After Haruki finished speaking, both Beldum and Marowak appeared thoughtful.
When Beldum looked again at the weak Burmy, it had completely lost any desire to fight.
"Of course, sometimes an opponent's weakness is a bluff, so once you enter a battle, you must go all out!"
Haruki added, and both Pokémon immediately nodded.
With that "guidance" complete, Haruki said no more. The rest would be lessons learned through battle.
As they continued their journey, Beldum still darted around energetically, but now it observed every wild Pokémon carefully before picking a fight.
Only after determining that an opponent was worth battling -or when facing a new and unknown one- would it "issue" a challenge.
Thanks to this, their journey became much smoother.
---
Four days later, Trainer and Pokémon climbed a nameless low mountain and caught sight of a vast sea of flowers ahead, dotted with a few scattered cottages.
Haruki had thought the flower fields around Solaceon Town were just random wild growths, but they were surprisingly spectacular.
He wondered how much more impressive Floaroma Town's famous flower fields would be.
'I have to visit someday,' Haruki thought to himself.
"Beldum, you've had your fun these past few days. Go back into your Poké Ball and absorb everything you've learned."
"Bel~"
Beldum nodded obediently. It didn't mind the darkness, in fact, it almost missed it.
A flash of red light later, the eye-catching pseudo-legendary hatchling was recalled. Haruki and Marowak officially prepared to enter the town area.
Two hours later, after walking through the flower fields, they saw farmers working among the blossoms.
"Excuse me, sir, is it true that if we keep going, we'll reach Solaceon Town?"
"Yes, yes, just another hour ahead," the old farmer replied. Upon seeing Marowak at Haruki's side, his demeanor immediately became much more respectful.
"My family just harvested some fresh honey. Would you care to come inside for some honey water and rest a bit?"
The farmer looked a bit awkward but clearly had a naturally hospitable nature that emboldened him.
Haruki was about to politely refuse, but Marowak had already taken a half-step forward.
'Huh?'
Now Haruki was curious. Marowak wasn't known for having a sweet tooth.
'Could it be… was this honey made by Combee?'
"If it's no trouble…"
"No trouble at all! This way, please."
The farmer's face lit up with joy at Haruki's acceptance, and he quickly ushered them inside.
"Here, try some. This is honey produced right in my flower fields by Combee. It's very effective for relieving fatigue."
On the table, two cups of freshly brewed Sweet Honey water gleamed with an amber-golden color, clearly not your average stuff.
"Thank you very much."
Haruki thanked him politely, then picked up a cup and took a sip.
Mmm~
Just one sip, and Haruki instinctively closed his eyes to savor it.
It was definitely sweet, but not overpoweringly so. There was a distinct fresh floral fragrance woven into the flavor.
A cozy warmth spread from his stomach throughout his entire body, washing away all the fatigue from days of travel.
Opening his eyes, Haruki glanced at Marowak.
Usually so serious, Marowak was now sprawled lazily in a chair, the lines beneath its skull mask completely relaxed.
This was truly good stuff.
Haruki couldn't resist another sip… and another… and another.
Before he knew it, he had polished off the entire large cup, still craving more.
"How was it?"
The old farmer smiled as he asked, though the pride on his face was already unmistakable.
"It's excellent! Makes everything I drank before taste like fake honey," Haruki replied, giving high praise.
The old farmer beamed, his face flushing with excitement.
"By the way, sir, are you selling this Sweet Honey?"
This stuff was too good to pass up.
The Sweet Honey produced by Combee didn't directly restore stamina, but it was incredibly effective at relieving mental fatigue.
Moreover, judging from Marowak's unusual behavior earlier, it would definitely be useful for luring wild Pokémon during fieldwork.
"Of course I sell it. But Combee aren't easy to raise. Most of the honey has to be kept for their own consumption, so the price is a bit higher."
Clearly, this wasn't the old farmer's first time selling honey; he made sure to explain the pricing upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
"Will it be more expensive than buying it in town?"
"For the same quality, it's definitely cheaper here!"
The old farmer patted his chest confidently.
Haruki nodded. Without middlemen profiting off the sale, it was naturally cheaper to buy directly from the source.
In the end, Haruki bought 30 lbs of high-quality Combee Sweet Honey for 15,000 Pokédollars.
Even after just earning 200,000, Haruki's hand trembled a little as he paid.
But seeing Marowak's sparkling eyes, Beldum slyly "rocking" its Poké Ball…
And considering how useful the honey would be after reaching the branch base, Haruki steeled himself and made the purchase.
Scanning the simple farmhouse and the Combee swarming gracefully in the flower fields, Haruki realized that the real hidden millionaire was standing right in front of him.
At the end of the day, he was still the broke one!
"Take care, young man! If you ever need more Sweet Honey, come find me again!"
Waving warmly at the old farmer, Haruki forced a smile and made his way into Solaceon Town.
----
First thing, he headed straight to the shops to check the price of Sweet Honey.
After comparing prices across three stores, Haruki was finally reassured.
The old farmer hadn't lied, his honey was fairly priced and truly high-quality.
Feeling satisfied, Haruki made his way to the Pokémon Center to stay the night. It cost money, sure, but it was worth it for a safe, peaceful night.
Marowak would also be able to properly rest and recover.
As for Beldum, without a healing-type Pokémon available, Haruki had to take care of it himself.
Luckily, Beldum's reckless style was backed up by a tough body. It could eat, sleep, and had no real issues.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, Haruki made Sweet Honey toast for breakfast, the smell so irresistible that both of his Pokémon ended up overeating.
Since he had arrived in Solaceon Town a day later than planned, Haruki didn't dare waste any more time.
After breakfast and resupplying, he immediately continued southward.
Haruki didn't even glance at the famous Solaceon Ruins. Instead, the surrounding flower fields made him feel like he had already arrived at Floaroma Town.
Oddish, Budew, and Combee occasionally appeared, but none showed any aggression; a peaceful, idyllic scene.
Once they had left the town behind but were still within the flower fields, Haruki quietly released Beldum so it could stretch out and play.
A flash of red light… Beldum appeared.
Taking in the colorful world before it, Beldum's eyes widened. It immediately looked at the nearest Budew.
'Too weak. Not interested. Next.'
"..."
Haruki covered his face. There was no saving this one.
Just then, a gentle breeze swept through, causing the flower fields to ripple like waves…
An absolutely stunning sight.
The Jumpluff that had been feeding on nectar rose with the wind, singing joyful, free-spirited tunes.
Suddenly, a dark figure flashed by, diving straight into the Jumpluff group, snatching one up with ruthless precision.
'Wait, what the heck?'
Haruki hadn't even had time to enjoy the scenery properly. 'Why did a troublemaker have to show up now?'
"Hoppip~"