielded little more than copper and iron.
“You mean the old mine up in the northern foothills? My god, are you crazy?” Clint’s eyes widened in horror when he heard where Leon planned to mine.
“Do you realize that mine is now overrun with all kinds of monsters? Going down there is dangerous. Those creatures will actively attack humans. If it weren’t for the Adventurer’s Guild setting up an outpost near the abandoned mine to guard its entrance, Pelican Town would have been overrun by the monsters crawling out from underground.”
“I know, but don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” Leon waved a hand dismissively. Since the System had given him combat level abilities on his panel, it clearly believed he could handle those monsters. In fact, Leon was looking forward to his first trip into the mines.
And now that he had gotten hold of a Prismatic Shard ahead of time, he planned to visit the desert before heading into the mines.
“All right, but I still recommend reporting to the Adventurer’s Guild before you enter that abandoned mine. If something happens, they might be able to help you. It’s also a layer of protection for your safety.”
After saying that, Clint glanced at Leon again. He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Wait here for me.”
With that, Clint disappeared into the private room behind his blacksmith shop. About five minutes later, he returned, holding a straight sword.“Take this straight sword for self-defense. I forged it as part of an order for the Adventurer’s Guild, but I made an extra one for my own collection. I never had the courage to face those terrifying monsters myself, so it’s been nothing but a display piece in my home. But in your hands, I believe it will fulfill the purpose it was forged for.”
Leon’s eyes lit up. What man doesn’t like a good weapon? And though it wasn’t his favorite Han sword, the straight sword was still one of his preferred weapon types.
“You’re really giving this to me?”
“Mm. You need it more than I do.” Clint nodded and shoved the sword into Leon’s hands. Leon tested its weight. It was about 1.2 meters long, double-edged and perfectly straight, with a narrow point ideal for thrusting yet strong enough for slashing. The blade was well-proportioned and in excellent condition.
The leather-wrapped cylindrical hilt allowed for a comfortable double-handed grip, though it felt most natural one-handed. The simple cross-shaped iron guard separated hilt from blade, offering some protection for the hands.
Though Leon had no real experience with such weapons, its length alone allowed him to keep a safe distance from enemies. The rest was simply a matter of thrusting and cutting.
Seeing Leon’s grip on the sword, Clint couldn’t hide a note of envy. “I have to admit, you look pretty cool holding it. Maybe you really do have the makings of an adventurer. I’m glad I gave it to you.”
Leon smiled, genuinely pleased with the gift. “Thank you. This sword feels great in my hands, and your craftsmanship is impressive. It’s definitely an excellent weapon. I’ll make good use of it.”
“I still think you should practice with it before heading into that mine,” Clint reminded him with a smile. “The monsters there are varied and dangerous. You’d be wise to get some training at the Adventurer’s Guild first.”
Leon nodded. He appreciated Clint’s concern. After all, he had no real combat experience against monsters. If possible, he’d certainly like to pick up some real fighting skills from the Guild.
When Leon fell silent, Clint seemed at a loss for words, his expression awkward. Noticing Clint’s discomfort, Leon took the initiative. “It’s been great meeting you, Clint. Let’s work together more in the future. You’re an excellent blacksmith, and I think I’ll be coming to you for help often.”
“Mm.” Clint nodded, saying nothing more.
Seeing that, Leon bid him farewell. When Clint heard he was leaving, the visible relief on his face left Leon speechless. After a wave goodbye, Leon stepped out of the shop.
“Sigh. With your social anxiety, it’s going to be tough for you.”
Leon glanced back at the blacksmith’s door as Clint shut it behind him and sighed in mild exasperation.
Still, it was Clint’s nature. There was nothing Leon could do.
As for returning the favor by helping Clint pursue Emily—Leon didn’t even consider it. Not only did Emily not have feelings for Clint, she clearly saw him only as a friend. And Leon had no interest in playing matchmaker.
Feelings had to be mutual. One-sided love almost always ended in tragedy. Playing go-between in such a situation was meaningless and could damage all involved relationships. In short, it was a thankless task.
The best way to repay Clint would be to support his business in the future.
Besides, judging by the way things stood, Emily seemed to have a much higher opinion of Leon than she did of Clint. If Leon put in a little effort, his chances of dating Emily might be far greater than Clint’s.
Clint was a good man. But being a good man often meant getting handed the “good man” card. Thinking of Clint’s likely tragic romantic future, Leon sighed again and put it out of his mind.