Chapter 194: Lunch Invitation
Leon thought for a moment before continuing to ask, “How much does it cost to build a barn?”
“The barn? That’s a bit more expensive. It’ll cost 3,000G in labor, plus 400 pieces of wood and 100 stones for a basic barn. The basic one can hold up to eight animals. If you upgrade to a big barn, you can add a birthing room so cows and goats can safely give birth there. The deluxe barn upgrade also comes with an automatic feeder.”
Robin explained the details of the barn to Leon.
“With a basic barn, can I raise cows, goats, and pigs right away?” Leon asked.
Unlike the coop, where certain animals like ducks and rabbits require upgrades, Robin hadn’t mentioned that barn animals needed upgrades to be kept.
“You can. Unlike the coop, barn animals can be kept together,” Robin replied.
That confirmation made Leon’s eyes light up. Being able to raise cows, goats, sheep, and pigs right from the basic barn was definitely a huge advantage. Maybe just keeping it at the basic level would be enough for him.
But Robin’s next words quickly dashed that idea.
“Still, I wouldn’t recommend it. Mixing different animals can lead to fights, injuries, and even illness. The basic barn doesn’t have separate stalls, so you’d better upgrade it step by step—expand the space and let me help you modify it into separate living areas for the animals to prevent accidents.”
Leon was half-convinced. With a joking tone, he said, “You’re not just trying to trick me into spending more money, are you? I’m a city guy—I don’t know much about rural animal farming, so don’t lie to me.” Robin rolled her eyes. “If you don’t believe me, go ask Marnie. She’s a professional rancher.”
“I’m just joking.” Leon quickly waved it off, then decided, “Robin, I’ll start with a coop to test the waters. When can you come to Red Star Farm to start building?”
“The day after tomorrow. I’ve still got another job to finish first,” Robin replied.
“Do I need to pay a deposit?” Leon asked.
“No need. Just have the materials ready and pick the construction site. I’ll come over the day after tomorrow to build the coop. Once it’s done and you’re satisfied, you can pay me,” Robin said with a shake of her head.
“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you then.” Leon nodded, ready to leave.
“Wait—you’re not paying me yet?” Robin stopped him. “I haven’t paid for this batch of lumber.”
“Put it on my tab. Once the coop’s done, I’ll pay you the remaining 800G. Then we’re even,” Leon reminded her.
“That works. Since you trust me so much, I can’t let you down. How about I make some private improvements to the coop so raising chickens will be easier for you?” Robin offered.
“How are you going to improve it?” Leon asked curiously.
“Heh, you’ll see when it’s done. Think of it as a surprise.” Robin waved off the question.
Leon didn’t press further. He’d find out once the coop was built anyway.
“It’s already lunchtime. Why don’t you join us for a meal? You’ve been a big help today and even left me an order. I should treat you, big boss,” Robin said, glancing at the sun’s position.
“Won’t I be intruding on your family meal?” Leon asked. “Your husband isn’t exactly fond of me.”
“Well, he can be difficult, but it should be fine. You and Maru get along well, right? And didn’t he just help you renovate that cave yesterday? I doubt things are that bad,” Robin reassured him.
“Alright, but if your husband pulls you aside to talk, don’t blame me,” Leon agreed after a moment’s thought. A free meal sounded good.
Still, he decided to give Robin a warning in case this led to a husband-and-wife quarrel later. From Demetrius’s perspective, Robin inviting Leon—someone he saw as a serious threat to his precious daughter—into their home for lunch was practically a betrayal.
But if Robin dared to take the risk, Leon was willing to play along. In fact, he was curious to see Demetrius’s expression when he found Leon sitting at his dining table.
“Hahaha, it’ll be fine. I promise,” Robin said, patting her chest. “I’m sure he’ll welcome you—Maru too. I’ll head back and start getting ready. Demetrius does all the cooking at home, so I’ll let him know you’re coming so he can prepare a few extra dishes.”
She then asked, “Do you want to come with me now or hang around a bit before coming over?”
“I’ll go catch a fish as a gift. Feels rude to show up empty-handed,” Leon suggested.
“That’s a good idea. But fishing takes luck. I like fishing at the mountain lake sometimes, but it always takes me forever. Don’t get so caught up in fishing that you miss lunch,” Robin teased.
“Don’t worry, I’m pretty good at it,” Leon said with confidence.
Under normal circumstances, maybe he wouldn’t be so sure. But now that his fishing skill was upgraded—albeit only to level 1—it still came with a system boost. The first three fish each day were almost guaranteed to bite quickly. Catching one would be a breeze.
“As long as you’re confident. I just hope you make it before the food’s ready, or I’ll have to come find you and make up some excuse,” Robin laughed.
“Don’t worry, we can make a bet if you want,” Leon challenged.
“Nope. I don’t gamble—and I trust you, Leon,” Robin said, then added with a smirk, “Besides, I’m pretty sure you’ve got a backup plan. Even if you don’t catch one in the lake, you’d find a way to get a fish somewhere else. I’m not taking a sure-loss bet.”
“No wonder you’re a scientist’s wife—smart as ever.”
Leon shrugged. She wasn’t wrong. If push came to shove, he really would be willing to blow up the water to get a fish.
“Hahaha, of course. See you later.”
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