"Finally home!"
As Rex stepped off the plane and took in the familiar sights, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
After leaving the airport, he headed straight for the Pokémon Plaza. The moment he released Swellow, it caused a stir among the nearby trainers.
"That Swellow is massive!"
"Yeah, it's at least several times bigger than a regular Swellow!"
Without lingering, Rex mounted Swellow and flew off toward the farm.
Soon, Swellow descended over Rex Farm. As soon as Rex dismounted, Swellow took off without even a backward glance, heading straight for the berry grove.
"Hey, Swellow, you're in quite the hurry!"
Rex chuckled as he watched his partner disappear into the trees.
Having been away from its flock for quite some time, Swellow was clearly eager to reunite with its companions.
And not just Swellow—when Rex released the rest of his Pokémon, they completely ignored their trainer and scattered off to find their old friends on the farm.
"Huh? Shaymin, you're here!"
Just as Rex was heading toward the cabin where Yuli and the others lived, he spotted Shaymin soaring toward him in its Sky Forme.
Looking at the deer-like Shaymin, Rex pulled it into his arms and gently petted its head.
Once in his arms, Shaymin reverted to its Land Forme, becoming a little hedgehog again. It had been napping, but the moment it sensed Rex's return, it had rushed over, thrilled.
These days, Shaymin mostly stayed in the Gracidea flower fields, only occasionally coming out to play with Yui and the others.
It had missed Rex—the human who always smelled so good. A big reason Shaymin had chosen to stay near the flower fields was because of him.
"Boss, you're finally back!"
Pushing open the cabin door with Shaymin still in his arms, Rex found Yui inside, making Pokéblocks. She leapt to her feet with a wide grin.
"Didn't I already tell Yuli I'd be back around now? Why the dramatic reaction?"
Rex asked, puzzled by her excitement.
"No reason… just happy to see you!" Yui replied quickly. "I'll go get Yuli and Karen—they're cleaning the Miltank barns!"
With that, Yui dashed out, clearly flustered.
Rex couldn't help but notice her odd behavior. She was hiding something, but he wasn't in a hurry to pry.
Soon enough, Yuli and the others returned. But Yui and Karen were clearly nervous—unable to meet his gaze, their expressions uneasy.
"Welcome home, Boss," Yuli greeted him with her usual warm smile.
Despite that, Rex could sense that she'd had a tough time in his absence.
She'd been managing the entire farm by herself, handling every little thing and trying not to let Rex down. Now that he was back, she could finally breathe a little easier.
"Boss, you should rest. We'll cook a big meal for you. Let's eat first, and then talk."
After exchanging glances with Yui and Karen, Yuli decided it was best to feed him before bringing up any serious topics.
"Thanks, everyone," Rex replied, noting their nervous glances. Clearly, something was on their minds, but he chose to let them speak when ready.
Before long, the kitchen was filled with delicious smells. Shaymin, still resting in Rex's arms, giggled as his stomach began to rumble and hopped up and down on his belly until he playfully pinned it down.
Soon, the table was filled with a hearty spread.
"You all seem like you have something to say?"
Despite the wonderful food, none of them were eating. Their minds were clearly elsewhere, making the meal feel oddly tasteless to Rex.
"It's like this, Boss," Karen finally spoke up. "Yui and I would like to resign and go on a journey—to chase our dream of becoming real trainers."
Her voice was calm but resolute.
Karen had loved her time at Rex Farm—the light workload, the peaceful environment, and the deep friendships she had formed with Yuli and Yui. Not to mention the kind, trusting young boss.
But now that her Taillow had evolved into a powerful Swellow capable of carrying her through the skies, she felt it was time to leave the comfort of the farm and venture into the world—to see, experience, and grow.
"Boss… is that okay?"
Yui asked quietly, eyes full of worry.
She had been at Rex Farm even longer than Karen and had come to see it as her second home. While she, too, dreamed of traveling and adventuring, she was terrified that her decision would upset Rex.
If he disapproved, she would stay—without question.
"Oh, so that's what's going on."
Rex picked up his juice and took a long sip before speaking, leaving the three girls nervously watching his expression.
Truthfully, he wasn't upset.
He often traveled himself, and he knew full well the world outside the farm was exciting and vibrant. And unlike that guy Yuta, who had left without a word, Karen and Yui were being open and respectful.
Most importantly, Rex believed everyone deserved the freedom to choose their path. Even as the owner of the farm, he had no right to force anyone to stay.
"Yuli, what about you? Do you have any plans to travel?"
Rex turned to her instead of answering right away.
"I don't plan to leave just yet," Yuli replied with a smile. "But who knows? Maybe one day I'll want to explore the world too. Better be ready for that, Boss!"
Her playful tone helped lighten the mood.
Rex sighed in mock relief. If all three of his employees left, he really would've been left alone to run the entire place.
(End of Chapter)