"For example, the cream this little guy makes is vanilla-flavored, and over there is the Alcremie that can create milky caramel-flavored cream!"
Hearing this made Naoki hungry.
After taking a stroll, the two of them returned to the front desk.
The elderly man took a price list out of the drawer and said, "See what kind of animals and Pokemon you want to buy?"
Naoki looked down and saw that the price for each Pokemon was clearly marked.
Regular animals: Rooster 600, Hen 800, Duck 800
Pokemon: Combee 2500, Smoliv 2500, Alcremie 2600, Noibat 3000, Wooloo 10000, Miltank 20000, Nacli 10000
Feed: Chicken feed 50/portion, Cow and sheep feed 100/portion, Sweet feed 100/portion, Salty feed 100/portion
Looking at the prices, Naoki asked, "About how much is in a portion of feed?"
"About two kilograms. This feed is made using berries, edible salt, flour, eggs, and other ingredients, with one portion enough to feed a Pokemon for half a month."
The elderly man looked down at the content and introduced each one:
"Chicken feed is made from cornmeal mixed with grains, and one portion lasts for a month, while cow and sheep feed is dry hay. The Miltank and Wooloo don't eat much, so one portion lasts about half a month."
"As for Combee and Noibat, they don't need you to provide food. As long as you give them a place to stay, they'll find food themselves. Noibat will bring back various fruits and berries for you."
"It's different for Combee. They live in beehives, and you need a flower field on the ranch to keep them."
"Once you have a flower field, they'll collect nectar daily and bring it back to the hive to make Honey."
Naoki nodded, understanding in his heart.
"I currently have about fourteen thousand five hundred left in savings, which can buy ten hens and one rooster."
Naoki originally planned like this, saving the rest for buying groceries.
But now, looking at those Pokemon, he decided to alter his plan.
Reducing the number of hens, he first purchased one Alcremie and one Smoliv.
Alcremie can produce cream, which helps him make Green Grass Cakes.
And Smoliv can produce olive oil, saving him money on buying oil.
This way, he's left with 9400.
"Hmm, then I'll buy three hens and one rooster, plus four portions of chicken feed and three portions of sweet feed should be enough."
The remaining money is for any unexpected needs.
Thinking of this, Naoki made his decision: "I'll buy three hens and one rooster, one Alcremie and one Smoliv."
The elderly man nodded with a smile, "Alright, I'll have someone help deliver these to your ranch later."
Naoki: "The location is..."
He was about to give the detailed location of the ranch, but the elderly man shook his head, "No need, I know the place."
Naoki was a bit surprised, "Oh?"
A reminiscent smile appeared on the elderly man's face, "I was friends with your grandfather. When he was alive, I often visited him there. I even held you when you were little, though you probably don't remember now."
"I see!" Naoki realized.
At this point, the elderly man squatted down, rummaging in the counter for a while before finally taking out a clear glass jar.
He handed over the glass jar, "This is Rock Salt produced by the Garganacl, take it back and give it a try!"
Naoki looked at the glass jar.
Inside was a jar full of delicate, pink-colored salt grains.
[Purifying Salt: A top-quality seasoning produced by the Garganacl's fingertips, rich in minerals and trace elements, possessing magical wound-healing powers.
The Garganacl sprinkles it on injured Pokemon, and in an instant, the Pokemon's injuries heal.
As a result, many Pokemon gather around the Garganacl to lick its mineral-rich salt.
A very precious seasoning, it sells for a high price, adding special effects of "Stamina Recovery" to dishes.]
"This... is too valuable."
Naoki instinctively shook his head.
But the elderly man said peacefully, "It's alright, consider it a gift to celebrate the reopening of the ranch. Your grandfather passed away early, and since I was good friends with him, taking care of you is the least I can do."
The elderly man's attitude was resolute.
At a time like this, refusing would be inappropriate.
Naoki nodded and sincerely thanked him.
Only then did a smile appear on the elderly man's face, "Naoki, right? Your grandfather would surely want to see the ranch return to its former glory, so keep it up! If you have any questions, feel free to come find me here."
Naoki agreed, bid farewell to the elderly man, then turned and left the shop, riding Koraidon back to the ranch.
Soon after, a round-faced girl, about sixteen years old, with pigtails and a few freckles on her face, arrived at the ranch driving a cargo-laden tricycle.
Seeing Naoki waiting there, she hesitantly asked, "Are you the new rancher my grandpa mentioned, Mr. Naoki?"
Naoki nodded slightly, "That's me."
The girl breathed a sigh of relief, parked the tricycle on the grass, then gently clapped her hands, revealing two small, cute Pokemon from the box.
On the left was a Pokemon with a body of pale pink, covered in sweet cream, with two items on its head resembling strawberries.