The Maelstrom of Stardew

Year 1 (Summer)

Chapter 18: Pair the Threes

Wednesday, the 3rd of Summer, 2017

[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification

[LOAD GAME]

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[GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]

Taeko woke up feeling bad…it was the first time he spent at Sunshade. Comfy as the bed was, it was a mess given the activities of last night. Tera was slumped face-down with her butt high in the air snoring lightly in a peaceful sleep. She leaked seed from between her legs and drooled on the bed. Her butt had red handprints on each cheek. He left her to sleep it off.

He simply got to showering and getting ready for the day opting to wear a navy two-toned polo shirt under an opened white accented black sports coat, black khaki pants, his white sports watch, his fingerless gloves, a white scarf around neck, the same pair of Broker lime white-rimmed wraparounds, and black socks into gray boots. He checked himself in the mirror to find he had grown an inch and a half putting him over six feet tall at last. He had checked the changelog again, finding that some of his pet's moves were tweaked to mirror Pokemon's stat balancing. He went downstairs to find Chisa and Tara coming in with the morning haul. He casually took the [Pineapples] off the trees in the [Garden Pot] in the house…making sure to mentally note to do that every few days.

"Let's see, 21 bunches of [Blueberries], five bushels of [Wheat], fifteen bottles of [Poppy Honey], five [Lobsters], ten pieces of [Coral], four [Crabs], and whoa…sixty-five rolls of [Cloth]. They must have taken to using the wool to put in the looms…good of them to think ahead." Taeko thought.

"Good morning, Cassidee showed us that you have [Recycling Machines]...so Cleo's came with trash to put. The other items made aside from the cloth are in the storage." Chisa remarked.

"Where's Tera?" Tara asked.

"Sleeping. She'll get up later." Taeko said. "I need to ask about getting seeds."

"I might be able to help with that. Let's go to your home office. You two can go." Cassidee said as Chisa and Tara left.

In the home office (which was Cassidee's former bedroom), he sat in the chair as Cassidee smirked.

"I know someone who could help, and you'd be doing me a favor because it'd knock them down a peg. The Lemoncarb sisters. Like the Prescotts and the Sucios, they're wealthy but I'd argue they're not in any criminal shit…aside from being entitled Karens. They specialize in food with a chain of organic grocery stores, gardening supply stores, liquor stores, health food stores, and a restaurant. And me directing you to buy property in GG prevented them from buying prime estate for a bar they wanted to make. Even worse, they were living in Beatitudo as a way to not have to pay 'taxes' to the nobles despite having shops in some of their turfs. And right now…they're probably panicking." Cassidee said confidently. "They take advantage of the fact that Maron's a dense ditz and Shijimi is too busy stuffing her face."

"What about the others?" Taeko asked.

"They got a lucrative contract catering to Griselda's people on Prawn Island, so basically they have one business there with no taxes needed to be paid. Griselda's a total pushover anyway. Yui doesn't get many businesses on Iudicium and she's not one to tax. As for Erelune, she's new to the scene but they have no businesses in that area…it's Viceport. If anything, they got to play nice to let their imports past. Or really…they have to play nice with you. Erelune might be a Viscount, but she's YOUR viscount. You calling for her promotion is tantamount to adopting her into your clan. Given no marriage was formed, it defaulted to you taking her in as a member of your family. She's basically your older adopted sibling."

With that bombshell, he immediately called Erelune for some more answers.

"You knew, didn't you?" Taeko snarked.

"I did…but I wasn't really going to stop you. Works out for everyone, you got a foothold in Yelenhelm and I got…a family." Erelune said. "Now like you wanted to sleep with all the elves in your reach."

"Yeah, that would be crazy." Taeko said. "I'm just not sure how to take it that I added you to my family unintentionally."

"Yeah, your sister…well our sister might have contacted me yesterday. Basically wanted answers…she's going to cover for us. So don't worry, little brother." Erelune said as Taeko groaned. "You want me to call you Stepbro instead?"

"No!" Taeko said, cringing at it. "Niisan is fine, neechan."

"For what it's worth, I should have said something…" Erelune said apologetic.

"What's done is done…we're family now and we're just going to live with it. Welcome to the Maelstrom family…and I'm guessing you took the last name as soon as you could." Taeko said as Erelune confirmed it. "Well, guess we're in it for the thick of it. Later, sis."

He hung up.

"Oh, and don't worry about her being older. Aside from the fact that you outrank her, you've got the queen's favor." Cassidee said. "Her turf is also yours…but her businesses are hers though."

"The Lemoncarbs?" Takeo asked, wanting to get back to that subject.

"They'll be likely to pay you a visit…soon. They'll definitely try to kiss your ass…especially considering you have business interests on the mainland. You probably wouldn't tell what Karens they are…so if you ask me, take full advantage. Given the morning harvest, I'm going home for a well deserved catnap." Cassidee said before going for the door.

"Wait, how do you know so much about them?" Taeko asked.

"I used to squat near one of their properties in the Sunshade District. An abandoned house they'd meet up in to talk business. I can give you some details on Linda and Lynda. Linda's the one who wears white primarily, Lynda wears black. While I did say both of them are entitled Karens, Linda's slightly less of a shithead than her sister. Her entitlement comes in small doses. Her sister is well…a hot head and a real bitch. A bit gluttonous too…despite them being health and exercise nuts. Both have a weakness for sweets…Linda with [Cookies] and Lynda with [Chocolate Cake]. And given the obvious, they don't exactly have any experience with men…good luck dealing with that."

"Anything else that makes them stand out?" Taeko asked.

"Well, in terms of dress…they're fairly modest. Not one for makeup…as much as I hate to admit that they don't need it. They also got pointed noses. That's about it…"

Cassidee left as Taeko looked at the time seeing it was barely six thirty in the morning. Tera definitely wasn't going to get up anytime soon. Then came a text from Elly May that she got the morning haul and put it away in the fridge along with putting some gathered things in storage. Aside from all the [Cloth] that Taeko put into his own [Inventory], he'd put most of the haul in the fridge.

"May as well prepare…"

Making [Cookies] wasn't too hard as he easily made thirty of them and he made two [Chocolate Cakes] all put away in the fridge.

"Now for my brea-"

There was a knock on the door.

"That's not Chisa or Tara." Taeko said, sensing it out. "Screw it, whoever they are…they're not hostile."

He opened the door to see a pair of elven pale blonde haired twins who with their pointed noses Taeko could still wear the Lemoncarb twins in question. Both women were fairly slender and fit with a bit of curves. Despite the slenderness, both were fairy busty with clear double Ds. Both wore long sleeved turtlenecks, tight leggings that only showed a scant of their midriff, and ballerina flats. Taeko could tell that Linda was slightly more toned than Lynda. As Cassidee had said, Linda wore white as Lynda wore black. Both had shoulder-length hair with Linda's being straight with hair over one of her aquamarine eyes and Lynda's was slicked back and down with no bangs to frame her face. Both came with stuff.

"My lord, good morning. I'm Linda Lemoncarb…and this is my twin Lynda. We wanted to welcome you to Yelenhelm and to Sunshade." Linda said kindly. "By cooking and bringing you breakfast,"

"Consider your good fortune, the kingdom hasn't seen an Earl or higher in decades…centuries. Let alone you being human." Lynda said as Linda elbowed her.

"You do know that Yui's a Grand Duchess, right?" Taeko asked as he let them in.

That irked Lynda.

"The fucking munchkin? No…that makes sense. She's been our queen's right hand…no doubt she'd have some form of power." Lynda thought.

The breakfast they made…a [Complete Breakfast] only with scrambled eggs and herbal tea. Something he savored as he ate.

"So, I've heard plenty about the two of you…your chain and that I might have prevented you from some sort of business deal." Taeko said.

"So you know it was important to us and you-"

"No, Lynda. I didn't even know of either of your existence until my assistant pointed it out to me that you two may come looking for me." Taeko remarked. "Didn't say much on you two, just that you were in the food business."

"Ok, that's good…we can work with this. Butter him up, and he'll be putty in our hands." Lynda thought.

Taeko was casually reading her mind and inwardly snickered as he finished his meal.

"Thank you for the food…I must return the favor. I have my hand in producing products and cooking plenty myself. I happen to be good with sweets." Taeko said.

"No…no, I'm on a strict regimen to keep my body on-"

"Now hold on, Linda…" Lynda interrupted. "What kind of sweets?"

"So far, I've learned to make my own ice cream and popsicles. I make good cookies, chocolate, rhubarb pie, and a mean blueberry tart." Taeko said as Lynda was drooling a bit. "Aside from making my own alcohol, I'm quite the chef."

"You make alcohol?" Both said concerned.

He went to the fridge to get a bottle of [Cranberry Wine] which was in the highest quality he had in the fridge.

"Shadowy Desires. This one is aged to perfection." Taeko said.

"We've got the finest winemakers in Yelenhelm under us. So I'll be the judge of that." Lynda said taking it.

She took up a shot glass to pour herself a drink before taking a swig. The look on her face was priceless, pure shock. She looked like she did want to admit that she may have been wrong, but Taeko smirked asking if she had thoughts about his wine.

"It's good…on point." Lynda said sheepishly as Linda took a drink of it.

"Ok, this is impressive. How long have you been winemaking?" Linda asked.

"I only recently got into all this business since the start of Spring." Taeko said.

You could hear a record scratch as Linda spat out her drink.

"Spring! But that means you've only been going this for a month to a few months tops." Linda said. "What about your other businesses?"

"Same time…or maybe a bit later into the season." Taeko said honestly as they looked at him in disbelief.

"Can you excuse me?" Lynda said, dragging her sister outside.

"I didn't think…"

"Impossible. He's literally been barely in the business and he's worth a fortune." Lynda said. "It takes years for a winemaker to learn to properly make liquor…let alone make it good. We've got a serious threat to business if he can grow food with such quality."

"Calm your jets, we just need to get him on our side. Get some of his products to sell and convince him to get us to sell our stuff on the mainland…" Linda said. "So stop with the attitude and be nice."

Taeko was listening in and had an idea. He came outside with a chipper look with his swords by his side. He had finished off the rest of the wine.

"Ladies, how about I show you to my private beach for us to relax? I got time…just let me check my mail." Taeko said taking his mail out of his mailbox.

"That sounds lovely, but we didn't bring swimsuits." Linda said kindly.

"That's ok, it's a nude beach." Taeko said innocently as he went inside.

He did not see the looks on their faces.

"A nude beach…" Linda said sheepishly.

"I mean…it's not we're unattractive but…" Lynda said as she blushed.

As they were flustered over whether to accept or not, Taeko was inside checking the mail. He found he received plenty of recipes from his neighbors to which the [Game] did dissolve them to skip to him gaining the recipes.

[You have learned to cook: [Stuffing], [Tom Kha Soup], [Vegetable Medley], [Algae Soup], [Bean Hotpot], and [Chowder]]

There was a letter from Clint and Kaia thanking him again for introducing each other…they found that they clicked. With that, he got a notification that he was at max friendship with him. Kaia had also included a recipe for her favorite treat, a [Maple Bar] which was a glazed doughnut.

[You've maxed your friendship with Clint! New perk gained: Mining Master - Clint lends his support! (XP) Gains from using your pickaxe are doubled. No energy required for using pickaxe. Permanent +1 Mining Buff. Making bars will now only require two pieces of ore and a piece of coal.]

"Clint, I take back most of what I said about you…most." Taeko thought.

There was a letter from Penny, inviting him to meet her at the Spa as the way to the railroad was open, late into the night. There was a lipstick kiss on the letter which got Taeko rather perturbed. He got a letter from Maru inviting him to come over to her place to see her big project. Lastly, there was a letter from Qi reminding him of the quest.

Taeko sauntered outside to see both twins still nervously talking with each other. He crept up on them.

"Ladies, as much as I want to take you to my beach. I got a busy day ahead, so rain check." Taeko asked.

Lynda looked relieved.

"We know the struggle. Take our phone numbers…we'd like to discuss business and get to know our new lord better." Linda said.

"Before you go…" Taeko said going in to come out with a [Chocolate Cake]. "As my thanks."

"We couldn't…I'

Lynda elbowed her twin and took it before thanking them. They exchanged numbers before the twins got in a snazzy gray Grotti [Turismo R] before driving away.

"Bullet dodged…I don't think I was ready for that." Linda said as Lynda was messily devouring the cake. "Save some for me, you asshole!"

"Like you need the cake, Ms. Diet." Lynda said.

"Neither do you. We might be twins and all that cake goes straight to your ass!" Linda snarked.

"Were those the Lemoncarbs?" Tara asked.

"Yeah, they a problem?" Taeko asked.

"Not if you got money, status, or both. At worst, they're just Karens with too much money." Tara said. "What did you do to get them flustered?"

When Tara was told, she laughed.

"You got big balls for that…given those two don't really interact with men at all." Tara said. "While they can get away talking shit to most people, even wealthy people…they dare not do it against people of status."

"By the way, I want you to clean up my bed. Me and Tera really got into it…and the bed's a mess." Taeko said as Tara sighed. "Tera could use a bit of a waking up."

"All right." Tara groaned.

"Tell Tera she can rest easily." Taeko said before leaving. "I'm heading back to the mainland."

~MoS:SY1~

It felt bad to be back on the mainland as Taeko sauntered into town with the [Rainbow Shell], but not before watering his pet bowls. He decided to go see Maru at her home, triggering her ten heart scene. He walked in to find Maru with bed hair and in nothing but a lab coat, sports bra, and a lavender striped pair of hipster panties all stained with sweat.

"It's finally done. My biggest invention yet…and I wanted to show you first before I show mom and dad. Sebastian stayed up with me to help…he's passed out in his room." Maru said taking Taeko's arm to lead him to the private workshop which was under a hatch. Unknown to Maru, Demetrius was listening in.

What was down there was a human sized robot

"Here it is, Maru's Interactive Laboratory Device Alpha or MarILDA for short. It's the ultimate robotic assistant and I wanted you to be here for its activation as you've been a big help in getting me the supplies needed through their mine crawls." Maru said before activating as it's eyes opened.

It rose up winding his arms.

"Greetings Maru, no need to respond. I already know what you will say." MarILDA says in a rather feminine voice.

"Well, this can go wrong or well in so many ways." Taeko said under his breath.

"I knew it!" Demetrius said, coming down the ladder. "I…knew you two wer-What is…Do I even want to know?"

"Well it's not a sex thing, it's Maru's magnum opus." Taeko said casually.

"My ultimate invention with help from Taeko and Sebastian!" Maru boasted.

"Greetings Demetrius. I am MarILDA." MarILDA remarks.

"So this is what you have been working on the past few months. I thought you were down here fooling around with Taeko…given well…some days you came out sweaty and barely dressed." Demeterius said sheepishly.

"There's no air conditioning here." Maru said awkwardly. "Plus Taeko's never been in my secret workshop."

"Plus, I'd like to point out if Maru and I wanted to do anything, why would we do it here or in your house? I have a place. Hell, several out of town. If I wanted to clap Maru's cheeks, I have places and you'd be none the wiser." Taeko admitted bluntly.

"Not that we have been intimate lately…I've been busy." Maru said as Demetrius sighed. "Making this to help you and mom when I move out. Sebastian's already on the way out and come my 18th birthday, I'm moving out."

"Excuse me... I am sorry, Maru. But I do not want to be your servant... In the time since you activated me, I have been pondering the nature of my existence with the 'self-awareness' module you installed in my neural cortex. I am sorry to disappoint you all, but I must ask for my freedom. I've decided to explore the galaxy in search of other synthetic life-forms." MarILDA stated.

"You made it self-aware, Maru?" Taeko asked as Maru had a bead of sweat go down her face. "I'm impressed by you and Seb's work, but have you not seen any Terminator movie to remind you why this is really risky?"

Demetrius looked at the robot with a thoughtful look before taking a deep breath and exhaling.

"I can't believe it'd get that advanced so quickly." Maru said as Demetrius put a hand on her shoulder.

"Maru, you should let her go. Your mother and I can care for ourselves. I know you're ready to start a life of your own, and I've come to terms with the thought of not having you around anymore. Besides, this... creation of yours seems pretty advanced. It wouldn't feel right to keep her as a servant. Taeko, I'm sorry I distrusted you in the past. I've never seen Maru so lively and creative... and I've never been more proud of her. If you've had a hand in that, then you have my gratitude." Demetrius said. "And I suppose I owe Sebastian a call."

He left as Maru and Taeko helped MarILDA outside through Maru's door for it to rocket off into space.

"You know…if it does find alien robots out there…I hope they don't come to Earth. The idea of Transformers coming to Earth…not so fun in real life." Taeko said as Maru paled.

"I'm sure that won't happen, but I'm glad whatever grudge you and my dad have has faded." Maru said.

"Or he's admitting defeat…" Taeko teased. "But you should go get some sleep…after a hot bath."

"Yeah, yeah…but you know I'm glad that you've supported my interests." Maru said before pulling him into a kiss that he returned. "I love you, Taeko."

"I love you too, Maru." Taeko said as they broke the kiss. "Now please go have a bath…your scent is pretty strong…not that it's foul."

"Yeah yeah…" Maru said before going back inside.

Taeko felt on cloud nine and was eager to see what Penny had in store for him tonight. However, he would venture up the stairs to the Stardew Railroad. And there the Star Spa, looking completely untouched for the time being…it still looked in pristine condition. However, he was here on a mission and delivered the shell to its spot. He got the 500 Gold and was informed he had new setups for the VR headset.

[Story Chain Quest Updated!]

[The Mysterious Mr. Qi]

You have been getting notes from the Mysterious Mr. Qi wanting to know if you're worthy of the gift he has for you. Strange notes with strange requests. You've delivered the shell, but he has another request for you.

Objective: ?

Quest Success: +Respect with Mr. Qi, Next Qi Quest, +500 Gold

[Qi Quest Auto-Accepted]

Taeko got another text: [Your second task: Place 10 [Beets] inside Lewis's fridge.]

He decided to call the Lemoncarb Twins…he had to do some shopping anyway. However, he called Linda as he took a seat on the bench.

"Linda, good morning." Taeko said.

"Count Maelstrom, what can I do for you?" Linda said.

"I need some items that you can get for me. 10 [Beets] and some gardening supplies, if your shops sell them." Taeko requested.

"Of course we do! Taeko, we serve all VIPs well. We have an exclusive shop in Cedar Grove…consider your membership paid and the [Beets] on the house. Organic Groves. Just come pick it up." Linda said.

"Thanks, L. I'll handle my business there. If things work out, I might call to invite you for a meal or something." Taeko said before hanging up.

Given Taeko's step discount as a noble, Taeko was not going to complain about an overpriced organic food store for rich people. Even if he was rich. He contacted Marcie asking about installing a helipad.

"Ok, with the Railroad open…there's a bit of property on the mountain you can buy to make your helipad. And there can be a minecart and rail arranged for you to go to and from it so you don't have to drive. It'll cost you 30,000."

"Just 30k? Ok, I'm down." Taeko said approving of the payment.

[You now have the 'Stardew Heliport'.]

"And what about Yelenhelm?" Taeko asked.

"A heliport can be added on your farm on the end near the bridge to Serenity Beach. I can have a metallic platform with heliport attachment. I can even get you it for free…seems all nobles are inclined to get a heliport installed. Something about it being covered by taxes."

Taeko approved it and he got his helipad installed. With that dealt with, Taeko made his way to the Bus Stop finding Abigail there.

"Hey, sensei~" Abigail teased before 'stealing' a kiss from him. "Up for it today?"

"Heck yeah, I am. Got new equipment." Taeko said. "I got to deal with some stuff…but I'll come for you at least by ten a.m."

"So how's the noble life in lady land?" Abigail teased.

"Pretty good. I think I just helped the que-"

He was cut off by his phone ringing to see it was Yui calling.

"Speaking of the queen, her second in command is calling…." Taeko said walking off in the minecart. "Later, Abs."

She winked as he rode off on the minecraft rail. The new property was mountainside property all with the standard set up for a heliport and basic storage. He got out as he answered the phone to hear Yui yelling at him.

"Calm down, Yui. What is it?" Taeko asked.

"What did you do? What the fuck did you do to have Lorelaan wanting to promote you?! Did you blackmail or…"

"I think I know what I did. She called me for advice…about men. She apparently had a guy she liked…and wanted to confess. She called me because she was afraid of poor advice from everyone else…and that you would laugh at her." Taeko admitted.

"Guy she liked. Fylson? The traveling merchant…I thought he wasn't into women. I got gay best friend vibes from him. I guess I was wrong." Yui said with a sigh. "Well, considering you got the queen happy and laid…I have to give it to you…you have got to be one lucky son of a bitch."

"So promotion?" Taeko asked.

"Yeah, to Marquess. That's going to ruffle feathers among the nobles, but I'm not going to get in the way of that. You're being seen as a sign of good fortune…good luck man." Yui said with a laugh before hanging up.

[Perk Upgraded!]

[Marquess of Shadows - As a Marquess of Yelenhelm, this gives you some boons. 60% discount on all shops and services in Yelenhelm. Any product you made, grew, or found on Yelenhelm will be at gold quality minimum (including artisan products). Cask time is reduced by 1 day, which applies on all farms.]

He also had no restriction on the farmland, meaning he can make more rows and columns. He also was informed that due to Pam's [Booze Boss] perk, it got tweaked to raise the standard from silver to gold due to his Marquess perk…and to prevent glitching.

"Fylson, you beautiful bastard…I'm sending you some gifts." Taeko said to himself while doing the math. "And no restrictions means I can move some stuff. With this perk, a silver quality wine can turn gold in a cask instantly…and I'd only have to wait four days for iridium quality. Mead, pale ale, and beer would only need one day for iridium quality. Cheeses would only need two days to iridium…"

He texted Elly May to be on the lookout for [Kegs] and [Casks] on sale from her usual sources before getting to the helipad. Selecting his [Maverick], his helicopter appeared on it as he boarded it to fly it.

"[Fast Travel]'s an option now? Well…" Taeko said, activating it.

In seconds, he flew himself flying down on the new helipad on Shadow Farm. He landed and got out before running to his garage to ride out in his [Zentorno] before driving it out. Tera came out with more casual clothes: a gray striped saggy beanie, a sand colored tank top under a lime denim jacket, studded armbands and a collar, olive denim shorts, and tan folded high heeled boots to add to her height. The dark makeup was reapplied to her face.

"Do I even want to ask how you managed getting promoted?" Tera asked.

"I helped the queen get laid." Taeko said. "And find love."

"Shit. Considering she's been a massive 'incelf', that is an accomplishment." She said getting in the car. "So where are you off to?"

"Shopping at some fancy shop the Lemoncarbs got." Taeko said.

"Organic Grove? More like Overpri-never mind, you're a noble." Tera said as he drove off. "Still, I think you need to realize what your promotion means. As you noticed, most of the nobles got chunks of an island as a turf with the exception of Griselda and Yui. Griselda's a bit of a special case as given what she saws, she warrants getting Prawn Island for herself…even if it's considerably smaller than the others."

"Yui's a Grand Duchess…by all means second in line to the throne. And she has one island to her….which means…" Taeko said.

"She's a Grand Du-actually…that explains a lot. But yeah, by order of succession that puts you in the running to the throne in case anything happens. However, what you should be focused on is by all means you're the Marquess of Beatitudo itself." Tera said as it sank in for Taeko. "Meaning my 'father' is probably freaking out as we speak."

Far from it, in reality…Laozu saw it as an opportunity and planned accordingly. Taeko had first went into Wheel Arch Angels to get the car customized. Of course, he got the performance upgrades, the turbo tuning, Zenon lights, and the limo tinted windows first before going into the visuals. For the bumpers, he got a custom splitter for the front and a painted rear trim for the rear bumper. For the chassis, he got 'sideblades' in a secondary color like the painted rear trim. For the pipes, he got angular triple exit exhaust pipes. He made sure to get the grille painted the secondary color. For the hood, he replaced the race hood with a Pegassi hood. He, of course, got a roll cage, secondary colored. For the roof, he got the race roof scoop and a black sunstrip for the window. For the car's skirts, he got a carbon race skirt. He kept the Pegassi wing spoiler before shifting focus to the wheels. He liked the rims it had already so he opted to get bulletproof tires and blue tire smoke. For the cars colors, he had the primary color be a pearlescent bluish silver and the secondary color to be a pearlescent midnight blue. He looked upon his masterpiece and asked for the total before giving 50k.

"Take the rest as a tip for such excellent service." Taeko said to the workers as she and Tera got in the car.

"Of course, thank you…Lord Maelstrom." The workers said before a bow.

"I am never going to get used to that." Taeko said driving off. "But this car looks sick!"

"You better get used to it, Taeko." Tera said.

"Like you getting used to you having a daddy kink." Taeko said as she pouted.

Arriving in Burnside Vale, it was noticeable to see the divide between the rich and poor areas…it was near jarring to see it up close and the fact that SV was clearly expanded upon. Cedar Grove was basically a gated community without the gate. He found Organics Grove and parked in the lot.

"Well, now I have to deal with rich folk." Taeko said with a sigh.

"Don't you come from money…" Tera asked.

"Yes and no. I was never told how wealthy my family was until I was practically working and on my own. My parents believed hard work and drive made a woman…so they weren't as big as they were until me and my sister were older. They avoided spoiled us…and we lived basically in the upper middle class." Taeko said as they both got out. "It's ironic though…"

The shop itself was a big warehouse styled store. They walked into the place only to get stopped by security, not that Taeko was intimidated.

"Excuse me, but I believe I have a pickup under Maelstrom. I believe your manager was told by the owners of my arrival." Taeko said.

In seconds, the manager came up shoving the two women aside.

"Apologies, they weren't told of your arrival and addition to the membership, Lord Maelstrom." The manager said giving him his [OG Membership Card].

He took it which was added to his Key Items.

"Thank you, Miss. It's fine, you know how it is with rich folk. Gatekeeping. I only hope you are paid well." Taeko said as the manager laughed.

"Well enough." The manager said before going back to her office.

The shopping options for him were quite expansive with a selection of ocean fish, vegetables, and fruit. From what the Game was showing him, the vegetable selection would be limited to the current season and the next one, while the fruits were all year around. So he asked an employee.

"You must be looking for their Lemon and Garden section. That way, sir."

Taeko thanked the worker before getting a shopping cart. He got a dozen [Eel] in the cart while looking at the prices.

"These fuckers are charging an iridium quality for shit that's either silver quality or gold. No wait, double that." Taeko said horrified.

"Welcome to Overpriced Groves. Less food for more money…I'm going to go grab some snacks. Want anything?" Tera asked.

"Two packs of [Joja Cola] for one." Taeko asked as she left him.

He went to the gardening section and saw that the highest quality of fertilizer was being sold to his glee. Then he looked at the price tag for them. Both [Tree Fertilizer] and [Deluxe Retaining Soil] were 5,000 Gold. [Deluxe Fertilizer] was 10,000, and [Hyper Speed-Gro] was 25,000 Gold. Even with his discount, it was still going to hurt his wallet. He looked at seeds, and saw they were triple the cost of what Joja sold them for, and had a rather limited selection of fall and summer seeds.

"If I wasn't a noble, I'd never shop here. The only reason I don't feel as dirty as the alternative is Joja." Taeko thought with a shudder.

At least the Sisters weren't stupid enough to have their own generic brand. He decided to add 35 boxes of [Hyper Speed-Gro], a dozen [Red Cabbage Seeds], a dozen [Melon Seeds], two dozen [Wheat Seeds], and nine [Pumpkin Seeds].

"I still have to deal with that Quality Crops bundle…I wonder if they'll take Iridium Quality…" Taeko said to himself.

The Game did answer citing due to a recent update, that bundle would accept it as Gold quality was minimum requirement. Taeko was relieved before noticing an employee carrying out a crate of stuff.

"Need a hand with that?" Taeko asked as she was clearly struggling.

"I couldn't ask for the help of…"

Taeko put his cart aside to take up the crate.

"Well consider it an 'order' to let me help you with this…spring merch." Taeko said seeing the inside.

"Yeah, mostly old seeds and products that didn't sell. The manager wants me to toss them, but it's a waste." The employee remarked. "Security will take it the moment we go out."

Taeko helped her with it outside only for security to ask for the crate for it to be properly disposed of.

"That won't be needed, and I don't think you'll worry about what happens to this at all. Understood?" Taeko affirmed.

"Of course, my lord." Both said before leaving.

"You didn't have to…"

"But I want to." Taeko said before taking the two dozen [Parsnip Seeds] and [Garlic Seeds]. "Also needed these."

He went back inside finding Tera loading a few things into the cart.

"Let's cash out…I'll get some other stuff elsewhere." Taeko said as they went to the checkout line.

Taeko presented the membership card to which the cashier explained the benefits. She began price scanning all his items and Takeo was never happier to use his noble status. Considering the original total would have put a 1 million down…even with the membership's meager 10% off purchases.

"Your total is 268,013 Gold."

He gave her his card for him to pay. Taeko was glad they had people to load the groceries into his car and he did tip after making sure he got the free [Beets].

"Ugh, if I didn't need that Speed-Gro, I'd never shop there." Taeko said as they got in the car. "Damn it…now I feel less sorry about messing with the Sisters."

He returned home as Tera had Tara and Chisa put away the groceries.

"I'm going to deal with the farm." Taeko said walking off towards the green of the land.

Despite the lack of restriction, there was limited green space. He could put crops on the sand, but he would rather keep the beach clear. Thus, he only added three more rows planting all the [Melon Seeds] and nearly half of the [Wheat Seeds]. With the perks alone, he'd only need one day for the [Melons] and as for the [Wheat], a dash of [Hyper Speed-Gro] would bring it down to one day needed. He collected the [Poppy Honey] before returning to say he was leaving. He took the helicopter back to the mainland.

~MoS:SY1~

He stood in the manor of the mayor before shoving the ten [Beets] in the mayor's fridge to which he got 500 and the final part of the chain quest.

[Story Chain Quest Updated!]

[The Mysterious Mr. Qi]

You have been getting notes from the Mysterious Mr. Qi wanting to know if you're worthy of the gift he has for you. Strange notes with strange requests. You've delivered the beets, but he has another request for you.

Objective: ?

Go to the lumber pile on your farm.

Quest Success: +Respect with Mr. Qi, Access to ?, ?

[Qi Quest Auto-Accepted]

The final task? Giving the sand dragon its final meal…which Taeko knew to be a [Solar Essence]. He returned to his farm to deal with planting some crops before going to get the needed items. The second column would be full of [Wheat] planted. Planted all of the [Red Cabbage Seeds] before getting all the leftover [Hot Pepper Seeds] and [Tomato Seeds] to grow. With them being counted as fruit, the peepers only need a day to grow.

"Taeko, you got a package!" Elly May yelled. "From a Lemoncarb."

Taeko walked up to find a package from Linda to which he read the letter thanking for shopping and all that jazz but then there was the final line.

[Given the massive amount of points you made with your purchase, I've decided in lieu of a discount…I'd like to give you a personal gift. - Sincerely, Linda Lemoncarb]

Taeko opened the package to find an autographed cookbook, one written by Sora, the Queen of the Sauce herself. The book glowed into blue particles as a text box appeared.

[You've learned how to cook: Baked Fish, Trout Soup, Glazed Yams, Artichoke Dip, Plum Pudding, Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Candy, Complete Breakfast (more like relearning as the data for it was bugged before), Lucky Lunch, Carp Surprise, Pink Cake, Roasted Hazelnuts, Fruit Salad, Blackberry Cobbler, Crab Cakes, Fiddlehead Risotto, Poppyseed Muffin, Bruschetta, and Shrimp Cocktail]

Funny enough, Lynda would call him to apologize for the 'paltry gift' only for Taeko to assure her that he wasn't upset with this gesture.

"Far from it." Taeko said before hanging up.

He loaded up the honey into the kegs before going into the greenhouse. All of the [Pumpkin Seeds] and five of the [Parsnip Seeds] were planted with [Hyper Speed-Gro]. With that finally done, it was clear the [Inventory] and ready to go on a Mine crawl. With those recipes in mind, Taeko had a few dishes he wanted to make.

[GAME PAUSED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO QUICK SAVE?]

[Yes *] [No]

….

[GAME QUICKSAVED! Hurry back.]

(A/N: I really do like this format, a morning chapter, afternoon chapter, and a night chapter. Helps with the pacing and planning things out even if the chapters are pretty long. Hey, you get content and I get a challenge. I'm also using the 'in-game updates' to streamline the battle pet system.)