Zack eyed the pile of turnips, his face blooming with a grin. He laughed heartily, slapping Luis's shoulder: "Great job! First harvest, and I'm sure you'll do even better in the days ahead! Ha ha ha!"
"Here's more, settle it all!" Luis handed over today's foraged goods and yesterday's minerals.
Zack inspected the minerals, then said, "With these grasses included, I'll pay you 2,730 G today! But the minerals aren't enough. This lot's barely a pound. I'll buy them when you've got 10 pounds! Don't waste time on them, though—the price is low. Ten pounds of copper ore's only 15 G! It'll take you days to gather that."
Zack paused, then added, "But you could use the ore to upgrade tools, save work time. Head to Saibara, the blacksmith. He's grumpy, but his work's top-notch."
"How much ore for a tool upgrade?"
"No idea, ask at the forge! Bring some wine as a gift!"
Zack packed up the goods, turned to leave, then glanced back: "You into fishing?"
"Yeah."
"Come by my place sometime. I've got a spare rod to give you. I live by the port!"
"Thanks!"
Luis checked his bank card: 3010 G. He savored the feeling of being "rich" after days of empty pockets. This could sustain him through a season if he only ate and didn't spend or earn more. But his goal wasn't survival—it was becoming Mineral Town's wealthiest farmer. There was much to do. First, plant those seeds!
He finished farm chores quickly, but his stomach growled loudly.
"Why's my stomach acting up now that I've got money? I survived on two meals a day before! Now it's demanding three—spoiled already!"
He decided to treat himself to a proper meal after days of dry bread and rice balls. The best food in town was likely at Doug's Inn. What was on the menu today?
In the game, he never wasted money on food. At the inn, he'd order water. One morning meal sufficed. To boost stamina and cut fatigue, he used medicine—more efficient, no fuss. But here, he needed regular meals, or he'd starve. When broke, he'd rationed Jeff's food into two daily meals, skipping extras. Now, with cash, he refused to skimp. He craved something tasty. Recalling Thomas's sandwich from day two and the New Year's Festival mochi, he had high hopes for this world's cuisine.
Excited, he set off. Why did the inn feel so far today? Whistling, cradling Glimmer, master and pup headed for the imagined feast.
Doug's Inn was a large town landmark, a haven for travelers visiting Mineral Town. The two-story building had a bustling ground-floor diner where townsfolk, mostly older men, gathered nightly. The second floor housed guest rooms—dormitory-style, private, and quarters for Doug and his daughter, Ann.
This was Luis's first visit since arriving, but the inn stood out, easy to spot. Open most days and centrally located, it buzzed with activity, especially at night, as he'd noticed passing by.
At the door, he heard the lively chatter of drinkers, shadows flickering on the windows. Pushing it open, someone barreled out, crashing into him, sending him sprawling. Glimmer barked furiously. The person scrambled up, apologized profusely, and fled.
"A thief?" Luis checked his bank card—still in his pocket. Probably not.
Inside, the noise hit him like a wave. The air reeked of beer and liquor in the packed room. At the center, a lively young woman with braided hair served tables, joking with patrons. A burly man with a beer mug as big as Luis's thigh chugged it dry, then said to her, "That scaredy-cat kid got spooked by our Ann already! Ga ha ha!"
The men around roared with laughter.
"He's just shy! I'll get him talking next time," Ann replied cheekily.
Ann in this world was fierier than in the game, juggling roles at the inn. A nimble, witty server, she handled every man in the room with ease, deftly dodging crude jests from drunks. A vibrant woman.
Luis picked an empty table by the window. Ann swooped in, wiping it down, suggesting, "Hey there! What'll it be? We've got roasted lamb with black bread today—top-notch!"
He liked her energy.
"How much for the lamb?"
"500 G! Extra bread's free. Beer's 50 G! Oh, want a small lamb portion for your pup? 100 G."
"Alright. One lamb, extra bread, a beer for me, and a small portion for Glimmer."
"Woof!" Glimmer seemed thrilled. After days of scraping by on Thomas's scraps, it deserved a treat.
"Got it! One lamb, extra bread, one beer, and a small portion for the good dog!"
Ann patted Glimmer's cheek, then glided to another table. Luis leaned back, scanning the room. People gossiped about everything: no spring rain yet, bets on the upcoming horse race, who had the town's best drinking stamina…
In under 10 minutes, Ann delivered the food. The aroma made Luis salivate. Brown gravy drenched roasted vegetables. A massive lamb slab sat proudly on a wooden plate, as if daring him: "Eat me with heart, or I'll make trouble!"
Luis took a big gulp of beer to wake his taste buds, then speared a piping-hot yam soaked in gravy, popping it in his mouth. The yam's sweetness blended with the rich, fatty gravy like a symphony. Scalding his tongue, he chewed anyway.
"Haa!" He swallowed, exhaling heat. So satisfying. His stomach rejoiced after days of supermarket bread. Nothing beat a hot, just-cooked meal.
Another sip of beer to cool down, then Luis lifted the lamb to his nose, inhaling deeply, letting the herb-infused aroma fill his lungs. He sank his teeth into it. Gravy dripped, trickling down his chin, pattering onto the plate. The meat was tender, juicy, each fiber soaked in savory marinade, bold and captivating. The herbs didn't overpower the lamb but elevated it, like a flavor bomb exploding with every chew.
In five minutes, Luis demolished the divine lamb. He drained the beer, capping a deeply satisfying meal. A pang of sadness hit, knowing tomorrow he'd return to dry bread.
Glimmer polished off its portion, lounging under Luis's feet, content. Like master, like pup, he thought.
"That'll be 650 G!" Luis signaled Ann to settle.
"Make it 750 G! 100 G for stellar service," he said, handing over his card.
Ann grinned, swiped the card, and returned it: "You new here? Haven't seen you before!" She eyed him curiously.
"I'm the heir to Jack's farm."
"Oh! You're the guy everyone's been talking about. Name's… um, Luis, right? I'm Ann, nice to meet you!"
"Guess I'm pretty famous, huh?" Luis smiled.
"You bet! Jack's farm was our biggest, steadiest supplier. Since he passed, Dad's struggled to replace it. Plus, you know, nobody keeps quiet when they're drunk!" Ann whispered the last bit.
Luis left the inn. He checked his account: 1980 G.
"Gotta keep working hard to eat like that every day. Wonder what cooking for myself will be like?"