"Gardevoir's condition is excellent; you can be discharged at any time," Nurse Joy said.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy, you worked hard," Ange said gratefully.
Nurse Joy shook her head, "You are the one who worked hard, staying here all night."
After chatting with Nurse Joy for a few moments, Ange got up and went to the birthing room.
In the birthing room, Gardevoir and Kirlia were sound asleep. Kirlia held the Incubator containing the Pokémon Egg tightly, looking completely at ease.
Ange did not wake them, but quietly retreated from the birthing room.
After exiting, he instructed Honchkrow, "Honchkrow, please watch Gardevoir and Kirlia for me. I am going out to buy a few things."
Honchkrow nodded slightly.
Ange planned to go to the same Pokémon Supply Store again to buy some Pokéblocks for Gardevoir.
Nurse Joy had mentioned that Gardevoir needed ample nutrition for a while. Seeing that they would not likely come to his shop to eat, he decided to buy some Pokéblocks for them to take back.
When Ange returned to the Pokémon Center, Gardevoir and Kirlia had already woken up.
***
Meanwhile, in Eliphas Park.
The area where Ange had previously set up his stall was already crowded with customers. They were all there to buy mantou and buns, including Princess Lila and Fiona.
Of course, their purpose for coming was not just to buy buns and mantou.
"What's wrong with the young boss today? Why is he still not here?" Someone checked the time, growing a little impatient from the wait.
"Exactly! I came early in the morning just to buy the bun and mantou!"
"Could the young boss not be coming today?" Someone guessed.
"No way! Don't say that! Without the young boss's bun and mantou, I probably won't have any energy all day."
"Me too! Me too! I'm counting on the young boss's bun and mantou to sustain me!"
***
As the sun rose higher and Ange still had not appeared, some customers who were rushing to work could not wait any longer and left.
"Oh dear, there goes today's happiness. Growlithe, let's go home too."
A grandfather who had waited a long time for Ange left, sighing, with his Growlithe.
"Your Highness, what should we do? Will the boss not come today?" Fiona asked.
Lila was also anxious, but what good was being anxious?
***
Ange finished tidying up for Gardevoir and Kirlia, planning to take them home.
However, as they walked out of the Pokémon Center, they passed two Trainers.
"Guess who I saw at Eliphas Park today?" one Trainer said.
"Who? Being so mysterious. Did you see the Princess?" The other did not take his companion's words seriously.
"Huh? How did you know?" The first Trainer was surprised.
"What?! You really saw her? Princess Lila?" The second Trainer was so surprised he jumped up.
"Of course it's true! Why would I lie to you about something like that?"
"Why did Princess Lila run off to Eliphas Park so early in the morning? Why didn't you call me? I wanted to see the Princess too!"
"Hehe, I was so excited then that I forgot about you. I heard that a very popular stall has appeared in Eliphas Park recently, supposedly selling incredibly delicious food!"
"You're so disloyal! When we get back, let's go check out that stall too. I'm really looking forward to trying the same food the Princess likes."
"Together, let's go together."
When Ange heard the words "Eliphas Park," he instinctively paused. Unexpectedly, he overheard this conversation.
Princess Lila? Is that the Princess of the Azoth Royal Family? And that stall, they wouldn't be talking about mine, right?
Ange thought to himself as he guided Gardevoir, Kirlia, Komala, and the Pokémon Egg onto Honchkrow's back.
"Hon~"
Honchkrow cried out. It flapped its wings, soaring into the sky, and instantly flew out of the Azoth Royal Capital.
Soon, Ange successfully returned home.
"Hon~"
As Honchkrow's cry sounded, Diancie, Munchlax, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught rushed out, all looking anxious.
Seeing that it was truly Ange returning, Munchlax was exceptionally excited. It jumped up and down below, waving its hands vigorously at Ange.
After Ange landed, it was the first to rush over, plunging into Ange's arms.
"Munch~ Munch~ Master, I missed you so much!"
Ange stroked its head, "Only one night apart and you missed me this much!"
"Munch~ Munch~" Yep~~
Munchlax nodded. It was straightforward and never stinted on expressing its feelings.
At that moment, it noticed the Pokémon Egg Kirlia was holding. So, it curiously poked its head out to look.
Seeing this, Ange introduced, "That is Gardevoir's baby. It won't be long before a Ralts hatches from inside."
"Munch~"
Munchlax extended a hand, wanting to touch the newborn baby. Kirlia was generous, actively moving the baby closer to Munchlax.
"Munch~ Munch~"
As soon as Munchlax touched the Incubator's casing, it quickly pulled its hand back, looking afraid of hurting the baby.
Ange did not know whether to laugh or cry, "The baby is protected by the Incubator; it won't be easily harmed."
"Munch?"
Munchlax finally felt relieved and leaned in, touching the baby repeatedly through the Incubator.
Diancie stepped forward and asked, "How did it go? Was it smooth?"
Ange nodded, "Gardevoir and the baby are both safe."
Hearing this, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught all sighed in relief.
"Human gentleman, thank you. We will not forget this kindness," Delphox said. (Ignoring Diancie's translation process.)
Ange said, "You can call me Ange, that's my name. I am very happy to help you all and I do not seek your gratitude."
The three Pokémon, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught, nodded but said no more.
Ange added, "Gardevoir needs rest after giving birth. Take her back with you."
Delphox nodded. It walked to Gardevoir's side and helped support her.
Then, Ange took out the Pokéblocks he had bought and handed them to Kirlia. "Nurse Joy said Gardevoir needs nutritional supplements. Take these back. By the time they are finished, Gardevoir should be almost recovered."
Kirlia had not expected Ange to be so thoughtful. A warm feeling surged in its heart.
"Kir~ Kir~"
It expressed its gratitude to Ange. Its emotion-sensing organ on its head could clearly perceive Ange's sincerity.
Delphox and the others also did not expect Ange to go to such lengths for Gardevoir. They exchanged glances, then each took an item from their bodies and presented it to Ange.
Delphox's fur could be used to make Technical Machines.
Greninja's mucus could be used to make Technical Machines.
Chesnaught's spikes could be used to make Technical Machines.
Looking at the three items before him, Ange's Eye of Observation immediately gave him a hint.
"Are these all for me?" Ange asked the three Pokémon.
The three Pokémon nodded simultaneously.
"Then I'll accept them generously," Ange took their gifts openly.
What a pity. The Technical Machine manufacturing device had returned to its original price after Ange's beginner phase ended. Ange did not buy it then, and now he could no longer afford it.
Sigh~
After giving their gifts, the three Pokémon, Delphox, Greninja, and Chesnaught, left with Honchkrow, Gardevoir, Kirlia, and the newborn baby.
Not long after they left, it was about time for the Pokémon to come for their meal. Ange's shop soon became lively.
Seeing that Ange was home this morning, the Pokémon enthusiastically gathered around him, greeting him and playing with him.
Since it was so late today, Ange did not plan to set up his stall in the Azoth Royal Capital. So, he went into the kitchen to work with Munchlax.
Munchlax felt it had been a long time since it had worked with its Master. It was as happy as a little bird, bustling back and forth in the kitchen, unable to stop for a moment.
After the breakfast hour ended, the Pokémon gradually left. Victreebel's family of five stayed behind to help Ange clean. Their Vine Whip was incredibly flexible. Whether wiping tables, sweeping the floor, washing dishes, or moving things, they could easily accomplish it. Thus, Ange's cleaning problem was quickly solved.
Ange gratefully thanked the family of five, "Victreebel, you were a huge help. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't know how long we'd be busy."
"Bell~ Bell~~" You're welcome, you're welcome.
Bellsprout said, wiggling around.
"Come visit us anytime," Ange said, standing on the steps and waving as he saw the family of five out the door.
After the Victreebel family disappeared from sight, Ange was turning to go back inside when he suddenly realized Komala was missing again. So, he turned his head to Diancie beside him and asked,
"Where's Komala?"
Diancie shook her head, "I don't know. Did it go to drink with its drinking buddy?"
Ange thought that was quite possible. No wonder it had put away the remaining half bottle of wine last night. "I wonder who its drinking buddy is," he shook his head helplessly.
***
At noon, Ange carried a pile of lotus roots to deliver lunch to Barboach and Whiscash.
The lotus roots currently stored in Ange's house were Barboach's and Whiscash's property. Diancie came daily to deliver lunch and dinner to the brothers as promised.
Since Ange did not go out to set up his stall today, he helped deliver the meal.
Upon reaching the pond, Ange called out to the water surface twice, "Barboach? Whiscash? It's lunch time."
He waited for a long time but did not see the two brothers emerge.
That's strange. Are they not home?
Thinking this, Ange reached his hand into the water and swished it around a couple of times.
"Barboach? Whiscash?"
Circles of ripples spread out, making the newly grown lotus leaves sway back and forth.
They're really not here?
"Dugtrio~"
"Dugtrio~"
At that moment, Dugtrio poked their heads out from the nearby vegetable garden.
The three brothers had now settled in Ange's vegetable garden. They were usually responsible for tilling the soil, weeding, and fertilizing in the garden.
Furthermore, they were very sensitive to the soil's moisture level. They knew immediately which vegetables needed watering, and they would ask Barboach and Whiscash from the pond to help water them.
It was precisely because of the brothers' presence that Ange's vegetable garden grew more and more robustly.
Similarly, Ange would share the harvest from the vegetable garden with the brothers. Now, the brothers had secured a stable livelihood and had no worries about food or clothing.
"Dugtrio, are Barboach and Wishcash not at home?" Ange asked.
"Dugtrio~" Don't know.
"Dugtrio~" Don't know.
The two Dugtrio shook their heads repeatedly.
Ange sighed, "Alright, I'll give you their lunch. Could you tell them when they get back?"
"Dugtrio~" No problem.
"Dugtrio~" Sure thing.
The two Dugtrio nodded.
"Woop~"
"Woop~"
Just as Ange was about to turn and leave, two small heads popped out of the pond. They were two small Wooper, no bigger than the size of a palm.
Just as Ange was wondering where the Wooper came from, Barboach and Whiscash also emerged from the water. Whiscash's massive head happened to lift the two Wooper up.
"Woop~"
"Woop~"
The two Wooper immediately started playing on Whiscash's back, treating it like a slide, happily.
"Whiscash, Barboach, are these two Wooper your friends?" Ange asked curiously.
Barboach and Whiscash nodded.
To be precise, Wooper was Barboach's new friend, so the two brothers invited Wooper over to play.
Ange nodded. Looking at the lively and cute little Wooper, his heart nearly melted.
Wooper's dull, adorable appearance was truly heartwarming.
If the two Wooper could also settle in my pond, that would be great. Wooper's evolution, Quagsire, had a very strong water purification ability.
However, Ange did not push it. He would let the Wooper decide. If they wanted to stay, they could stay.
"Oh right, I brought your lunch. Remember to eat," Ange reminded them.
Barboach and Whiscash nodded.
After some thought, Ange went to the vegetable garden, picked two cucumbers and two tomatoes, and placed them on the grass by the shore. He said to Barboach and Whiscash, "These are welcoming gifts for Wooper."
With that, he walked away.
As soon as Ange left, the two Wooper slowly crawled up to the shore.
"Woop~ Woop~"
One of the Wooper struggled to hug a tomato bigger than its head, asking Barboach, What is this?
"Barb~ Barb~" It's delicious! You guys hurry and eat!
Barboach looked at its friends with envy. It also wanted to eat the sweet and sour tomatoes.
The two Wooper hesitated for a moment, then opened their tiny mouths and took a light bite. Instantly, rich and delicious juice filled their mouths.
(≧≦*) What is this flavor? It's too delicious!
The two Wooper instantly fell in love with the taste of tomatoes.
Seeing its friend staring at the tomato non-stop, one of the Wooper flicked its tail, instantly slicing the other tomato in half. It then pushed the halves towards Barboach and Whiscash, respectively.
(*:`:*) Barboach and Whiscash immediately swam to the shore and happily began to eat.
Delicious! Delicious! So delicious!
The two Wooper were small. One tomato was enough to make their little bellies bulge. So, they decided to save the two cucumbers for dinner.
Of course, they would not forget their friends.