Lewis was tallying Pelican Town's Fall revenue.
Thanks to the farm's steady stream of Pale Ale sales, the town's economy had finally begun to recover.
But it still wasn't enough to offer Pam and Penny a loan for a house.
Robin ran a small carpentry business—asking her to build first and collect payment later wasn't feasible. And at Pam's current bus-driving wages? Saving up would take over two years.
Lewis frowned, frustration tightening his shoulders.
Just then, Ron pushed the door open.
"Ah, Ron! Long time no see," Lewis greeted warmly, setting his ledger aside. "Trouble at the farm?"
Ron sat across from him. "No. I'm here about Penny's house."
Lewis blinked. "Ah… I wish I could help. If the town had funds, I'd have approved Penny's request for the children's education fund long ago."
"Education fund?"
"For textbooks," Lewis explained. "But things are improving. I'll order books for them soon—and maybe expand the library's collection too."
Ron leaned forward. "I have about 250,000G from Kalos and 100,000G here in Pelican Town. Could you convert the Kalos funds? Use it to build their house before winter."
Lewis froze.
Ron continued calmly. "The farm earns roughly 100,000G every three days. After rent, wages, and the recent Coop/Barn expansions, about 50,000G remains. You can take it all until the debt clears."
Fall 14 today. By Fall 24, the funds would accumulate. Robin needs three days to build. Perfect timing.
"If it's structured as a loan to Pam," Lewis mused slowly, "she'd feel more dignified. Self-reliance matters." He met Ron's gaze. "The town would deduct 80% of her wages until repaid—no interest, no deadline. Even if it takes years."
Ron hadn't considered this angle. But he nodded. Penny shouldn't feel indebted. This protects her pride.
"Also," Lewis added gently, "the farm would receive an extra ~1,200G daily from bus fares—up to 10,000G on desert-travel holidays. I've reserved 300G of Pam's wages for daily needs. With Pokémon Center meals and Penny's tutoring income? It should be more than enough."
"That works for me," Ron said.
He didn't fully grasp Lewis's deeper reasoning—but he trusted it. He handed over the funds without hesitation.
After Ron left, Lewis drafted the contract and walked to the Bus Stop. Pam deserves to hear this in person.
---
At the Bus Stop…
Pam sighed, staring through the windshield.
In her drinking days, winter never felt harsh—she'd huddle in the saloon, and even stumbling home drunk left her flushed with false warmth.
She'd seen Ron return to the farm earlier, gift box in hand. Off delivering kindness again. Her chest ached for Penny.
Then Lewis appeared, papers in hand.
"Good news, Pam." He handed her the contract. "A townsfolk arranged this loan. I'll deduct 80% of your wages until it's settled—no interest, no rush."
"Who?" Pam's eyes lit up.
"Confidential. If they wish to reveal themselves later… they will."
"I accept! I accept!" Pam signed without reading twice. "I'll find Robin right now!"
Lewis patted her shoulder. "Go. I'll cover your shift. She's likely still at the farm—ask her to start around the 24th."
Pam dashed off, joy lightening her steps.
Lewis settled into the driver's seat, watching her go.
Pelican Town is healing.
His gaze drifted toward the farm's weathered sign—steady, growing, full of quiet promise.
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