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"Gardevoir is in excellent condition and can be discharged anytime," Nurse Joy announced with a smile.
"Thank you so much, Nurse Joy. I really appreciate your hard work," Lucas said gratefully.
Nurse Joy shook her head. "You're the one who worked hard, staying here all night long."
After chatting with Nurse Joy for a bit longer, Lucas got up and headed to the delivery room.
Inside, Gardevoir and Kirlia were fast asleep. Kirlia was tightly holding the incubator containing the Pokémon egg, looking peaceful and content.
Lucas didn't want to disturb them, so he silently backed out of the delivery room. Once outside, he turned to his Pokémon. "Honchkrow, please watch over Gardevoir and Kirlia. I'm heading out to buy some supplies."
Honchkrow nodded lightly in understanding.
Lucas planned to visit the Pokémon goods store again to purchase some energy cubes for Gardevoir. Nurse Joy had mentioned that Gardevoir needed plenty of nutrition during this time, and judging by their appearance, they probably wouldn't eat at his store. The energy cubes would be perfect to take back for them.
When Lucas returned to the Pokémon Center, Gardevoir and Kirlia had already awakened.
Meanwhile, in Nikola Park, the place where Lucas usually set up his stall was already crowded with customers. They were all waiting to buy his famous steamed buns and dumplings, including Princess Kimia and Flamel.
Of course, their purpose wasn't just to purchase buns and dumplings.
"What's up with the young boss today? Why hasn't he shown up yet?" someone asked while checking the time, growing impatient from waiting.
"Yeah, I came super early just to buy those buns and dumplings!" another person complained.
"Do you think the young boss isn't coming today?" someone speculated.
"No way! That can't be right! Without the young boss's buns and dumplings, I don't think I'll have any energy for the whole day."
"Me too! I'm only keeping going because I'm waiting for the young boss's buns and dumplings!"
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Lucas still hadn't appeared. Some customers who needed to get to work couldn't wait any longer and reluctantly left.
"Oh dear, there goes my happiness for today. Come on, Growlithe, let's head home," an old man sighed after waiting for so long without seeing Lucas. He turned and walked away with his Growlithe.
"Your Highness, what should we do? Do you think that vendor isn't coming today?" Flamel asked.
Princess Kimia was also anxious, but what good would worrying do?
Back at the Pokémon Center, Lucas helped Gardevoir and Kirlia pack up, planning to take them home. However, as they walked out of the Center, they passed by two trainers deep in conversation.
"Guess who I saw in Nikola Park today?" one of the trainers said excitedly.
"Who? You're being so mysterious. Did you see Princess Kimia or something?" The other trainer didn't seem to take his companion's words seriously.
"Huh? How did you know?" The first trainer asked, surprised.
"Wait, what? You actually saw her? Princess Kimia?" The second trainer jumped up in shock.
"Of course it's true! Would I lie about something like this?"
"Why would Princess Kimia go to Nikola Park so early in the morning? Why didn't you call me? I wanted to see the Princess too!"
"Hehe, I was too excited at the time and completely forgot about you. I heard there's this super popular stall in Nikola Park recently. They say the food is absolutely delicious!"
"You're not a very loyal friend. When we have time, let's go check out that stall together. I'm really looking forward to eating the same delicious food that the Princess enjoys."
"Yes, let's go together!"
When Lucas heard the words "Nikola Park," he instinctively stopped walking. He hadn't expected to overhear such a conversation.
Princess Kimia? She must be a princess of the Nebel Plateau. And could that stall they're talking about be his?
While lost in thought, Lucas guided Gardevoir, Kirlia, Komala, and the Pokémon egg onto Honchkrow's back.
"Crow~ ~"
Honchkrow let out a cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky, quickly flying out of the Nebel Plateau's main city.
Soon, Lucas arrived safely back at his home.
As soon as Honchkrow's cry echoed through the air, Diancie, Munchlax, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught rushed out anxiously.
When they confirmed it was indeed Lucas who had returned, Munchlax jumped up and down excitedly, waving vigorously at him.
After Lucas landed, Munchlax was the first to rush forward, burying its head in Lucas's arms.
"Munch~ Munch~" Master, I missed you so much!
Lucas patted its head affectionately. "You missed me that much after just one night?"
"Munch~ Munch~" Yeah~ ~
Munchlax nodded enthusiastically. It was always straightforward and never hesitated to express its feelings.
Just then, it noticed the Pokémon egg that Kirlia was holding and curiously stretched its head to get a better look.
Seeing this, Lucas explained, "That's the baby that Gardevoir gave birth to. Before long, a Ralts will hatch from it."
"Munch~"
Munchlax reached out a paw, wanting to touch the newborn baby. Kirlia wasn't stingy and actively moved closer so Munchlax could see better.
"Munch~ Munch~"
As soon as Munchlax touched the incubator's cover, it quickly pulled back its paw, seemingly afraid of hurting the baby inside.
Lucas couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, the baby is protected by the incubator. It won't be easily harmed."
"Munch?"
Only then did Munchlax relax and move closer, gently touching the incubator again and again, fascinated by the egg inside.
Diancie stepped forward and asked, "How did everything go? Was the delivery smooth?"
Lucas nodded. "Both Gardevoir and the baby are safe and sound."
Hearing this, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught all breathed sighs of relief.
"Mr. Human, thank you. We will not forget this kindness," Delphox said. (Ignoring Diancie's translation process.)
Lucas replied, "Please call me Lucas. My name is Lucas. I'm happy to help you, and I don't expect anything in return for my kindness."
Delphox and the other two nodded silently, not adding anything further.
Lucas continued, "Gardevoir just finished giving birth and needs plenty of rest. You should take her back now."
Delphox nodded and walked over to support Gardevoir.
At that moment, Lucas took out the energy cubes he had purchased and handed them to Kirlia. "Nurse Joy said that Gardevoir needs nutritional supplements. Take these back with you. Once she finishes eating them, Gardevoir should be almost fully recovered."
Kirlia hadn't expected Lucas to be so thoughtful, and a warm feeling flooded through her heart.
"Kirlia~ Kirlia~"
She expressed her gratitude to Lucas, her emotion-sensing organs clearly detecting his sincerity.
Delphox and the others were surprised by how much Lucas had done for Gardevoir. After exchanging glances, they each removed something from their bodies and presented the items to Lucas.
Delphox offered some of its fur, which could be used to make a TM (Technical Machine).
Greninja contributed some of its mucus, also useful for creating a TM.
Chesnaught gave some of its thorns, another component for making a TM.
Looking at the three items before him, Lucas's Eye of Observation immediately provided information about their uses.
"Are these all for me?" Lucas asked, looking at the three Pokémon.
The three Pokémon nodded simultaneously.
"Then I graciously accept." Lucas took their gifts with genuine appreciation.
It was unfortunate that the TM manufacturing device had returned to its original price after Lucas's newcomer period ended. He hadn't purchased it then, and now it was completely out of his financial reach.
After giving their gifts, Delphox and the others departed with Honchkrow, Gardevoir, Kirlia, and the newborn baby.
Not long after they left, it was almost time for the local wild Pokémon to come for their meals, and Lucas's little shop quickly became lively.
When the Pokémon saw that Lucas was actually home that morning, they enthusiastically gathered around him, greeting him and playing with him.
Since it was already quite late in the day, Lucas didn't plan to set up his stall in the park. Instead, he went into the kitchen and busied himself with Munchlax by his side.
Munchlax felt like it hadn't worked alongside its master for ages and was as happy as a little bird, bustling back and forth in the kitchen, unable to stay still for even a moment.
After breakfast time ended, the Pokémon departed one by one. The Victreebel family of five stayed behind to help Lucas clean up. Their vine whips were incredibly flexible, allowing them to easily wipe tables, sweep floors, wash dishes, and move things around. Thanks to their help, the cleaning was quickly completed.
Lucas gratefully thanked the family of five. "Victreebel, you've been such a huge help. Without you, we would have been busy for hours."
"Sprout~" You're welcome, you're welcome.
Bellsprout twisted and turned as it spoke.
"Feel free to come play with us anytime," Lucas called out, waving to them from the steps as he saw the family of five off.
After the Victreebel family disappeared from sight, Lucas was about to turn around and go back inside when he suddenly realized that Komala was missing again. He turned to Diancie beside him and asked:
"Where's Komala?"
Diancie shook her head. "I don't know. Maybe it went to find a drinking buddy?"
Lucas thought that was entirely possible, which would explain why the remaining half bottle of wine from last night was gone. "I don't even know who its drinking buddy is," he said with a helpless shake of his head.
At noon, Lucas carried a pile of lotus roots to deliver lunch to Barboach and Whiscash.
The lotus roots currently in Lucas's garden were all the property of Barboach and Whiscash, and as promised, Diancie delivered lunch and dinner to the two brothers every day.
Since Lucas wasn't going out to set up his stall today, he decided to help with the delivery.
When he arrived at the pond, Lucas called out, "Barboach? Whiscash? Lunch is here!"
After waiting for some time, he didn't see the two brothers emerge.
Strange, are they not home?
Thinking this, Lucas reached into the water and stirred it gently a few times.
"Barboach? Whiscash?"
Ripples spread out in circles, causing the newly grown lotus leaves to sway from side to side.
Are they really not here?
"Trio~ Trio~"
"Trio~ Trio~"
At that moment, Dugtrio poked its heads out from the vegetable garden not far away.
The three-headed Pokémon had now settled in Lucas's vegetable garden. Usually, they were responsible for loosening the soil, weeding, and fertilizing the garden.
Moreover, they were also very sensitive to soil humidity. They could immediately tell which vegetables needed watering and would then ask Barboach and Whiscash in the pond to help with irrigation.
It was precisely because of Dugtrio that Lucas's vegetable garden was growing more vigorously than ever.
Similarly, Lucas always shared the harvest from the vegetable garden with them. Now, Dugtrio could be considered to have secure "employment" with no worries about food or shelter.
"Dugtrio, are Barboach and Whiscash not home?" Lucas asked.
"Trio~" I don't know.
"Trio~" I don't know.
Two of Dugtrio's heads shook repeatedly.
Lucas sighed, "Alright, I'll leave their lunch with you. When they come back, could you let them know?"
"Diglett da~" No problem.
"Diglett da~" Okay.
Two of Dugtrio's heads nodded in agreement.
"Wooper~"
"Wooper~"
Just as Lucas was about to turn around and leave, two small heads suddenly emerged from the pond. They were two tiny Wooper, no bigger than the palm of his hand.
While Lucas was wondering where the Wooper had come from, Barboach and Whiscash also surfaced. Whiscash's huge head carried the two Wooper, who were perched on top.
"Wooper~"
"Wooper~"
The two Wooper immediately started playing on Whiscash's back, sliding down happily like it was a water slide.
"Whiscash, Barboach, are these two Wooper your friends?" Lucas asked curiously.
Barboach and Whiscash nodded.
To be precise, Wooper were new friends of Barboach, so the two brothers had invited them to come play at their home.
Lucas nodded, watching the lively and adorable little Wooper with a heart that was melting from their cuteness.
Wooper's silly and endearing appearance could simply heal anyone's heart.
It would be wonderful if the two Wooper could also settle in their pond, Lucas thought. Wooper's evolved form, Quagsire, has a very strong water purification ability.
However, Lucas wouldn't force anything. Let the Wooper follow their own hearts. They could stay if they wanted to.
"By the way, I've brought your lunch. Don't forget to eat it," Lucas reminded them.
Barboach and Whiscash nodded.
After thinking for a moment, Lucas went to the vegetable garden and picked two cucumbers and two tomatoes. He placed them on the grass by the shore and said to Barboach and Whiscash, "This is a welcome gift for your Wooper friends."
With that, he walked away.
As soon as Lucas left, the two Wooper slowly climbed onto the shore.
"Wooper~ Wooper~"
One of the Wooper struggled to hold the tomato, which was bigger than its head, and asked Barboach: What is this?
"Ba~ Boa~" It's delicious, try it quickly!
Barboach looked at its little friend with envy; it also wanted to eat the sweet and sour tomatoes.
The two Wooper hesitated for a moment, then opened their small mouths and took tiny bites. Immediately, the rich and delicious juice filled their mouths.
What is this taste? It's so delicious!
The two Wooper instantly fell in love with tomatoes.
Seeing its friend looking at them, one of the Wooper flicked its tail and instantly cut the second tomato in half, pushing the pieces toward Barboach and Whiscash respectively.
Barboach and Whiscash immediately swam to the shore and ate happily.
Delicious! Delicious! So delicious!
The two Wooper were quite small, and one tomato was enough to fill their little bellies. They decided to save the two cucumbers for dinner.
Of course, they wouldn't forget to share with their friends when the time came.