On February 3rd of League Calendar Year 198, the weather was clear and pleasant, with a gentle breeze and warm sunshine.
After finishing breakfast, Silas changed into a set of khaki work clothes. Beside him, Kangaskhan was holding several large baskets used for carrying things.
Today was the day to harvest strawberries.
In front of the cabin, Minccino, Cyclizar, Mudbray, and the others were already waiting, fully prepared.
Silas stepped forward and patted each of them in turn, his expression filled with satisfaction.
Raising his left hand and pointing ahead, he declared, "Let's go, let's go!"
Just at that moment, before Silas even stepped down from the porch or passed through the ranch gate—
A bright, excited youthful voice rang out from outside the ranch.
From afar, Korrina could be seen clinging to the fence, waving at him enthusiastically with all her strength. At her feet, a blue puppy calmly swept its gaze around, carefully observing the surroundings for any potential danger.
Korrina lowered her head and comforted it softly. "Riolu, don't worry. Big Brother Silas's ranch won't be dangerous."
Ever since their last encounter with poachers, Riolu had been like this—on constant alert, wary of everything.
"Lu!" Riolu responded, then looked toward the inside of the ranch. Several terrifyingly strong Pokémon presences were approaching from that direction, causing its small body to stiffen and tense up involuntarily.
Unable to help it, Riolu thought to itself, So strong… not weaker than Master.
Riolu's master was none other than the Gym Leader of Shalour City, Korrina's grandfather, whose main Pokémon was Lucario—a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution.
"Big Brother Silas, we came to see you!"
When she saw Silas approach, Korrina waved happily, about to climb over the fence.
Silas quickly took a few steps forward to stop her. "Don't rush, don't rush—be careful not to fall. Go around to the side, I'll open the gate for you."
"Okay!" Korrina cheerfully pulled her leg back, led Riolu over to the ranch gate, and waited obediently for Silas to open it.
Shaking his head, Silas couldn't help but think that this little girl seemed to have endless energy. With her around today, he was definitely going to be kept busy.
The moment the gate opened just a crack, Korrina slipped inside like a loach, lifting both hands to scoop Minccino straight into her arms.
She gave it two firm, enthusiastic rubs, then rested her head against Minccino's little belly. "Minccino, did you miss me? I missed you so much!"
"Min!"
Minccino affectionately rubbed cheeks with her in response, clearly showing its fondness.
The two of them were already good friends.
Behind them, Silas called Riolu in as well and loosely closed the ranch gate.
When they returned to the front, Korrina noticed the farm tools prepared nearby, and her eyes instantly lit up.
"Big Brother Silas, are you going to do farm work? Can I help too?" Korrina raised her small hand and flexed her arm, showing off a bit of muscle. "I'm really capable!"
"Farm work is very tiring and hard," Silas raised an eyebrow, reminding her.
"I'm not afraid!" Korrina said excitedly, full of eagerness, her whole body brimming with vitality. "And Riolu will be with me, so I won't get tired."
Having grown up in Shalour City, Korrina had never done farm work before. Coupled with a child's excitement at experiencing something new, just watching her gave off an overwhelming sense of liveliness.
Seeing this, Silas stopped trying to dissuade her and went into the cabin to fetch a smaller basket and a pair of gloves for Korrina to put on.
Thus, today's strawberry-picking team expanded even further.
When they arrived beside the strawberry field, Korrina exclaimed excitedly, "We're picking strawberries today!"
"That's right!"
Silas raised his hand and pointed, beginning to assign tasks. "Korrina, you and Minccino start picking from over there. Choose strawberries that are bright red, plump, and glossy on the surface."
Korrina twisted her fingers together, her small hands fidgeting as she lowered her voice. "Big Brother Silas, I don't know how…"
Silas: "..."
"Look, these that are half red and half green can't be picked yet. They need another two days."
He brushed aside the leaves, revealing the strawberries hidden underneath. "These are just right. When you're picking, make sure to move the leaves aside and take a look—don't miss any."
After explaining the precautions for picking, Silas personally demonstrated as well.
"Now, does everyone understand?"
Raising her hand high, Korrina bounced eagerly. "I understand, I understand! Can we start now, Big Brother Silas?"
"Min!"
"Kang~"
"Cyc!"
"Mud~"
"Noi!"
"Smo!"
Even Smoliv ran over to join the fun, wanting to participate.
Silas picked up the little one and placed it on his shoulder, tapping it lightly with a finger. "You there—you're still too small!"
"How about staying with me and helping me look for strawberries hiding under the leaves?"
Smoliv was only palm-sized and didn't even have hands—picking strawberries would be asking too much of it.
"Smo!"
Smoliv looked a little disappointed at first, but after hearing Silas's arrangement, it nodded vigorously.
It would definitely not let a single ripe strawberry slip by.
"Alright then, everyone—let's get moving!"
As Silas gave the signal, Korrina rushed into the strawberry field together with Riolu and Minccino.
From time to time, excited cries rang out as she held up the strawberries she found high in the air.
Her little face was flushed red with excitement.
Silas glanced up at the sky. The sun wasn't too harsh yet—this was the best time to pick strawberries.
With the temperature lower, the harvested strawberries would be crisper and sweeter.
Leading the Pokémon, Silas also stepped into the strawberry field.
Thus began the day's harvest work.
Since this was his first time growing strawberries, Silas held great expectations.
Before long, the baskets were piled high with bright red strawberries.
Thankfully, he had bought a refrigerator in advance. Freezing the strawberries right away would preserve their texture to the greatest extent, while also preventing them from softening or rotting.
Time passed quickly during the harvest. When noon arrived, Silas called for everyone to stop.
Only a small portion remained—there was no harm in picking it in the evening instead. There was no need to work under the blazing sun.
Taking honey water from the refrigerator and distributing it to the Pokémon, Silas walked over to Korrina and noticed strawberry seeds stuck at the corner of her mouth.
"Did you two eat your fill?"
"Burp—" Korrina couldn't help letting out a burp. She quickly covered her mouth and shook her head. "No, we didn't sneak any food!"
Catching Minccino as it reached out for a hug, Silas couldn't resist flicking its little belly.
These two little ones hadn't done much work, yet they had eaten themselves round in the field.
Freshly picked strawberries—just wiped off and straight into their mouths.
Noticing Silas's gaze, Korrina guiltily lowered her head and raised both hands, gesturing. "We only ate… a tiny bit."
Silas smiled helplessly. Well, eating was eating—it wasn't like that little amount mattered, as long as nothing went to waste.
Lunch was even simpler. Silas specially prepared a pan-seared meat cutlet for Riolu.
After eating it, Riolu could be seen swinging its small fists with surprising form, the air bursting with sharp popping sounds.
"This is…?" Silas asked.
Beside him, Korrina—holding a Burger King hamburger—swallowed her last bite and exclaimed in surprise, "Close Combat! Riolu, you finally learned it!"
"Lu!"
Riolu clenched its small fists, its heart surging with excitement.
Having mastered a new move meant it could protect its Trainer even better.
Once they got back, it could ask Master to teach it the power of Aura. It would become even stronger—so that no one would ever be able to hurt Korrina again.
(End of Chapter)