Hearing this, Brother Bear lay back down and reminded him, “If you ever run into that kind of enemy again, co find . I’ll handle it for you.”
“Brother Bear, you should keep guarding the Secret Woods. Besides, I’m a warrior too—I can still protect myself,” Leon reassured him.
As tempting as Brother Bear’s offer was, Leon worried that if he dragged him out to fight, the Secret Woods might get invaded. That would be a real ss.
“You’re right. I can’t leave Stardew Valley for too long,” Brother Bear said with a resigned sigh. “After all, the desert near the forest is never peaceful. If I’m gone too long, they might take advantage of it.”
Then Brother Bear tilted his head and asked, “By the way, that big snake you ntioned—it was once human and could talk. So would it count as human or as a Child of the Wilds?”
“No idea.” Leon shrugged. “I asked Wizard Rasmodius about it and looked into its history. Turns out, it was a witch’s experint.”
“A witch, huh? No wonder. Most witches are a little unhinged. Even the Guardian’s ex-wife was a witch, and she—”
Before Brother Bear could finish, the ground trembled beneath them. He quickly shut his mouth. “Ahem. Leon, you’d better head back. I still need to patrol the forest. I won’t keep you.”
“Understood. See you, Brother Bear.” Leon nodded and waved goodbye.
There was no point in staying—no more gossip to overhear, and the risk of getting buried alive was hardly worth it. For his own safety, Leon decided to make himself scarce.
Leaving the Secret Woods, Leon returned to his farm, collected the copper ingots from the furnace, added new copper ore and coal, then hopped on his bike and rode toward Pelican Town.
Although Robin was coming to install a phone today, Leon knew her well enough to realize it didn’t matter whether he was ho—she’d handle everything herself without needing his help.
But as soon as he left the farm, after riding for a short while, he noticed a crowd gathered near the bus stop. Parked on the road was a bus decorated with an eye-catching floral wreath.
“Oh, the ribbon-cutting ceremony already?”
He instantly understood what was going on.
Still, he had no interest in joining the crowd. If Mayor Lewis spotted him and dragged him into the spotlight, that would be awkward. Best to pretend he hadn’t seen a thing and keep going.
Unfortunately, just as he was about to pedal away toward town, he spotted Penny and her mother Pam walking toward him.
“Leon!” Penny waved excitedly and stopped him. “Are you here for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Calico Desert bus line reopening?”
“No, I’m just passing by,” Leon quickly denied.
“I see. Sorry, I’ll let you get back to what you were doing,” Penny said apologetically.
“Aren’t you going to introduce this handso young man?” Pam grinned at her daughter.
Today, Pam looked entirely different from her usual worn-out self—bright-eyed, clean, wearing a neat shirt and jeans instead of her stretched-out sweater and flared pants. She seed genuinely happy.
“Oh, right. Mom, this is Leon, the new farr in Stardew Valley. He’s running Red Star Farm now and is a real gentleman. Last ti you passed out outside the bar, he’s the one who helped
get you ho,” Penny explained.
Pam’s face flushed with embarrassnt, but she still thanked him. “Thank you, Leon. Sorry for the trouble I caused you back then.”
“It’s nothing. We’re neighbors—it’s only right to help each other.” Leon waved it off, then said, “You two should go enjoy the ceremony. I’ve got so other things to take care of.”
“Alright.” Pam and Penny nodded, then they headed for the bus stop while Leon continued toward Pelican Town.
“That young man’s not bad—well-spoken, good-looking, and a farm owner. You should spend more ti with him,” Pam said, noticing her daughter’s downcast gaze.
“Huh? You an Leon?” Penny blinked. “We get along fine, I guess.”
“That’s good. Just don’t put all your energy into caring for the kids,” Pam advised.
“I’m a teacher. Taking care of children is both my job and sothing I enjoy,” Penny replied.
“I know, but I an you should think about your own future too,” Pam continued. “Like finding a good boyfriend and getting married. I feel bad always making you squeeze into that tiny trailer with .”
“Mom, what are you talking about? I—” Penny’s cheeks turned red. She stamred but couldn’t get out a complete sentence.
Pam just smiled knowingly. She understood her daughter well, and from Penny’s reaction, it seed the girl might already have so feelings for this farr nad Leon.
She didn’t press further. Young people should figure these things out themselves. Besides, she already had a good first impression of Leon.
When they arrived at the bus stop, Pam looked around at the familiar faces—residents from town. She took a deep breath, her eyes full of anticipation.
Last night at the saloon, she had t Lewis. Not only did he tell her he planned to give her the bus driver job back once service resud, but he also promised to help clear up a long-held misunderstanding.
Maybe from today onward, she wouldn’t have to drink alone anymore.
The thought made Pam grip Penny’s hand tightly.
Sensing her mother’s nervousness, Penny hugged her and comforted her. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m sure everyone will understand. Once the mayor explains, you won’t have to live with that weight anymore.”
“I hope so. But I really need to thank that generous benefactor. I thought I’d never have the chance to drive the bus again. I can’t wait to find out his na so I can thank him properly,” Pam said with feeling.
“The mayor should announce it today. I’ll be right there with you,” Penny assured her.
“Alright.”
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