About half an hour later, the little bugs finally reached a decision.
"So you have all decided to work here at the ranch, right?"
"Fla Fla!"
Flapple, who had been pushed forward as their representative, nodded its tiny head.
"If you are going to work, you cannot run away," Silas said as he took out a small booklet. "Starting with you, Flapple, I will register your basic information so I can assign work properly."
Different abilities meant different tasks, so everything had to be recorded and sorted in advance.
Soon enough, he had completed the records for five Flapple and twelve Applin.
Among the five Flapple, three had the Ripen ability, one had Gluttony, and one had Hustle.
Among the Applin, five had Ripen and seven had Gluttony.
Those with Ripen would be responsible for taking care of the berry trees, while those with Gluttony would handle harvesting.
They could detect the location of berries at the earliest moment and knew exactly when the fruit was at its optimal harvesting stage.
This was not particularly important for ordinary berries, but one must not forget the special berries growing in the orchard.
As for the Flapple with Hustle, since it possessed a hidden ability, Silas arranged for it to assist Meganium and the others.
In the wild, Pokémon with Hustle could maximize their usefulness, increasing the probability of encountering wild Pokémon. It had the exact opposite effect of Intimidate when used outdoors.
Taking out a basket, Silas pointed at it. "Jump inside first. I will take you to your workplace and introduce you to the other Pokémon."
Now that they had made their decision, the apple Pokémons placed full trust in him. They scrambled to jump into the basket, then poked their big eyes out curiously to observe the outside world.
Litten followed alongside them. On the way to the berry orchard, Minccino and the others also ran over to join the excitement.
Especially after learning that the new Pokémon had joined the ranch, they enthusiastically introduced the other partners at the ranch and even promised to play together.
Just like that, the mouse and the apple dragons became friends.
Minccino's social skills were max level.
Understand the true value of being loved by everyone and adored wherever you go. Proud face looking up.
"Minccino, how is the new song practice going?"
Pinching the little one's soft ear gently, Silas asked.
These past few days had been filled with ranch matters, and he had not had time to check on the little ones.
Upon hearing this, Minccino immediately wrapped its tiny paws around Silas's arm and gave him a silly grin, its eyes full of guilt.
"You little rascal." Silas lightly flicked its forehead. There was no need to think too hard to know that it had probably been playing all day.
Oh right.
And sweeping fallen leaves in front of the house over and over again.
When they arrived at the berry orchard, they could see from a distance Meganium and Tropius tending to the young fruit tree saplings.
The fruit trees had reached the sapling stage, which was the second stage of growth.
Their trunks were growing rapidly, gradually forming the framework of the canopy.
The reason the fruit trees were growing so quickly without a single sapling dying was entirely thanks to Meganium and Tropius, who had put in tremendous effort.
"Tropius, Meganium, take a break. I brought you some snacks."
"Fla Fla~"
The Applin exchanged nervous glances. The snacks would not be them, would they?
Was it too late to get out of the basket?
Meganium happily ran over, lowering its long neck to nuzzle against Silas while letting out a slightly spoiled cry.
Silas comforted it and waved at Tropius, who had arrived a step later, calling them over to meet their new companions.
The two large heads leaned together, staring curiously at the fruits inside the basket.
"Trop?"
They suspected Silas might have brought the wrong thing. Those were clearly food.
"You can stop hiding. Meganium and Tropius will not eat you."
Silas grabbed one Applin, the one with small pointed fang patterns on its lower half, and shook it firmly. Only then did the Flapple wrapped in its peel slowly stretch its body.
"They are Flapple and Applin. This ones are in their unevolved form, Applin."
The little dragons timidly greeted the two towering grass type Pokémon. Tropius and Meganium immediately responded with kind smiles.
"They will be helping take care of the fruit trees from now on." Holding one in his palm, Silas explained the bugs' abilities to the two grass Pokémon.
"Meganium!"
(What amazing abilities!)
Meganium exclaimed in admiration and extended two vines to gently poke the Applin, greeting them warmly.
Leaving Minccino behind to act as a communication bridge, Silas called Cyclizar over to fetch tools and wood. He planned to build small sleeping nests for the Applin and Flapple.
Considering the need for shelter from rain, he decided to install the small house near where Meganium and the others slept.
The housing problem for the apple dragons was easy to solve.
He nailed several wooden boards together into a simple square box.
Then he placed the basket he had carried earlier inside, cutting small entrances at the front and back.
Just like that, the little dragons's home was complete.
Worried about them getting scratched, he carefully sanded down the edges of the wooden boards until they were smooth.
He knew very well that compared to sleeping in a wooden house, these little guys actually preferred hanging from trees, disguising themselves as fruit. That was more in line with their natural instincts.
Therefore, this little house was mainly for rainy or snowy days, providing shelter from wind and cold.
After finishing the house, Silas called out to Meganium.
It immediately understood and brought the apple dragons over from where they had been playing with Minccino.
"You can hang on the trees to rest normally. If it rains or snows, hide inside this little house."
Silas patted the wooden wall as he explained.
One Flapple wobbled over, stuck its head inside the doorway to look around, then called out happily at Silas, clearly satisfied with the new home.
"As long as you are satisfied. If you need anything, just tell me."
After confirming there were no issues, Silas placed the small house under the eaves in a corner where the apple dragons could enter anytime.
Just after inspecting the house, they heard Minccino shouting excitedly from the other side.
Having already become one with Minccino and the others, the Applin and Flapple rushed over eagerly to play and frolic together.
Watching this lively and heartwarming scene, Silas could not help but smile. Turning to Tropius beside him, he said, "These little guys are still young. I will trouble you to look after them."
Tropius, who had been following him, nodded, then bit off a fruit growing near its neck and offered it to Silas.
"Thank you."
Silas stepped forward to pat it and strolled through the orchard while eating.
The fruit trees were growing extremely well. At this rate, they would bloom for the first time in at most two months.
"Tropius, you all are amazing."
Silas praised them again.
He complimented every single tree he saw, to the point that Tropius began to feel shy.
Now it was clear where Minccino had learned its talent for praising others.
After walking around the orchard, Silas finally left.
Before departing, he did not forget to remind Minccino, Dolliv, and Popplio not to play for too long.
He mounted Cyclizar, letting it carry him as they leisurely toured the ranch.
Soon they arrived at the farmland. Patches of green had begun sprouting across the fields, presenting a scene full of vitality.
He greeted Meowth and Mudsdale, who were working diligently, and continued his routine inspection of the ranch.
(End of Chapter)
TN: I took a break from translating this so I forget if these trees are just fruits or berries.