Chapter One: The Beginning
For the past forty years, Jack Harvest has been building a reputation for himself among the agriculturists who populate the countryside. Inheriting his grandfather's keen eye for livestock and produce, he has made beneficial decisions which have made himself the sole farmer of Flower Bud Village. However, despite his typically laborious lifestyle, Jack has found time for love, wooing the beautiful vintners' daughter, Karen; and becoming the patriarch of a growing family. His actions in the takeover of the Green Ranch have produced enemies, as well as friends in high places….
Jack and his youngest son Tony, who is named in honor of his great-grandfather, ride around the vast green pasture, trailing toward the barn. Despite his hard life, Jack still bears a young appearance at 58. Tony notices the beating Jack is taking from the sun's unusual heat and becomes concerned.
"I think you outdid yourself today, Dad," Tony mentions quickly, knowing Jack's aversion to criticism.
"This is nothing, boy. You should've seen how I looked back even before you were born. I could have bottled the sweat I produced in one day," Jack answers jokingly.
"Just know your own limits, though. You're not the same man you were then-"
The two finally reach the barn and lead their horses to the respective stall of each one.
"Don't you think I know that? I know I'm not going to last forever, but that doesn't mean I'm going to live the rest of my life like your Grandpa Gotz!" Jack exclaims as he steps off his horse, following his son's manner.
Meanwhile inside the spacious home of the Harvest family, built by Jack himself over many years, Karen pours a bowl of her own chicken noodle soup into the bowl and, after placing it on a tray, steadily carries it up the revolving staircase to the second floor. She walks through an opened door and looks at her sickly father, who lies in bed.
Gotz forces a smile upon his face as Karen sets the tray before him. The scruffy elderly man inhales the savory aroma permeating the air.
"I hope this isn't your cooking," he says with a slight smirk.
Karen sighs and shakes her head. "I gave the cook the day off today. I can cook a few things, you know," she answers firmly.
"Well… I'm just joking with you. It tastes very good. Thank you…."
The front door of the home is unlocked, and the oldest son of Jack and Karen, John, walks in with Mint Green, the daughter of Gray and Popuri. By their gestures, it is apparent that these two share an amorous relationship.
Momma, are you home?" John calls aloud, gaining his mother's attention.
Karen excuses herself from Gotz's presence, waltzes down the stairs and shows surprise to Mint's presence.
"My boy, who is this girl you brought home. She looks so vaguely familiar…."
"This is Mint… Mint Green," John answers.
Mint emits a reserved greeting, worried about the Harvests' inevitable reaction to her.
When Karen finally remembers her, her jaw literally opens. "You two are seeing each other?"
"No… we're in love and want to get married," John announces.
John's collegiate daughter, Sasha listens from the top of the stairs, and tears form at her eyes before she quietly paces to her room.