Because she could directly order goods from Kalos to sell in Pelican Town, Joy currently had some funds in both currencies—but not much.
Kalos paid her salary monthly, so she could only stock items within that budget.
Everything was strictly limited.
But if Ron exchanged Kalos money with her, she could import more—and sell more.
For example, instant meals—popular in Kalos but unavailable in town. Compared to Pierre's overpriced veggies or the saloon's costly dishes, they were cheap, convenient, and tasty.
Thanks to Kalos's advanced food industry, these were mostly healthy too.
She'd tested selling them before. A woman named Jodi became a regular—clearly struggling financially, always hesitating over purchases at Pierre's.
Joy wished she could offer more—but her funds were tight.
Ron immediately exchanged 6,000G with her.
Joy didn't run her shop for profit anyway—just to help townsfolk. With Ron's contribution, she promptly ordered more instant noodles and fried snack platters, then called Jodi to share the news.
Ron watched as Joy spoke softly into the phone:
"Of course! I'll save you a portion… Yes, I'll notify you first next time!"
She hung up, smiling. "That's Jodi. Have you met her? She lives at 1 Willow Lane."
Ron had only glimpsed Jodi a few times—never spoken.
"She's had it rough," Joy said, chin in hand. "Raising two boys alone on her husband's meager savings…"
Pierre's prices were brutal. Joy often saw Jodi agonizing over groceries.
Thankfully, Kalos had plenty of affordable instant meals. To avoid price-gouging, Joy set prices just high enough to cover her needs.
Thus, noodles and fried platters sold for only 100G—far cheaper than Pierre's 100G wheat flour or the saloon's 120G bread.
Joy stopped there. It wasn't polite to gossip, even if Jodi sometimes vented to her. She'd only explained because Ron's exchange helped her help others.
Just then, Jodi rushed in—likely sprinting after hearing the news. She leaned on the counter, gasping for breath.
"Here's your order!" Joy handed over the packages. "I'll call next time—no need to run so hard!"
"Th-thank you," Jodi panted. Spotting Ron, she stiffened. They'd only exchanged distant glances before. Flustered, she offered a shaky greeting: "Hi, I'm Jodi—"
Worn thin by juggling work, parenting, and worry over her missing husband, Jodi looked exhausted. Her hair was messy from rushing out—embarrassing to be seen like this by a stranger.
She hastily smoothed her hair, paid, and stuffed the packages into her bag.
"I'm Ron," he introduced himself. "The farm's growing Kalos crops now. Since seeds are cheap, I can sell produce at 30G per plant. Feel free to visit anytime."
He remembered Jodi from the game—she'd relied on Joja Mart's unhealthy cheap food. Without it, her life must be even harder now.
Jodi's eyes lit up, exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "30G? What kinds?"
It didn't matter—anything at that price beat even parsnips.
"Lots," Ron listed the crops he'd bought.
Joy watched him intently as he began to explain cooking tips: Ask Gus at the saloon, or I'll share his recipes once he finalizes them.
Sunlight streamed through the window, haloing Ron. Joy's lips curved into a soft smile.
"Oh, thank you—I don't know how to repay you!" Jodi's voice cracked with emotion.
Sam's library job had eased her burden slightly, but nightly worries over food costs remained.
"No trouble," Ron said. "If you'd like, I can bring leftover Spring veggies from the fridge tonight."
Jodi hesitated, then blurted out: "Since you're so kind… Ron, could you catch a Largemouth Bass for me?"
She fidgeted under his gaze. "I don't know how to thank you properly. If you're free tonight, I'd love to cook my specialty—Fish Casserole—for you."
Inviting guests while asking them to bring ingredients made her cringe.
Joy glanced at Ron. When he nodded, she beamed and grabbed Jodi's hands. "Absolutely! I'm free—and I've never had it! Kalos doesn't have this dish. If it's your specialty, it must be amazing!"
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)