"You know your way around here now?" Robin asked Team Rocket, glancing from a distance at Ron walking side by side toward the town center.
"If it's just finding our way back to the farm, there shouldn't be a problem," James answered carefully.
"I see. Actually, there's a small path near the Carpenter's Shop that leads back to the farm too. I'll show you that way later." As Robin spoke, she led the group to the Carpenter's Shop.
"By the way, there's a Spa over there too. You can soak in it when there's no farm work." Robin pointed toward the mountain path behind, then pushed open the door.
Since Maru wasn't particularly interested in Contest Battles, she had returned to the Carpenter's Shop early. She was currently crouching by the fireplace warming herself. Seeing the group enter, she stood up to greet them.
Watching the three flip through the furniture catalog together, Maru pushed up her glasses, her gaze landing on Meowth, who was looking up with his head tilted as Robin introduced the furniture.
Meowth was currently picking out furniture to his liking with Robin.
"I want this bed, meow." Meowth's paw pressed on one of the beds: "This one, and this sofa too."
Robin reached out and petted Meowth's head. "Alright, they should fit."
"By the way, there are expansion services available for your cabin later. If you need anything, just come find me at the Carpenter's Shop."
As Robin checked off furniture items, she promoted their services.
Meowth nodded repeatedly beside the catalog, but before he could start imagining his future life, suddenly a pair of hands reached over and picked him up.
"Meow?!!"
Meowth turned back in panic, claws ready to extend, when he saw who was holding him.
"You really can talk. Amazing." Maru said, reaching out to vigorously pet Meowth's head, "So cute. Do you eat rhubarb pie? I made some yesterday."
Meowth, who had been struggling, immediately agreed and let Maru carry him to the kitchen.
Jessie and James exchanged glances, then lowered their heads again.
Meanwhile, at Penny's house.
Penny looked incredulously at the books Ron kept pulling out of his bag.
"There's more?" Penny watched the mountain of books stacking up on the table, her eyes widening as Ron continued rummaging in his bag.
"There are quite a few bookstores in Lumiose." Ron checked inside his bag to confirm there was nothing left, then took out the final book with a smile. "And the prices were cheap, so I bought a few extra."
—
Penny was flipping through book covers and starting to stack them on the bookshelf when she turned to look at Ron: "This is a few?!"
"Well—anyway, it doesn't hurt to have them sitting there. They should last you until I go to Kalos again." Ron said, turning his head to glance at the bookshelf, "And isn't it still quite empty?"
With that, Ron picked up a stack of books, roughly scanned the bookshelf's organization, understood Penny's categorization method, and started stacking books alongside her.
Penny, who was organizing books on the shelf, paused, her gaze sweeping across the spines of those books.
With just a rough glance, she could tell these books were specifically selected by Ron.
He hadn't just brought back any random books, but had deliberately chosen ones that would interest Penny despite the different regional cultures.
Thinking of this, she pursed her lips, lowered her head, and glanced at Ron who was buried in organizing the bookshelf.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it." Ron answered almost reflexively, this reaction making Penny laugh.
Organizing the bookshelf took quite some time. By the time all the books were sorted, Pam inside the house came out carrying a plate of Powdermelon.
"Try some. This batch was planted by Penny herself." Pam placed the sliced fruit on the table, then hurried back to her room.
Understanding Pam's meaning, Penny awkwardly brushed back her hair, picked up the Powdermelon from the table, and handed it to Ron.
"Try some. Though it's not as sweet as Summer Melon, the taste is still pretty good."
"By the way, will you go to the Night Market tomorrow?" Penny asked next.
"Tomorrow? I should go. There's nothing to do at the farm in the evening anyway." Ron thought for a moment.
Penny's eyes lit up immediately, "Then let's go together tomorrow."
"Sure." Ron readily agreed.
Seeing Ron agree, Penny looked toward the birthday gift hidden in the corner as if letting out a sigh of relief.
Winter 15th—Ron's birthday.
Of course, Ron himself had almost completely forgotten about it.
Probably knowing they would see each other tomorrow, Penny, who had originally looked like she had something to say, now seemed to have received a temporary reprieve, looking relieved.
Since the Night Market was tomorrow, Ron planned to go out with Willy today to bring his boat back. So after chatting with Penny for a while, he said goodbye.
"See you tomorrow!" Penny saw him to the door, waving at Ron.
"See you tomorrow."
Watching Ron walk away, Penny turned her head and immediately saw Pam standing by the door looking at her.
"I thought you two would at least—" Pam paused, swallowed her words, sighed deeply, and walked straight toward the kitchen.
"Maybe tomorrow?" Penny closed the door, taking out the gift hidden in the corner.
"Maybe?" Pam's voice came from the kitchen.
Meanwhile, at the beach.
Willy had no interest whatsoever in the Pokémon Contest. Learning that no one would come to the Fish Shop to buy fish today, Willy simply closed up shop and sat by the dock.
Beside him was the small stove he used for long voyages, currently burning with a small fire. A small fish hung above it, being gently turned on a bamboo skewer by a Krabby.
By the fire sat a small teapot with some tea leaves Ron had given inside. It was currently boiling in the pot, tea aroma and steam rising together. The Krabby hurriedly lifted the teapot and poured a cup of strong tea into the cup by Willy's hand.
—
Willy held the teacup, took a sip of hot tea, then lifted his fishing rod and glanced at the small boat beside him.
"After the Night Market ends, how about we go out sea fishing?"
Ron had just returned, so presumably there wouldn't be any urgent need for the boat during this time.
"Kra~" The Krabby waved its claws excitedly at these words.
"Hey, tea, careful, tea."
The Krabby paused, quickly placing the small teapot held in its claws back on the stove.
Just then, Ron walked over.
"Good evening."
"Good evening." Willy returned the greeting. "Contest over? How were the results?"
"Haley won first place." Ron said, sitting down beside Willy, "Want to go out to sea with me later?"
Willy turned to look at him.
"I bought a boat. I need to go bring it back."
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