He had to build the watermill before winter arrived.
This way, the harvested corn would have new uses: one for grinding into cornmeal in the mill, the other for making chicken feed to feed the chickens.
And the sunflower seeds could be roasted into Translation Nuts, there's never enough of these consumables.
Not to mention, in winter you can't plant things in the fields, you have to rely on the stock from summer and autumn to live.
Although a greenhouse could be built... the cost of a greenhouse is not low, and right now there's not a big demand for one.
The sunflowers in those plots have already been chopped down, and the peeled seeds have been turned into seed crunches, one piece can translate many words, convenient and hassle-free.
As for pumpkins, they can quench thirst and are a very good ingredient, they're great for making soup and porridge.
Allen mentioned, in autumn there's something called Halloween, people make mature pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, and apparently this festival happens at night and attracts many wild Ghost-type Pokemon to participate!
Besides, Naoki had another idea.
Which was to see if he could grow a few more pumpkins of any size.
If he could, this time he would store the pumpkins and make pumpkin pies for Pawmo in winter, turning it into a two-meter-tall big Pokemon, then he could sleep on it.
After leaving the seed store, Naoki went to Keri's woodworking shop.
Because he found out the floor of the old house was damaged and he planned to replace it.
Upon hearing his intention, Keri said she would go over in a bit.
Thus, Naoki returned to the ranch first, and before he could sit down, Keri followed quickly.
She and the Machamp beside her replaced the wood flooring, and upon seeing the traces of use in the tavern, Keri looked very surprised:
"Already open for business?"
"Yes."
Keri was even more surprised, she couldn't help but speculate: "Is this tavern meant to entertain traveling Trainers?"
However, Naoki gave a negative answer.
Seeing Keri's puzzled expression, Naoki did not hide but explained with a smile:
"It's a tavern only for Pokemon."
Keri's tone carried a bit of shock: "Only for Pokemon?!"
"Yes." Naoki nodded: "Whether they are wild Pokemon living in the back mountains, or ranch Pokemon, or..."
He glanced at the Machamp beside Keri and continued: "Pokemon working and living with humans."
"For example, after a day's work, busy Pokemon can come here to have a drink, chat with other Pokemon, relax, it's just for Pokemon, no other humans will disturb them."
Upon hearing this, Keri blinked: "I think I understand."
And the two Machamp behind her showed surprised expressions.
Does such a place really exist in this world?
The two Machamp started to stir.
In response, Keri was very willing to respect their wishes, and she smiled: "You guys can also come here to relax later!"
The Machamp's eyes lit up.
Keri asked again: "What's the operating hours of this tavern?"
Naoki had already thought it out: "7 PM to 10 PM, closed on weekends."
Keri nodded, then she couldn't help but curiously ask: "What about the charges? Some wild Pokemon might not be able to pay like humans..."
Naoki: "I'll accept whatever they give me, of course, if they give nothing that's okay too." The main thing is freedom.
Keri was dumbfounded: "Aren't you afraid of losing money?"
Naoki shrugged: "Don't forget my main occupation! Providing this tavern for Pokemon is just a hobby."
Only then Keri remembered Naoki is the owner of a big ranch, the daily revenue is more than enough to open a tavern, even ten would be no problem.
Not to mention the ranch where Berry trees are planted, Miltank are raised, and soon a winemaking business will start.
All this provides ample material reserves for the tavern, even without purchases, self-sufficiency can be achieved.
"Really an enviable life!" Keri said: "In that case, we will also come to visit!"
This 'we' referred to her Pokemon partners, like the two Machamp and the Conkeldurr staying at home.
Naoki smiled and nodded: "You're welcome anytime."
So at 7 PM, the tavern officially welcomed its first guests apart from Ninetales.
——The two Machamp.
The first visit here had their hearts filled with anxiety.
But amidst the anxiety was a small anticipation.
With this feeling, the two Machamp came to the ranch together and entered the tavern.
They instinctively looked around.
The not-so-big tavern appeared very cozy, the first thing upon entering was seeing the bar, and on the shelves behind the bar, various drinks were placed.
A red square carpet was laid in front of the bar, and candle holders were hanging on the walls around, with candles lit, and the decoration was very retro.
Further inside, you could see tables and chairs arranged neatly.
At this moment, the tavern was bustling.
Dratini, Pawmo, Miltank, Glaceon, Alcremie, and a large group of Pokemon were gathered in the tavern, drinking and chatting happily.
Seeing this scene, one of the Machamp whispered: "Ni cough...?" (It's so lively here! Is everyone here to drink?)
Having eaten a dozen seed crunches, Naoki naturally understood Machamp's meaning.
He glanced at the comedic ensemble over there, looked at the two Machamp who walked to the bar, and asked with a smile: "Want something to drink?"
The two Machamp poked around here and there, finally choosing a glass of spicy Berry Juice and a glass of sweet-and-sour Berry Juice each, sitting at an empty table.
Then, Naoki heard them start complaining.
Machamp No.1: "Ni cough, Ni cough!" (Work is so tiring! Haven't had a chance to rest, finally there's a place to relax!)
Machamp No.2: "Ni cough." (Yeah! But Keri is as tired as we are, building houses these days is indeed too busy, it will be much easier in a few days.)
Machamp No.1: "Ni cough, Ni cough Ni cough!" (Yes, Keri is hardworking, she's really nice, I still enjoy working with her.)
Saying that, it took a sip of the spicy Berry Juice, and felt comfortable all over: "Ni cough!" (So tasty! This place is really nice!)
The two Machamp murmured while drinking up the Berry Juice, and after sitting here for a while, they left satisfied as the sun set.
Just before leaving, the two Machamp gave Naoki two small wooden dolls in the shape of Machop.
Naoki was slightly stunned, then realized it was the Machamp's payment for drinks.
A smile appeared on his face.
Let's say, compared to money, he preferred these heartfelt little items.
Naoki placed the Machop wooden dolls on the top layer of the shelf behind the bar.
The Machamp had left, and there should be no more guests coming.
Naoki handed over his position to Cyclizar and Koraidon and went back to the house to prepare dinner for everyone.
*
League year 198, June 29th.
The farm welcomed another new day.
That morning, while milking the Gogoat, Naoki suddenly noticed that the state of the three Gogoat was not quite right.
Like their bodies were drained, spiritless, and very weak.
Naoki: ???
"What's going on?" He immediately frowned.
These days no one has come to challenge the Grass Trial at the farm, and usually, Gogoat are very sensible in taking care of crops and fruit trees, nothing like this has ever happened before.
Upon hearing his words, the three Gogoat weakly said: "Mwah..."
They turned their heads to the culprit who drained their bodies.
At first, Naoki was still a bit confused, and couldn't help but follow the gaze of the three Gogoat.
He then noticed the small soil mound excavated by Gogoat two days ago had sprouted a shoot.
[Mutant Seedling: A seedling that absorbed a large amount of Power of Grass, due to Gogoat causing a mutation in its growth process, there is immense Life Force brewing within, finally breaking ground, it needs another 100,000 years to mature.]
Naoki was dumbfounded on the spot.
Unit, ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand...
What kind of thing is this? It needs 100,000 years to grow?
How many 100,000 years does a person have in life?
Naoki's first reaction was probably he would never see the day this tree matures...