Early in the morning, Shauna knocked on Lucas's door.
It was her first time knocking on his door.
Lucas rubbed his somewhat messy hair and opened the door for Shauna.
"Uncle, Grandpa Manny and the others are here."
Lucas was momentarily stunned, then remembered that they were coming to set up their stalls today.
So early?
Lucas checked the time; it was a little past six, not yet seven.
Lucas nodded and motioned for Shauna to come in. He would wash up and then take her with him.
Shauna nodded.
Then, she curiously walked into Lucas's room. There was a dressing table, which looked like it belonged to a woman. On it was a photo of the Breeding House. She saw herself in it, as well as a young girl holding a Glameow.
There were also several boxes on the dressing table, containing a few strange-looking stones.
"Vulpix opened its blurry, sleepy eyes and saw Shauna.
"Vulpix?"
Didn't I sleep with Lucas last night? How did I end up in Shauna's room?
When Shauna saw Vulpix wake up, she immediately picked it up and held it in her arms.
Her movements showed she had learned Lucas's essence.
Vulpix struggled slightly, then relaxed its body and enjoyed Shauna's petting.
One had to praise Shauna's physical strength; at less than ten years old, she could hold three Pokémon at once.
"Chingling, look, this is us."
Shauna saw a solo photo of herself and Chingling.
It was also on the dressing table in Lucas's room, and she giggled.
"Chingling~"
The mirror reflected a silver-haired little girl with her hair down, smiling happily.
"What are you laughing about? So happy."
Lucas walked behind Shauna, took a rubber band from her hand, and skillfully tied her hair into two buns.
"Uncle, look, it's me and Chingling."
She pointed to the photo of herself and Chingling, looked up at Lucas, and said.
Lucas smiled gently.
"Uncle, who is this older sister?"
Lucas looked over, then his gaze softened, and he said:
"That's Uncle's Grandma, the previous owner of this Breeding House."
"Grandma?"
"Mm."
Shauna nodded, indicating that she understood.
Lucas bent down and picked up Shauna.
Now, Lucas felt his arm strength was amazing; picking up Shauna, Vulpix, and Chingling was effortless.
He turned and glanced at the room.
Gengar had run off somewhere again.
He carried Shauna downstairs and out of the Breeding House's main door.
Suddenly, he saw a crowd of people.
He was a bit confused, then carried Shauna back into the Breeding House and walked out again.
But the crowd was still staring straight at him.
"..."
"Oh, Shopkeeper Lucas, are you awake? Did our noise disturb you?"
The Grandma from the Seed Shop exclaimed in surprise and quickly asked.
Lucas shook his head. He looked around and wondered if everyone from Twinleaf Town had come.
Gary was talking to someone who looked like a person in charge.
And Gengar and the others were eating spicy strips and joining in the fun.
Everyone else was setting up their stalls.
Along both sides of the road, a long line of stalls, each not disturbing the others... So, can someone tell me what's going on?
At this moment, Gary walked over with Grandpa Manny and the person in charge.
"Shopkeeper, you're awake. This is Mr. Quinn, the mayor of Twinleaf Town."
Lucas greeted him politely, then looked at Grandpa Manny.
"This..."
"Surprised, aren't you?"
Grandpa Manny laughed heartily, then continued:
"I arranged this. Ever since the Breeding House started selling herbal tea, we older folks have been feeling much better, and with fewer side effects. Plus, you protected the forest and the Pokémon in it, and your Breeding House is the only one between Twinleaf Town and Sandgem Town. So, I discussed it with these old friends of mine, and we decided to come and set up stalls for you to attract some attention."
After speaking, he clapped his hands. "Who knew the mayor would find out and tell us that we absolutely had to make it grand? Then he started mobilizing the people of Twinleaf Town. At first, we thought not many people would come."
"Jenny and Joy are helping too. Who knew that as soon as they heard it was for the Breeding House, they all agreed?"
Grandpa Manny swallowed, then continued:
"Seeing so many participants, the mayor immediately decided that everyone should come. Summer is also about to end, so after the Wind Breeding House's tournament, we can hold the Day of Breeding."
"Day of Breeding?"
Lucas was a bit confused.
"It's similar to a summer festival," Gary explained from the side.
"Yes, but this is held in the name of the Breeding House, so we called it the 'Day of Breeding'."
"This was a last-minute decision, Shopkeeper Lucas, I hope you don't mind. Of course, everything purchased at the Breeding House these days will be half price," Mayor Quinn quickly said.
Lucas smiled and said:
"I have no problem, but I'm afraid the journey is too far for you all—"
"Don't worry about that, we have our ways," Mayor Quinn quickly said.
Lucas nodded and continued to chat with him for a while, then exchanged opinions.
Then Lucas left, feeling satisfied.
He was preparing for today's tournament opening.
Mayor Quinn watched Lucas's departing back and breathed a sigh of relief.
Putting aside his identity as the owner of the Breeding House, the Breeding House's herbal tea was very effective, with few side effects. And according to Joy and Jenny, it could also heal emotional trauma in both people and Pokémon, and it even helped fight bad guys.
For Twinleaf Town, which wasn't too far from the Breeding House, this was truly good news.
And this Breeding House...
He looked up at the Breeding House. He recalled participating in the "Spring Garden Party" held by this Breeding House in the name of Pokémon when he was young. That's where he met his first Pokémon.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead, pulled his thoughts back from his memories, and continued to direct everyone, ensuring that this "Day of Breeding" would be a success.
Meanwhile, Lucas and Gary were tallying the registered contestants.
Seeing that Gary seemed to be doing a better job than him, Lucas turned and left.
Then he walked up to Gengar, who was still eating spicy strips.
"Eating so many spicy strips so early in the morning isn't good."
Gengar saw this, looked at the spicy strips in its hand, then threw them into its mouth, even licking its five fingers thoroughly.
Then it covered the spicy strips, put them in its mouth, and pulled out a golden fruit stick and cat ears.
Alright, as long as you like it.
"Lucas."
Lucas turned around and saw a man holding a fishing rod, with a Buizel by his side.
"Mr. Rhys? You're here too?"
Lucas walked over, smiling, and said.
Gengar followed by Lucas's side.
"Hahaha, I heard there was a tournament and a Day of Breeding here, so I brought Buizel to join the fun."
After speaking, he pulled Lucas to a stall covered with fish.
"Look, this is my stall. Remember to come and buy, I'll give you a discount."
Looking at the fish on the stall, Lucas laughed heartily.
"Definitely."
By ten in the morning, all contestants had registered, and the people of Twinleaf Town had set up their stalls and gathered around. Lucas stood on the stage, with a whistle hanging around Gengar's neck.
Looking at the dense crowd below the stage, Lucas suddenly felt a cold sweat.
How did so many people suddenly appear? Then Lucas took a deep breath and struck the gong in his hand.
"I announce that the Breeding House's first tournament, the 'Gengar Cup,' officially begins!"
....
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