Carrying a box of apples, Doyle left completely satisfied.
In return, he would send Lucas some of his family's premium leeks, Big Roots, and seeds for growing leeks.
That was their agreed trade.
He wasn't a wanderer prepared for bartering, so he only had Farfetch'd's spare leek stalk along, in case the main leek was damaged.
He would send the rest by air freight as soon as he got back.
Lucas looked forward to it.
In Paldea, Farfetch'd were extremely rare. The leeks here weren't bad, but certainly not the best.
Doyle's family's leeks, however, were hand-selected by Farfetch'd themselves.
Farfetch'd, as a species, are renowned for their exacting standards regarding the plant stems they wield; only the finest will do. Sometimes, these stems mutate into the "Leek" tool or the root into "Big Root."
Technically, these stems aren't even true leeks, but another crop species—with nearly identical flavor and characteristics, hence their rarity and limited numbers of Farfetch'd.
Until a famous agricultural expert bred a hybrid that increased yield rates and made cultivating them easier, making mutated variants more common.
Because Paldea almost never sees Farfetch'd, the leeks here are just ordinary—without that kind of selection, they can't compare.
With Doyle's seeds, by planting next spring, Lucas could diversify his cooking, and maybe even get valuable mutated items, or sell produce boasting "premium local Paldea leeks."
All in all, a win.
Though, if he really wanted to grow top-grade leeks, wouldn't it be best to lure a Farfetch'd into the farm to help select the stalks?
Not long after Doyle left, a steady trickle of foodies and critics kept arriving. Each, after tasting Lucas's apples or other farm produce, was eager to place an order.
Lucas welcomed them all. His goal was always to build a home for himself and his Pokémon and manage a relaxing farm.
Now that the tough early days were over, life had grown peaceful.
Next was to run the farm steadily, saving up for that dream Terrarium.
However, he refused high-volume bulk requests without a second thought.
Just as he'd already decided—excepting regular shipments to Patisserie Soapberry's sweets shop and Siebold's restaurant, he wouldn't keep his Pokémon working through the winter.
A year of busy labor deserved a few months' rest—money could wait.
Sometimes, reporters or shady types would approach, but before they could even survey or make small talk, a scent-detecting Houndoom would chase them off.
He wasn't sure how many were there for the academy exchange, and how many for Siebold's menu, but he didn't care. He tacitly approved of Houndoom's actions.
With more and more foodies returning home, the farm's apples continued to build a reputation.
Doing interviews might have been instant publicity, but that felt contrary to Lucas's original intentions.
Many already promised to return first thing next spring for the new harvest. He put more trust in the quality of his products than in media hype.
He wasn't against creative marketing—the idea of beating King Orchard's famous apples purely on taste appealed to him far more.
Being in the limelight would only disturb the farm's peace for months. He much preferred letting his Pokémon rest through winter.
Next spring: that was when he'd sound the charge.
For now, he'd happily ride the reputation brought by Siebold's restaurant and Patisserie Soapberry, quietly building his name and reputation.
All the storms and chaos? Leave them for spring.
…
The warm living room.
Oranguru deftly used his flexible fingers, weaving yarn into perfectly sized wool sweaters.
This was the first batch of local wool, processed at a nearby Sheep Town factory.
Other textile products were still in progress.
Around him, several small Pokémon watched in curiosity and tried—awkwardly—to imitate his movements. Alas, most pricked their stiff fingers, and little Ogerpon, with no fingers, stood no chance at all—even losing at "rock-paper-scissors," let alone knitting.
Ogerpon, Tinkatink, and Snover reluctantly accepted they had no talent for knitting. The Tandemaus pair showed a tiny bit more skill, but not much.
As for Gimmighoul—holding two needles was already a feat. It was better off saving its energy to become a future capitalist, exploiting cubicle workers.
But Serperior, on the other hand, wielded two vines with finger-like dexterity—even better than actual fingers—honed from sparring with Glastrier, now almost Champion-level.
The whooshing of her vines left afterimages in the air.
Her only shortcoming: as a novice, her knitting was a little rough to look at—but perfectly warm.
One only had to see how happy Grubbin and Tropius were, running around outside in the snow in their new sweaters.
Soon, Oranguru finished a scarf.
Unlike Serperior's plain, warmth-focused products, Oranguru's designs were fashionable, using colored yarn for beautiful patterns.
"Yare yuta."
Oranguru handed the scarf to Calyrex, who was waiting nearby.
"Thank you."
Calyrex accepted, caressing the soft, skin-friendly texture with delight.
The scarf wasn't for itself, though.
Though it's Grass-type, Calyrex long lived in the snowy Crown Tundra—and, fused with its mount via the "Reins of Unity," could fully harness Ice-type powers.
It was immune to the cold.
This scarf was for Cosmog.
With a gentle wave, Calyrex faded, reappearing inside the henhouse.
Nodding thanks to Arboliva, who was kindly playing with Cosmog, Calyrex returned with the giggling Cosmog to the living room.
"Little one, give it a try."
Calyrex gently wrapped the starry-patterned, sky-blue scarf around Cosmog.
It fit perfectly—neither affecting its movement, nor sacrificing warmth.
Satisfied with how the scarf suited Cosmog, Calyrex smiled softly: "There, now you can go play with Ninetales."
"Mogu~"
Eyes shining, Cosmog gave kisses to Calyrex and Oranguru before vanishing again, appearing near the Eevee-lutions' winter lodge.
Just then, Lucas happened to walk by.
Seeing Cosmog teleport, he sighed, "Getting better and better at teleporting, huh."
"Indeed," Calyrex nodded. "I take him to the rooftop every day, to sunbathe or moonbathe, whenever the sky is clear. It's no wonder he's growing so quickly."
Right then, a voice sounded above Lucas's head.
"Vini~"
It was Victini, curled up holding a hexagonal crystal, reminding him that today's energy charging was done.
"Thanks, little one."
Lucas took the charm from Victini, promising her an extra bowl of Alcremie's newly made red date and black sesame porridge. He watched her bound away, grinning.
Victini really did love sweets.
"Can I see?"
Calyrex asked.
"Of course," Lucas said, turning over the charm.
Calyrex accepted. Her eyes glowed a faint blue—the sign of psychic power, just like Mewtwo.
After sensing the charm for a moment, Calyrex said, "It's more active than before. If it continues, it should awaken soon."
Calyrex herself was curious about this legendary Pokémon—Terapagos—extinct for two million years, even by Lucas's account.
She often checked on its resurrection progress.
Upon hearing her verdict, Lucas's eyes grew bright—his excitement rising.
He'd only ever seen Terapagos's sketch in the "Scarlet Book" and "Violet Book," and had no idea what it really looked like.
As always, mysterious things inspired human curiosity—including Lucas's own.
He put the charm back, alongside Lugia's Silver Feather, when the entryway door suddenly burst open. Luxray and Ceruledge entered, both dusted with frost.
On Luxray's back was a not-small delivery box.
Seeing them come in, Lucas headed for the door.
Ceruledge unloaded the package, heated his armor to steam away all remaining snow—also radiating some extra warmth to dry Luxray's fur.
It was an established routine: Luxray thanked Ceruledge, and the two turned to Lucas.
"A delivery?"
Lucas wondered at the package—Doyle hadn't shipped anything yet, so where had it come from?
Crouching, he flipped the box and read the sender and recipient, raising an eyebrow.
Sender: Wallace, Sootopolis City, Hoenn Region, Sootopolis Gym
Recipient: Lucas, Lucas Farm, Paldea Region, Los Platos
It was from Wallace?
Now curious, Lucas turned to Ceruledge.
Ceruledge, understanding, used his psychic to slice the tape, neatly and smoothly.
Ceruledge had long saved Lucas the trouble of owning a boxcutter—an indispensable team member.
"Thanks so much."
After thanking him, Lucas opened the package.
Inside was a beautifully wrapped, high-end box—like something from a luxury store.
Unwrapping the ribbon, he lifted the lid.
Inside was an extremely exquisite outfit of pure silk that gleamed with luxury, complete with pure gold and gemstone accessories.
Even Luxray and Ceruledge were surprised, exchanging looks.
"Is Mr. Wallace bribing me or something?"
Lucas gasped, picking up the accompanying letter.
After reading, Lucas's expression turned odd.
The outfit—was for Ninetales.
He couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment.
He thought it was for himself—but no, he didn't have any skirt-wearing hobbies.
As for Wallace's reason for sending it—
Honestly, it didn't matter.
He just happened to spot an outfit fitting for Ninetales' style upon return to Hoenn and bought it on impulse.
Even with professional struggle bug tailors, production took time. That was why it only arrived now.
He had no ulterior motive, except a gentle wish that Ninetales wouldn't give up on contests—she had real potential.
Without hesitation, Lucas said, "Let's go let Ninetales try it on!"
Not long after, bundled up with a scarf, Lucas found Ninetales.
She was accompanied by Cosmog and two winter-form Sawsbuck—with white antlers, thick 'scarf-like' neck fur, and boot-like fur on their legs.
When she heard Lucas's intent, Ninetales didn't hesitate and let him help her into Wallace's gift.
After a short wrestling match with the complex outfit, Ninetales stood before them, completely transformed.
"...So beautiful."
Lucas was awestruck.
Even a passing Glastrier, who'd long since stopped obsessing over Ninetales, actually tripped at the sight.
Still dazed, he stared as if he'd discovered a new obsession.
In that gorgeous gown, under the aurora she called forth with Dazzling Gleam, who could resist her charms?
The name Wallace gave it in his letter crossed Lucas's mind:
Ninetales – Aurora Style.
A perfect fit.
If Ninetales were to stand beneath her own aurora and perform Dazzling Gleam...
Who knows how many hearts would fall for her.