《GOOD MORNING》 《TODAY'S WEATHER: CLEAR SKIES, LIGHT WARMTH》
《NOW FOR SOME NEWS: Mayor Lambert will announce the festival's main contests at midday in the town square. Rumor suggests multiple categories, including produce quality, cooking, and maybe even livestock handling. Visitors continue to arrive, eager for unique flavors and fresh harvests.》
《LAST CHAPTER: Anya harvested radishes, sold them for profit, completed a variant herb quest for the guild, gained new seeds, upgraded her spade to an iron hoe, and made a Herb-Infused Salad boosting her farming skill for a day.》
《MARKET BRIEF: EGGS - 45, POTATOES - 12, TOMATOES - 16, ONIONS - 10, RADISHES - 8, TURNIPS - 8, HERBS - VARY》
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Morning sunlight seeped through the farmhouse window as Anya rose, feeling well-rested. The lingering sense of purpose still hummed inside her.
She had spent the previous day achieving many small victories—making profitable sales, improving tools, and even boosting her farming skill.
With the festival edging closer, she planned to leave nothing to chance. Every action now could shape her standing at the contests Mayor Lambert would announce today.
She stepped outside, greeted by the gentle clucking of her chick. It hopped about in its coop, pecking at yesterday's leftover feed.
She made a mental note to buy more feed soon, as the supply would run low in a day or two.
Already, the little bird added warmth to her farm. Once it matured, daily eggs could bolster both her meals and her income.
Her crops drew her attention next. The onions looked ready—firm, green stalks bowed slightly under their own weight.
She knelt and pulled one carefully from the soil. Beneath the leafy top lay a plump, glossy onion.
Perfect.
《STAMINA: 100/100 → 95/100》
She harvested several onions, ending up with a basket of six.
《INVENTORY UPDATED: Onions x6》
She examined them closely, recalling that Growth Tea and her improved farming practices might have boosted their quality.
Indeed, they appeared larger and fresher than average store-bought ones. Perhaps these would be her star entry at the festival's produce contest.
She decided to keep them safe in her storage crate, at least until after the announcements. Selling them now would yield coin, but winning a prize might lead to even greater rewards.
A glance at the Leafy Greens plot revealed tiny sprouts pushing through the soil. Not ready to harvest yet, but given their fast growth cycle and her skill improvements, she hoped they'd mature in time for the festival.
Another variety at the stall might impress the judges and visitors.
The flowers along the fence hinted at color within sealed buds. She touched a leaf gently.
They might bloom right before the festival, framing her farm with a welcoming aura.
Small touches could set her apart.
With the morning's chores done, she considered her next move. The mayor's announcement would be at midday.
Until then, she could explore more opportunities. She remembered Baldwin, the orchard caretaker, who had once hired her to clear weeds.
Perhaps Baldwin had another small job. Orchard produce—apples, pears, plums—could add more variety to her cooking repertoire.
She set out for the orchard, a short walk past Linus's shack. Linus waved silently as she passed.
The orchard spread out behind a wooden gate, rows of fruit trees swaying gently in the breeze. Baldwin stood beneath an apple tree, arms crossed as he inspected the branches.
"Morning," Anya called. Baldwin turned, nodding curtly. "Need any help today?" she asked. "The festival's soon. Maybe I can earn a bit more coin or find something new to cook."
Baldwin tapped his chin. "Aye, there's a task. My orchard's been visited by pesky beetles. They chew on leaves and affect fruit quality."
"If you help remove them and prune a few branches, I'll pay coin. Maybe even give you a handful of apples."
Apples would be perfect—fresh fruit could broaden her cooking. She agreed. "I'm in. What do I need to do?"
Baldwin handed her a small ladder and pointed to a group of trees. "Check the lower branches for beetles. Knock them off into this bucket."
"Be gentle with the branches, and prune only where leaves are damaged. Do it right, and I'll give you 20 coin and 3 apples."
20 coin plus apples sounded great.
《STAMINA: 95/100 → 80/100》
She spent over an hour carefully climbing, searching, and pruning
The work required patience. She found clusters of tiny black beetles nibbling leaves. Gently, she coaxed them into the bucket, careful not to harm the tree.
With her iron hoe not needed for this task, her simple hands and pruning shears (provided by Baldwin) sufficed. The orchard's sweet scent and gentle rustling leaves made the chore feel almost soothing.
After finishing, she returned to Baldwin. He examined the bucket, satisfied. "Good job. Here's your pay."
《COIN: 38 coin》
He reached into a small sack and handed her three bright red apples. Their skin shone, and they smelled wonderful.
《INVENTORY UPDATED: Apples x3》
"Thank you," Anya said. "These apples might help me create something special."
Baldwin nodded. "Festival's coming. If you cook something good, it might stand out. Also, I've heard the mayor might include a cooking contest."
"Apples could make a fine dessert or a sweet sauce."
A cooking contest! This was the first solid hint about the festival's events.
She needed to attend the mayor's announcement soon. For now, she thanked Baldwin and headed back toward town.
On the way, she considered her ingredients: onions, radishes, apples, and herbs. She could try a new dish combining sweet and savory.
Stolen story; please report.
Maybe Apple-Onion Chutney or a Radish-Apple Salad. The possibilities made her mouth water.
In Westshire, the square bustled. Merchants arranged stalls, and villagers hung banners.
A wooden platform stood near the fountain, likely for the mayor's announcement. Emeric played a gentle tune nearby, entertaining the crowd.
She caught his eye, and he winked. "Big day, farmer," he whispered when she passed. "Listen carefully to the mayor's words. The festival's complexity might surprise you."
Anya blended into the crowd. Crispin and Rowan stood near their forge stall, chatting quietly.
Odile and Flora whispered about rare seeds. Beatrice watched from a bench, cane resting on her knee.
Ademar hovered at the guild's corner, arms crossed, scanning the faces for adventurers.
Mayor Lambert stepped onto the platform as a hush fell. He cleared his throat, a broad smile stretching under his mustache.
"Welcome, friends and visitors," he began. "In two days, our festival begins. It will last three days, celebrating the bounty of our land and the skill of those who tend it."
Three days of festival—enough time to show off multiple harvests, perhaps.
"The main events," the mayor continued, "will include: a Produce Quality Contest, where farmers present their best crop. A Cooking Competition, where chefs and cooks craft dishes from local ingredients."
"And a Livestock Showcase, for those raising animals. Prizes include rare seeds, special tools, and trade contracts that could elevate your standing."
He raised a hand as murmurs spread. "Additionally, the guild will host a Foraging Challenge—bringing rare ingredients yields rewards."
"The store owners may offer limited-time discounts, and traveling merchants might pay premium prices for top-tier produce."
The mayor's eyes scanned the crowd. "We seek excellence and creativity. Whether you present a single perfect onion or a complex dish blending fruits and herbs, show us what makes Westshire's soil and people special."
With that, he stepped down, and excited chatter erupted. Emeric strummed a lively tune.
Crispin nodded thoughtfully to Rowan. Odile and Flora whispered excitedly.
Anya's mind raced. She had onions of high quality—a perfect candidate for the produce contest.
She had apples, radishes, and herbs to attempt a unique dish for the cooking contest.
The chick wouldn't produce eggs in time for the livestock showcase, but maybe next festival. The foraging challenge? She'd already proven adept at finding variant herbs.
If time allowed, she could do that too.
Time was short. Two days until the festival started, lasting three days.
She must plan carefully. Today, she could attempt to create a signature dish.
Tomorrow, maybe forage for special ingredients again. And on the festival days, present her entries.
She approached Odile after the announcement. "I have apples and onions. Any suggestion for a recipe that blends sweet and savory?"
Odile tapped her lip. "Onions caramelize well, apples add sweetness. Consider a jam or chutney."
"If you add a mild herb, you might get a dish that boosts mood or slight stamina. Experiment."
"The cookbook might reveal something if you show it a unique combination."
A unique combination. Anya thanked Odile and hurried home, ideas simmering in her mind.
She placed the onions and apples on her kitchen table, along with a handful of Greenleaf Herbs she still had.
She had turnips, radishes, and maybe some leftover Blue-Edged Herb from before—no, she used them all. She'd have to rely on standard herbs for now.
First, she tried simmering chopped onions and apples in water, adding a pinch of herbs and a bit of salt. The aroma sweetened the air.
After some careful stirring, she tasted it. The flavor was rich, sweet and savory, but not yet special.
She added a sliver of radish for a kick. The mixture deepened in flavor, gaining a faint tangy note.
As she cooked, she felt a subtle warmth.
《STAMINA: 80/100 → 70/100 》
She hoped the cookbook would acknowledge this new creation.
She presented the finished dish—an Apple-Onion Chutney with radish hints—to the cookbook. The pages fluttered. Ink spread to form text:
《Apple-Onion Chutney Unlocked!》
《Effects: Restores 25 Stamina and slightly increases sell price of produce sold on the same day.》
The dish impresses those who taste it, reflecting the harmony between sweet orchard fruit and rich farm produce.
Anya grinned. A dish that increased sell price of produce for the day? Perfect for festival sales!
She'd keep this recipe in mind. Maybe on a festival morning, she could eat it and then sell crops at premium value.
She saved a portion in a jar.
《INVENTORY UPDATED: Apple-Onion Chutney x1》
The rest she sampled for dinner.
Delicious.
《STAMINA: 70/100 → 85/100》
Now she had a signature dish. For the cooking competition, perhaps something even more refined.
If she found a variant herb tomorrow, she could make a salad or a stew that impressed judges more.
But this chutney was already good.
After all that, she had 38 coins.
She considered buying a second batch of Growth Tea to enhance the Leafy Greens. High-quality greens might impress judges, too.
With 38 coin, she could afford it. Or maybe save coin for last-minute festival bargains?
As afternoon waned, she visited Odile to inquire about Growth Tea again. Odile nodded, "Still 15 coin. Want another pouch?"
Anya hesitated. The Leafy Greens had less than two days to mature. Would it help now? Maybe.
With her improved skill and the festival around the corner, every edge mattered. She bought one pouch.
《COIN: 23 coin》
Back home, she applied Growth Tea to the Leafy Greens.
《STAMINA: 85/100 → 80/100》
She whispered encouraging words to her plants. Perhaps all these small acts would yield top-tier produce.
The chick peeped softly, reminding her to address livestock concerns. No eggs yet, but maybe during the festival, buyers might still appreciate seeing she's invested in livestock.
She decided to tidy the coop area, gather a bit more feed from scraps. Tomorrow, she'd buy more feed to ensure the chick's comfort.
Evening light softened the sky as she took a walk around her farm, envisioning the festival days ahead.
She could present her best onion in the produce contest, show off her Apple-Onion Chutney for the cooking round, and maybe forage early on festival morning for variant herbs to wow the judges further.
The three-day festival offered multiple opportunities. She just had to pace herself.
A distant melody drifted from town—Emeric's lute again, or perhaps another musician had arrived. Travelers would fill Westshire's inns, stalls would overflow with wares, and laughter would spill into the night.
The thought made her heart race with excitement. She was no longer just a stranger who inherited a dusty farm.
She was becoming a true part of this community, forging her own path.
Before turning in, she decided to return the borrowed hammer to Crispin. She found Crispin and Rowan locking up the forge.
"Here, thanks for lending this hammer," she said, handing it over.
Crispin nodded, pleased. "No problem. Your farm's progress is noticeable. Good luck at the festival."
Rowan stepped closer, eyes warm. "If you need custom work before the festival, tomorrow morning might be your last chance."
"After that, we'll be busy with festival orders."
Anya considered. She had 23 coin left. Enough for a minor tool tweak or maybe a small decorative piece?
A nicer display stand for her produce could impress judges. "Could you craft a simple wooden crate with decorative metal corners? Something to present my best onion elegantly?"
Rowan smiled. "For 10 coin, I can do that. It won't be fancy, but it'll look better than a plain crate."
《COIN: 13 coin left》
"Deal," Anya said. "I'll pick it up tomorrow."
With that arrangement made, she strolled back under starlight. Presentation mattered.
A well-displayed onion might earn higher marks than a bunch tossed in a basket.
At the farmhouse, she organized her inventory: Onions stored safely, apples and herbs ready, chutney jar sealed, radishes in reserve.
She had 13 coin left, enough to buy feed tomorrow and maybe a small treat if needed.
She opened the cookbook once more, hoping for any late-night guidance. The pages revealed no new text, just glowing softly, as if pleased with her progress.
She reflected on her growth: from a clueless inheritor to a resourceful farmer. Farming Level 2 was already achieved.
Could she reach Level 3 soon? She'd done so much, perhaps the festival success would tip her over.
She lay in bed, thinking of her orchard apples, onion harvest, and the new chutney recipe.
This festival would test her skills, creativity, and preparation. She had allies now—Crispin, Rowan, Odile, Emeric, Ademar, Flora, Colette, Baldwin, Linus, Beatrice, Godric, Alice—all weaving into her story, each offering resources or knowledge.
She represented not just herself, but the potential of Honeydew Farms reborn.
Tomorrow, she would wake early, tend her crops, maybe forage for one last special ingredient, pick up the decorative crate, buy feed, and finalize her festival plans.
She drifted into sleep with a gentle smile, dreaming of bright festival stalls, laughter, and the taste of sweet apples and savory onions dancing on her tongue.
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《STAMINA: Will reset closer to 100 by morning》
《COIN: 00013》
《HARVEST: Onions (6 harvested, high quality), Radishes (some in storage), Potatoes (still growing), Leafy Greens (treated with Growth Tea), Flowers (budding)》
《LIVESTOCK: 1 Chick, feed low, will buy more tomorrow》
《NEW RECIPES: Apple-Onion Chutney (25 Stamina, increases produce sell price same day)》
《TOOLS: Old Watering Can (10/10) Iron Hoe (10/10, efficient) Old Scythe (Sharpened, 8/10)》
《INVENTORY: Apples x2, Onions x6, Radishes x2, Herb Infusions, Apple-Onion Chutney x1 stored, Growth Tea used up, Decorative Crate ordered》
《SKILLS: Farming Level 2, Cooking Level 1, Guild Favor Earned》
《RELATIONSHIPS: Strengthened through orchard work, forging deals, and festival anticipation》