Feebas didn't understand it herself. How could she, habitually silent and withdrawn, make such an active, pleading request? She lightly bit her cherry-red lower lip, the fair skin of her face inexplicably warming with a rosy hue.
In that moment, the emotionless girl could feel it clearly—a small, quiet flame had been kindled, slowly melting the permafrost around her heart. It was a subtle but undeniable warmth.
"Master… is it… permissible?"
When no immediate answer came, a strange, hollow feeling bloomed in her chest. Unconsciously, she leaned closer, nuzzling her head against the solid plane of the Trainer's chest like a kitten seeking comfort. Her voice, usually a flat monotone, lifted at the edges in a tentative, delicate plea.
"Alright. A little longer, then."
Though puzzled by her sudden shift, Wade found her earnest attempt at charm endearing. He ruffled her fine, light-brown hair before retrieving the washcloth to resume his ministrations.
It had to be said, as a Water-type Pokémon Girl, Feebas possessed remarkable stamina. Nearly an hour in, she showed no signs of fatigue.
"Wait. Open your legs a bit."
Glancing down, Wade noticed a telltale dampness glistening on the inner slopes of her thighs. He halted her half-hearted attempt to reach for her clothes.
"When did this happen? It needs to be dried properly." He took the freshly rinsed cloth from the wall hook and began to dab the sensitive area with gentle, absorbent presses.
"Mmm… nngh…"
The combination of the soft terry cloth and the sure pressure of his hand proved too much. Feebas went utterly boneless in his arms again, a soft whimper escaping her. She arched the plush curves of her buttocks subtly, offering that damp, vulnerable space more fully to his care.
After ensuring Feebas was properly dried and settled, Wade retreated to his room. The pleasures of the bath were one thing, but the farm's future demanded his focus.
Alliance Calendar 2075, October 14th – Hiyori Town Farm Ledger
Income: Raw Milk Supply Contract Advance – 1,500,000 ₱
Expenditure: None
Project Progress: Planning Phase
Farm Liquidity: 1,670,000 ₱
The afternoon's contract with Jiayuan Consolidated was a solid start. He was committed to supplying 100 tons of Miltank raw milk over six months and had already received a sizable advance. The sight of the league coin stacks on his desk and the healthy bank balance was deeply satisfying.
"But this is just raw material revenue," he murmured, twirling a pen. "The real value is in the finished product."
He had the prime ingredient—Miltank milk of unparalleled quality, thanks to the [Juicy] trait. He had the management talent—Olivia, a future corporate queen, was now tentatively on his roster. The vision was clear: a dedicated processing plant, their own brand, capturing the full value chain.
The hurdles, however, remained: site selection, specialized equipment, hiring technicians, and establishing distribution channels. Wade listed each challenge methodically. His past-life business experience was an asset, but the Pokémon world had its own commercial ecology. He needed a local consultant.
A specific, cheerful face came to mind.
"Good evening, Big Brother Wade~!"
After a few rings, a bright, energetic voice chimed through the receiver.
"Oh? You want to launch your own branded Moomoo Milk? That's amazing!"
After listening to his outline, Akane's initial surprise quickly turned into enthusiastic pride. "You've absolutely called the right person!"
Unlike Wade, who had inherited the farm, Akane was a true ranch girl, raised from childhood on her grandfather Howard's famed Goldenrod Ranch. She knew this business inside and out.
She launched into a spirited explanation: While all Moomoo Milk came from Miltank, the raw product was just the beginning. It required pasteurization, homogenization, and packaging. To legally sell it, a producer had to navigate the Pokémon League's regulatory gauntlet—environmental impact reviews, hygiene certifications, and ingredient labeling approvals.
"Lots of big ranches do it!" she chirped. "They process and sell on-site under their own labels. The most famous is probably 'Asagi Brand' from Olivine City in Johto."
"For your plant location," she continued, her tone turning practical, "build it close to the farm. It simplifies logistics, and you're on familiar land. To get your sales permit, you file the application with the local Officer Jenny and the Gym Leader. The League will dispatch an inspector. Pass the review, and the license is yours!"
"As for the processing equipment, buying new is best, but... it's really expensive," Akane said, her voice dipping. "The set Grandpa bought a few years back cost nearly three million."
"Three million?"
Wade felt his jaw tighten. At that price, he'd have to sell the farm itself—
"Mhm, that's the market," Akane confirmed, then fell silent, clearly racking her brain for a solution. Suddenly, she perked up. "Wait! I've got it!"
"Hmm?"
"You could buy second-hand! That would slash the cost!" Her words began tumbling out in an excited rush. "I remember now! There's a processing plant here in Goldenrod City that's offloading a whole line of used equipment. The price should be a fraction of new. Sure, shipping from Johto to Sinnoh isn't cheap, but if we go through Lapras Logistics, it'd get there in under a week!" Her voice brimmed with cheerful confidence. "If you're interested, Big Brother Wade, I can handle the whole thing for you!"
As Goldenrod City's Gym Leader, overseeing such a local transaction was well within her purview. For her, it was a simple favor.
"Akane, that would be a massive help. Thank you, truly."
A genuine wave of relief washed over Wade. One of his biggest hurdles—the prohibitive cost of equipment—now had a viable path forward.
"Hehe~ I'm just glad I can help!" Akane's laughter was bright, her smile blooming across her face.
After ironing out the details with the energetic Gym Leader, Wade made two more crucial calls. First, to the Mayor of Hiyori Town, to formally discuss leasing a suitable site for his processing plant and a future retail storefront. Then, to Uncle Yoshino, his procurement liaison.
Upon hearing Wade's ambition to create a branded product, the older man's response was immediate and generous. "Leave the transportation to me!" he boomed, promising to handle all logistics at a "friends-and-family rate" to be settled later.
Wade's Projected Startup Costs:
Hiyori Town Factory & Storefront (Annual Lease): 600,000 ₱
Second-hand Processing Line (Goldenrod City): ~1,000,000 ₱
Total Initial Outlay: ~1,600,000 ₱
Setting his pen down, Wade let out a long, weary sigh. The hefty advance from Jiayuan Consolidated was about to vanish almost as quickly as it had arrived.
Yet, the frustration was tempered by foresight. This wasn't spending; it was strategic investment. The foundation for true, lasting value was being laid.
Now, it was a waiting game. Wait for the equipment to arrive and be installed. Recruit a skeleton crew. Forge sales agreements with local grocers in Hiyori Town and the neighboring En City. Step by step, his farm's own fresh milk brand would become a reality.
"Little Master? Dinner is served."
A soft knock and Mienshao's mellifluous voice pulled him from his schematics. He glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was nearly seven.
"Meowth!"
Pushing his chair back and stepping into the living room, he found Skitty already perched eagerly at the table, tail swishing with anticipation. The air was rich with the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal—Rosa had been busy in the kitchen.
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