Too Sweet. | Haley x F. Farmer

ii. rustic woods

Athena's POV

I gaped at the sight of the farm; it was clear it needed a lot of care. I hadn't expected it to be this neglected. Grandpa really wanted me to follow in his footsteps-but what was I expecting? This farm has been long abandoned.

"I guess those are all your suitcases?" Lewis, the town mayor, asked.

I turned to face him and smiled. "Thank you so much for helping me, Mayor," I replied politely.

He chuckled. "Call me Lewis. I prefer it that way. Plus, don't be shy. Your grandpa and I were best buddies. He talked about you a lot when he ran this farm. He wanted me to take care of you if the time came, and here you are."

"He was thoughtful, I'll give him that," Robin, nodding in agreement. Robin, the town carpenter, chimed in, "Kid, let me know if you want any renovations. This farmhouse of yours could use some sprucing up."

"I'll remember that, Robin. Thank you," I said with a slight smile. I was exhausted; the journey had been long, and being so far from the city was unexpected.

"Your fatigue is evident. Go rest. I've tidied up the inside of the house just for you. If you need anything, reach out to me," Lewis said as he prepared to leave.

"Make sure to visit my shop, okay? And don't forget to meet the other folks in the town square," Robin added, waving as she followed Lewis.

I waved goodbye and picked up my suitcases, heading toward the entrance. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the stagnant interior. Cobwebs clung to corners, and dust coated forgotten items. The once-shiny wooden floors now creaked with age, and the walls with peeling wallpaper hinted at untold stories. This was going to be a long journey to restore this farm.

"I'll take good care of this place, Grandpop," I murmured as I settled onto the bed, my body sinking into the worn mattress with a creak.

time skip.

I was awoken by the sound of knocking coming from my door. Sluggishly, I got out of bed and made my way to the entrance, where I opened the door. Standing before me was an old man wearing an eye patch on the opposite side of his face and a worn-out cape that hung from his shoulders. His clothes were not well-kept and of a shade of green.

"Hi- Yes?" I was taken aback, I did not expect a neighbor to visit me this soon.

"I'm Marlon. Looks like Usof wasn't blabbering nonsense at all," he replied, adjusting his cape. "And did he just mention my dad's name?

"Pardon? You knew my dad?" I replied, slightly shocked. I thought only my grandpa was well-known here. I did not expect my father to also have an acquaintance in this town.

"When we were young adults, I certainly thought Usof was a petty weakling human being, he turned out great as we progressed through the adventure guild that I now own," He added, laughing softly at his remarks.

I didn't reply; I was utterly dumbfounded. How come my father didn't mention that he had a buddy before I came here?

"I know you're confused, kid, but that was a long time ago, and I happened to stop by just so I could see you myself. I heard that you're into video games?" he said, one of his eyebrows now raised.

I furrowed my eyebrows. Well, yeah, I'm into video games, but how does he know that? Did my father also mention that?

"Uh, yeah?" I replied, now curious about what he was trying to imply.

"Great, come visit the guild once you're settled in. There's a game waiting for you near the mines," he said before adjusting his sword, which was clung onto his belt-which I just now noticed.

He reached for something from his worn-out bag. I don't know why, but it didn't surprise me at all. It was like I was already expecting it based on his comments: a damn rusty sword.

He waved his hand and left the farm. A damn legitimate sword? For what exactly? This town surely is surprising, specifically the neighbors. I wonder if the others are like Marlon too, straight-out weird. Hopefully not.

I heaved a sigh and slumped onto the old couch. So what am I gonna do with this sword? I groaned and left it on the ground. I scanned the area; it was tidied but needed more work.

"Time to get to work then!"