Thanks to everyone's relentless effort, the farm's pantry had grown rich—Kalos vegetables, flavor-enhancing Berries, milk, eggs.
The only downside? Cooking now consumes significant time.
During peak harvests, Ron sometimes bought instant meals from Joy to save time.
After dinner, Froakie hopped onto Ron's shoulder, nuzzling his chin.
Farmwork had been brutal. Though watering was done, harvesting still demanded hours—leaving little time for Froakie. Lately, it'd joined Rattata in bottling Pale Ale.
Ron stroked its head. "Good work."
"Froak~" Froakie rubbed against his hand, then curled up on the pillow.
Rattata finished washing up and climbed into bed.
"Night."
"Froakie."
---
Summer 21
The Pale Ale profits had fattened the farm's coffers. Ron upgraded the coop and barn to max capacity, then bought from Marnie:
- 5 calves
- 2 goats, 2 sheep
- 2 piglets
Livestock maturity timelines:
- Cattle/goats: 5 days
- Sheep: 4 days
- Pigs: 10 days
However, apart from cattle, chickens, and ducks, Ron is not yet considering large-scale breeding for others—he was waiting until he goes to Kalos again to consider expanding the roster. Pigs cost 16,000G (10× cattle) but looked like they were half the size of cows at Marnie's. Therefore, Ron wanted to observe the growth rates of the livestock in Kalos. If they were consistent with the growth rates in Pelican Town, he'd buy them then raise them in Kalos—but security would be critical to prevent theft.
He glanced at Shane tending to the chicks and ducklings, then returned to harvesting Hops.
Seven more days until the harvest ended.
Autumn would see him shift his focus on leasing Kalos land and building a processing plant. No more labor-intensive crops—this summer's hops stockpile would last until next year. He only needed to ensure that the brewery was staffed with Rattata.
As Ron finished harvesting, Abigail burst in with a vial of pale gas.
"Look! Ectoplasm!" she beamed, handing it over.
Ron confirmed it with his Pokédex.
"I chased that ghost for days!" Abigail grinned.
Ectoplasm-dropping ghosts lurked on Floors 61–69—icy levels requiring winter gear. After five days of hunting, she'd finally bagged one.
"Good job," Ron said, scanning Gengar beside her.
Intense mining had leveled Gengar to 40—the farm's highest.
"You can rest today. Help with harvesting Hops for the next few days," Ron said. "On the 28th, we'll go to Kalos together."
He calculated her wages. Though unfamiliar with Kalos living costs, he knew basics from market visits. "Here's 30,000G upfront. I'll build a factory there—if you need funds, find me."
Kalos Pokémon Centers offered free lodging, and Abigail could rough it outdoors. This sum would cover two months; by then, his factory would fund her adventures.
Abigail barely cared about money. "We're going in seven days?!" She hugged Gengar. "Amber! Our adventure starts soon!"
"Gengar!!!"
Froakie, perched on Ron's shoulder, watched wistfully.
Ron patted it. "Don't worry—we'll go after I wrap things up."
"Froakie~"
After Abigail left, Ron headed to the Wizard's Tower with Ectoplasm and Indeedee.
Indeedee, sensing Ron's intent without words, abandoned chick and duckling-duty and trotted over.
"I'll pick you up in three days," Ron told it.
The Wizard likely wouldn't cook well, so Ron packed veggies and instant meals to prevent starvation.
Unlike Ron's parental fuss, Indeedee remained calm—already planning to care for the "human called Wizard" during its stay.
At the tower, the door opened before Ron knocked.
"Put Ectoplasm on the table. Leave Indeedee. Go," the Wizard said, back turned, stirring a cauldron. "I'll return it in three days."
No rudeness—just urgency. The Green Rain had revealed something; he was racing to test potions.
Ron set down the supplies, patted Indeedee, and left.
"Indeedee?" Indeedee called.
"Wait—"
Before the Wizard finished, Indeedee levitated the food to the dusty second-floor kitchen.
"Indeedee."
Pots and pans began scrubbing themselves under psychic command.
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