Sinnoh Region, Lake Verity.
In the early morning, as was its daily routine, Chatot led its flock flying past, eventually landing atop the crown of an ancient tree.
Chatot quietly gazed into the distance, toward the direction where its home lay.
Scratching at its claws, it took flight again and landed by the shore of Lake Verity.
With its sharp, piercing cry, it called out—calling for the Pokémon of the lake.
Before long, a drowsy-looking pink Pokémon floated up from the lake surface, puffing out its cheeks as it glared at Chatot.
"Cha-tot~"
Mesprit tapped Chatot twice with its twin tails before saying, "You could just write a letter to let them know you're safe."
"Cha!" (Oh, right!)
Chatot suddenly realized, flew back up to the ancient tree's crown, and plucked down a large green leaf.
It pondered for a long while, unsure of what exactly it should write.
After thinking for a bit, Chatot looked toward the Pokémon in the lake that was yawning.
Got it!
Silas was so smart—he would definitely understand what Chatot wanted to express.
...
Morning at the ranch coastline.
Silas saw off the Lapras pod. The one he had treated yesterday had already used a Hyper Potion, the bandages removed as well. It was basically fine now, as long as it didn't battle.
The melodious, soothing song gradually faded into the distance, until the Lapras pod completely disappeared beyond the golden shoreline.
Silas pulled Minccino that was waving vigorously into his arms, his large hand scratching its chin and gently pinching its ears. "Don't be sad. Next time, little Lapras will come back to play with you again."
"Min!"
Minccino snuggled closer into Silas's arms, letting out a crisp cry, expressing that next time it wanted to prepare a gift for little Lapras.
"Alright!" Silas said warmly as he gently stroked it, turning and walking back. "Have you decided what gift you want to give?"
"Min…"
Minccino shook its head shyly.
"No rush. You still have plenty of time."
Holding Minccino, Silas returned to the ranch. When they passed through the flower field, Minccino struggled to jump down, wanting to play with Flabébé.
Silas let it go. He then called over Cyclizar and headed out for a trip, retrieving yesterday's harvest and recording everything into the ledger along the way.
League Calendar, Year 198, Spring, February 14
Income: 6000 (clay + flower nectar)
Expenses: 500
Remaining funds: 110,000
One hundred and ten thousand!
The ranch also didn't lack other materials.
Silas no longer hesitated. He decided to upgrade the ranch house and carry out another expansion.
He first lifted Smoliv from the windowsill and set the little one down, letting it go play with Minccino, before standing directly in front of the ranch House.
In his heart, Silas silently said, "Upgrade."
Flash!
It was as if a ray of light swept across his vision, enveloping the ranch house in front of him.
Under Silas's gaze, the House grew taller and larger, its appearance undergoing subtle changes as well.
The entire process lasted only a brief moment. By the time the Pokémon noticed, the ranch house had already completed its upgrade.
The first to rush up to Silas was Minccino, which quickly climbed onto his shoulder. After carefully sizing things up with its little eyes, it asked curiously:
"Min?"
Silas pinched its soft, fluffy ears and pulled Minccino into his arms, planting a big kiss on it.
A furry little guy like this was just born to be spoiled rotten by its Trainer!
Once all the other Pokémon had gathered, Silas said, "I just carried out a second expansion of the house. Do you all want to take a look?"
"Min!"
Minccino was the first to eagerly sign up, raising its little paw high.
The Flabébé and Smoliv followed closely after.
Kangaskhan and Cyclizar also nodded.
The three Noibat had already plastered themselves against the window, eyes wide as they curiously peered inside.
The only ones who seemed uninterested were the three Mudsdale—they remained utterly calm, jaws continuously chewing as they spat out clay mixed with saliva.
"Let's go in together. This house will be with us for a very, very long time."
Silas had just taken a glance at the Level 3 ranch house earlier. Setting aside the other materials, the League Coin cost alone was already in the millions—it wasn't something he needed to think about for at least the next year or two.
On the first floor, several new rooms had been added on top of the original layout. Both the kitchen and living room had become much larger, easily spacious enough to accommodate all the Pokémon.
The kitchen had been transformed into a semi-open design, with a small dining area added.
Next to it was the bathroom, with enough space inside to fit a large bathtub.
After finishing farm work, one could comfortably soak inside—and even bring Pokémon along.
On both sides of the living room were guest rooms, meant for entertaining visitors.
Leading a group of curious little ones, Silas went upstairs to the second floor.
This floor could be considered his private space, with several more rooms added.
The largest was still the master bedroom, still empty save for a single bed. Separated by a door was a small room—the nursery.
Right at this moment, Kangaskhan and the others pointed at it curiously, asking what that small room was for.
"That's the nursery. It's a room for little babies to live in."
"Min!!"
Minccino was shocked. Was Silas going to have a baby?!
Silas: "..."
Flicking Minccino on the forehead, Silas said irritably, "I don't even have a girlfriend yet. What baby are you talking about?"
He then turned to Kangaskhan and patted it. "That room can be for little Kangaskhan to use."
"Kang~"
Kangaskhan hugged Silas tightly. Silas was the best—he had thought of everything.
Opposite the master bedroom was the study, furnished with only a bookshelf and a desk.
There were also four small rooms, all completely empty.
Silas's gaze swept across the Pokémon. They probably all hoped to have their own individual rooms, didn't they?
"Kangaskhan, Cyclizar, Minccino, you can each choose one of these four rooms. From now on, they'll be your exclusive rooms."
"Min?"
"Of course. You can decorate them however you like." Silas smiled and nodded in response, then reached out to gently stroke Smoliv. "Smoliv, you're still small. How about this—once you evolve, the last room will be yours. For now, you'll sleep with me."
"Smo~"
Smoliv chirped and nodded.
After getting a definite answer from Silas—and knowing that each of them would have their own room—Cyclizar, Kangaskhan, and Minccino began walking back and forth between the four rooms, carefully choosing.
In their minds, they were already imagining how to decorate their own exclusive little rooms.
Without disturbing their excited discussions, Silas went downstairs alone and pushed open the right-side wall—this was the cellar he had additionally added.
The entrance was right next to the staircase on the first floor.
Pushing the door open and stepping inside, he casually flipped on the light switch. One by one, vintage light bulbs lit up, warm-colored light dispelling the darkness of the cellar.
Walking down the steps, he arrived at a spacious area that was still completely empty.
After circling the cellar once, Silas nodded in satisfaction.
The space was large, the temperature suitable. As long as he bought some wooden barrels, he could brew alcohol in the cellar during summer.
As for the barrels, he could ask Gario to help purchase a batch.
Then, thinking of all the empty rooms upstairs, Silas pressed a hand to his forehead.
To fully furnish everything, he would still need to spend a whole lot more money.
Televisions, sofas, bookshelves, carpets—a whole series of items were indispensable.
Fortunately, the ranch now had several stable sources of income. If he saved up for a few days, he could buy one item at a time.
Alright! It's decided.
He would start by buying a television.
(End of Chapter)