After settling Dragonite, the time reached 5 PM.
Due to the weather, the roads were affected, causing Zack to be slightly delayed.
He drove his truck into the ranch, got out, and asked, "Is there anything for sale today?"
"Sheep milk and mushrooms." Naoki directed Koraidon to bring out the barrel of sheep milk.
Zack stepped forward to weigh it, then handed the money to Naoki, smiling:
"Your sheep milk is very popular in town! Many people specifically asked me where this milk is collected from. They said after drinking the sheep milk, they feel energized and their fatigue dissipates, as if it's somewhat different from ordinary sheep milk."
Naoki raised an eyebrow slightly, having long been drinking the sheep milk himself without noticing anything different.
It seems that the sheep milk from his Skiddo possesses some magical abilities he wasn't aware of?
Relieving fatigue, restoring energy—though Miltank's MooMoo Milk also helps Pokemon restore stamina, as it stands now, the effects of Skiddo sheep milk far surpass it.
Zack continued, "Because the sheep milk is so popular and its quality is very high, we've classified it as [Premium Sheep Milk], and we'll purchase it at a higher price. Here's the payment for the milk today!"
Naoki reached out to accept it, and after counting the money, he was immediately surprised: "So much?"
Compared to the previous 600 League coins, it's increased by 200 League coins, now selling at 800 League coins per bottle.
Zack laughed and said, "Its effects and the nutrients it contains justify the price."
"Alright then."
What could be more delightful than earning more money?
Naoki gladly accepted this.
Zack prepared to leave, and before getting in the car, he said to Naoki:
"This sheep milk has become a specialty of Naoki Ranch, and people in town know that this magical milk is produced here. We plan to transport the excess milk to other cities for sale. I believe it won't be long before more people come here to purchase sheep milk."
"I look forward to it," Naoki said with a smile.
After seeing Zack off, he returned to the cabin to record today's earnings in the ledger.
He added a sketch of a bottle of sheep milk and wrote "New Specialty of Naoki Ranch" beside it.
"Phew!"
After completing the record, Naoki leaned back in his chair and reviewed his current funds.
The increased price of sheep milk brought in some extra income.
"Hmm, I've saved enough for a Miltank, I can go to town tomorrow to buy one."
Naoki was planning for the next day in his mind.
Besides, he also wanted to visit Porto Marinada Market to see if there was any Sweet Red Tea for sale. This red tea was sweet, with a rich aroma and a very unique taste.
Naoki quite liked it and planned to buy a tin to enjoy.
After the records were done, Naoki started preparing dinner for everyone.
Due to the recent rain, the grass outside was wet, and several Pokemon disliked the feeling, staying indoors all day without going out.
After dinner, it was time to sleep.
Naoki held Pawmi and lay on the new bed, watching TV. The news was about a reporter's interview on Orange Academy's new student activities.
At this time, the principal of Orange Academy wasn't Clavell yet, but the new student theme activities were no different from those in the game.
It was still a treasure hunt, traveling to various places in the Paldea Region to find their own treasures, whether it was challenging Gyms or encountering new Pokemon.
Watching students in uniforms riding various Pokemon leaving the school on the screen, Naoki thought:
"It seems the treasure hunt is a tradition at Orange Academy!"
But none of this had much to do with him.
There were still many things to do tomorrow, so Naoki yawned and lay down to sleep.
————
A silent night passed, and early the next morning, the sky was bright.
Naoki first got up and completed the chores at the ranch, then took the money and rode Cyclizar into town.
When he arrived at his destination, Happy Ranch had just opened for business.
Mei was tidying up in front of the door, surprised to see Naoki: "Mr. Naoki, up so early!"
"It's not early, it's almost half past eight." Naoki replied with a smile.
Hearing this, Mei felt a bit embarrassed and shifted the topic appropriately: "Are you here to buy a Miltank today, Mr. Naoki?"
"How did you know?" Naoki asked in surprise.
Mei pursed her lips and chuckled, explaining: "Grandpa told me. He said it wouldn't be long before you'd come to buy a Miltank. Grandpa is in the backyard feeding the Pokemon, you can go find him directly."
Naoki nodded and, after bidding farewell to Mei, went to the back, eventually finding the old man feeding Tauros on a pasture.
Though it was Tauros, it didn't quite match the memory he had.
These Tauros were black.
They were the Paldea Region form of Tauros. Notably, although they were all Tauros, there were three different forms among them.
Naoki recognized them based on their appearance.
"The Combat Breed, the Blaze Breed with Fighting and Fire Type, and the Aqua Breed with Fighting and Water Type..."
At this moment, the old man feeding the Tauros saw Naoki.
He greeted with a smile, "Good morning!"
Naoki replied, "Good morning!"
He stepped forward, casting his gaze on the group of Tauros.
Seeing this, the old man said, "These Tauros just arrived at the ranch as Pokemon, since transporting Miltank over long distances is risky, and sea routes aren't safe, I've decided to try hatching eggs myself."
"I see!" Naoki realized, which explains why there were suddenly so many Tauros here.
Since Miltank don't have males, the corresponding Pokemon is Tauros, so many breeding centers have Tauros mate with Miltank to produce eggs.
This is something Naoki is quite familiar with.
The old man asked, "Are you here to buy a Miltank?"
Naoki nodded, "Yes."
The old man put down his work, turned around, and said, "Then follow me! Those kids are quite lively! Come choose which one you'd like to take back to the ranch."
Naoki followed behind the old man and went to where the Miltank were located.
Meanwhile, in the back hills,
Teddiursa, sleeping in the cave, drowsily opened its eyes.
It wasn't fully awake yet, with its mind still immersed in the scenes of its dream.
In the dream, it was surrounded by lots of delicious honey pudding; the puddings were colossal, as big as mountains. It bounced around on them, occasionally taking a bite and licking a bit of honey.
The taste of honey pudding still lingered in the dream, and Teddiursa swallowed.
It really wanted some!
Teddiursa sat up, saw it wasn't raining outside, and decided to take a stone it picked up while wandering around yesterday to trade for some honey at the ranch.
—That was what the human told it could be done.