When faced with Gus’s subtle hint, Leon simply smiled without saying anything more. Gus didn’t press the matter either, switching topics instead.
“I’ll head to the kitchen first and get things ready, so when Penny arrives, we can serve the food right away. If any other custors co in before then, give
a shout.”
“No problem.”
Leon agreed to this small request, handing Gus the paynt for the al as well.
Without even counting it, Gus tossed the money into the register under the bar, then took off his jacket and switched into a chef’s coat and hat before disappearing into the kitchen.
Leon, left with nothing to do, leaned against the bar, resting his chin in one hand, idly staring off into space.
Fortunately, the dull mont didn’t last long. The saloon’s door swung open, the bell above it chiming crisply. Leon snapped back to attention and turned his head, catching sight of Penny.
Compared to how she’d looked that morning, Penny now wore a different floral dress, and her hair—which had been pinned up earlier—was now loose, cascading over her shoulders. She had no makeup on, yet her fair skin and erald-green eyes were more than enough to leave a deep impression.
“I almost didn’t recognize you,” Leon teased as he stood up to greet her.
“Was it too much?” Penny’s cheeks instantly turned pink. She lowered her gaze and asked softly, a little flustered.
“No, it’s just… stunning.” Leon soothed her nerves as he pulled out a chair at a two-person table for her. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Penny’s tension returned at Leon’s gentlemanly gesture, but this ti it wasn’t nervousness—it was a kind of indescribable flutter.
Thankfully, Leon didn’t push things further. He simply sat across from her, chatting about ordinary topics, letting Penny’s heartbeat settle.
With Leon guiding the conversation, Penny soon relaxed, answering his occasional questions with ease, drawing on her wealth of knowledge to solve his small curiosities.
The easy and pleasant chatter made ti pass quickly. By the ti Gus brought their food to the table, the nervousness had completely vanished from Penny’s smile.
Gus’s cooking, as always, was extraordinary. The main dish—a tuber platter—had a firm, satisfying bite and was bursting with savory juices. The seasoning blended perfectly with the natural flavors of the ingredients, delivering an intense burst of flavor with every mouthful.
The dish was exactly to Penny’s liking;she polished off nearly two-thirds of the large serving by herself.
“Sorry… I think I ate a bit too much.” Realizing her lapse in manners, Penny gave Leon an embarrassed look.
“Why apologize? Eating is for getting full. If you force yourself to hold back for the sake of ‘politeness,’ you’re not doing
any favor—you’re wronging your own body instead.” Leon smiled, teasing her gently.
Penny laughed imdiately, her mood lightening even more. She could tell Leon genuinely ant what he said.
The atmosphere returned to its earlier ease. Before long, they’d cleared the table entirely, leaving only their apple juice untouched—perfect for prolonging the conversation.
“So, Leon, you’re still planning to go to the Calico Desert?”
Leon nodded. “Of course. I have so business to take care of there.”
“Have you mapped out your route?” Penny pressed.
“Yeah. I’ll spend a day traveling to Zuzu City, then transfer to Calico Desert. It’s a bit roundabout, but I should be able to make it there and back in one day, so I can still rest at the farm.”
It wasn’t Leon’s preferred thod—going straight from Stardew Valley to Calico Desert would be faster, but that would require the bus to be fixed. And to repair the bus, he had to complete the Community Center’s Vault bundles.
But the Vault required 42,500 gold, a sum Leon couldn’t put together anyti soon. The detour was the only option.
As for cycling there alone, he’d already given up on that idea after checking the route. A bike against scorching sun and dry desert winds? He’d be courting misery.
“When will you leave?” Penny asked.
“Tomorrow,” Leon said without hesitation. Once he decided on sothing, he preferred to act quickly.
“In that case, could you wait for
in the morning? I’d like to prepare so food for you, so you’ll have sothing to eat on the road. The first bus from Stardew Valley to Zuzu City leaves at 7:30 a.m., so I’ll co by your farm before then.”
Upon hearing Leon’s plan, Penny voiced her own.
“Oh? Wouldn’t that be too much trouble? You’d have to walk all the way to the farm, spend ti making food, and wake up early. There’s no need.” Leon was touched, but he hesitated. It was no small favor, and favors from beautiful won were the hardest to repay.
“It’s fine. Think of it as my thanks for this lunch.” Penny’s voice was firm. “Whether you agree or not, I’m doing it.”
“…Alright, you win.” Leon sighed in defeat. It was her decision, after all—he couldn’t exactly forbid her.
Penny finally relaxed. “Then it’s a date tomorrow morning.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it,” Leon said with a nod.
After that, they chatted a little longer. Once they’d finished their juice, they left the Starfruit Saloon one after the other.
Since Penny had no classes that afternoon, Leon walked her ho. At the door, she sent him off without inviting him in for coffee—he knew that ant Pam was probably still asleep inside, sleeping off a hangover.
After saying goodbye to Penny, Leon pedaled to Pierre’s General Store to buy fresh vegetables and seasonings, filling a large bag before heading back to the farm.
What he didn’t notice was that while he was paying, Abigail happened to step out from the living quarters behind the store. She spotted Leon’s back, laden with groceries, and licked her lips before turning to her father.
“Dad, I won’t be eating at ho tonight. I’m eting a friend for dinner—tell Mom for .”
Without waiting for Pierre to ask whether this friend was male or female, she slipped out the door and headed toward the outskirts of Pelican Town.
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