Upstairs, Lucas walked barefoot into the bedroom.
Seeing a large bed quietly waiting in the corner, he breathed a sigh of relief.
At least it wasn't one of those Japanese-style rooms where you sleep on a futon on the floor.
Having endured plenty of hardship in the past—often camping outdoors with just a sleeping bag—Lucas now valued a good night's sleep. Even the beds on his farm were carefully chosen.
After all, there's no need to suffer unnecessarily.
Seeing the spacious upstairs area, Lucas released all his Pokémon: Luxray, Serperior, Arcanine, and Spectrier, plus Mimikyu and Applin—a full team of six.
This trip was mainly for vacation, and to help Perrin investigate the Bloodmoon mystery.
Luxray immediately started sniffing around and patrolling the area, as usual, to ensure everyone's safety.
"We're here to have fun. No need to be so tense," Lucas told Luxray.
Luxray finally stopped, found a spot it liked, and lay down.
Serperior used its tail to pick up Applin, brushing off the dust after its long ride.
Mimikyu sat in front of a wooden vanity, admiring itself in the mirror, obviously happy after being complimented.
Spectrier curiously came over. As fellow Ghost-types, Mimikyu was friendly, even moving aside so Spectrier's face could be reflected completely.
Looking at its flowing mane in the mirror, Spectrier couldn't help but feel a bit vain. It looked just as cool alone as it did with its king riding it.
Arcanine was quiet for a while, eyes flicking toward two pairs of slippers nearby, as if plotting something.
Moments later, it glanced left and right, making sure no one was watching, then slyly crawled over to the slippers.
Just as it was about to bite one...
Smack!
Its head was gently bopped—not painful, just enough to startle.
Arcanine looked up to see Lucas holding a bent paper tube.
Arcanine's eyes darted, tail wagging, trying to curry favor with a few barks.
"Never mind if I'll be lucky this year, but if you dare chew up the slippers, you'll have to pay with your snacks," Lucas warned.
Realizing the plan had failed, Arcanine drooped its tail and went to bother Luxray instead.
Snacks were too important to lose.
After a while, Lucas had familiarized himself with the whole upstairs. Downstairs, he heard footsteps and the sounds of cooking—Mrs. Hideko must've returned from shopping.
Lucas knew lunch was approaching.
Mr. Yukito came up briefly to check if Lucas had any dietary restrictions, and to confirm the number of Pokémon, then went back downstairs.
At mealtime, Lucas was called down along with his Pokémon.
The table was covered with food: sushi, sashimi, tempura curry rice as the main dish.
In the center was a hot pot of sukiyaki—though, unfortunately, not spicy at all.
Aunt Hideko said all the vegetables were local, with some rare mountain mushrooms. If Lucas liked, she could make him soup as well.
All the dishes were basic home cooking, nothing fancy, and tasted light and simple—just like a typical family meal. Still, it was nice for a change.
After dinner, Lucas and his Pokémon returned upstairs, and Hideko brought desserts made from local specialties—apple pie, candied apples, strawberry cakes, and a unique sticky rice cake passed down through generations.
After tasting them, Lucas took his change of clothes and went to the backyard for a relaxing soak in the hot spring, washing away his travel fatigue.
He even let Luxray and the others try the hot spring too.
Since Luxray, Arcanine, and Spectrier all had fur, Lucas asked Mr. Yukito and Hideko in advance.
Both assured him the water was changed daily, with a special pipe system to each home. Furry Pokémon could enjoy the hot springs too—it wasn't a problem.
Except for the reluctant Arcanine, all six Pokémon enjoyed the hot spring's healing effects, giving Lucas an idea.
He recalled that Hoenn had a famous hot spring in Lavaridge Town, and in the Emerald game, you could get an egg there—not a hot spring egg, but a Pokémon egg.
Once his farm expansion finished, it'd be nice to organize a "work trip" for everyone to enjoy the big hot springs there.
He remembered it was under Mt. Chimney, but wasn't sure if they allowed private bookings.
…
The next morning.
Lucas got up early, washed up, and had another hearty breakfast with Mr. Yukito and Hideko.
During breakfast, he received a call from Perrin.
She said she was still deep in the Timeless Woods and wouldn't be out until tonight. Lucas should have fun in Mossui Town for the day.
After breakfast, Yukito's eyes lit up at a knock on the door. He scolded playfully, "Those two kids, finally here."
He opened the door to find one tall and one shorter person waiting outside.
Seeing their outfits, Yukito was both proud and helpless, reminding them, "It's so hot—just wear normal clothes! Why wear your school uniforms?"
Still, he was clearly proud that his grandchildren had both gotten into Blueberry Academy.
He quickly introduced them to Lucas, "These are my granddaughter and grandson. The tall one is Carmine, the shorter one is Kieran.
Sorry, they're wearing their Blueberry Academy uniforms today—they might stand out a bit."
Lucas looked at the siblings.
Carmine, the elder sister, was tall and poised. Kieran, the younger brother, was a bit shorter and seemed shy.
Their Blueberry Academy uniforms surprised Lucas—he hadn't expected to see students from there even while traveling in Kitakami Village.
It was obvious from Yukito's tone that he was proud of his grandchildren attending Blueberry Academy.
Yukito told them, "I already explained everything on the phone yesterday. This is our guest, Mr. Lucas. Today, you two need to show him the sights of Kitakami Village."
"Hello, Mr. Lucas," Carmine said, bowing slightly with Kieran, her eyes glimmering with excitement.
Just a few months ago, Lucas had made a deep impression on Carmine—not only did his students defeat the Elite Four and Champion in the League Club, but Lucas himself, seemingly an ordinary teacher, had defeated Champion Alder's ace, Volcarona!
At that moment, any reluctance she felt about guiding an outsider vanished. If she could make Lucas happy during the tour, maybe she could get some valuable advice for herself.
"Hello," Lucas nodded to her, then looked at Kieran.
Kieran's heart was pounding. He opened his mouth, gathering all his courage to stammer, "H-hello, Mr. Lucas..."
His eyes darted everywhere, unable to meet Lucas's gaze, his hands fidgeting nervously behind his back.
Lucas's psychology radar instantly went off.
Was this kid shy or socially withdrawn?
But seeing the warmth of their family, Lucas figured he didn't need to worry. Sometimes, kids like this just need encouragement at home—they'll get better gradually.
Thinking this, Lucas said, "Let's head out! For our first stop, I'd like to see Apple Hill."
After receiving Yukito's "Safe travels!" and a reminder to be back for lunch, Carmine led the group toward Apple Hill.
Why did Carmine lead the way? Lucas glanced at Kieran lagging several steps behind his sister, frowning slightly.
Was this how siblings were supposed to interact?
Up front, Carmine seemed to realize she was walking too fast, or maybe she just wanted to talk to Lucas more, so she slowed down.
As a result, Kieran, still with his head down, bumped right into her.
Compared to his confident sister, Kieran looked frailer. When they collided, Carmine was fine, but Kieran plopped to the ground with a quiet yelp.
Lucas thought Carmine would help Kieran up and apologize.
Instead, she frowned and scolded, "How many times have I told you, don't walk so close behind me, Kieran!"
Sitting on the ground, Kieran just stood up, looked at his now-dirty uniform, and said nothing.
Carmine was always annoyed by Kieran's withdrawn personality, but since Lucas was there, she held back, only telling him to put his clothes in the laundry when they got home, then brushed him off and took the lead again.
With the current awkward atmosphere, she didn't know what to ask Lucas.
Behind them, Lucas's eyes showed a thoughtful look.
There was something odd about these siblings.
Soon, they arrived at Apple Hill.
The whole place was vast, rows of apple trees stretching as far as the eye could see—a truly breathtaking sight.
Carmine walked ahead, introducing Apple Hill.
"Apple Hill is expansive and open, perfect for crops. Even the towering Oni Mountain over there can't block the sunlight from reaching the apple trees.
With some unique local techniques, the apples here are big, round, and shine like jewels in the sun. Their flavor is famous far and wide.
Some reporters even call Kitakami Village's apples 'growing rubies.'"
Carmine's voice was full of pride. As a local, she was naturally proud of their apples' worldwide fame.
Lucas listened with interest, but instead of asking about the secret techniques, he asked, "Can you tell me where the Applins usually gather?"
Carmine: "!!!!"
Isn't Mr. Lucas a teacher and trainer? How does he know Applins are related to the special apple cultivation methods?!
Unable to figure it out, Carmine shook her head and decided Lucas must've heard it from her grandparents. Just a coincidence.
Behind them, Kieran, who'd been silent, perked up at the mention of something he knew more about than his sister. He summoned his courage and stepped forward, "I know where the Applins gather—my own Applin was caught there!"
Surprised to see Kieran speak up, Lucas encouraged him, "Oh? Can you tell me?"
Seeing his sister not interrupt, Kieran was secretly delighted, and his voice grew bolder.
"Right now, the Applins are all at a huge apple tree in the central orchard, competing to see who's the strongest!
Whoever wins gets first pick of the special apples—that's how my Applin evolved into a Dipplin!"
…
PS: Support me and read advanced chapters at patreon.com/AbsoluteCode