At the Ranch…
With ten new Miltank, the rancher had risen at dawn. She prayed the odd contraption Ron left would actually work as she carried hay into the barn.
In her mind, a real "Auto-Grabber" should sprout mechanical arms to milk cows automatically.
But inside—Miltank lounged peacefully, and the device sat inert.
Disappointment sank in.
Sure, Ron had miraculously delivered ten Miltank before summer—but that didn't mean his gadgets were reliable.
Just as she knelt to inspect it, doubting its worth—she froze.
Backpack storage wasn't rare in Kalos; logistics relied on such compact spaces. She recognized the small reservoir beneath the machine.
"It's… already full?!"
Rows of neatly stacked milk bottles gleamed inside. Joy surged—even 150,000G for these machines was worth it!
If not for fearing market oversupply (and crashing milk prices), she'd buy more Miltank immediately.
Ron arrived just then. She rushed out, ecstatic—and without surprise, he sold all four remaining Auto-Grabbers.
"Contact me anytime," Ron said, exchanging numbers.
"I'll recommend you to other ranchers too!" she beamed, clutching her new machines.
Ron pocketed the payment and hurried to finalize the land lease.
---
Back at the Farm…
Fall 2
Indeedee began its morning patrol, mimicking Ron's routine. At the bulletin board, it noticed the calendar—and a tiny doodle beneath today's date.
"Indeedee?"
It scratched its head, then remembered: Penny's birthday.
Gifts are customary…
After preparing Rattata's breakfast and assigning tasks, Indeedee sprinted toward Marnie's ranch—arriving before 9 a.m.
Tuesdays meant Penny picked up students for lessons. Perfect timing.
Hiding near the pasture, Indeedee spotted Marnie waiting with Jas—who cradled a Melon.
"Penny will love this," Marnie said, ruffling Jas's hair.
Jas had planted it last summer for Penny's birthday. The ranch had space for one extra vine, and Marnie watered it when Jas couldn't.
This was Jas's second year with Penny. Everyone saw how much the children grew under her care—and her fees were barely above charity.
"Morning!" Jodi arrived with Vincent, eyeing the melon. "You're giving honeydew?"
"Yep! What about you?"
"The Red Plate."
A fancy name for cabbage-radish salad.
Vincent opened his lunchbox, revealing unevenly chopped red cabbage and radish. "I made it myself!"
Jodi relaxed—both gifts held equal thoughtfulness. If Jas had given Diamonds, she'd have felt awkward. But homegrown produce? Perfect.
(If Pam hadn't found work, Marnie might've added a diamond—but now that Penny's family was gradually healing, there was no need.)
Indeedee, eavesdropping, mentally noted:
- Melon
- Red Plate
It even stole Vincent's recipe from his excited thoughts.
Just then, Penny arrived.
"Ah, Vincent, Jodi—you're here!" She reached for their hands—then spotted Jas's Melon.
"Happy Birthday, Miss Penny!" Jas beamed, presenting it. "I grew it myself this summer!"
"Mine too!" Vincent thrust forward his salad. "I made it!"
"Oh! Thank you," Penny laughed softly. "I'd forgotten it was my birthday…"
She accepted both gifts—then glanced toward the farm.
Ron had left for Kalos on Luminous Jellyfish Night. He wouldn't return today.
A pang of quiet disappointment flickered—not that she'd expected a gift… but maybe hoped.
Indeedee stiffened.
Melon: ✓
Red Plate: ✓
Ron: ?
It dashed back to the farm, mission clear.
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