"Yeah, new technology always has its kinks. Better to wait until it’s stable. When that happens, I’ll get one first and try it out. If it works well, I’ll let you know—or you can just use mine." Willy’s tone was hearty and generous.
"Alright, then I’ll count on you for that."
Leon smiled and nodded, then pulled 800G in cash from his pocket and handed it to Willy.
"This is for the fiberglass rod. I never paid you last ti, so I ca to settle it today."
"You’re not waiting for the giant catfish auction? From what I hear, the results should be out in a couple of days. Don’t tell
you’ve forgotten." Willy accepted the money and gave Leon a reminder.
"I haven’t forgotten, but I doubt it’ll fetch much." Leon chuckled. Last ti he’d sold a smaller catfish for only 150G. Even if this one was bigger, he figured 500–600G was probably the most he could hope for.
"Don’t say that. Rarity makes value. I’ll hold on to the rod paynt for now. Once the auction’s done, I’ll send your share in the mail. By the way, how’s that fiberglass rod working out?"
At that, Leon’s face lit up. "Works great! Oh, let
show you sothing special."
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a mutated carp.
The mont the bizarre-looking fish appeared in Leon’s hands, it completely captured Willy’s attention.
"Never seen a fish like this before. Where’d you get it?"
"The sewer," Leon said with a grin.
"The sewer? The legendary fish king? So it’s real! Hah, I never thought it would look like this. What a sight!" Realization dawned on Willy, and he eagerly circled the fish, studying it from every angle like he was morizing every detail of the sewer fish king.
"Didn’t expect you to catch a legendary fish so soon—especially that one. That’s amazing. Congratulations, Leon." After admiring it for a long while, Willy reluctantly tore his gaze away.
"Just lucky timing," Leon said honestly. Without the special buff that kept his first three catches from escaping, and the Void Mayonnaise Krobus had given him, he wasn’t sure he could’ve attracted it in ti.
"Hah! Luck’s part of skill. Maybe you should try the mountain lake on a rainy day. Rember, that tricky one only shows up in the rain. It likes frog eggs, so if you can, stick a few on your bait—you might have better luck drawing it in."
Willy’s advice was patient and earnest.
"I’ll give it a shot soti. No rush." Leon wasn’t sure he could handle a legendary fish yet, but Willy’s tip was useful. Targeting its preferred food might let him take it on under that sa no-escape buff.
"Good luck. I’ve got my eye on you. When you bring
the rest of the legendary fish, I’ll give you that gift I promised—and you won’t be disappointed." Willy clapped Leon on the shoulder.
"Alright." Leon nodded, then asked, "Want to grab a bite at the Starfruit?"
"I’ll pass. Not hungry yet. But if you go now, you might catch the feast. Today’s Calico Desert bus reopening is a big deal—Gus has laid out a spread for the folks who went to the ribbon-cutting."
Then Willy paused, a thought striking him. "By the way, Lewis said you paid for the bus repairs. Why didn’t you go to the ceremony?"
"Too much hassle," Leon waved it off. "I’m not into the spotlight. Besides, I worry people might use it to guilt-trip
into doing more for the community. My morals aren’t that high, but I hate unnecessary trouble."
"You’re overthinking it. No one here would pressure you. Pelican Town isn’t rich, but folks here are genuine. They’ll only be grateful, not demanding. And if anyone did try that, tell Lewis. I’m sure he’d straighten them out."
"Even Lewis deals with that sort of thing?" Leon asked curiously.
"Of course—he’s the mayor." Willy said it as if it were obvious.
"Sounds like being Pelican Town’s mayor is tough," Leon quipped, then said goodbye.
"Thanks for telling . Now I won’t risk getting cornered at the Starfruit with a bunch of small talk. I’ll just have lunch back at the farm."
"You’re just afraid they’ll make you drink. Fine, but Leon—you’re part of Pelican Town now. You’ll have to spend ti with everyone sooner or later. Avoiding social events isn’t good. I get it this ti, but if you skip the next big festival, I’ll co drag you out myself."
Seeing Willy’s earnest, concerned expression, Leon nodded. "Don’t worry, I won’t miss the festivals. No need for you to co fetch ."
"Good." Willy walked him to the door, watching him leave with a smile. "He’s a good lad," he murmured.
Leon, for his part, took a detour to avoid passing the Starfruit Saloon, using the shortcut Abigail had once shown him to reach the bus stop before heading toward the farm.
But just before entering Red Star Farm, he spotted Pam and Penny waiting at the gate. Judging by the sweat on their brows, they’d been there for quite a while.
Leon knew exactly why—they wanted to thank him. He stowed his bicycle in his backpack and walked over.
"Have you two eaten yet? If not, co join . I was just about to make lunch."
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