"Serperior... Leafeon, Steenee, you're all here~"
Before Lin Feng had even crossed the berry field, his voice reached them.
At that moment, Serperior was resting beneath a Pecha Berry tree that it had personally cultivated. Unlike the other trees, this one possessed limitless growth potential. Although it had been planted most recently, it had already become the centerpiece of the orchard.
The Pecha Berries growing on it were not much different from ordinary ones yet, except that they were noticeably larger, around one and a half times the normal size.
However, after surpassing the standard size of a Pecha Berry, its growth speed had slowed considerably. Even the premium Golden Fertilizer that Lin Feng poured onto it no longer produced dramatic changes.
It was similar to Dragonite.
Dragonite was still growing larger, but its growth rate had also slowed significantly.
Now, it only gained around 0.15 meters in height each month.
Even so, that was still an astonishing pace.
"Leafeon?"
"Leeaaf~"
"Steenee~"
Hearing Lin Feng's voice, the Pokémon all turned toward him.
"Haha, the new batch of Pecha Berry Wine is finally ready. Come on, everyone, give it a taste."
Since this Pecha Berry tree had grown so enormous, Lin Feng worried that it would eventually compete with the surrounding trees for sunlight and nutrients. In the end, he simply cut down several nearby Pecha trees.
Because of that, there was now a spacious clearing beneath the giant tree.
It was rather unfortunate for those smaller trees.
They had barely begun bearing fruit before Lin Feng chopped them down.
The few Pokémon nearby immediately gathered around him.
Lin Feng spread a picnic cloth across the grass, then took out several cups, bowls, and the bottle of Pecha Berry Wine.
The sweet fragrance of the wine mixed perfectly with the scent of blooming peach-colored blossoms.
The atmosphere could not have been more pleasant.
Butterfree floated gracefully down from the branches.
Leafeon leaped from the tree as well.
Serperior silently glided over, stopping just behind Lin Feng.
Steenee hurried over with tiny, eager steps, staring expectantly at him.
She even asked hopefully,
"Steenee?"
"No, no. Let's just enjoy a drink first."
Lin Feng rejected Steenee's suggestion to call over Blaziken and the Dragon-type Pokémon first.
Then he poured everyone a serving.
"Go ahead."
None of the Pokémon hesitated.
Even the Ambipom hanging from the branches stretched their heads down curiously.
Unfortunately, Lin Feng had rushed out of the house in his excitement, thinking only about how much Serperior would love this wine.
He had not brought much with him.
After pouring everyone a cup, there was barely any left.
Seeing Furret's hopeful eyes, Lin Feng could only smile apologetically.
"Furrr..."
Fortunately, although Furret looked disappointed, it quickly accepted it and wandered off.
Turning back, Lin Feng noticed that every Pokémon was waiting for him to take the first sip.
He chuckled.
This time, he did not urge them.
Instead, he lifted his own cup and took a gentle sip.
"Mmm?"
The crystal-clear wine flowed smoothly across his tongue before sliding warmly down his throat.
Lin Feng could not help letting out a surprised sound.
Unlike Honey Grape Wine, this Pecha Berry Wine carried a lighter, fresher sweetness.
Its flavor was more delicate and refined.
It lacked the heavy richness of Honey Grape Wine, and its alcohol content was noticeably lower, even milder than rice wine.
That meant...
Even Serperior could probably drink a little more of it.
The thought flashed through his mind.
At the same time, the other Pokémon also tasted the wine before them.
Just as Lin Feng was about to ask everyone how it tasted...
A strange sensation suddenly welled up inside him.
His already cheerful mood became even lighter, as if he were floating among the clouds.
The scenery before his eyes somehow became even more beautiful.
The already gorgeous landscape now seemed dazzling.
The grass beneath the fruit trees appeared greener than ever.
The drifting pink flower petals looked more vibrant and enchanting.
Closest to him was Leafeon, quietly resting on the picnic cloth.
Its leafy ears swayed gently.
Its graceful posture and fur fluttered softly in the breeze.
Simply looking at it filled his heart with peace.
Then Butterfree drifted into view, its pink wings sparkling beautifully beneath the sunlight.
What... was happening?
Before Lin Feng could fully react, Leafeon suddenly stepped closer.
It quietly curled up on his lap.
Its voice became softer than ever, carrying an indescribable sense of warmth.
(≧▽≦)/
"Leafeon~"
"Leafeon?"
Lin Feng greeted it in confusion.
But it did not end there.
Butterfree, who had been circling overhead moments ago, landed gently beside his hand.
Meanwhile, Steenee, who was usually obedient and rarely asked for anything, rubbed her little hands together shyly.
She climbed onto the picnic cloth, glanced at Lin Feng with sparkling eyes, then walked over with tiny careful steps.
Finally, she leaned softly against his shoulder.
(＠＾０＾)
"Steenee~"
"I like Lin Feng the most~"
Only then did Lin Feng realize what was happening.
The peacefulness filling his heart...
The heightened awareness of everything around him...
This had to be the emotional effect of Sweet, Sweet brought about by the Pecha Berry Wine.
Because of that feeling, everyone instinctively wanted to stay close to him.
And being surrounded by his Pokémon made him feel peaceful, comforted, and genuinely happy.
Once he understood it, Lin Feng became even more satisfied with the wine's effects.
He gently rested a hand on Leafeon's head as it lay across his lap.
But his gaze slowly shifted toward Serperior, who remained elegantly coiled opposite him.
Now then...
The important question.
What would make Serperior experience this feeling of Sweet, Sweet?
Lin Feng found himself looking forward to the answer.
At that exact moment, Serperior raised its crimson eyes and met his gaze.
The elegant lily-like crest around its neck stood proudly.
Its emerald tail swayed gently to one side.
Its scarlet eyes lowered slightly.
The instant it realized Lin Feng was watching, Serperior seemed to panic for the briefest moment, instinctively wanting to look away.
But almost immediately, it forced itself to stop.
Instead...
It deliberately met Lin Feng's eyes head-on.
------------------------------
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