With the increase in Pokémon numbers, Carver's work became increasingly busy.
Creating reasonable and healthy diet plans for every Pokémon in the breeding house, managing various breeding house affairs, directing Growlithe's battle training, while also accommodating inn guests and teaching moves to customers' Pokémon.
Though busy, with the Clefairy's help, Carver wasn't overwhelmed.
On the second day after Chansey and the other Pokémon moved into the breeding house, it began to drizzle.
The gentle spring rain sent wild Pokémon scurrying back to their nests, peering through openings at the rain-shrouded forest.
Traveling trainers also temporarily stopped their journeys, camping in caves with their Pokémon companions, warming themselves by fires.
In this weather, the breeding house had few customers. With trainers halted and townspeople not venturing out to buy Pokémon eggs, business was quiet.
Carver finally had some free time, sitting behind the counter watching the rain outside while contemplating various breeding house matters.
So far, the breeding house had officially gotten on track.
The expanded backyard was planted full of berries and vegetables. After this spring rain's nourishment, they would surely grow strong.
"Berry saplings need time to grow. Based on a fruit tree's maturation cycle, it'll be at least autumn before we can properly harvest berries..." Carver thought.
If they had Grass-type Pokémon helping, this cycle could probably be shortened.
Unfortunately, Oddish's current strength was limited. Forget Bellossom—it hadn't even evolved into Gloom yet.
"Sigh, it's a long road ahead!" Carver couldn't help but sigh.
However, just thinking about the future scene of the berry saplings he and the Pokémon planted together growing up and bearing countless large, plump berries filled Carver with hope.
With rain outside, the Pokémon had all run back indoors.
Bewear gently wiped drinking glasses nearby, Growlithe dozed beside Carver, and Chingling and Castform huddled by the window watching the rain outside.
As for the Clefairy...
Speaking of Clefairy, Carver suddenly remembered something.
Recently, the Clefairy had been staying in the breeding house constantly, not even returning to their spaceship.
Probably because they preferred the breeding house environment?
Compared to the cold, drafty spaceship, the warm, comfortable breeding house was obviously much better for living.
Not to mention there was TV here, endless berries to eat, unlimited milk to drink, and no fear of wind and rain.
Unless you were an idiot, you'd obviously choose to stay in the breeding house.
Carver glanced at the sofa occupied by the Clefairy, thinking this was good—maybe the Clefairy would never return to their planet and would stay by his side forever.
In the shed, Ralts, Gastly, Abra, and Ditto huddled beside Chansey, watching the rainy day outside together.
Wisps of cool air drifted through the door cracks, momentarily making these Pokémon feel as if they were back in those days living in the sewer prison.
That prison had been just as cold, with terrible humans who would whip them.
Back then, Chansey had bravely stood up, blocking in front of them to protect them.
When they were injured, Chansey would share its eggs. Those delicious eggs helped them survive day after day.
"Lucky~" Sensing the little ones beside it trembling, Chansey gently hugged them, softly comforting their emotions.
"Gastly..."
Little Gastly slowly exhaled a stale breath.
That's right, they had been rescued!
Among these Pokémon, Gastly was the most restless.
Its nature was inherently mischievous, and now without danger, that nature showed signs of resurfacing.
Since rescuing them and placing them here, that kind human hadn't come to see them yet.
This made Gastly somewhat curious—on this rainy day, what was that human named Carver doing?
It suddenly wanted to go see.
But if it went alone, it couldn't help feeling scared.
The timid yet mischievous Gastly looked at the other Pokémon nearby, wanting to invite someone to accompany it.
"Gastly!"
Abra had its eyes closed, floating in midair with a large snot bubble coming from its nostril—clearly sleeping.
Ralts hid behind Chansey, cautiously watching Gastly.
The moment Gastly's gaze met its own, Ralts immediately shrank back.
Gastly floated forward: "Gastly!"
As a Psychic-type Pokémon, Ralts possessed the ability to sense human emotions.
It had felt very strong goodwill from that human named Carver.
But even so, it was still somewhat afraid.
Whenever humans approached, it would lose the ability to move, freezing in place unable to budge.
"Ralts..."
Ralts gently shook its head, refusing Gastly's invitation.
What about Ditto?
Gastly looked toward Ditto.
Ditto had currently transformed to look like a Pikachu. Seeing Gastly, it shook its head and unhesitatingly refused the invitation.
"Gastly..."
Gastly was very disappointed.
Bulbasaur nearby, seeing that Gastly had ignored it, immediately reminded: "Bulba bulba!"
There was still it!
Hearing the call, Gastly finally remembered there was one more Pokémon it hadn't asked!
"Gastly!" It immediately looked toward Bulbasaur.
However, Bulbasaur shook its head: "Bulba bulba!"
"Gastly!" Gastly ground its teeth in frustration.
Hmph! Then it would go by itself!
Gastly huffily floated out of the shed, but as soon as it left everyone's side, the previously ambitious Gastly immediately deflated.
"Gastly..."
It was still somewhat afraid.
This fear wasn't of Carver specifically.
It was fear of all humans.
Closing its eyes, Gastly recalled that terrifying human striking it with a whip.
But if it didn't go, would everyone look down on it?
Cool rainwater fell on its body. Gastly took a deep breath, then slowly floated toward the breeding house.
Soon, it reached the eaves.
However, Gastly didn't enter the house. Instead, it only showed half its head, peeping at the situation inside through the window.
Through the transparent glass, a harmonious scene appeared before Gastly's eyes.
Many Pokémon had gathered in the house. That human named Carver sat in the middle of the sofa with other Pokémon surrounding him.
Some Pokémon sat on the floor leaning against Carver's legs, others perched on Carver's head, hugging his head playfully.
Though Carver looked helpless, he didn't push them away.
Instead, he lifted down the Pokémon called Clefairy and gently stroked its fur.
The TV in front played cartoon sounds, and on the small round table before them sat abundant food.
Carver and those Pokémon gathered together, eating delicious food while watching TV.
A gust of cool wind mixed with rainwater blew against Gastly.
Gastly's gaze flickered as it watched that warm scene through the window, suddenly feeling a strong emotion it had never experienced before welling up in its heart.
That was... envy.
It really envied those Pokémon!