"Melanie, regarding the issue of income, I think I can help you."
Ash's words caused Melanie to pause.
"Hmm?"
However, instead of looking happy, she immediately shook her head.
"Thank you, Ash."
"I know you're only saying this because you're worried about me and want to help."
"Maybe in your eyes, I'm someone worth sympathizing with."
"But honestly, that's not the case."
Melanie's voice was calm and steady.
"It's true that I'm introverted and suffer from severe social anxiety."
"I've already reached a point where I can't adapt to the outside world's lifestyle or work environment."
"It's also true that I don't have any family left."
"That's why I chose to leave civilization behind and live alone in Viridian Forest."
She looked around at the valley that had been her home for so long.
"Perhaps other people think my life is pitiful."
"But I don't think so."
"Living here alone among Pokémon, spending every day with them, my life is peaceful."
"My heart is calm."
"I'm fulfilled."
"And I'm happy."
"My life may be different from most people outside, but it isn't difficult."
"In fact, I think I'm happier than most people living in the cities."
She then looked directly at Ash.
"Besides, I'm healthy."
"I have a functioning body."
"I can work and support myself."
"So I'm sorry, but I can't accept financial assistance."
Melanie spoke firmly.
Then she added another sentence.
"Even though you're now one of Kanto's most famous Trainers, a household name, and someone who has built an enormous fortune at such a young age..."
"That's still not a reason for me to simply accept your charity."
There was a trace of stubborn pride in her eyes.
Seeing that expression, Ash couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
"Melanie."
"You misunderstood."
"Huh?"
Melanie blinked in surprise.
"What I meant wasn't that I wanted to support you financially."
"In fact, I completely agree with everything you just said."
Ash's expression grew serious.
"You live alone in Viridian Forest."
"You don't have any family left."
"You're introverted and socially anxious."
"You can't adapt to society's work environment."
"But you're also healthy."
"You're capable."
"You're mentally sound."
"And you have the ability to work."
"You don't need anyone's pity."
"You don't need anyone's sympathy."
"The life you're living now is your own choice."
"It's your ideal way of life."
"And honestly?"
"I respect it."
"Actually, I'd even say I admire it."
Melanie stared at him, slightly stunned.
Ash continued.
"When I said I could solve your income problem, I wasn't talking about charity."
"I happen to have a job that I need to outsource."
"And the person I choose has to meet several requirements."
"They must genuinely love Pokémon."
"They must have excellent affinity with Pokémon."
"They must have experience caring for Pokémon."
"And most importantly..."
"They must be someone I can trust."
Ash looked directly into Melanie's eyes.
"And you happen to meet every single one of those requirements."
"...?"
Melanie's eyes widened slightly.
"A job?"
"You mean you want me to work for you?"
"That's right."
Ash nodded.
"You mentioned earlier that you're a fan of mine."
"Then you should know that I built my fortune through my online skill shop, right?"
"Of course."
Melanie nodded immediately.
Nowadays, Ash's Move Mastery Room was far more than just an online skill shop.
It had become a cultural icon among Trainers throughout Kanto.
In fact, its influence had spread throughout the Pokémon world.
Even someone like Melanie, who lived in isolation deep within Viridian Forest and rarely interacted with society, couldn't help but admire what Ash had accomplished.
"I earned my first fortune through the skill shop."
"But as my strength and fame continue growing, more and more opportunities are opening up to me."
"Opportunities that are easier and far more profitable."
"Even so, I don't intend to shut down the skill shop."
Ash smiled.
"Of course, Trainers throughout Kanto wouldn't want me to close it either."
"But at the end of the day, I'm still a Pokémon Trainer."
"My primary focus must remain on training and raising my Pokémon."
"Besides that..."
"In the future, I plan to establish a personal charity foundation."
"I want to help children who dream of becoming Trainers but lack the financial means to pursue those dreams."
"I also intend to start an entertainment company."
"I want to further develop my personal brand and commercial value."
"And I want to support my partner's dream of becoming a top Pokémon Performer."
Ash paused briefly.
"In short, while I don't plan to close the skill shop, I also won't be able to continue investing large amounts of time and energy into it forever."
"That's why I've decided to establish a dedicated private Pokémon Day Care for the skill shop."
Melanie listened attentively.
Ash continued explaining.
"The idea is simple."
"Customers will still send their Pokémon to me for skill training."
"But the Pokémon themselves will stay at the Day Care."
"The Pokémon Day Care staff will take care of them."
"When it's time for skill instruction, I'll simply use my psychic abilities to help the Pokémon learn the desired move."
"This allows the shop to continue operating normally while drastically reducing the amount of time I personally need to spend managing it."
As Ash explained his plan, the confusion on Melanie's face gradually faded.
A look of realization appeared.
"So the job you're offering me..."
"Is managing this dedicated Pokémon Day Care for the skill shop?"
"Exactly."
Ash snapped his fingers.
"The Pokémon Day Care doesn't require any special location."
"You could continue living in Viridian Forest without any problem."
"I can even apply to the League for a Poké Ball Transfer Machine."
"That way, customers can send their Pokémon directly to your location."
"When a Pokémon needs skill training, you simply transfer it to me."
"It's incredibly convenient."
"Furthermore, your responsibilities wouldn't be complicated."
"You'd simply feed the Pokémon three times a day."
"Take care of their daily needs."
"And regularly send photos and updates to customers through the fan group."
"That's basically it."
Melanie's eyes grew brighter and brighter as she listened.
Ash wasn't finished yet.
"And there's another benefit."
"The Pokémon sent by customers are all carefully trained Pokémon."
"Most of them are very strong."
"If another hostile wild Pokémon attack occurs in the future, you can rely on those Pokémon to help defend yourself."
"You'll no longer have to worry about being forced to relocate every time wild Pokémon cause trouble."
"Think about it."
"You'll continue living in Viridian Forest."
"You'll still be surrounded by Pokémon every day."
"You won't feel lonely."
"You'll have a stable source of income."
"And you'll gain protection from wild Pokémon attacks."
Ash smiled.
"That's three benefits at once."
The more Melanie listened, the more tempted she became.
The proposal seemed almost tailor-made for her.
However, alongside her excitement, a trace of worry appeared on her face.
"Ash..."
"Your skill shop is incredibly important."
"The customers only entrust their Pokémon to you because they trust you."
"If those Pokémon are being cared for by me instead..."
"Will the customers really agree?"
"And..."
She hesitated.
"Can I truly do this job well?"
Her concerns were sincere.
She wasn't doubting Ash.
She was doubting herself.
Ash smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry."
"I trust your abilities."
"And when the time comes, I'll explain your situation to all the customers."
"I believe they'll understand."
Looking at the girl before him, Ash's confidence never wavered.
Although they had only met today, he already trusted Melanie deeply.
Whether it was the portrayal of her character in the original anime or what he had personally witnessed today, her integrity and compassion were beyond question.
More importantly—
As an Aura user, Ash had always been exceptionally good at judging people.
And his instincts had rarely been wrong.
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