Chubby strutted around like the CEO of a booming empire, wearing goggles way too big for his raccoon face while yelling, "PERFECT! NO! TOO MUCH SALT! MORE SQUISHY-TOMATOES! FASTER! FASTER!"
Meanwhile, men of the territory worked harder than ever. Even those who usually disappeared to nap under trees were now hauling sacks, repairing beams, chopping wood, and carrying crates like their lives depended on it. A royal visit could do that to people.
Fresh vegetables filled wooden boxes—crunchy greens, bright oranges, purple roots washed and glistening. The farmers were exhausted but glowing with pride.
Harvesters raced across fields, pulling peanuts, cassava, and yes—strawberries. The newly formed Jam Team worked endlessly, boiling batches of strawberry jam in huge iron pots that perfumed the entire town.
Father's rice wine team was even busier—brewing, filtering, bottling, labeling like their souls were tied to the distillery.
