April 29th, sunny.
The orchard once again welcomed a tremendous harvest. A faint fragrance of fruit drifted through the air, as though infused with honey, delicate strands of sweetness winding their way across the entire ranch.
Morpeko finished its breakfast in just a few bites. Its round little body rubbed back and forth against Silas's legs, urging him to go pick berries. A glistening thread of drool hung from the corner of its mouth.
Silas flicked Morpeko lightly on the forehead with his finger. How could he possibly fail to see through the little rascal's thoughts?
"No rush. Fill your stomach first. Here, have a little more."
He picked up a piece of bread and held it out to feed Morpeko.
Morpeko pressed its lips together tightly and shook its head like a rattle drum, its tiny eyes brimming with determined insistence: I'm full.
"Come on? Just a bit more."
Silas deliberately nudged the bread closer to its nose.
"Morpe…" The little one turned its head aside with a hint of stubbornness. It wanted to save room in its belly to eat sweet berries later.
"If you won't eat, then forget it." Silas turned and winked at Minccino. "Minccino, help me keep an eye on Morpeko later. Don't let it sneak any bites."
"Min Min~!"
Minccino narrowed its eyes slyly and patted its tiny paw against its chest, signaling that everything could be left to it.
"Morpe~"
(I'm hungry, Silas, I'm still hungry.)
The moment it heard that, Morpeko immediately changed its tune. It hurriedly snatched the bread from Silas's hand and began devouring it, chewing greedily while tilting its little face up at him in a flattering manner.
Silas poked its cheek in exasperation. "You little rascal, you're quite the clever one…"
After breakfast with all the Pokémon, Silas changed into a set of blue work overalls.
A string of little tails followed closely behind him.
The three Meowth, Kangaskhan, Cyclizar—they had all come to help.
When Silas and the others arrived at the orchard, a white figure leapt down from the branches. Litten landed lightly at Silas's feet, flicking its long tail.
"Meow~"
"Thanks for your hard work these past few days, Litten."
He crouched down and scooped it into his arms, his palm gently stroking along Litten's sleek back. The little one's body was warm—holding it in winter would surely feel wonderful.
Litten narrowed its eyes comfortably, a soft purr rumbling in its throat. But from the corner of its eye, it noticed the group of Pokémon behind Silas. Immediately, it wriggled free from his embrace, shot him a reproachful glare, and walked off toward the edge of the orchard with elegant feline steps.
Silas laughed and shook his head, clapping his hands to draw everyone's attention.
"Alright, let's get started. Pick the ripe berries first."
"Kang~"
"Min!"
"Phion~"
"Cyc~!"
Kangaskhan responded first, handing out the baskets it carried to the other Pokémon.
Minccino raised its little paw eagerly, whispering with Phione—they were planning to compete and see who could pick the most berries.
At Silas's word, the Pokémon scattered into the orchard.
Of course, the helpers weren't limited to just these few today.
The three Noivern and Diancie had also come to lend a hand.
One ripe Pecha Berry, Oran Berry, and Applin Berry after another was harvested. In less than half a morning, three large piles of berries had accumulated on the grass outside the orchard.
While everyone was busy working enthusiastically, Morpeko, lingering in a corner, sniffed the air. Its stomach let out a low growl.
Unable to resist, it grabbed two berries and took a big bite.
The anticipated sweetness did not spread through its mouth. Instead, it was suddenly lifted up by a small hand.
"Morpeko, you're not allowed to sneak bites! Silas told me to watch you."
Diancie said gently.
"Morpe~ Morpe…"
Morpeko instinctively tried to hide the berries, its round eyes filled with guilt.
It muttered softly, as if defending itself: It just wanted to smell whether the berries were ripe, not sneak a bite!
After asking the Noivern to help pack up the harvested berries and transport them all at once to the ranch cottage, Silas planned to turn them into Poffins and store them in Poffin boxes as food for Kangaskhan, Minccino, and the others.
With so many Pokémon at the ranch now, preparing meals every day was a massive undertaking.
Thankfully, Poffins existed—they saved him more than half the time.
Still, Silas wanted to catch a butler-like Pokémon to help him manage the ranch.
Minccino could continue being the cleaning assistant. The little one was adorable, but hardly reliable.
As his hands continued washing the berries, Silas pondered aloud, "Which Pokémon would be suitable as a housekeeper?"
The first choice would certainly be Indeedee—ideally one male and one female.
Male Indeedee could use the horn on its head to read others' emotions, acting much like a proper butler.
It would remain by its master's side at all times, managing everything and taking care of daily life.
Female Indeedee was excellent with children, exchanging information by touching horns with companions. It diligently cared for people and Pokémon alike in pursuit of joyful feelings like gratitude and happiness.
With them at the ranch, Silas could travel without worry.
Of course, Mr. Mime and Audino were also decent candidates.
But if he was going to choose, he would choose the best. Silas decided he would hire two Indeedee.
As far as he knew, Indeedee mainly inhabited the Galar region. They were rarely seen elsewhere.
Setting the cleaned berries aside, Silas thought for a moment. He would ask acquaintances to keep an eye out and help inquire.
In the afternoon, he planned to ask Gym Leader Gurkinn and Siebold—one a Gym Leader, the other a top-tier chef with extensive connections. If anyone could help, it would be them.
Lighting the stove, he placed the berries into cold water and began preparing delicious Poffins.
At the kitchen doorway, Morpeko lay sprawled on the floor. It didn't go out to play, occasionally sniffing the air with its tiny nose.
It was waiting for Silas to finish cooking. Then it would rush over, act cute, and maybe manage to get one or two pieces.
Morpeko only ever used its brain actively when it came to food. If Silas realized that, he would definitely tap it on the head again.
Pouring the mixed Poffin batter into molds, he placed them carefully into the oven.
Only after finishing did Silas glance toward the chubby mouse lying by the door.
He walked over and scooped it up with one hand, pressing his palm against its round little belly.
"Your tummy's already bulging, and you still want to eat?"
"Morpe-ko~"
Morpeko burrowed into his arms. Faint strands of electricity flickered along its cheek pouches.
Energy inside its body rapidly converted; its bulging belly shrank away, and it even let out a fresh rumbling growl.
Silas burst out laughing at the sudden transformation. He poked Morpeko's now-flat stomach with his fingertip. "Unbelievable—you actually made space just so you could eat Poffins, didn't you?"
Its tiny paws tugged at his arm, dragging him toward the oven, chirping "Morpe, Morpe" nonstop as it grinned cheekily.
"Don't rush. The Poffins need a little more time. I'll give you two pieces later."
With Silas's agreement secured, Morpeko happily planted a loud kiss on his cheek, its eyes fixed unblinkingly on the oven.
After more than twenty minutes, the first batch of Poffins came out. Silas gave Morpeko two pieces, packing the rest neatly into Poffin boxes.
As he busied himself, he also began preparing lunch so that after eating, he could head out to find Gym Leader Gurkinn.
(End of Chapter)