TN: Starting this point I'll refer to Giant Dragonite as just Dragonite and only call it Giant Dragonite when there are other Dragonite in the chapter. Sorry for the confusion, I'm just too stubborn to change sometimes.
[Baked Eggs (B−): The simple flavor brings comfort to both the tongue and the heart. It is the most classic appetizer in the Paldea region before recruitment.
Dish Effect: Egg Power (Lv.1). After eating, the chance of discovering Pokémon eggs in the wild increases.
Note: Underage Pokémon cannot consume this dish.]
Now that Egg Power had appeared, Silas would not even be surprised if Sparkling Power suddenly showed up someday.
After placing the final dish on the table, Silas naturally sat down in the main seat.
Morpeko struggled to climb onto the table, stepping on a stool as it curiously examined the new dish.
"Morpe~?" (Silas, Silas, is this food tasty? It smells really good.)
"This dish is not something children can eat."
Silas shook his head and refused Morpeko's request. He cut the dish into portions and shared them with Fletchinder, Meganium, Tropius, Dragonite, Veluza, Kangaskhan, and the others. He also kept a piece for himself.
As expected of cuisine from the Paldea region. The taste was truly excellent.
"Alright, everyone start eating. Make sure all the food is finished."
Silas stuffed a crispy biscuit into Morpeko's mouth to distract it, then signaled all the Pokémon to start eating. Today he had prepared many of their favorite foods.
Cinccino and Alcremie shared sweet pastries, their faces filled with bliss. Desserts made by Silas were their absolute favorite.
Dragonite, Cyclizar, and Noivern ate heartily. The Noivern had their own special roasted meat, mixed with crushed gemstones.
Nowadays they did not just enjoy sleeping on gemstone mountains. They also liked eating gems.
Because of that, on nights with a full moon, their bodies reflected moonlight, creating an incredibly dazzling sight.
Lazy Mareep finally got the grass cake it had been craving for so long. After finishing its own portion, it stared longingly at Happy Flaaffy's share.
The Florges had brought the Psyduck along. They sat together with Warm Mareep and Pretty Mareep, eating an enormous fruit platter accompanied by fresh MooMoo Milk.
The three Mudsdale brothers stood nearby while Litten helped dry their bodies. Earlier, Cyclizar and Dragonite had thoroughly washed them.
They had been far too dirty. With the slightest movement, dust would fall from their bodies like snow.
"Mud Mud~"
The youngest Mudsdale urged Litten to hurry. It had smelled the pumpkin dish and could not wait to eat.
"Meow!"
Litten puffed out its cheeks. The Flame Orb hanging from its chest released intense heat, increasing the power of the hot wind it produced.
Silas lowered his gaze to the ground beside him.
The Applin, the Appletun, the Flapple, and the Butterfree were gathered there.
Their dinner consisted of flower nectar, berries, and both sour and sweet apple cider. The little apple dragons loved it.
Noticing Silas looking at them, they all chirped cutely.
Perhaps it was because of the lighting, but Silas failed to notice the Zygarde Core mixed quietly among the insects.
Tonight's gathering included every Pokémon.
Everyone sat around the dining table together. The aroma of food mixed with the cheerful cries of the Pokémon, filling the entire ranch house with warmth.
Holding a feast like this once every month was truly wonderful.
Everyone could eat to their hearts' content.
Litten finally finished drying the Mudsdale. The three immediately dashed toward the table, their targets clear: pumpkin porridge and pumpkin pie.
Before leaving, the steady eldest Mudsdale gently nudged Litten in gratitude. Litten flicked its tail as if to say it was nothing.
Litten circled around Silas once before joining the Meowth. The four cats happily ate freshly baked grilled fish straight from the oven.
Under the bright moonlight, Silas rubbed the well-fed Rowlet in his arms and raised his glass.
"Cheers, everyone."
"Meow~"
"Cin!"
"Kang~"
"Cheers everyone."
"…."
…
The next day, Silas resumed his busy and fulfilling ranch life.
Together with Kangaskhan and the Mudsdale, he planted autumn seeds in the fields again.
"Draa~"
Dragonite's voice suddenly sounded above him. Looking up, Silas saw Dragonite greeting him.
On its back, the Red Flower Florges and White Flower Florges peeked out and waved goodbye.
They were heading to the Pokémon Town. Silas had already agreed yesterday.
"Fly carefully!"
Silas cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted loudly.
"Don't forget to give the package to Magearna!"
"Draa~"
Dragonite responded before soaring into the sky and quickly disappearing.
Silas had prepared some daily necessities for Magearna, such as potions and medicine. These were urgently needed in the newly established Pokémon Town.
After finishing his work in the fields, Silas asked Cyclizar to keep an eye on the still sleeping Mandibuzz.
He then took Litten and headed out, arriving at the nearby Miltank Ranch.
The Stoutland lay at the entrance as usual, basking comfortably in the warm autumn sunlight.
"Meow~"
Litten jumped down and approached Stoutland, licking it with its barbed tongue.
The relationship between the cat and the dog was surprisingly good.
"Don't run too far."
Silas scratched both of their necks before entering the ranch.
At a glance, he saw John driving the Skiddo out for exercise. Silas quickened his pace.
"Yo! Silas is back. Was it fun outside?"
The two chatted while working, guiding the herd of sheep to a patch of grassland.
"Um… John, I actually came today to ask you something."
"Go ahead. If I know the answer, I will definitely tell you."
"How did you confess to Sister Penny under the Oath Tree back then?"
"Cough cough…"
John looked surprised, then put an arm around Silas's shoulder.
"Silas, you would not be planning to… Listen to your big brother here. Do not get married too early. Women before marriage and after marriage are completely different…"
Finally finding someone to vent to, John began rambling like an experienced veteran, complaining nonstop about Penny.
"John…"
Silas quickly called out to him, his eyes blinking rapidly.
"What is it? Did sand get in your eyes?"
"No, no. Nothing."
Silas chose to turn his head away.
In the next moment, a scream like a pig being slaughtered echoed behind him, followed by John's desperate pleas for mercy.
"Ah! Penny, I was wrong! I was just talking nonsense! You are the same before and after marriage, gentle and beautiful!"
Penny raised an eyebrow but did not release her grip. Instead, she twisted his ear slightly.
"Oh? So marrying me caused you such hardship?"
"Not at all! Not at all!"
Not only was Silas watching the show, but the Skiddo and Gogoat had also gathered nearby, bleating curiously.
After a long while, Penny finally let go.
"John always talks nonsense. Silas, if you meet someone you like, just pursue them boldly."
"That's right, that's right! Silas, you must listen to Sister Penny."
Behind her, John nodded frantically, repeatedly giving Silas meaningful looks.
Silas struggled to hold back his laughter. He had never expected that Brother John would actually be someone who feared his wife.
"I understand. Thank you, Sister Penny."
Penny enthusiastically grabbed Silas and began recounting John's embarrassing stories from the past.
Seeing this, John sighed deeply. Calling Stoutland, who had been watching the drama, he grabbed a fishing rod and quietly left the ranch.
His once proud reputation had been completely destroyed.
(End of Chapter)