Chapter 4: Welcome

(long chapter)

"Good morning young lady. How are you feeling?"

Claire turned her head and saw a big old brunette man in red suit.

"Huh? Where am I? Who are you?" Claire asked.

"You are in Mineral Town," the man replied.

"We found you unconscious on the beach earlier," another man, tall, with tall brown hair added.

Claire sat up. The man in red sat at the side of her bed. He reached out to shake hands with Claire.

"My name is Thomas. I am the Mayor of this town. We have heard that a storm came while your ship was sailing and that everyone on board had to leave the ship because of a huge wave."

"I rode a ship?" said Claire.

"Zack right here saw some of the boats coming to the town's shore and he got townspeople to help attend to the survivors. Aid from nearby towns and cities also came not long after. Some of the passengers were brought to their supposed destinations in the other islands in this area. Others sailed back to the ship's city of origin."

"I'm Zack. I live at a cottage in the beach. You're in Mineral Town."

"Mineral Town? This is Mineral Town?" said Claire.

"What is your name, young lady?" the Mayor asked.

"Uhm... I'm Claire from Sapphire City. But other than that, I couldn't remember anything that happened in the ship you are telling me that I rode. Wasn't there anyone with me when I came here?" She held her head and felt a painful bump.

"You must have gotten a kind of amnesia because of what happened. Are there other things you can remember? You seem familiar with the name of our town."

"All I remember is that I had planned with my brother to go to this place to talk about the farm my grandfather left."

"You're the granddaughter of James? James and I have been very good friends. I heard what happened to him. News about your parents also reached us. Our condolences."

She closed her eyes and recalled. 'Oh yeah, my grandpa and my parents.'

"So what would you like to talk about the farm?"

"Well, I would like to ask if you could let me be the one to take care of it?"

"Actually, we were about to contact James's family in the city after we heard about his passing. Then we also heard about what happened to your parents. We know it's only you and your brother now and we know how difficult it was for both of you so we decided to let you have some time."

"Thank you for your consideration Mr. Mayor."

"I did not expect you were planning to come here personally and even offer that you'd be the one to take care of the farm. I really appreciate your willingness. But you see, farming is quite a challenging thing to do. You would need to know stuff about planting and harvest and many others."

"I don't mind. My grandfather and my parents taught me stuff about this farm and this town. I would only need a few days to familiarize myself now that I am actually here again. And my brother will soon follow me here so eventually he could help me."

"That is wonderful to hear. But, don't you worry. Everyone in this town has his own special role that can help you in farming and other things so if you need anything, just feel free to visit anyone. You can go around town in the next few days to get to know the people and places."

"Wow! That's great! I'll start going around town tomorrow!"

"Alright! I know you will soon be able to recall your memories of the journey here. For now, you still have to rest. I am sure you've been worn out."

"Thank you, Mayor." And Claire hugged the Mayor.

"Hoho!" The Mayor patted her back. "Thank you too! Let's work together to save this farm and keep this town lively."

"Right!"

"We'll be leaving you to rest now. See you tomorrow Claire!"

"Yes Mayor. See you tomorrow!"

"We'll also leave you some food in the fridge to help you fill up. I'll also leave you with the funds left by your grandfather. They will all be more than enough until you can start earning well. And by the way, that is a picture of the town your grandfather hung so you would know the places here."

"Wow that is so much help Mayor. Thanks a lot."

oOo

"Tik ti la ok!" the sound of a rooster on Claire's alarm clock woke her up.

Claire opened her eyes, sat up and stretched her arms. "Alright! Harvest Moon farm, Mineral Town, here I go!" She then took a shower and ate her breakfast of bread and milk.

Later, she checked the town map the Mayor told her and planned her route in touring the town. She also checked weather forecast in the television.

'Hmm.. I think I should start at that cottage south of this farm..and theeeen..north of the right road..'

Once she opened her door, Zack was already gesturing that he was about to knock.

"Oh, Claire! Good morning! I came just in time! I'd like you to meet your new buddy."

"Woof! Woof!" A cute brown dog with white paws and mouth, and with height that reaches half of her leg was as if greeting her.

Claire knelt and patted the dog on its head. "Well hello there!"

"You can give him a name."

"Alright, I'll think about a special name for him."

Zack pointed to a wooden doghouse just beside the barn. "That would be his house, but of course you can have him inside your house. That dog house is for him so he can have a shaded place if ever you're out in town."

"That's great! Thanks!"

"By the way, my other purpose of coming here is to orient you about shipment."

Zack walked towards a wooden bin on the corner of the field, just in front of the house.

"This is the shipping bin. This is where you put things you want to sell. You can sell anything from your produce from harvest or from the livestock or from herbs and other plants you can find in the forest, the mountain or the beach. There are also ores and stones in the caves that you can also sell."

"Okay! I'll remember that!"

"But take note that I do not work on Sundays and holidays."

Claire giggled. "Sure thing."

Zack continued, "Your chicken coop and barn got their respective shipping bins so you don't have to go here for shipping your livestock produce."

"Oh that's great! Noted!"

"Don't overwork yourself alright or you'll get over fatigue."

"I'll remember that Zack, thank you!"

"Okay, then that would be all for now. I'll come back in a few days to pick shipments. Just as the Mayor said yesterday, you may go around town in a few days so you can get to know the people. Would three days be alright with you?"

"Sure thing! I'm excited to meet the people of the town."

"By the way, for your starting shipment, you can start off with goods you can find in the forest just south of this farm. See you!"

"Alright! Thanks again, Zack!" Claire waved at Zack as he exited the farm.

Then, she turned to her new four-legged barking buddy.

"Now, what to call you buddy?"

Claire knelt and stroked the dog's head. Then she lifted it to give it some cuddle.

As she carried her dog, she hummed the tune of "Ode to Joy."

"Woof!"

"Oooh! Did you like that? That's a tune by the famous musician Ludwig van Beethoven… Wait! I know! How about I call you that? Beethoven!"

"Woof!"

"Hmm! You must like it then! 'Beethoven' it is! Hello, Beethoven! I'm sure we'll have a great time together!"

Beethoven barked and licked her neck.

Claire giggled. "That tickles buddy!"

She put Beethoven down then she stood up. "I have to head to town now. I need to get to know the people and buy stuff to start the farming. I'll leave you here for a while so you can get to know the place."

Claire stroked his back and Beethoven started to run around. She was about to exit the farm south when a man with kinky eyes came and greeted.

"Good day! I'm Won. I'm a salesman from the East. How do you do?"

"Oh! Good day! My name is Claire! I'm doing fine, thank you!"

"I live with Zack at the beach. He told me about you coming here in town so I came here to tell you that I am selling some rare seeds. Drop by at our house if you're interested."

"Sure! I'll visit soon and try your seeds! Thanks!"

"Alright! I have to go to the other places in town. See you soon."

Then, Won left.

Claire left for the cottage at the south of the farm. Once she reached the place, she knocked on the door.

"It's open. Come in," said a husky deep voice from inside the cottage.

Claire opened the door and went inside. "Good morning!"

"Hey who are you? I haven't seen you here before."

"Hi! I'm Claire! I just moved in to the farm."

"I see. I'm Gotz. I'm a carpenter. Let me know if your farm buildings need remodeling or if you have other building projects in mind." The man was quite rude but he offered his hand for a shake. "Nice to meet you."

"Right. Nice to meet you too, Gotz!"

Claire's next stops were the livestock houses in the town which were adjacent to her farm. She took the road to the right of Gotz's cottage.

She knocked at the door of the house in Yodel Ranch then opened it peeking her head inside. "Hello? May I come in?"

"Good morning! Of course you may come in! You're a new face. You must be the new girl Mayor Thomas is talking about! I'm Barley, by the way. I run this cow ranch."

"Thanks for welcoming me. My name is Claire."

"I heard you're the granddaughter of James. He was a very hardworking man. May he rest in peace."

Claire smiled and nodded.

"There's my own granddaughter over there." Barley pointed to a little girl in pigtails. Claire walked to her.

"Hi!" Claire greeted. "I'm Claire! What's your name?"

"My name is May. It's my first time to see you. Are you a traveler?"

"Oh no honey. I'll be living in this town from now on. My house is at the Harvest Moon farm."

"Really? Wow! Can I visit you at your house?"

"Why of course sweetie."

"Weee! I'm excited to play with you!"

"Me too! Oh, I have to go now. I have to get to know the other townspeople. Nice meeting you May and Barley!"

"Have a great day Claire! Just come visit when you need to buy a cow or cow needs," Barley said.

"And when you're going to play with me!" May added.

"Yes, sure! Thank you!"

Then Claire met the family in the poultry farm just beside Yodel Ranch.

The pink haired woman at the desk spoke to her. "Hi! I haven't seen you around before. Wait. You must be Claire. The Mayor has mentioned you."

"Ah yes I am. Hello!"

"I'm Lillia! I live in this poultry farm with my children, Rick and Popuri. Rick, Popuri, will you come over for a while? We have a new town fellow."

A blonde guy in glasses and a younger pink haired girl approached.

"This is Claire, she's now managing Harvest Moon Farm."

"Hi Claire! My name is Rick!

"Welcome to Mineral Town! I'm Popuri!"

They shook hands.

"I'm pleased to meet you all," Claire said.

"As you can see, our business is poultry. We buy and sell chickens," Rick said.

"You can also visit if you need chicken food or medicine," Popuri added.

"I will remember that. Thank you! Uhm, I'll be going now, I still have to visit the other places here," said Claire.

"No problem, Claire! Have fun!" said Lillia.

"Sure! Thank you!"

Claire then went to the blacksmith's place which is at the second block from her house.

Inside, she was greeted by an old man.

"Welcome young lady. You must be the granddaughter of James that the Mayor mentioned. I am Saibara. I'm the town's blacksmith."

"Nice to meet you Saibara. I'm Claire."

"Come here if you need tool upgrade. I also make machines and jewelries."

"Thank you Saibara!"

At the block next to the blacksmith's, there were two buildings. First, she greeted the woman who came out from the house beside the sign, "Aja Winery."

"Hello sweetie! I bet you are the new girl who will take care of Harvest Moon Farm."

"Hi! Yes I am! My name is Claire. Nice to meet you Madam.." Claire said as she reached out her hand.

"Oh no please just call me Manna," the woman said as she shook hands with Claire. "Honey, come over here. This is the new girl the Mayor told us about," she called to someone from the vineyard just beside the winery.

A tall man with mostly black hair, with a few streaks of gray, approached them.

"Honey, this is Claire. Claire, this is my husband, Duke."

"Pleased to meet you Sir.."

"Just Duke would be fine. Pleasure to meet you, young lady."

They shook hands.

"So this is Aja Winery, just as you can read on the sign over there." Duke said. "I am in charge of the wine production while my wife takes care of the wine selling."

"Oh, Claire darling, wait here for a while, I'll just get you something." After a while, Manna came back with a bottle of wine. "Here, it's our welcome gift for you."

"Yes please accept it and try it when you get home, it's made from the grapes carefully chosen from the vineyard," Duke said.

"Wow, thank you very much! I will surely try this when I get home… I will leave now, if you don't mind. There are still a few places I still have to visit in town."

"Oh no problem," said Duke.

"I'm sure people here will like you. You are very sweet and polite," said Manna.

Claire blushed a little. "Thank you. Uhm, I'll see you around."

The couple waved at her.

Claire went to the building beside the vineyard. It was labeled "Doug's Inn." A girl with orange hair in braided ponytail and who was wiping a table noticed her and greeted her.

"Hi! Are you going to check in here at the inn?"

"Uhm, I'm sorry but no. I'm living at the Harvest Moon farm." Claire said apologetically.

"Oh I see. No worries! Anyways, so you're the new girl who will live at the farm! Hi! My name is Ann!"

"Hello! My name is Claire."

An man approached the two girls. "I see you got a new acquaintance over here."

"Oh hey Dad! This is Claire. She lives at the farm."

"Ooooh! You're the girl the Mayor is talking about! It's good to finally see you."

Claire shook hands with him. "Ah yes. Thank you."

"I'm Doug. This is our inn."

"Here at the first floor is the restaurant. My dad cooks for the customers. We also have a telephone just at the counter. Upstairs are bedrooms. I like doing the housekeeping stuff," Ann said. "Say Dad! Since it's her first time here, why don't we treat her with a free first meal? After all, it's already lunch time."

"Hmm. I think that's a good idea so she would know how my cooking tastes like. Please stay for lunch, Claire."

"Uhm, okay. Thank you so much you are so kind."

Claire enjoyed a scrumptious lunch of pasta and juice prepared by Doug.

"That was a wonderful meal. Thank you very much!"

"I'm glad you liked it," Doug said.

"Come back here to try Dad's other specialties okay?" Ann said.

"Sure!" Claire replied.

"But you would have to pay next time," said Doug.

"Of course. I understand. Still, thanks for today."

Claire next visited the house in the northwest of the town.

When she knocked on the door, a woman opened it. "Good afternoon! You're a new face. You must be the new girl Mayor Thomas was talking about. Please come in."

"Thank you. My name is Claire."

"I'm Anna. It's so lovely to meet you."

Just then, a man was coming down a staircase. "Honey, I just discovered something about the herb… Hmm? Who do we have here?"

"Hey hon. Meet Claire, she's the new girl who will take care of the farm."

"Oh, welcome welcome! I'm Basil, by the way. I study plants here in Mineral Town." He shook hands with Claire.

"Nice to meet you both," Claire said.

"How old are you Claire?" Anna asked.

"I'm 23."

"Wonderful! You're just the same age as our daughter. You can visit her at the library just beside our house."

"Okay. Thank you for telling me. I shall go now."

"Alright. I'm sure you will like it here in Mineral Town. Have fun!" said Basil.

Claire proceeded to the library and there, she met the girl at the desk.

"Hi! I've been to your house earlier. Your mom said I could meet you here. I'm Claire."

"Hello! Welcome to the library. I'm Mary. Since you're new in town, you'd find it really helpful to come here to get to know the town more through the books and other materials."

"That's great to know! Sure I'll come here every once in a while."

"Of course we're also updating the materials so you can check out new stuff to read too."

"Thanks Mary! Uhm, I'll be going now. I still have to visit a few more houses."

"No problem! See you next time!"

East of the library is the Mayor's house. Mayor Thomas was right there. "Well, hello there Claire! What brings you here?"

"Hi Mayor! I've been checking out the townspeople. Everyone is so nice!"

"I see. This is a small town so everyone is like a family to one another. Have you met everybody already?"

"Well, not yet really. If I remember it correctly, I still have to visit four more buildings?"

"Oh. Alright! You better get going. I'm sure you'll be able to get acquainted with everyone before the day ends."

"Thank you Mayor."

"You might bump into my son on your way. He's the town cop. Please tell him to get home in time."

"Sure thing Mayor."

"Thank you so much Claire."

Then, Claire went next door.

"Hello?" she said as she knocked on the door.

When the door opened, at first, she was confused that there was no one in front of her. But a little voice greeted her. "Hi! Are you new here?"

Claire looked down to see a little boy who looks like the same age as May. "Hello dear. Yes I am new here. But I will be living here. My name is Claire. What's yours?"

"My name is Stu. Where are you going to live?"

"I'll be at the farm."

"Wow! May I visit you there to play?"

"Of course you may!"

"Yeah! Grandma, grandma, look here is the new girl who lives at the farm!" Stu pulled her inside towards his grandmother who was seated. "Here she is grandma."

The old woman reached Claire's hand and sandwiched it between hers. "Welcome to our town. I'm Ellen."

"I'm Claire, nice to meet you."

"Thomas has told me about you. You are James's granddaughter right?"

"Yes I am."

"Your grandfather was a very industrious man. He contributed a lot to the development of this town."

"Ah yes. My parents told me. And I have seen in pictures at home how the early Mineral Town was like."

"I remember my days of youth when I can still walk. I used to regularly visit houses to have good chats with the neighbors. But now, my legs are not working because of old age."

"Don't worry Ellen. I'll visit you regularly to tell you stories about town today." Claire also thought of getting a wheel chair for Ellen but didn't tell her just yet. Still, that was one of the things that motivated her in doing well in the farm.

"That is very kind of you Claire."

"Don't mention it. I will be leaving you two now. Stu, look after Grandma okay?"

"I will," said Stu.

"Take care, Claire," said Ellen.

Claire's next stop was the town's supermarket. As soon as she stepped in, she noticed the merchandise so she checked them and their prices.

"Hello Miss! How may I help you?" A man in charge at the cash register greeted her.

"Oh hi! Sorry I got immediately excited with your merchandise. I'm Claire. I'm living at the farm. I'd like to buy some seeds for my start."

"I see. By the way, I'm Jeff. It's nice to meet you. So what would you like to buy?"

"Uhm, I'd like to have a bag of each of the seeds of the crops grown this season."

The purchases were processed and Jeff handed Claire the bag of the purchases.

"Thank you for these!" said Claire.

Just then, the door open and a blonde girl entered.

"Hi Dad! Oh you're here!" she immediately noticed Claire. "Rick told me about you! Welcome to our town! I'm Karen! You're Claire, right?"

"Ah yes."

Then Karen hugged her tightly. She felt a little awkward but smiled.

"I see you already bought some stuff. But wait.." she then turned to her father. "Dad, let's give her this bag for free," she said, holding a small green seed bag. "It will be practical for her to plant this in her farm."

"I agree with you. Okay, Claire, you can have it," said Jeff.

"Yey! Thanks Dad! Claire, that's grass. You plant it once and you never have to plant again. It just keeps growing after you mow."

"This is wonderful, thank you very much Karen and Jeff," said Claire.

"Weh-wait.. don't leave yet. You still have to meet my mom. I'll call her."

Then Karen returned with her mom. "It's her, see?" she said, pointing Claire to her mother.

"Hi there Claire! Karen already told me your name. My name is Sasha," and she held Claire's hand.

"All good? All good? Okay. My turn again! Claire, I'll tell you some things you need to know about the people and places and other stuff in Mineral Town.

And Claire, spent quite a long while in the supermarket as Karen gave her version on Mineral Town orientation.

The sun was setting when she stepped out of the supermarket. The next place she visited was the clinic.

"Uhm..hi..good afternoon" Claire said as she peeked in from the door.

"Good afternoon! Please come in! Have a seat." A girl with brown mid-length hair motioned to the couch beside the receiving desk.

"Oh thanks, but I'm fine. I'll be quick. I'm familiarizing myself with the town and the people."

"Alright. But yeah, we're new to one another. Are you a tourist?"

"No, I'll be living here. I stay there at the farm. My name is Claire."

"Oooh! A new town fellow! Hi! I'm Elli! I'm Mineral Town's nurse." The girl sweetly said.

They smiled at each other.

"Of course a clinic won't be complete without a doctor. He's there at the other side. You can go to him. He's not really busy," Elli said. "I'll accompany you to him."

"Okay, thank you," said Claire.

Then, they walked to the doctor.

"Excuse us for a while Doctor. I'd like you to meet the new girl at the farm. Her name is Claire."

The Doctor rose from his seat and shook hands with Claire.

"Pleasure to meet you, Claire. I'm Trent. Thanks for introducing her, Elli."

The two girls went back to the receiving area and sat together at the couch. Elli briefed Claire about the clinic.

"Well, this is a clinic..so..health stuff," Elli giggled, then continued. "You can have your consultation with the doctor for a very low fee. As with me, well, I sell medicine. You'd need them in case you want to have extra energy for work."

"Thank you so much for informing me, Elli, I better go now, just a couple of places to go."

"No problem, Claire! By the way, have you met my grandma and Stu?"

"Yes I did."

"My grandma cares a lot for us even though she cannot walk. And Stu, although he's sometimes naughty, he gives us cheers at home… Oh yeah, you were on your way. Your next destination must be the church, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I shouldn't be delaying you. I'll see you around."

"Thanks, Elli. See ya!"

Then Claire proceeded to the church.

A man, who is probably the pastor, based on his attire, greeted her. "Good afternoon! You must be Claire, the girl the mayor has been talking about. It's wonderful to finally meet you!"

"Yeah, it's wonderful to meet you too!" Claire quickly thought to herself, news about her coming quickly spread all over town. Many people she met had an idea about her.

"I'm Carter. As you can see, I'm the pastor in this town's Church. May the Harvest Goddess bless you in your farm endeavors. The citizens of the town are always more than happy to help you so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

"Thank you very much Carter."

"Oh! By the way, behind the church, you can find the cottage of the harvest sprites. They are very friendly little men."

"Harvest sprites? They're real?"

"Well, see for yourself," Carter said, smiling.

"Alright. Thanks again Carter."

True enough, there is a hut behind the Church and when she knocked on the door, little voices greeted him.

"Come in!" the voices said.

When she peeked inside, she was surprised to find seven men dressed in different colors moving around their little home. They all gathered to welcome her.

"Welcome, budum! We are the harvest sprites of Mineral Town!"

And each of them introduced himself, according to the order of the colors of the rainbow: Chef, Nappy, Hoggy, Timid, Aqua, Staid, Bold.

"It's so delighting to meet you all. My name is Claire."

"We are also delighted to meet you, friend Claire. Come here anytime that you want to play or if you need help at the farm, budum."

Later, Claire went to the brown cottage at the beach. Zack was at the porch checking out products to be exported from the town.

"Hi Zack! So this is your house. What a nice location! Just at the beach!"

"Hello Claire! How was your tour of the town?"

"It was great! Everyone is so nice!"

"I'm glad you're finding this town nice. Well, I have to get back inside and check on Won's goods for export."

"Okay. I'll just have a little stroll at the beach."

"Alright."

Claire walked barefooted on the sand as she watched the sun disappear from the horizon.

When it was already dark, she walked back home. Along the way, she met Harris, the town cop, who is also the Mayor's son.

"Good evening! You must be Claire. My dad already told me about you."

"Hi, yes it's me."

"Are you on your way home?"

"Yes I am."

"Well then, be careful on your way."

"I will. Thanks!"

oOo

At home, Claire had a dinner of salad and fish. She also tasted the wine given by the Aja Winery couple and thought it was sweet with the right sting.

She had earlier carried Beethoven with her inside the house. She played with him for a while after dinner.

Then, they both set themselves to sleep. Beethoven was at the side of her bed.

"Goodnight Beethoven!"

"Woof!"

When Claire was in bed, she tried to remember how she got to town. But her head just hurt for doing so.

She closed her eyes. She could not ponder more because she had been exhausted with all the touring for the day so she quickly fell asleep.