[Tulip Flower Nectar]
Nectar collected by the Pokémon Flabébé using its natural abilities. Clear, glossy, and possessing a unique flavor.
It was a pretty good agricultural product, one that would definitely appeal to people who liked sweets.
For the first sale, three bottles should be enough.
Tomorrow he could ask Gario about the market feedback.
Standing in front of the Collection Crate, Hayato Sora placed the bottles of nectar inside and tucked a small note beneath them.
At the same time, he took out the items inside the crate.
A letter.
From his mom?
That couldn't be right. He had only just mailed the photo—there was no way she could reply this quickly.
He had Cyclizar sit obediently beside him so it wouldn't run around while he opened the letter.
The contents came into view.
[To Hayato Sora:]
How have you been lately? Is everything going smoothly at the ranch?
I heard you bought several ranch Pokémon from the Paldea Region. They're all excellent little Pokémon.
I've also heard about the Grass Dumplings you made. Quite a magical dish indeed—my Gogoat love them very much.
Oh right, I almost forgot the main point.
On March 1st, I'll be holding a Spring Evaluation Tournament. All the ranch owners along Route 12 will be attending.
I'd like to invite you to participate.
If you wish to join, please come to the Coumarine Gym at 9 AM on March 1st.
I'm looking forward to seeing you there.
Also, you may bring the ranch Pokémon you've raised to participate in the evaluation.
The contestants will be judged by myself, Nurse Joy, and a powerful Trainer.
— From Grandpa Fu
So it was a letter from Grandpa Fu.
The content was simple.
It was an invitation to a ranch owners' competition.
Through this evaluation tournament, they would compare whose ranch raised the best and most outstanding Pokémon.
Since it was a chance to meet the various ranch owners along Route 12, Hayato Sora had no reason to refuse.
March 1st.
There were still more than half a month left.
After putting away the letter, he called Cyclizar and headed toward the neighboring ranch.
He wanted to ask Dingzhi about it.
An event like this probably wasn't being held for the first time.
As soon as Hayato Sora approached the ranch, he was spotted by a Stoutland.
Over the past few months, Hayato Sora had visited often and had become quite familiar with it.
The Stoutland simply barked once in greeting.
Then it lay back down on the grass, basking lazily in the sun.
"Denzel !"
Hayato Sora waved and shouted ahead.
Dingzhi looked up, stopped his work, and walked over.
"What brings you here? How've you been these days?"
"I'm doing well." Hayato Sora waved the letter.
"I just received this from Grandpa Fu about the Spring Evaluation Tournament. Did you get one too?"
"Oh, that."
The two walked toward a nearby pavilion.
"I received mine today too," Dingzhi said.
"It's held every year during the last month of spring, and all the ranch owners participate. It's very lively."
Talking about it made Dingzhi excited.
"Are you going to participate, Hayato Sora?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"Hahaha! This year I'm aiming for the championship. I specially raised several Miltank for it."
Half an hour later, Hayato Sora left the Miltank Ranch.
Cyclizar now carried a large bag of food on its back.
Actually, it should have been even more, but Hayato Sora declined and only accepted a small portion.
Even so, it was enough to feed the ranch for a day or two.
Hayato Sora thought that when Flabébé collected nectar tomorrow, he would bring a bottle to Dingzhi as a thank-you gift.
When Hayato Sora returned to the ranch and hadn't even gotten off Cyclizar yet, the Pokémon surrounded him.
Kangaskhan was holding a huge fish, with Cinccino and the others following behind.
Hayato Sora exaggerated his reaction.
"Wow! That's such a big fish! Did you catch it? That's amazing!"
"Kanga!"
Kangaskhan scratched its head happily while Cinccino helped explain.
It turned out that while Kangaskhan and the others were playing on the beach, they discovered this large fish that had accidentally beached itself.
"I see."
Hayato Sora patted Kangaskhan and pinched Cinccino's big ears.
"You're really lucky."
Especially Cinccino.
"How about we make steamed fish head tonight?"
He gestured along the fish's body.
This was a bighead carp, famous for its huge head.
Perfect for chopped chili steamed fish head.
The fish body wouldn't go to waste either—it could be braised.
Kangaskhan
Cinccino
Coincidentally, Dingzhi had given him plenty of chilies, making it perfect for this dish.
He had Kangaskhan carry the fish to the kitchen.
Rolling up his sleeves and tying on his apron, Hayato Sora began preparing dinner.
First, he cleaned the big fish thoroughly.
Especially the gills and the black membrane inside the belly, which would otherwise leave a strong fishy taste.
He split the fish head with a knife.
After rinsing it clean, he marinated it with cooking wine and a bit of salt for about ten minutes.
For chopped chili fish head, the most important component was the chopped chili sauce.
So during the marinating time, Hayato Sora prepared the chili mixture.
Once the fish head finished marinating, it was placed into the steamer.
Slices of ginger and scallions were spread at the bottom of the steaming plate.
The fish head was laid flat on top.
A thick layer of chopped chili sauce was spread over it before it went into the steamer for at least fifteen minutes.
But since this fish was quite large, it needed even longer.
While waiting, Hayato Sora cut the fish body into pieces and mixed it with marinade.
At another stove, he heated oil over low heat and fried the fish pieces until both sides turned golden brown.
Then he removed them and set them aside.
Turning the heat up, he used the remaining oil to stir-fry spices until fragrant before adding the fried fish pieces back in.
Soon, a rich and irresistible aroma spread through the air.
A head popped out from the windowsill.
Kangaskhan sniffed deeply.
Cyclizar wasn't any better.
It had already rushed to the kitchen door, staring eagerly while drool gathered at the corner of its mouth.
"You little glutton!"
Hayato Sora rubbed Cyclizar's head hard and said,
"Go call Mudbray and the Noibat. We're about to eat."
"Raaao!"
The moment it heard dinner was ready, Cyclizar's eyes lit up.
With an excited howl, it dashed off.
By the time they returned, Hayato Sora had already placed the dishes on the table.
"Come on! We're just waiting for you."
"Raaao!"
"Bzz!"
"Mud!"
After tasting the meal, the Pokémon gave the highest praise possible.
Hayato Sora's cooking was delicious.
Especially the chopped chili fish head.
Even Cinccino was competing with Kangaskhan and Cyclizar for it.
Helpless, Hayato Sora picked Cinccino up and tapped its forehead.
"Look at you—your little mouth is already red from the spice and you still want more."
"Chii—! Hisss!"
Seeing Hayato Sora, Cinccino immediately acted spoiled.
Its eyes were watery from the chili.
"Drink some water. There's fruit beside you."
Hayato Sora smiled helplessly.
None of these troublemakers gave him any peace of mind.
…Actually, that wasn't entirely true.
There was one exception.
Smoliv.
Hayato Sora held the little Pokémon in his palm and teased it with a finger.
"Little one, when are you going to evolve?"
PS: I've been releasing chapters daily . Honestly, it hurts seeing almost no support on Patreon after all that work.If you're enjoying the fic, even a little, supporting me would mean a lot. It helps a student stay independent .
complete fic (all chapters ) are already up on Patreon → patreon.com/Chakraflow789
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Chakraflow789