Shalour City, Shalour Gym.
"So, Korrina, you're actually the granddaughter of Gym Leader Gurkinn?
He should have realized it earlier. Showing up in Shalour City while carrying a Riolu… there could only be one person.
Memories from a long-forgotten past life resurfaced. If Silas remembered correctly, Korrina had taken up quite a bit of screen time in the Kalos arc of the anime.
A hot-blooded, energetic, and endlessly passionate girl.
Though she was a little different from how he remembered her, the familiar shadow was still there.
"Come on, let's go! We still need to inform the Gym Leader. And next time, you absolutely can't sneak off to dangerous places, okay?"
After saying that, Silas raised his hand and placed it on top of Korrina's head, giving her hair a vigorous rub.
"Big brother Silas~" Korrina puffed out her cheeks and lifted her hands to smooth her tousled hair. "Seriously, why do you keep messing up my hair?"
"Hahaha! Force of habit," Silas said sheepishly. "You really remind me of my younger sister. If there's a chance, I'll introduce you to her—maybe you two will become really good friends."
"Really?" Korrina's big eyes sparkled as they blinked rapidly. Having grown up with very few playmates, her expression was filled with eager longing.
"Of course!"
Once they entered the Gym, Korrina immediately began introducing everything to Silas, her lively, joyful demeanor making the whole scene rather amusing.
"Big brother, come quickly!"
She waved from ahead. "Grandpa is battling another Trainer right now!"
When Silas stepped forward to take a look, he realized the opposing Trainer was someone he knew.
It was Siebold, the very same person he had exchanged contact information with not long ago—currently battling Korrina's grandfather, Gym Leader Gurkinn.
By the time they arrived, the match was nearing its conclusion.
Mega Lucario had been forced back by Mega Blastoise, one foot stepping outside the battlefield.
According to Gym battle rules, that counted as a loss.
What a shame—he hadn't been able to witness a full battle between two Trainers who both commanded Mega Evolution.
Silas shook his head, feeling a little regretful.
Once the battle ended, Korrina let out a delighted shout, dashed toward Gurkinn, and threw herself into his arms, acting spoiled without restraint.
She recounted everything that had happened over the past two days, fiercely condemning those detestable poachers.
Already informed of the details by Officer Jenny beforehand, Gurkinn gently stroked Korrina's head with a loving expression.
"You did the right thing this time, Korrina. But next time you encounter danger, remember to tell the adults immediately."
After calming Korrina, Gurkinn walked over to Silas and bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude.
They chatted for a while, and just as Silas was about to take his leave, Siebold stopped him.
"Teacher Silas, Shalour City will be holding its Beach Festival in three days. A lot of tourists from other regions will be coming. You could prepare some dishes and sell them during the festivities."
"So, it's finally starting?" Silas murmured to himself. He had heard about the Beach Festival long ago, and had even asked Gario about it two days earlier. The date hadn't been finalized then, so he hadn't decided whether to participate.
"Today, Gym Leader Gurkinn and I finalized the date," Siebold explained.
"I see." Silas nodded in realization. A city's Gym Leader held considerable authority—sometimes even the mayor had to heed their suggestions.
"Since you're inviting me personally, Siebold, I'll definitely take part."
"Hahaha!" Siebold laughed. "With your cooking skills, Teacher Silas, you'll definitely conquer visitors from all over. I'll reserve you a good spot."
After saying goodbye to Siebold and Korrina, Silas didn't rush to leave the city.
He first went to the Pokémon Center. Upon learning that there were no letters for him, he headed over to the seed shop.
The variety of seeds left at the ranch was still too limited; he planned to buy more.
Especially high–value crops—now was the time to start experimenting with those.
As usual, the Sunflora greeted him enthusiastically, and Silas reached out to pat it.
The shop owner turned around, recognized him at once, and greeted him warmly.
"Oh, it's you! If we count the days, the seeds I recommended last time should be ready for harvest by now."
"Thanks to you, boss, they've already been harvested—and sold at a great price!"
"Seems like you've got real potential as a ranch owner. So, what seeds are you looking to buy this time?"
After discussing things back and forth, Silas ultimately chose coffee beans.
This was a crop that could be planted in both spring and summer. It grew quickly and could be harvested repeatedly.
The coffee beans produced could be sold at a high price, whether to cafés or at agricultural markets.
Naturally, the seeds themselves were also expensive.
A small bag alone cost Silas three thousand PokéDollars.
Before returning to the ranch, Silas made a point of stopping by the Miltank Ranch to inform Sister Penny about what had happened with Korrina.
He also mentioned the Beach Festival that would be held in three days.
By the time Silas finally returned to his ranch, it was already noon.
After having a simple lunch with his Pokémon and lying down on the grass for a short nap, he waited until the sun was no longer so scorching before shouldering his hoe and heading to the newly reclaimed farmland.
The mung beans and tomatoes were still growing and didn't need attention for now.
With the help of his Pokémon, planting the roughly one-acre field went quickly.
The three Mudbray used the move Bulldoze, creating one pit after another in the soil, spacing them carefully to prevent neighboring crops from competing for nutrients.
Silas followed behind, dropping the prepared seeds into the pits, then using his hoe to backfill the soil, covering them up to keep greedy bird Pokémon from stealing them.
Kangaskhan and Minccino used the Squirtle-style watering cans to water the seeds, maintaining soil moisture to help them sprout and grow faster.
With everyone dividing the work and cooperating, efficiency more than doubled.
By the time all the coffee bean seeds were planted, only about two hours had passed.
Looking over the field ahead, Silas spoke to the Pokémon at his feet.
"Mudbray, I'll trouble you to use Rototiller one more time."
"Mud ~"
The Mudbray happily agreed. The three of them stood together and struck identical poses.
They mobilized the active Ground-type energy within their bodies, channeling it into the earth beneath their hooves.
Pale yellow ripples spread outward from the Mudbray as the center, fanning out to cover the field ahead.
This step was meant to help the seeds take root and begin developing early. With the Mudbray's help, by tomorrow morning—
The once-bare fields should show a hint of green.
"That's enough for now," Silas said, signaling the Mudbray to stop and waving at them. "Go play! Just remember to come back for dinner before it gets dark."
"Mud-mud~"
The Mudbray rubbed their bodies against Silas's leg before chasing each other off, eager to go play in the mud.
Seeing how happy his Pokémon were, a smile unconsciously spread across Silas's face.
He crouched down and picked up Minccino as it ran toward him, giving it a vigorous cuddle and a deep sniff, his face full of bliss.
Pear blossom scent today.
Kangaskhan followed closely behind, wrapping her arms around Silas and Minccino alike, holding them as gently as if cradling a baby.
"You're already a big girl, and you're still acting spoiled," Silas said helplessly as he reached up to stroke Kangaskhan's head.
Kangaskhan rubbed against his palm like a cat, eyes narrowing comfortably.
Pokémon were always so pure and adorable.
Tomorrow, he would be heading to Coumarine City.
What kind of Pokémon would arrive at the ranch next, joining them?
He really couldn't help but feel curious!
(End of Chapter)