Quick answer
Light story spoilers ahead
Caldarus's usable gift and romance systems are tied to main-story progress. This guide names the required quest and heart gates but does not reveal full event scenes or late-story dialogue.
When gifts and friendship unlock
Caldarus does not use the normal early friendship loop while he remains in statue form. His first heart levels advance with story milestones, and direct gifts become available only after Breaking the Fire Seal.
Loved Gifts
Caldarus Loves substantial cooked dishes. Keep one of these ready after gift-giving unlocks, but do not spend rare ingredients before the story gate because the gift interaction will not be available.
- Apple Honey Curry · Fried Rice · Harvest Plate
- Mont Blanc · Seafood Boil
Caldarus romance progression
His 2-, 4-, and early 6-heart progress follows named story milestones rather than the standard villager event sequence. After his normal form and gift system are available, complete the later heart quest and choose the romantic response at 8 hearts to open the dating route.