The strategy for dealing with the Salazzle tribe was set for tomorrow.
Once the Houndoom tribe had rested and recovered, they would be led by Dachsbun and the former Houndoom boss to crush the Salazzle tribe and achieve unification.
Lucas would still not show himself to help. He hoped to let the Houndoom tribe accomplish this task with a minimum of external assistance, relying mainly on their own strength.
Of course.
In terms of support, Serperior had made preparations. Together with Milotic, they'd remodel the battlefield, making it more advantageous against the Salazzle tribe.
Salandit and Salazzle were both Poison/Fire Pokémon, but essentially, they were reptilian in origin. If the ambient temperature dropped, their movements would become slower, more or less.
Milotic's Mist move could perfectly create that effect.
If the enemy tried to raise the temperature with fire, that's when Houndour and Houndoom, with their "Flash Fire" Ability, would step in.
There was no need for some unreasonable extraterrestrial or mechanical intervention—just proper support, enough for the Houndoom tribe to win this long-running conflict.
As for future plans for these Salazzle, Lucas and Calyrex had already thought it through.
If any of them were willing to integrate with humans, they'd ask Tulip, who had businesses in cosmetics and perfumes, to take them in and train them.
Those not wishing to deal with humans would be led by Calyrex to the area near Zapapico Town, which had many vacant caves to house them.
The surrounding resources were plentiful, not inferior to here. More importantly, they could enjoy it all themselves, without having to share with the Houndoom tribe.
And even if the resources weren't rich, Calyrex could make them so.
Before returning to the farm, Lucas as usual visited the creek to check the newly transplanted saplings in the orchard.
But this time, he was accompanied by Dachsbun and Tinkatink, both making their first visit here.
Politoed and the others had just left. The soil where the saplings were planted was still moist—clearly just watered.
Lucas originally planned to leave after checking but, as soon as he lifted his foot, he heard the beating of wings.
Turning around—
He saw Tropius flying toward him, carrying the Shuckle siblings and Appletun.
All together, the three Pokémon weighed more than half its own body weight.
Yet it was still able to fly—testament to the excellent care Lucas and Serperior had provided for its health.
Its leaf-like wings flapped a few times, stirring up a small whirlwind, causing the saplings' branches to sway as Tropius landed gracefully.
The Shuckle siblings curled up in their shells and rolled off, landing quickly.
Appletun hesitated and needed more time to move its now-clumsy evolved body onto the ground.
"Zee-boo~"
Shuckle Sis peeked out and, waving her forelimbs, greeted Lucas affectionately.
Shuckle Bro copied her, and with his social anxiety improving, he too became more cheerful.
"Woooo~"
Tropius stretched its neck and nuzzled Serperior, its foster mother, while Appletun scampered over, eager to show off its accomplishments.
Turns out—
Since the newly relocated orchard wasn't yet formally part of the farm and fenced, wild Pokémon passing by could easily trample the vulnerable saplings.
Luxray had planned to keep watch overnight for several days, but the four Pokémon volunteered, wanting to help as well.
And so, by coincidence, they ran into Lucas and the others.
Providing emotional encouragement at the right time boosts Pokémon's motivation.
Lucas praised each of them warmly and then turned to Serperior, his gaze full of encouragement, hints, and expectation.
Serperior: "..."
With so many pairs of sparkling eyes glued to it, Serperior had no choice but to awkwardly praise them, breaking its usual aloofness.
Blame Lucas for reading too many parenting guides—now Serperior had to suffer along with him.
Why suffer?
Because Lucas often practiced on her!
She couldn't figure out how Mimikyu seemed to enjoy this treatment so much...
Hearing that Tropius and the gang planned to stand guard overnight, Lucas felt it wasn't appropriate.
The temperature had been dropping lately, nights were especially cold, and though the saplings were kept warm, the Pokémon would be exposed to the wind outside.
That wouldn't do.
Lucas thought for a moment—then a plan struck him.
I have an idea!
He turned his gaze to Serperior, and even Tinkatink, who was busy figuring out whether Shuckle's shell or her hammer was harder, got caught in his stare.
If Tinkatink could draw blueprints for a hammer, then switching fields to design a wind- and rain-proof vine house ought not to be a problem!
As for building the vine house, that would rely on Serperior's "motherly instincts."
As the sky darkened, Lucas led Serperior, Dachsbun, and Tinkatink back to the farm.
Though it took more time, at least the temporary vine house for Tropius and the others was finished.
Worried about Tinkatink having to climb the mountain back at night, Lucas let her stay at the farm for the night—she could return in the morning.
Now, with the endless supply of materials and forge provided by Lucas, Tinkatink's skills had improved rapidly; missing a little practice time was no big deal.
That night, after dinner, she held hands with Ogerpon and slept together in the same bed.
…
At dawn—
Corvisquire and Corviknight, the "alarm clocks," arrived over the farm on time. They chased off ill-intentioned flying Pokémon while carrying baskets of packaged fresh milk to all corners of Los Platos Town.
Tinkatink got up early, took her sandwich and Miltank milk prepared for her by Oranguru, and headed to her "workshop."
Lucas slept a little later than Tinkatink, but he still dressed up especially today.
Not to go to class—today was Saturday, a day off as always.
He dressed formally because he was heading to Levincia City Airport to pick someone up.
He had no idea what was on Meyer's mind—to let Clemont travel with his not-quite-ten-year-old sister Bonnie, taking an international flight from neighboring Kalos.
It's said in the Pokémon world that one is an adult at ten and can receive their first starter, but these parents really are quite something.
The Houndoom vs Salazzle tribe battle was also set to take place later when the weather would be cool and the humidity high.
Serperior and Milotic had already set out, while Oranguru, who would be overseeing everything for Lucas, also dressed up in his "strategist" outfit.
"You seem rather enthusiastic today..." Lucas couldn't help but comment, eyeing Oranguru in costume with a complex expression.
Oranguru smiled and gently waved his fan, "Lightening your worries, young master, is my duty as your strategist."
"Please rest assured and leave it to me. I guarantee a great victory for your 'army' in this campaign!"
In that moment, Oranguru looked for all the world like a modern-day Zhuge Liang, full of the wisdom and composure of a true strategist.
Lucas: "..."
Cosplay really is addictive.
Still, Oranguru's appearance naturally lent itself to "strategist," "sage," or "wise man." It was hardly surprising he would be interested.
Though Lucas teased him, he nodded with genuine trust. "I'll leave it to you, then."
According to the planned contact, Lucas would spend the day in Levincia after picking up the siblings, show them around—much like Kalos's Lumiose City, Levincia was the most developed city in Paldea—and bring them back to the farm by evening.
With the Salazzle tribe's matter in capable hands, Lucas could relax.
On that thought, he called Luxray and rode Dragonite, departing the farm.
Last time he visited Kalos, Luxray hadn't come along. This time, he had to let Luxray meet Clemont's Luxio.
It promised to be an interesting encounter.
Nine o'clock in the morning.
Paldea Region, Levincia City.
With Luxray by his side and carrying a bag of bread, Lucas headed straight to Levincia International Airport.
"I remember Clemont and Bonnie's flight is Kalos Diamond Airways D0719..."
Muttering to himself as he watched the flight info scrolling across the terminal screens, he didn't notice the person who had quietly approached behind him.
But Luxray did, noticing their presence immediately but sensing no hostility, so made no move.
Suddenly his shoulder was tapped several times while Lucas was looking at the flight board. Without thinking, Lucas said, "Now that's unlike you, Luxray—"
But in the next second he realized something was off.
Luxray never called him by tapping—usually it nuzzled him with its head or made a sound.
How could it stand upright and tap his shoulder?
Casting a glance down at his side, he saw Luxray was still sitting, instead looking at something behind him.
Lucas instantly understood—he turned his head to see who it was.
Standing there was a blond man.
"...So it's you?" Lucas exclaimed in surprise.
The man before him was still dressed in immaculate chef whites, with a blue scarf perfectly tied at the chest. Lugging a suitcase that, from its look, clearly held kitchen tools.
It was none other than Kalos's Water-type Elite Four, the elegant chef, Siebold.
"It's been a while. How have you been, Lucas?" Siebold nodded gently, offering a friendly handshake.
Lucas took his hand and, smiling, asked, "Weren't you done with your training? With all your fame in Kalos, what brings the busy man to Paldea again?"
He remembered last time, the battle-banquet was essentially Siebold showcasing his culinary journey to Kalos's socialites to build fame and reputation.
Lucas had since followed the Kalos news, and sure enough, after that, Siebold's restaurant exploded in popularity.
The entire Kalos elite and fashion world scrambled for reservations. Rumor had it bookings were full till the end of next year.
Siebold should be busier than ever—what made him drop everything and come to Paldea?
"As agreed, I came to visit your farm and procure better ingredients. Is that not allowed?" Siebold teased.
Who knew Lucas would take it seriously, musing, "Well, actually, that would be totally fine."
In fact—it was perfect timing!
Siebold quickly explained, "While I know your farm's produce is top quality, this time, I do have other business in Paldea."
Lucas wasn't in any hurry. Instead, he grew more curious, "Then, could the esteemed Siebold satisfy my curiosity?"
"Of course. Having you listen to my troubles is an honor."
Siebold sighed and began explaining.
As it turned out—
It was exactly because of his restaurant's great success that he suddenly came to Paldea at the busiest time.
Straight up: Siebold pursued the merging of food and artistry—like Wallace, who chased beauty and glamour in cuisine—with near-obsessive demands on himself and his work.
Like many artists, he harbored eccentric fixations others struggled to understand.
Rather than bringing happiness, the restaurant's overwhelming success only left Siebold feeling depressed and suffocated.
The two sat together on the terminal's benches, Siebold holding Lucas's hand in the manner of a confidant pouring out his woes.
"Do you know? Every day, from the moment I open my eyes, it's endless bookings till late at night. To maintain standards, not only has my Pokémon training suffered, but I barely have time to create new dishes."
"This isn't the life I wanted or aimed for. The last few days, I just shut the restaurant and came here, hoping to seek out Mr. Kofu and get some answers."
For Siebold, Kofu was a refreshingly open and wise chef whose advice he respected. When lost, Kofu was the first elder he thought of to ask for guidance.
Lucas silently thought: As expected.
No wonder Siebold seemed changed.
He really was suffering.
On one side, bookings until next year; on the other, his own perfectionism—absolutely no compromise possible.
In the end, Siebold opted to step away, before everything collapsed, once more seeking answers abroad.
Should he compromise, or strike out with a bold change?
"You've had a hard time." Lucas patted Siebold's shoulder in sympathy.
"In times like these, seeking answers from an experienced chef like Mr. Kofu is exactly the right approach."
"I thought so as well. Thank you," Siebold smiled weakly. "Getting this off my chest really helps."
"And of course, our previous agreement still stands. Once I've settled my affairs, I hope you'll let me visit."
"In Chef Siebold's creations, your farm's world-class produce is essential. It would be wonderful to procure it."
…