Because she needed to deliver the Eternal Diamond to the Minccino and the others, Diancie did not make a fuss the next day. Instead, she obediently followed the Carbink Minister and devoted herself to studying.
Seeing this scene, Silas felt deeply gratified. As a reward, he specially brought her a slice of diamond-shaped cake.
After completing her lessons, she even had delicious cake to eat—Diancie's enthusiasm was thoroughly stirred. She was brimming with energy and motivation.
Of course, Silas would not let her spend the entire day studying. There was still time set aside for play and relaxation.
He observed her quietly from the side for a while, and only after confirming that Diancie had no problems did he prepare to leave.
There was another important matter waiting for him to handle today—something he had promised Flabébé and the others several days ago and intended to fulfill as soon as possible.
He first headed to the greenhouse, where the Flabébé were tending to the tulips.
After nearly a week of growth, the tulips had received ample nutrients. Combined with the careful care from the Mudsdale and the Flabébé, their growth cycle had been shortened. The plants were healthy and vigorous, and they had now entered their flowering period.
"Bébé~"
When they saw Silas approaching, the Flabébé were delighted.
Two of the slightly larger ones handed him a small bottle about the size of a fist.
Inside the bottle was golden-yellow honey, filling about one-third of its volume.
"Bébé~ Bébé!"
(Silas, this is for you. We collected this honey early this morning—there's only this much…)
Gently touching them with his finger, Silas said warmly, "This is already very good. Don't overwork yourselves."
"Bé…"
The Flabébé shook their heads. In their view, Silas had provided them with such a wonderful environment, so they naturally wanted to help him in return.
Collecting sweet nectar so that Silas could sell it for a little money was the only thing they felt they could do for him.
"All right," Silas chuckled, then beckoned to the other three Flabébé. "But today, you'll be coming out with me. We're going to the flower market to pick out some flowers you like and bring them back to plant at the ranch."
The Flabébé were momentarily stunned. The red-flowered one gestured for Silas to wait—they would finish collecting the last bit of nectar right away.
Such diligent little ones. Silas agreed with a smile.
This gave him just enough time to check on the Silver Chalice Tulip.
Planted in the center of the tulip field, the Silver Chalice Tulip stood out starkly from the ordinary tulips around it.
The entire plant was silver in color. When sunlight shone upon it, it refracted into a dazzling, brilliant silver radiance. The flower bud facing forward resembled a silver coin, encircled by a ring of silvery-white petals.
[Silver Chalice Tulip: Flowering stage. Time remaining until next silver coin production: 7 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds.]
Another eight hours? That would place it around five or six in the evening.
After confirming that the Silver Chalice Tulip was functioning normally, Silas gathered the Flabébé once they finished their final tasks and carried them with him.
He found Cyclizar dozing inside the house and prepared to head out.
As soon as he stepped outside, Minccino spotted him and came trotting over in tiny steps, wanting to come along as well.
The little fellow clung to him, acting cute and stubborn. Silas had no choice but to bring it along.
Riding Cyclizar down the winding mountain road and onto the smooth main road, Silas made a mental note that on his way back, he would stop by the Pokémon Center to post a task.
He wanted to find a Trainer who had Pokémon like Onix—someone who could help level the rugged mountain path. He intended to build a proper road leading out from the ranch.
It would not only make it easier for him to travel in and out but also allow Gario to drive his small truck in to collect goods.
For now, he simply kept the matter in mind to prepare for later.
"Flabébé, hold on tight when we get on the main road!" Silas reminded them. Cyclizar would be speeding up soon.
"Bébé~" ×5
The Flabébé responded, their voices full of curiosity and anticipation.
It was their first time coming out with Silas, and they were fascinated by everything along the roadside.
Tiny hands gripped the hem of Silas's clothes or strands of his hair as their bright eyes scanned the buildings speeding past.
Cyclizar ran swiftly, and fortunately there was no traffic to delay them.
After about ten minutes, they arrived at Coumarine City.
As lively as ever, this tourist city welcomed visitors from all regions.
The central plaza bustled with crowds. Beneath the Wishing Tree and blooming colorful flowers, young couples lingered everywhere, and the faint, sweet scent of romance drifted through the air.
"Min~"
Suddenly, Minccino tugged at Silas's clothing, pointing toward a corner.
Silas followed its gaze and immediately covered Minccino's eyes.
"Children shouldn't look at that. Cyclizar, go faster."
"Cyc!"
Cyclizar responded and accelerated through the plaza, while Minccino squirmed in Silas's arms, trying to sneak a peek.
Helpless, Silas lightly tapped its head. The little one was curious about absolutely everything!
After passing through the bustling streets, they arrived at the flower market near the agricultural trade district.
Both sides of the street were lined with flower fields, with entrances displaying various flower varieties competing in beauty, free for customers to choose from.
Naturally, there were also many Grass- and Fairy-type Pokémon around.
Bellossom, evolved from Gloom, danced cheerfully at one shop's entrance, helping attract customers. Its charming floral fragrance was especially captivating.
Across the street stood another shop featuring Vileplume.
With its enormous flower atop its head, Vileplume released a strong fragrance that could be smelled from far away.
The two Pokémon used different methods to draw customers, almost as if they were competing in a friendly duel.
When Silas and his group appeared, both Pokémon looked over at once, leaving Silas momentarily unsure of which shop to choose.
"Forget it. Flabébé, you decide."
He gestured to the Flabébé hovering around him. Today's trip was primarily about letting them pick flowers they liked.
The Flabébé inhaled the various floral scents in the air, then gathered together to chatter among themselves.
Soon, they reached a decision and guided Silas past the competing shops to a flower store that kept Ribombee.
"Bombee!"
The five Flabébé flew over, startling Ribombee.
In panic, it tossed out a small ball of pollen with a paralyzing effect, which struck Cyclizar.
"Ah-choo!"
Cyclizar sneezed, a faint ring of electricity flickering over its body. The pollen ball had minimal effect on it.
"Ribombee, you mustn't attack customers casually."
The flower shop owner hurried out and scolded it sternly.
"Bombee…"
Realizing it had done wrong, Ribombee lowered its head and rubbed against its Trainer before flying over to Cyclizar to apologize.
"It's fine. Cyclizar's pretty sturdy—the pollen didn't really affect it," Silas said with a smile. "And actually, it was the Flabébé who rushed over and startled Ribombee. I should be the one apologizing."
"Ribombee, can you forgive them? They didn't mean any harm—they just wanted to make friends with you."
With similarly small bodies, a shared love of flowers, and fairy-like origins, Flabébé and Ribombee naturally felt a sense of closeness. That was why they had acted so impulsively earlier.
There was nothing that cute Pokémon couldn't talk through. Ribombee quickly forgave the Flabébé.
They began hovering among the flowers together, chatting about their favorite blossoms, and soon became good friends.
"Hello, I'm the owner of this Thorn Garden. You can call me Edward," the shopkeeper introduced herself.
"I'm Silas. This little one is Cyclizar, and this one is Minccino."
After exchanging introductions, they turned their attention to the main matter at hand.
Both of them looked toward the Flabébé, who were still happily circling among the flowers.
(End of Chapter)