January 30th, the third day of the Lunar New Year.
Cynthia sat beside Lucas, her head down, focused on eating the noodles he had cooked for her.
"Is Sister Cynthia leaving?"
Shauna sat in her chair, dangling her short legs, holding a large bowl in her arms. Her cheeks were stuffed full as she asked the noodle-eating Cynthia indistinctly.
Cynthia grabbed her own hair, slurping the noodles off her chopsticks into her mouth. Seeing this, Lucas reached out to hold her hair for her, then picked up a hairpin from the side and skillfully tied it up for her.
Cynthia let Lucas tie her hair, swallowed the noodles, looked at little Shauna sitting opposite, and hummed in agreement.
"I have to go back to work. There are many things waiting for me to handle lately."
Shauna nodded as if she understood. "Then, Sister Cynthia, remember to come play with me when you have time."
"Mhm, I will."
Lucas let go; Cynthia's hair was coiled up, looking extremely beautiful.
"I remember you said you finished handling your affairs?"
"Did I?" Cynthia blinked at Lucas.
Lucas smiled, looking at Cynthia.
"Lucian—should be done by now, right? Then it's not much different from me being done."
"I knew it." Lucas sighed.
Inside the League office, Lucian was slumped over the desk with panda eyes.
Aaron and Flint walked in. Flint had his hands in his pockets. Seeing Lucian collapsed on the desk, he was shocked.
"Lucian, you haven't been working in the office for the past few days, have you?!"
Hearing Flint's words, Lucian raised his head tremblingly. His dark circles gave Flint and Aaron quite a fright.
Lucian stared fixedly at the two.
Flint and Aaron felt a bit guilty under his gaze.
"I'll state this in advance, I've had things to do these past two days. I have to handle issues regarding the Lily of the Valley Conference." Aaron quickly raised his hand, defending himself.
Lucian shifted his gaze from Aaron and looked at Flint.
"Uh—that—I—hehe." Flint grinned, scratching his afro awkwardly.
"Um, where's the Boss? I remember it was supposed to be the Boss handling affairs these past few days, right?" Aaron looked around, not seeing Cynthia, and asked confusedly.
Lucian: ————
Just as the two were confused, Lucian spoke up.
"Two days ago, she came to find me, saying she wanted me to handle affairs for her for one day so she could spend the New Year at the Breeding House. Just one day, she promised she would come back to handle affairs the next day—"
Listening to Lucian's resentful words, Aaron swallowed. "So—the Boss didn't come back?"
"It's already been three 'one days'—"
"What three 'one days'?"
Familiar high-heeled footsteps sounded, and Cynthia's confused voice came from outside the door.
"Boss." "Boss."
"You're finally back—"
Lucian saw Cynthia at the doorway, feeling relieved.
"Thanks for your hard work." Cynthia looked at Lucian apologetically, said this, and then asked confusedly: "What was that about three 'one days' just now?"
"Lucian said you went out for one day—then—uh—"
Seeing Cynthia's kind smile, Aaron quickly covered Flint's mouth.
Cynthia walked into the office, sat in her seat, and looked at Lucian.
Lucian tidied his clothes. "Since the Boss is back, I can clock out. I'm going back to rest first."
Lucian stood up, feeling relieved, and prepared to walk out of the office.
"Eh? Don't you need to do a handover with me?" Cynthia asked.
Lucian stopped, looked back at Cynthia, his eyes blinking. "I've already finished it—for these few days. You just need to handle the affairs that come in later."
A spring breeze appeared on Cynthia's face. "As expected of you, Elite Four Lucian, so reliable."
After speaking, she remembered something and called Lucian again. "Wait a moment, Lucas asked me to bring you something."
Lucian looked back at Cynthia again, and then saw Cynthia take out a bag. Cynthia checked it, no problem.
"It's this. This is a New Year's gift Lucas asked me to bring you. It seems to be some tea leaves and herbal medicine. For the tea, it's the kind Lucas often drinks. As for the herbal medicine, Lucas told me it seems to be for hair maintenance, and at the same time, it can nourish the body and help with sleep. Oh, right, there's also Vespiquen's special sweet honey. I heard him say it works even better when used with the herbal medicine."
Lucian walked quickly to Cynthia's side, took the bag, and glanced inside. It was all tea leaves, herbal medicine, and a few bottles of sweet honey. The resentment Lucian had accumulated over the past few days finally eased.
"Thank you, this is all part of my job."
Lucian walked out of the office with light steps.
Hearing Lucian's words, Cynthia looked at Flint and Aaron and asked: "Just now he said this was all part of his job, does that mean I can ask him to cover for me next time too?"
"Has the Boss done that any less? Isn't it like this every time—uh—"
Aaron looked at Cynthia's slowly narrowing eyes, cold sweat dripping down, especially at the Garchomp behind her, exuding killing intent.
"Speaking of which, Flint, it's been a long time since I tested your strength. I heard you've been out playing during this period. Let's go, let's check your strength today and see if you're still at the Elite level."
Cynthia stood up, her voice cold.
Fire-type Elite Flint shivered.
It's over, she's coming for me.
"Does Aaron want to come too?" Seeing Aaron still clinging to Flint, Cynthia asked.
Aaron quickly let go of Flint, stepped back a few steps, huddled on the sofa, and shook his head frantically.
Flint just wanted to refuse when he saw the Garchomp behind Cynthia sharpening its scythes.
Flint: ————
Lucian, help me—
Flint was dragged by Garchomp to the battle field to check his strength.
Listening to the booming sounds from the training field behind him, Lucian carried the bag and yawned. At this moment, his phone rang. He took it out and saw it was a message from Lucas.
"Thanks for your hard work. Next time you come to the Breeding House, I guarantee I'll arrange everything for you perfectly."
Lucian rubbed his dark circles and put his phone back in his pocket.
"This guy."
Lucian yawned. "Forget it, I'll go back to sleep. I'll give myself a good vacation after the Lily of the Valley Conference ends."
Listening to the screams coming from Flint behind him, Lucian walked towards his home in a pleasant mood.
This pleasantness was definitely because he was off work, certainly not because of Flint's screams behind him.
"Mr. Lucian, help me!!!"
Lucian quickened his pace.
Breeding House. After Cynthia left, Lucas was lying in the rest area on a newly bought armchair, letting Ninetales gently rock the armchair with its tail.
Just after yawning, a yellow figure flew over.
"Bee!"
"Lucas!"
Lucas opened his eyes and looked at the Vespiquen flying into the Breeding House. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Vespiquen shook her head. "Bee."
"The Max Honey has been improved."
"Do you want to come over and take a look?"
Lucas stood up, brought Ninetales, Luxray, and Gengar, and followed Vespiquen to the Forest Area to Vespiquen's hive.
At the entrance of the hive, Vespiquen looked back at Gengar, seemingly hesitating whether to let Gengar in.
Seeing this, Lucas tugged at Gengar's mouth. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on it for you."
Vespiquen looked at Lucas suspiciously, seemingly hesitating whether to let Lucas in as well.
If it were just Lucas, there would be no problem letting him in. Even if it were just Gengar, if it kept a close eye on it, it could actually let it in. But now they appeared together.
No one understood Vespiquen better than herself; they only needed to communicate with their eyes. One could hold it up, and the other could secretly swipe the sweet honey without anyone knowing.
Especially after it was swiped, it might even have to say thank you to him—
Lucas: ————
Damn, it turns out I'm also a person with no credibility.
Lucas had no choice but to call for Lilligant.
After a while, Lilligant ran over, looking at Lucas suspiciously.
"Vespiquen doesn't quite trust me and Gengar, so could you trouble yourself to come in with us? Keep an eye on us for Vespiquen?"
Vespiquen nodded.
Ninetales on the side was unhappy.
"Xiu!"
"I can keep an eye on you guys too!"
"Bee."
"Birds of a feather."
Ninetales lowered its head.
Fine, that's indeed the case.
Back when it was still a Vulpix, it often teamed up with Gengar to come over and borrow sweet honey.
Ninetales thought for a moment, still unable to let it go, and raised its tail to give Lucas a whack.
"Hiss————"
Lucas couldn't voice his grievances, "Why are you blaming me again?"
"Shu!"
Hmph!
Seeing this, Vespiquen felt relieved and led Lucas and Gengar into the hive.
Lucas and Gengar exchanged a glance.
Vespiquen was still too young.
Would a daughter raised in one's own arms expose her parent?
"Lilli!"
What are you doing!
Vespiquen turned back to stare at Lucas, holding the sweet honey.
Lucas smiled sheepishly.
"Hehe."
Seeing white light beginning to glow from Vespiquen's claws, Lucas hurriedly put the sweet honey back.
Vespiquen nodded thankfully towards Lilligant.
After Vespiquen turned her head back, Lucas looked at Lilligant.
Lilligant showed a sweet smile, tilting her head.
Wasn't it you who asked me to come over and supervise you guys?
Wasn't it ———— you ———— we ————
Lucas gritted his teeth.
He saw the mischief in Lilligant's eyes and understood what she was planning.
Lucas signaled to Lilligant with his eyes.
Didn't we agree that you'd help cover for us?
Cover? What cover? I don't understand, I'm just a delicate girl~
After saying that, Lilligant put on the appearance of a delicate girl.
Hey, hey, hey, that's going too far.
Seeing Lucas's expression, Lilligant's eyes narrowed.
Hmm?
So cute, how could there be such a cute Pokémon? As expected of our fragrant and soft Lilligant~
It's all Gengar's fault, it corrupted you!
Lilligant nodded.
Exactly! It's all Gengar's fault! Hmph!
Lucas looked at Gengar; he would confiscate its tablet when they got back tonight.
While Gengar was thinking about how to cause trouble later, its butt suddenly tightened.
Looking back, it discovered Lucas was looking at it with a furious expression.
"Gen gengar?"
Did I do something wrong again? (ǒ ǒ)
Gengar scratched its big butt, unable to figure out what it had done wrong no matter how hard it tried.
Lucas ignored Gengar and continued to look at Lilligant, his eyes dancing with excitement.
Can you really not help cover for us?
Lilligant: Cover what?
Lucas: The sweet honey————
Lilligant: What? The sweet honey?
Lilligant: Don't you know that Vespiquen and I, along with Garchomp, Gothitelle, Latias, and Roserade are sisters who share a bond like siblings?
Lilligant: And now you want me to help you cover for stealing her sweet honey?
Lucas: Why does that sound so familiar————
Lilligant showed a sweet smile.
What's the compensation?
Lucas: Hmm———— I'll make you something delicious?
Lilligant: Not enough.
Lucas: ————You————
"Pi?"
What are you guys doing?
"Nothing, we're not doing anything."
Lucas shook his head quickly.
Lilligant spread her hands regretfully.
Too late, nothing I can do.
Looking at the smirking Lilligant, Lucas couldn't help but sigh.
Damn it! How did that originally cute, kind, beautiful, and sensible Lilligant turn into a scheming little sweetheart?!
It must be Gengar's fault! Damn Gengar!
Gengar: ?!!
Gengar felt a chill down its back. It looked back, but didn't notice anything unusual.
Could it be that the temperature is dropping again? Am I going to catch a cold?
Looks like I'll have to brew two packets of cold medicine to drink when I get back.
Gengar thought silently to itself.
Vespiquen led Lucas to the improved Max Honey.
Lucas looked at the Max Honey in front of him, scraped a bit with his finger, and put it in his mouth.
Vespiquen: ???
Lucas: "What's wrong?"
The fiery intensity from the beginning was gone, replaced by a smoothness like flowing water.
"Pi————"
So sloppy————
Lucas: ???
I'm sloppy?!
Lucas: "I————"
Lucas was furious and began to inspect the Max Honey improved by Vespiquen.
[Max Honey (Breeding House Vespiquen Improved Version): Improved by the Breeding House's Vespiquen based on the original Max Honey. The effects have been significantly weakened, but the taste and flavor are much more delicious and easier for people to accept. Although the Breeding House's Vespiquen has not yet used Dynamax, the fact that it can improve Max Honey just goes to show that the Breeding House's Vespiquen lives up to its reputation.]
[Vespiquen, you're the best — Lucas]
"The effects have been weakened————"
Lucas nodded thoughtfully.
It's acceptable. As a Vespiquen, being able to improve Max Honey is already remarkable, especially since it was Max Honey filled with the negative emotions of a Dynamax Vespiquen. As expected of our Breeding House's Vespiquen, you're the best!
"Pi————"
"I did my best———— only this way can its taste be accepted by everyone————"
Vespiquen said to Lucas with some apology.
Seeing that Vespiquen thought he was dissatisfied with the improved Max Honey and was now feeling ashamed and sad, Lucas smiled, then opened his arms and hugged Vespiquen.
Vespiquen's body stiffened.
"It's great, Vespiquen. As expected, the Breeding House really can't do without you."
Hearing Lucas's praise, Vespiquen quickly broke free from Lucas's embrace and turned her head away.
She seemed calm, but the frequency of her wing fluttering betrayed her.
At this moment, Vespiquen's introduction suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[Vespiquen]
[The Most Unique Vespiquen: The most unique Vespiquen in the world. In the process of improving the Max Honey, it mastered the brewing method for Max Honey. Given time, even without Dynamax, it will be able to brew Max Honey. It can learn the brewing method for all the honey in the world just by passing it through its hands, and it can also enhance the flavor of all sweet honey. Even the Creator is somewhat surprised by this Vespiquen's talent.]
A paragraph was added below the introduction.
The most unique Vespiquen?
After Vespiquen calmed down, she turned to look at Lucas and found him smiling and giving her a thumbs up.
She immediately lost her composure, then flew to the side. Soon after, she had some Combee carry over a jar of sweet honey. Lucas looked at the newly appeared sweet honey with some confusion.
[sweet honey (New Year Special Edition): sweet honey brewed by Vespiquen with the help of the fireworks atmosphere at the Breeding House on New Year's Eve, when the old year gives way to the new. In the new year, may you be happy, healthy, and everything go smoothly. Although this sweet honey doesn't have any particularly powerful effects, it allows those who use it to maintain a happy and positive mindset. Vespiquen sincerely wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and smooth new year.]
Lucas had Gengar accept this limited-edition sweet honey and looked at Vespiquen, "Thank you, Vespiquen."
Vespiquen turned her head away proudly.
In the end, Lucas left half of the Max Honey in the hive.
The hive, after all————
It definitely needs to have all kinds of sweet honey after all————
"Don't you agree, Gengar."
"Gen gengar"
Hehe.
"Speaking of which, Gengar, I'm surprised you managed to hold back and not take action today."
"Gen gengar"
I wouldn't take action.
"Why?"
"Gen gengar—"
Not telling you.
"??? How dare you, are you going to tell me or not?!"
"Gen gengar—"
I won't say, come catch me, if you catch me, I'll tell you.
"Provoking me?!"
Lucas was furious, "Little Shauna, Rocket Headbutt!"
Gengar: \ c { c
Gengar hurriedly looked back, but didn't find Shauna.
Oh no, it's a trap!
Gengar turned back and found Lucas lunging at it. Gengar quickly ducked into Lucas's shadow?
Lucas: ???
"You're cheating!"
Gengar followed the shadow and put some distance between them.
Nyeh nyeh nyeh, come catch me.
After making a face, Gengar stuck out its butt and patted it towards Lucas.
Lucas: ?! What an insult!
"Little Shauna! Full Power Rocket Headbutt!"
Gengar: "Gen gengar!"
I won't fall for it again.
"Little Shauna is here!!!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Gengar was terrified.
It looked back and found a fiery red figure approaching it rapidly.
∑（O □ O | 1I）
Don't come over here!!!
Pfft————
Gengar's eyeballs flew out again.
Shauna rubbed her little head, looked at Gengar who was unable to get up, and clapped her hands.
"Hehe."
Shauna grinned at Lucas and smiled sheepishly.
Lucas looked at Gengar, whose soul had floated out, and was shocked.
Can a Normal-type Rocket Headbutt actually deal damage to a Ghost-type?!
Lucas hurriedly ran over and stuffed the soul back into Gengar's mouth.
"Gengar-chan!!!"
Gengar had just recovered when its chest sank again from Lucas's CPR.
Pfft————
You————
(Gengar, KO!)
***************************
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