The Pokémon world was just this magical. When a new season arrived, if you did not deal with the crops in the fields in time, by the very next day they would turn into something like pickled vegetables.
For example, the chili peppers, watermelons, and cantaloupes in Silas's fields.
Fortunately, Silas had taken some time earlier to move the Ghost Peppers into the greenhouse. He did not dare gamble on whether those special crops would be affected.
"Meowth, don't get too close."
He reached out and held back the Galarian Meowth, preventing them from pulling everything out one by one. He had a better method in mind.
"Meow?"
"I called you here to help spread fertilizer and plant some sugar beets. Once they mature, we can grind them into sugar at the mill."
As he explained, Silas waved toward the three Mudsdale brothers who were slowly walking over in their direction.
The three brothers quickened their pace slightly, unwilling to keep Silas waiting.
Their three large heads squeezed the Meowth aside as they crowded in front of Silas, competing for his touch.
Only at times like this would they put away their usual calm and composed expressions.
Silas patted each of them in turn and scratched under their chins. The Mudsdale closed their eyes in contentment and let out low rumbling sounds, somewhat similar to the so called imperial engine purr of a Litten.
Even their ears stretched forward or to the sides, turning nimbly. For horses, this was a clear sign of extreme satisfaction and relaxation.
Silas raised his hand and pointed toward the vegetable field ahead. "I'll trouble you to use your Rototiller move and bury these pickled vegetables deep into the soil."
No matter how one looked at it, they were still decent fertilizer.
Buried beneath the earth, time would slowly break them down, subtly enhancing the soil's fertility.
"Mud~"
The eldest Mudsdale rubbed his head lightly against Silas. Silas nodded, understanding that he agreed.
The two brothers beside him stepped forward together, and their Rototiller move was executed with masterful precision.
Unlike before, there was no dramatic commotion. If one was not paying attention, it would be impossible to notice that they had even used the move.
The pickled vegetables planted in the field ahead slowly sank downward, descending deep into the soil until they were completely buried.
At the same time, the deeper layers of soil were turned upward. It was soil with a faint oily sheen, dark black and deep brown in color.
"Hm?"
Silas crouched down and grabbed a handful.
There was no mistake. It was indeed black soil.
Bringing it to his nose, he caught a faint fragrance of humus. It was likely the result of the Mudsdale tirelessly using their Rototiller move day after day, year after year.
The power of Pokémon was truly wondrous.
As for why the surface layer had not formed black soil, it was probably because the nutrients had been absorbed by the crops growing above.
For Silas, this was completely an unexpected delight.
Farming with black soil would certainly increase yields.
"You're amazing. This black soil is all thanks to you."
He placed his palm against the forehead of the eldest Mudsdale, his fingers brushing against bits of earth caught in their fur. "When the sugar beets have a great harvest, more than half the credit will belong to you."
The Mudsdale proudly lifted his head, revealing a slightly smug expression.
He nudged his head into Silas's chest as if to say this was simply what they ought to do.
Silas then had the three Mudsdale use Rototiller once more to break up the soil and level the uneven ground.
Only then did he clap his hands and call the Meowth over to fertilize first and then sow the seeds.
While planting, the Meowth needed to use their little paws to dig small holes, drop the seeds inside, place two or three seeds in each hole, and then cover them back up with soil.
They arranged the planting as neatly as possible to make watering, weeding, and additional fertilizing easier later on.
The Meowth worked briskly, without the slightest hint of dragging their feet.
With their soft pink paw pads, they skillfully dug holes, dropped seeds, and covered them up in one smooth sequence of movements.
Before long, they had planted a full acre of land.
That was enough for now. As for the remaining plots of farmland, Silas planned to grow other autumn crops.
They could not be planted yet, as the ranch did not have the corresponding seeds.
He needed to visit John and Penny's ranch. Just yesterday, Silas had asked John to help buy some autumn crop seeds from Coumarine City.
After letting the Meowth rest, Silas helped wash their little paws clean and then sent them off to play.
The regular Meowth still hugged its ball of yarn, never tiring of it.
It was a new ball of yarn and especially beloved by the ordinary Meowth.
The Alolan Meowth strolled around the ranch and before long wandered to the greenhouse, staring intently at the Silver Chalice Tulips inside. The little fellow was getting a bit greedy for money.
The Galarian Meowth waited outside, sharpening its claws against a bluestone slab. Today it had agreed to compete with Litten to see who could catch more fish.
When it came to catching fish, the Galarian Meowth had never lost.
Back when it had wandered outside, it had relied on its fishing skills to feed three Meowth and one little mouse.
Each Meowth had its own business to attend to. Silas went down to the cellar, brought up a barrel of wine, filled a large jug to the brim, and prepared to deliver it to John as a token of thanks.
The wine he brewed was extremely popular.
At Siebold's seafood restaurant, it was the kind of item that was always in short supply. Seafood paired with fruit wine was an indescribable delight.
The cellar was stacked full of small barrels. The door was usually kept locked to prevent the Pachirisu and the other little ones from sneaking in to steal a drink. They had done so before.
Calling over Cyclizar, Silas hung the wine jug on its side and prepared to head out.
On his way, he ran into the Galarian Meowth and Litten who were about to depart. He crouched down and scratched under their chins. "What we have for lunch today will depend entirely on your skills."
"Meow, meow!"
The Galarian Meowth showed off its sharp claws, lifting its head high and raising its tail proudly, assuring Silas that it would bring back many, many fish.
Litten rubbed its soft body against Silas's palm, the purring in its throat growing heavier as if it were competing in its own affectionate way.
For a moment, the two feline Pokémon stood tense, like rivals facing off.
Their gazes met as if sparks were flying between them. They were almost unbearably adorable.
Silas laughed and rubbed their heads, the corner of his eye catching sight of a Tropius flying over with two Butterfree.
"Go on then. Have fun, you two."
Mounting Cyclizar, Silas parted ways with the Meowth.
A short while later, he arrived at John and Penny's ranch.
He greeted the Stoutland guarding the entrance. Its drooping tail began to wag as it trotted forward with light steps.
Silas reached out and vigorously rubbed its fluffy body, playing around for a bit before asking, "Where's John?"
The Stoutland signaled for Silas to follow. It turned out John was trimming the wool of several Gogoat.
As the season shifted from summer toward winter, the temperature would only grow colder day by day.
Now the Gogoat needed to prepare for winter by trimming away loose and stray hairs so that thicker, warmer wool could grow back in.
"Silas's here," John said after finishing trimming one Gogoat, giving its little rump a pat to signal it could go play. "Have a seat for a moment. I'll be done soon."
"I'm not in a hurry. It's a good chance to learn your shearing technique, John."
Speaking of this reminded Silas of the five little Mareep at home. They resisted fiercely every time he trimmed them once a month.
Unlike these Gogoat, who lay down obediently and even showed expressions of enjoyment while being sheared.
John continued working without slowing his hands. "Once you spend enough time with them, you'll know how to follow their temperament."
After finishing the last few Gogoat, Silas helped John gather the wool. Only then did John have time to go inside the house and bring out several bulging little cloth bags.
"Here. These are the autumn seeds you asked me to buy."
(End of Chapter)