"Ten Miltank," the ranch owner said, hesitating. "If you have any ready, I'd prefer them delivered before summer."
Summer brought huge demand for fresh milk—most cold drinks required it. She'd been stressing over this year's orders.
"But I'll need you to provide one Miltank as the breeding stock," Ron said.
Her hopeful expression dimmed instantly. "So… you don't have any Miltank in breeding right now?"
"No—but we can likely meet the deadline," Ron assured her.
Fletchling hatched in one Pelican Town day. Miltank would take at most two days per egg. Ten could be ready in just twenty days.
The ranch owner clearly doubted this—but decided to take a chance. She took a deep breath and led Ron into the ranch.
"This one will go with you," she said, walking alongside him.
For safety, she questioned Ron about his Breeding Facility's credentials.
Hearing it was licensed, she relaxed. At least her Miltank wouldn't be confiscated. Worst case, it's a lost cause anyway.
Ron observed the ranch. To give Miltank ample space, the owner had fenced off a vast pasture. Several Miltank lounged there, grazing peacefully.
One noticed its owner and trotted to the fence, nuzzling her hand affectionately.
"Afternoon baby," she murmured, stroking its head. She pulled out its Poké Ball and released it. "This is the one."
Ron took the Poké Ball. "I'll deliver them by early June." He paused. "But if there are extras… can I keep one?"
He could've secretly bred one—but chose to ask permission.
She blinked, then smiled warmly. "Of course! If you deliver by June, keeping an extra is fine."
"As for payment—it's standard: 30,000G. Since I'm lending you a Miltank, no deposit. Pay when you deliver all eleven."
She added, "Your facility's in Pelican Town, right?"
When Ron nodded, she grew thoughtful. "Funny… this Miltank also came from a breeding facility called Pelican Town… eight years ago."
Though its milk yield had declined, it still outperformed Miltank from other breeders in health and quality.
"I'll leave it in your hands," she said.
Ron nodded and departed under her watchful gaze.
---
That evening…
Ron boarded Willy's boat, arms full of Kalos seeds, with Orthworm and the borrowed Miltank in tow.
On his way out of Santalune City, he checked prices for phones and new Pokédex models.
A Rotom-enabled Pokédex—with payment, maps, and communication functions—cost 50,000G. Expensive, but worth it.
The only issue: his old Breeding System couldn't transfer to the new device. Still, every other feature vastly outclassed his current model.
Once I earn enough, I'll upgrade, he decided. It'll save so much time.
As he sailed toward Pelican Town's harbor, he spotted Willy fishing as usual. The old sailor sat quietly, waiting for summer's first breeze to usher in seasonal fish.
Noticing Ron's boat, Willy waved. "Evening! Full haul from Kalos?"
"Not bad," Ron grinned.
He'd saved money by buying overlapping seeds cheaper than Pierre's. The only missing item: Hops—would've allowed him to save more.
Docking, Ron stepped ashore.
"You barely fished this Spring, did you?" Willy asked, taking a drag of his cigarette.
Krabby waved a claw at Froakie, who hopped down and stood beside it.
"Froak?"
Krabby split a Sardine with its pincer and offered half to Froakie.
Froakie took the fish, chewed thoughtfully, then scrambled into Ron's backpack. It emerged with a Berry and handed it to Krabby.
Ron chuckled, watching the two share food. He pulled out two Berries and handed one to Willy.
"What's this?"
"Berries from Kalos," Ron said, biting into a Pecha Berry. He'd picked them en route to Santalune City—just in case his farm lacked certain varieties.
Willy tasted it, then cast his line back into the sea.
Instantly, a familiar Remoraid leapt from the water. Before Willy could react, Krabby lunged.
Ron smiled. "Ever thought of catching a new Pokémon? Poké Balls are cheap now."
Willy shook his head. "One's enough. Honestly… this kid's family to me."
Krabby clacked its claws proudly. Willy reeled in his line—and a purple sea cucumber surfaced.
He held up the fish that marked Spring's end and Summer's arrival. Turning to Ron, he grinned.
"Look—Summer's here."
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