"..." The man had just been about to speak, but thinking it over carefully, he realized that aside from the Pokemon battle, the other guy had actually been quite polite, and he really did take good care of Pokemon.
Judging from how the Pokemon at that ranch acted around him, they all seemed to like him. Just from that alone, the man could tell the other party wasn't a bad person.
Seeing her husband's expression, the woman immediately understood.
She asked with a laugh, "Don't tell me you lost to him?"
Man: "..."
He gritted his teeth, furious. "That's why I'm saying that kid has no manners! He beat my six Pokemon with just one Pokemon!!!"
The woman couldn't help but snort with laughter. "You were the one who insisted on challenging him."
"And you're laughing!"
"Alright, alright!" The woman gently soothed her husband. "From the way you're acting, his character doesn't sound bad at all."
"Originally I thought, even if he wasn't some strong Trainer, it wouldn't matter—so long as he could take good care of our daughter, that would be enough."
"But looking at it now, not only can he take care of Lono, he's also a very outstanding Trainer. That's something we should be happy about!"
"Besides, you didn't reveal your identity when you went, did you?"
Man: "..."
Thinking about how he'd even boasted that he wanted to challenge that kid's stronger Pokemon, the man felt incredibly embarrassed.
It's over,
"Don't say another word, I need some time alone."
He lay down on the sofa, closed his eyes, and played dead.
Seeing her husband like this, the woman couldn't help but feel a bit curious about that young man named Naoki.
She also wanted to go and see what kind of person he was.
But with the New Year almost here, she was afraid she wouldn't have the time.
"Forget it, I'll just wait until spring to pay him a visit."
The woman made up her mind.
When next spring came and the flowers were blooming, she would bring some gifts and pretend to be a lost tourist to visit that ranch.
*
Time slipped by quietly, and in the blink of an eye, the last day of League Calendar Year 200 arrived.
Early that morning, Naoki Ranch started its New Year preparations.
This was Naoki's third year in this world, and also the third year since he met Cyclizar and the others.
Once this New Year passed, it would be their fourth year together.
Thinking about it was a little emotional. Without him noticing, that once-abandoned ranch had completely changed its appearance.
And so many Pokemon had come here to live.
While getting the New Year's Eve dinner ready at home, Naoki couldn't help but look around.
The Indeedee Sibling were decorating the house with streamers and lights, getting it ready for more of a New Year's atmosphere.
Ogerpon was leaning on the windowsill watching the snow, those starry eyes filled with the light of happiness.
Cyclizar was in front of the fireplace arranging its toys and scarves—those were all things Naoki had bought for it. Cyclizar had put them together in their own storage box.
Koraidon kept "causing trouble" next to Cyclizar, looking like it was very jealous of Cyclizar having so many toys.
But it had a lot of toys of its own too… Wasn't this what they called wanting what's in someone else's bowl while eating from your own? Naoki couldn't help silently complaining.
Pawmot was eating macadamias and chestnuts together with its parents, all prepared by Naoki.
Since it was New Year's, so the whole family could be together, Naoki had specially gone to the World Tree to bring Pawmot's parents over.
There were Eevee growls coming from upstairs; it had to be the Eevee playing around up there.
Dragonite and Dratini were sitting on the floor, happily munching on the fried little dried fish Naoki had given them.
And Calyrex was still sitting on the sofa playing on its phone.
The once-famous King of Galar had completely turned into the King of Phones now.
Looking at this scene of Pokemon playing happily, Naoki couldn't help but show a faint smile.
Just then, the town's mailman, Allen, arrived at the ranch.
"Naoki, you've got mail! They're New Year's blessings from everyone in town!"
Allen was as energetic as ever.
"Thanks for the trouble!" Naoki took the letters from his hands with a smile. After they exchanged New Year's greetings, Allen left to deliver mail to the other ranches.
Opening the envelopes, he found that most of the contents were New Year's blessings from the townsfolk.
There were also notices from some shops about new stock arriving—they said that next year they'd have new crops and new flower seeds, and that if Naoki Ranch needed any, he could come by the shop to buy them.