novelraw Chapter 97: I Hate Riddlers
Chapter 97: I Hate Riddlers
“Of course, you’ll get your share too,” Lewis said, making sure Leon knew he hadn’t been forgotten.
After all, Leon was the one who first uncovered the issue and persuaded him to act. If not for Leon, Lewis wouldn’t even have thought about it.
“Public funds for smuggling money? Not appropriate, and not necessary.”
Though tempted, Leon still knew the difference between one big meal and eating well every day. If he took this money, no matter Lewis’s intentions, it would give Lewis leverage over him. And while they might both be grasshoppers tied to the same rope, Lewis had more than one rope to pull.
Handing someone that kind of leverage willingly? Not a chance. Leon wasn’t about to dig a hole for his future self to fall into.
“I understand, but this isn’t a private transaction,” Lewis explained, adopting the tone of an official statement. “It will be allocated as part of Pelican Town’s agricultural support funding for Red Star Farm, as a measure to boost local farming and increase land productivity under the Pelican Town Development Plan.”
“In that case, there’s no problem.”
Hearing this, Leon stopped resisting. The difference between private and public accounts was clear. As long as Lewis framed the transfer this way, it would be a legitimate and legal allocation, free from hidden risks.
“After all, Red Star Farm is an inseparable part of Pelican Town’s industry. No one will object. Still, I hope you’ll manage the farm well, bringing high-quality crops to support Pelican Town’s growth and opportunities.” Lewis patted Leon on the shoulder encouragingly.
“I will,” Leon nodded. This was mutually beneficial. He had never neglected the farm’s growth—why else would he plant seeds the moment he got them?If not for limited manpower and unupgraded tools slowing him down, he might have already tilled most of the farmland and planted it full with seasonal crops.
“That’s all for now. I’ll head back. You should get some rest too. Managing such a large spread isn’t easy. As much as I hope to see Red Star Farm’s name shine quickly, I’d rather you reach that long-term goal while staying healthy and happy. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
After another round of encouragement, Lewis left the farm.
Leon watched him go, then turned toward the house, ready to rest.
Unfortunately, the heavens apparently decided that someone his age sleeping this early wasn’t right. No sooner had Lewis left than Rasmodius the wizard appeared in a flash right in front of Leon.
“I sensed some disturbance in the ancient barrier of this farm, so I came to check.”
Rasmodius got straight to the point.
“Yeah, a meteorite fell from the sky,” Leon replied helplessly, but still explained as an eyewitness.
“A fallen star, hmm. Not sure whether that’s good luck or bad.” Rasmodius’s expression turned odd, then he asked, “I need to examine the barrier. No objections?”
“No problem. I don’t know the first thing about this stuff—do as you like,” Leon shrugged.
With permission granted, Rasmodius floated upward, freed from gravity’s pull. Leon tilted his head back to watch the man circle above the farm like a bird.
Occasionally, Rasmodius tossed glowing spheres from his hands, which dissolved into the air moments after release.
By the time Leon’s neck was starting to ache, the wizard descended, noticing Leon rubbing at the sore spot.
“You don’t need to watch me. I mean no harm, and I won’t damage the barrier.”
“I’m just curious,” Leon replied. “Magic’s amazing. I want to see more of it.”
“You have no talent for the arcane. Forest Magic is your true path,” Rasmodius declared without hesitation, passing judgment a second time.
“Yes, yes,” Leon nodded. He already knew he probably wouldn’t be learning much else from the wizard.
Still, people always want what they can’t have. If he couldn’t eat pork, could he at least watch the pigs run?
“I’ve inspected the barrier. I’ve also reinforced some weak points. This ancient barrier was set up by your grandfather and me to protect the farm and Pelican Town.”
Since Rasmodius didn’t seem busy, and saw Leon was interested, he didn’t mind sharing more.
“Stardew Valley is special. Outside it, many monsters still exist. Besides your farm’s barrier, the valley has a large-scale barrier to keep monsters out. The only place not under its protection is the Secret Woods.”
“What about the monsters in the mines?” Leon asked.
“Those are subterranean creatures. They live underground. Even if they dare to come out, the Adventurer’s Guild can handle them,” Rasmodius explained.
“Then why isn’t the Secret Woods covered?” Leon pressed.
“Because a certain special being lives there and handles any dangerous monsters, much like the Adventurer’s Guild near the mines.” Seeing that Leon wanted to keep asking, Rasmodius cut him off.
“You don’t need to worry. Since I live here, I’ll protect this place. You just focus on your farm. This meteorite’s fall is actually a good thing.”
“How so?” Leon asked curiously.
“It activated the barrier’s special properties. My repairs sent out magical ripples that alerted many special beings that your farm is thriving again. In the future, you’ll receive visits from friendly beings, who’ll leave gifts. That’s the network of goodwill your grandfather built.”
“For example?”
“I won’t tell you. Let it be a surprise. You’ll understand when the time comes.” Rasmodius vanished in a teleport before Leon could react, leaving no chance for further questions.
“I hate riddlers,” Leon muttered, then silently raised a middle finger toward the Wizard’s Tower. The next moment, thunder cracked through the starry sky—without a single cloud above.
He instantly realized it was a petty warning from a certain powerful figure.
But so what? You can’t beat a big boss. Just take it.