“You probably don’t know this, but I actually picked up that child,” the old man in the flas suddenly said.
“I knew it. How could an old coot like you possibly have a grandson? You never invited
to your wedding, let alone your son’s coming-of-age ceremony,” Linus replied, realization dawning on him.
“When Leon was still a swaddled infant, I noticed sothing unusual. His soul was abnormally strong—far beyond that of a normal baby. A powerful soul trapped in an infant’s body is a disaster waiting to happen. To prevent him from dying young, I sealed his soul away. Using it as a reference, I created a Soul Shadow to stand in its place and help him through his physical growth. Two years ago, I determined his body was finally strong enough, so I unsealed his soul.”
“And by the ti his true soul regained its freedom, you were already dead, weren’t you?” Linus’s expression twisted slightly as he recalled the timing of his old friend’s death. “Did you pass on the Soul Shadow’s mories to Leon’s real soul?”
“No. Transferring over twenty years of mories would have placed an enormous burden on him. Before his soul awoke, I stripped away all those useless mories, leaving only pure soul power and so basic common knowledge.”
“So he wouldn’t have any impression of you as his grandfather?”
“Of course he would. I removed the mories, yes, but I kept the emotions contained within the Soul Shadow. When he rged with it, not only did his soul grow stronger, but he also inherited the bond of affection between us. Even if we never t in the flesh.” The old man sounded quite proud.
“You’re sure?” Linus pressed.
“See for yourself.” As the old man spoke, the flas shifted, morphing from his face into a scene.
Linus recognized it imdiately—it was the Red Star Farm. He saw his old friend’s morial shrine, and Leon standing before it reading a letter. The scene played on, showing Leon bowing toward the shrine after finishing the letter.
“See? He clearly acknowledges
as his grandfather.” The flas shifted back to the old man’s face, now lit with a broad, satisfied smile.
“That’s… nice,” Linus admitted, a hint of envy in his tone.
“Yes. I thought I’d leave this world with no ties, but after eting that child, I learned the beauty of family. Leon feels like a gift Yoba gave . Watching him grow brought
a joy I’d never known before. The biggest surprise? When he was little, he looked a lot like I did as a boy. If I didn’t know for certain I’d left no descendants, I might have believed he really was my grandson. Isn’t that fate?”
As the old man boasted, Linus shook his head. “Then why didn’t you live a few more years in the material world? You left before Leon’s awakening—don’t you think that’s a pity?”
“Not at all. Everyone has their own life and future. Children are like eagles—the vast sky is where they belong. I gave him the best I could, then stepped back to watch him live happily. That’s enough for .”
“You sure talk about letting go easily, but you left the kid with a run-down farm, all alone in a strange town, starting from scratch,” Linus grumbled.
“What about the savings you built up when you founded the Red Star Farm? Why didn’t you leave them for him?”
“When I raised Leon, I already had a plan for his future. If he chose city life, that large sum of money you’re talking about would have been sent to him. But since he chose to co to Pelican Town and inherit the Red Star Farm, I decided he should walk the sa path I once did.”
“So you didn’t really leave him the money?”
“There’s another inheritance waiting for him. As for money? With the Red Star Farm, his future won’t lack for it,” the old man said confidently.
“If Leon finds out, I’m afraid your shrine won’t be safe,” Linus scoffed.
“He won’t. I trust him.” Then, as if rembering sothing, the old man added, “I’ve already spoken to Rasmodius. Unless there’s sothing truly urgent, don’t give Leon too much help. I’m telling you the sa—can you agree to that, old friend?”
“Of course. But if the kid’s life is in danger while exploring the abandoned mines, I’ll step in,” Linus said, though he didn’t make it an absolute rule.
After all, Leon was his old friend’s child, and even if he weren’t, Leon’s friendly and respectful manner alone would be reason enough for Linus to protect him from mortal danger.
“I appreciate his manners and how he treats everyone as equals,” Linus thought.
“He’s under the protection of Forest Magic. The Power of Nature will guide him out of danger. When that happens, you only need to heal him enough to stabilize his vital signs. Leave the pain of the remaining injuries for him to bear.”
“Oh, and when you’re done, take so money from his pocket. Maybe even grab an important trophy or two. Without the sting of heavy loss, I fear the boy won’t take his safety seriously.”
The old man agreed with Linus’s plan but added that twist—he didn’t want Leon growing reckless just because of help from others.
“You really are a great grandpa,” Linus said with disdain, glaring at the old man in the flas. Still, he didn’t reject the idea.
After all, you only learn from loss. On that point, Linus agreed.
“Well, aside from Leon, is there anything else you want to talk to
about?” After so long discussing only Leon, the old man sounded a little sheepish.
“No, just Leon. As for ? I’ve got nothing worth discussing with an old ghost like you. Once my soul enters the Spirit Realm, we’ll have all the ti in the world to talk,” Linus teased.
“Then get so rest. Thank you for sharing news about Leon. It’s not easy to observe the material plane from the Spirit Realm. With you in Stardew Valley, I can rest easy about his safety,” the old man said gratefully.
“No need to thank . He’s your grandson. As his elder, it’s my duty to keep an eye on him,” Linus replied with a casual wave.
“Linus, you don’t need to envy . My gut tells
you’ll find your own heir soday,” the old man said, his face fading from the flas as the campfire abruptly went out.
“Gut feeling? Hah, who are you kidding? Still… if I could pick up a grandkid soday, that might be interesting. Looks like I’ll have to try living a few more years.”
Linus stared at the cold ashes, murmuring to himself, his eyes now brighter and more alive.
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