novelraw Chapter 67: Abigail’s Stubbornness
Chapter 67: Abigail’s Stubbornness
“???”
Hearing Abigail’s decision, Leon was stunned for quite a while before confirming, “You’re saying you’re coming with me tomorrow?”
“Mm.” Abigail nodded, her gaze fixed on Leon’s dumbfounded face. “Aren’t you touched?”
“No, just feeling troubled.” Leon rolled his eyes at her and muttered, “I’m not going there for fun. I really have things to take care of, and Calico Desert isn’t exactly a vacation spot. Why are you inserting yourself into this?”
“Because I can’t bear to see you taking the long way and running around for a whole day. If you drive yourself, you can head straight from Stardew Valley to Calico Desert. That’ll save you a lot of trouble,” Abigail replied.
Then, worried Leon might misunderstand her words, she added, “Of course, it’s purely out of sympathy and the kind of mutual help friends give each other.”
“I get what you mean. But one thing—are you sure that old car of yours can handle the desert winds and sand? If the engine gets clogged with sand and breaks down on the road, we might end up experiencing a round of wilderness survival.”
Although Abigail’s suggestion was tempting, Leon was more concerned about the extreme environment of Calico Desert. Any accident could trap them both out there.
Driving in the desert demanded high vehicle specs. The shifting sands and windblown grit got into everything. For safety’s sake, Leon planned to refuse her offer.
But Abigail brushed it off without a care. “Don’t worry. That car has made more than one round trip between Stardew Valley and Calico Desert without a single breakdown. You can drive it without any worries.”“You drove it there yourself?” Leon raised an eyebrow.
“Emily did. She has a friend in Calico Desert who runs the Oasis shop. Sometimes she borrows my car to visit. I’ve never heard her say she ran into any problems in the desert,” Abigail explained.
“I see.” Leon relaxed. If the old car had already proven itself on multiple trips between Calico Desert and Stardew Valley, it could clearly withstand the sand and wind. Without worrying about the car, Abigail’s suggestion became far more appealing.
“But will your parents agree to you coming with me?”
Even if safety wasn’t an issue, whether Abigail could go was another matter. Leon considered her a like-minded friend, but he only had a nodding acquaintance with her father, Pierre, and no contact at all with her mother, Caroline. If they found out their precious daughter was driving off to Calico Desert with a strange man, they might not approve.
“Why would I need their permission for something I want to do?” Abigail asked, puzzled. “I’m an adult.”
“That’s true. But it’s still better to give your parents a heads-up—just in case. If you sneak off without saying anything, they might get worried,” Leon patiently explained.
“Do you just not want me to go to Calico Desert with you?” Abigail frowned, already sounding impatient. “Why do you have so many excuses?”
“Honestly, I don’t. If I could, I’d rather you just lend me the car and let me drive there myself. I’ll even top off your gas tank afterward as thanks. How about that?” Leon offered.
“No. I want to go to Calico Desert and have some fun.” Abigail flatly refused, folding her arms and pouting. Clearly, she was digging in her heels.
“That’s fine too. But you’ll need to convince your parents.”
“And if I can’t?”
“Then you stay home, and I’ll head to Zuzu City and take a transfer to Calico Desert.”
“Why do you insist on my parents’ approval before going with me?”
“Because it’s about your safety and basic social courtesy. I’m new here, and I might have business dealings with your father in the future. I don’t want him slamming the door on me over this.”
“My dad wouldn’t hold it against you over something like this.”
“I’m not taking that risk.”
The conversation ended. Leon sat in a chair with his legs crossed, while Abigail stood by the bed, glaring at him, her cheeks puffed out in frustration.
They stayed silent for a long time until Abigail gave in. “Fine. I’ll go ask my dad. Wait here.”
“Mm. I’ll be waiting until the first bus leaves Zuzu City tomorrow morning,” Leon said.
“What time’s the first bus?” Abigail asked, a little embarrassed.
“Seven-thirty,” Leon replied.
“That’s too early.” Abigail frowned. “Why not sleep in?”
“It’s not early. Even if your parents agree to let you drive to Calico Desert with me, the earlier we go, the better. Leave at eight or nine, and you’ll find out what a moving oven feels like,” Leon said.
“Fine.” Abigail couldn’t argue with that. She waved her arms as she left. “Remember your promise—if my parents say yes, you can’t back out of accepting my kindness.”
With that, Abigail left the cabin and headed back to town.
Leon sighed. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate her kindness—being able to drive directly to Calico Desert would be great for him. But he wasn’t going there for fun. He was going to offer a Prismatic Shard in exchange for the Galaxy Sword.
If Abigail tagged along, he wouldn’t be able to do that easily. With her curiosity, she’d definitely follow him, and explaining the scene afterward would be a hassle. That’s why he’d rather go alone.
Putting the thought aside, Leon stood, washed up, took a shower, and changed into clean clothes before heading to bed.
The next morning, his biological clock woke him up just after six. As usual, he washed up, then went out to water the crops in his fields. He stayed busy until a little after seven, then returned indoors to wash his hands.
He didn’t plan to make breakfast. Yesterday, Penny had promised to prepare some food for him to take on the road. Knowing her, she’d likely prepare plenty, so breakfast wasn’t something he had to worry about.
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