Ren thoughtfully helped Emma load the boxes of Energy Cubes into the trunk of her car. He watched as she climbed into the driver's seat.
"Bye, Ren~" Emma said cheerfully. "If I have any questions about feeding Squirtle, I'll contact you!"
She carefully placed the innocent-looking Squirtle into the passenger seat and fastened the seat belt before leaning out the window and waving at him.
"Goodbye! Come visit again—and don't forget to recommend my shop to others!"
"Don't worry," Emma replied.
She stuck her tongue out at him playfully, then stepped on the accelerator and drove away.
Watching the luxury car disappear into the distance, Ren took a Poké Ball out of his pocket.
To be honest, he hesitated.
Should I have given Emma a Poké Ball already?
After thinking it over, he decided against it.
Poké Ball technology was simply too bizarre for this world. Even though the system had already adjusted people's resistance—greatly reducing rejection toward Pokémon and related items—Ren still felt it was better not to introduce Poké Balls just yet.
There was no rush.
So far, he had only one customer, and only one Pokémon had been sold.
There was no need to reveal everything at once.
"Finally… my first deal."
Ren stretched lazily and let out a long sigh before heading back into the shop.
Running a pet store was harder than he'd expected. Over the past two days, there hadn't been many customers, and since there were no ordinary pets on display, most people left immediately after seeing the empty store.
Only one person had been willing to try the Pokédex draw.
Unfortunately, that guy had asked about the price, turned pale on the spot, and left without another word.
He'd even politely wished Ren good luck before leaving.
What a weirdo.
Thinking about it, Ren shook his head.
That man would definitely regret it in the future.
He had actually drawn Jirachi on his very first try.
Even Ren had been shocked by how terrible that guy's luck was—pulling such a rare Pokémon and still walking away.
"System, settle the beginner mission."
Returning to the counter, Ren sat down, took a sip of tea, and spoke inwardly.
The Pokémon Father System—the system that had allowed him to open this shop—responded immediately.
"Beginner mission complete. First Pokémon successfully sold."
"Reward is being distributed."
"The host will receive an unlimited lottery draw. Would you like to begin?"
The mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Begin," Ren answered without hesitation, his excitement surging.
Although he had just sold Squirtle, he currently didn't own a Pokémon himself.
And now…
His first Pokémon was about to arrive.
An unlimited draw.
That meant there was a chance—however small—to obtain a Legendary or even a Mythical Pokémon.
Ho-Oh. Lugia. Rayquaza. Kyurem.
Even thinking about it made his heart race.
"The draw has begun."
A translucent virtual roulette appeared in front of Ren. It spun rapidly as countless black silhouettes flashed by, one after another, before slowly coming to a stop.
As the shadow sharpened into focus, Ren's eyes widened.
"Congratulations to the host. You have obtained Diancie."
"Haha… looks like today really is my lucky day."
A bright smile spread across Ren's face as he took Diancie's Poké Ball from the system reward.
Diancie—the princess of the Diamond Domain.
Officially classified as a Mythical Pokémon.
A truly rare existence, on the same level as Celebi and Jirachi.
"Come out, Diancie."
Ren tossed the Poké Ball forward.
A flash of white light burst forth, and a dazzling Pokémon appeared before him.
A pink, gem-like diamond rested atop her head. Her crown was formed from four octahedral diamonds and two long diamond prisms. She wore a flowing white dress, her lower body composed of diamond ore with brilliant facets exposed. Her ruby-like eyes shimmered softly, and around her neck hung a golden ring adorned with a radiant diamond pendant.
Elegant. Noble. Beautiful.
Diancie tilted her head slightly, gazing at Ren with curious eyes.
"Hello, Diancie," Ren said warmly, bowing slightly. "My name is Ren. From today onward, we're family. Please take care of me."
Diancie's ruby eyes sparkled.
She placed her hands gracefully before her and returned his bow.
"Please take care of me as well, Ren."
A clear, gentle female voice echoed directly in his mind.
Telepathy.
A form of communication beyond language—soul to soul.
"Your voice is lovely," Ren said, smiling even more. "Here, try this."
He took a box of Energy Cubes down from the counter and opened it.
"Thank you, Ren. Diancie likes this very much."
Diancie delicately picked up an Energy Cube with her small hand and took a careful bite.
The sweetness spread instantly, and her telepathic voice carried clear satisfaction.
Every movement she made was refined and graceful, like a well-educated noblewoman. The contrast with Squirtle's earlier enthusiastic munching was striking.
"So adorable…"
Ren's expression softened into the same proud, doting smile Emma had worn earlier.
This was his first Pokémon.
His very own partner.
And in his eyes—
Diancie was the most beautiful and cutest Pokémon in the world.