You remember Zephyr Town. It’s that breezy, windmill-dotted village from the DS era where the economy literally revolves around a weekly market. If you’re diving back into Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar—now retroactively part of the Story of Seasons lineage—you know the farm work is only half the battle. The other half? Figuring out which of the Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar romance options is worth the dozens of Herb Salads and Pudding you’re about to gift.
Honestly, the marriage system in this specific entry feels a bit different than the newer titles like Pioneers of Olive Town. It’s simpler, sure, but the stakes feel weirdly high because of how much time you spend waiting for that Saturday bazaar to roll around. You aren't just looking for a spouse; you're looking for someone who doesn't mind that you spend 90% of your time jumping into the river to find empty cans or gold ore.
The Bachelorettes: From Tea Lovers to Hot-Tempered Cooks
Choosing a wife in Zephyr Town usually boils down to how much you enjoy the internal politics of the local families.
Take Daisy, for instance. She works at the hotel. She’s the "girl next door" archetype, but with a weirdly intense obsession with ice cream. If you want to win her over, you’re going to need a lot of yellow flowers. She’s sweet, maybe a little plain for some players, but she’s reliable.
Then there’s Emiko.
She lives in an actual waterfall.
Finding her is a chore because you have to wait until late at night and jump through a literal curtain of water. She’s the "secret" candidate. Most people miss her entirely on their first playthrough because, frankly, who is hanging out behind a waterfall at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday? She likes Kage-do, which is a massive pain to get, but marrying a literal spirit-entity is a bit of a flex.
Antoinette is the one everyone likes but nobody can figure out. She’s the daughter of Claude, the resident eccentric scientist/artist. She’s got that "I’m too cool for this town" vibe going on. She loves Frogs. Yes, Frogs. It’s one of those weird quirks that makes the older games so charming. If you aren't afraid of a girl who enjoys a cold, damp amphibian, she’s your go-to.
Sherry and Freya round out the main cast. Sherry is the Mayor’s daughter, which feels like a classic power move if you’re looking to solidify your status in Zephyr Town. She’s kind, loves salads, and is probably the most "normal" person in the game. Freya, on the other hand, is a city girl working as a journalist. She’s smart. She’s sharp. She likes Chocolate Sunflowers. She also has a bit of a workaholic streak, which fits the vibe if you're also grinding away at your farm 24/7.
💡 You might also like: Marvel Rivals Emma Frost X Revolution Skin: What Most People Get Wrong
The Bachelors: Why Zephyr Town Men are Obsessed with Food
If you’re playing as a girl, the Story of Seasons Grand Bazaar romance options for men are... eclectic. There is no other word for it.
Amir is the standout here. He’s a literal prince. He only stays in town during the Winter, which makes romancing him a logistical nightmare. You have one season to make an impression, or you’re waiting a full in-game year to see him again. He’s refined, slightly distant, and loves Stew. If you want the "Cinderella" ending, Amir is the only choice.
Then you have the brothers: Angelo and Ivan.
Ivan is the responsible older brother who works in the city. He’s sophisticated. He likes Herb Tea. He’s basically the "husband material" candidate. Angelo is the artist. He’s a bit more sensitive, a bit more disorganized. He likes Omelet Rice. They have a very grounded, sweet dynamic, but choosing between brothers always feels a little awkward at the family dinner table.
Dirk is a name you might recognize if you played The Tale of Two Towns. He’s the younger brother of the local woodworker, and he’s energetic to a fault. He’s the delivery boy. He likes Beetles. It’s a recurring theme in this game—everyone loves something slightly gross or extremely specific.
Finally, there’s Lloyd. He’s the traveler. He’s got that mysterious, slightly moody aura that usually draws in a specific type of player. He’s obsessed with maps and Ore Shards. He’s not the easiest to talk to, but once you break through that shell, he’s surprisingly loyal.
The Mechanics of Love in the Bazaar
Marriage isn't just about giving gifts. You have to trigger Heart Events.
📖 Related: Finding the Right Words That Start With Oc 5 Letters for Your Next Wordle Win
These are specific cutscenes that happen when you reach certain friendship levels—indicated by the color of the hearts in their dialogue box. In Grand Bazaar, you go from Black to Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and finally Red.
You also need the Big Bed.
This is the part that trips up most players. You can't just buy it whenever you want. You have to wait for it to appear at the Bazaar. If you haven't upgraded your house yet, the bed won't show up. It’s a massive gold sink, and if you miss it on a Saturday, you might be waiting weeks for it to cycle back into the shop's inventory.
And then there's the Blue Feather.
Traditional. Classic. It’s the engagement ring of the Story of Seasons world. You can only buy it once you have the person at a Red Heart and you’ve seen all four of their heart events. If you try to propose before then, they’ll just give you a confused look and you’ll feel terrible.
What Most Players Get Wrong About Grand Bazaar Marriage
A lot of people think you can just spam gifts every day and win.
Actually, the game tracks your "reputation" with the family members too. If you want to marry Sherry, you better be on good terms with Mayor Felix. If you’re eyeing Antoinette, you can't ignore Claude. It’s not a hard requirement in the way it is in some older Harvest Moon games, but it definitely makes the process smoother.
The most common mistake? Ignoring the wrapping paper.
You can wrap your gifts at the bazaar. It seems like a small thing, but it gives a massive boost to the affection points you earn. In a game where time is literally money, efficiency is everything. Use the color of paper they like. It’s a cheat code for their hearts.
👉 See also: Jigsaw Would Like Play Game: Why We’re Still Obsessed With Digital Puzzles
Also, don't forget the Grand Prize factor.
Winning the weekly bazaar improves your standing with everyone in town. It makes you a "big deal." While it doesn't directly trigger romance scenes, it creates a general aura of success that feels right when you're trying to convince a Prince or a Waterfall Goddess to move into a tiny farmhouse with you.
The Reality of Post-Marriage Life
Life doesn't change a whole lot after the wedding, which is a common critique of the older games. Your spouse will move in. They might help out a little. You can have a child—eventually.
But the charm of Grand Bazaar is in the chase. It’s in the quiet moments of finding the perfect insect for Dirk or the specific tea for Ivan. It’s about the routine. The game doesn't have the complex "rival marriages" that some of the other titles have, so you don't have to worry about someone stealing your man or woman if you take too long. You can play at your own pace.
If you’re looking for the "best" option, there isn't one.
If you want a challenge, go for Emiko or Amir.
If you want someone easy to please, go for Daisy or Angelo.
If you want someone with a bit of spice, go for Antoinette.
Zephyr Town is small, but the personalities are surprisingly deep for a DS game. Just make sure you have enough gold in your pocket before you start dreaming of a wedding. That Big Bed isn't going to buy itself.
Key Strategy Steps for Fast-Tracking Romance:
- Hoard specific items early. Don't sell your first few Frogs or Ore Shards; check who likes them first.
- Prioritize the Bazaar. You need the house upgrade and the Big Bed. Without these, romance is a dead end.
- Use the wrapping station. Every. Single. Time. The point boost is too high to ignore.
- Learn schedules. People in this game move around a lot based on the wind and the day of the week. Don't waste time running to an empty house.
- Check the weather. Some Heart Events only trigger on sunny days or specific rainy afternoons. If the forecast says storm, plan for a "gift-only" day.
Once you've secured your spouse and the credits roll on your wedding, the real endgame begins: managing a farm, a family, and a world-class market stall all at once. It's a grind, but in Zephyr Town, it's a peaceful one.