[Chapter was too short!, so I will upload 2!. Thank you all for your support!]
There's no rush to settle Growlithe's fee. Since Zephyr hasn't accepted Growlithe yet, there's a possibility they might not end up together.
Dak wouldn't force his Pokémon to follow someone they're not keen on, nor would he force someone to take care of a Pokémon they don't want.
As for Growlithe's price, it's bound to be sky-high.
Considering Growlithe's potential, species, traits, and rarity, this Pokémon is among the elites.
Additionally, some game versions describe it as a Pokémon from ancient legends of the Kanto Region, which justifies a high price.
The Navy has deep pockets; if needed, they would secure funds from the World Government.
Even if the Navy were short on funds, Zephyr wouldn't be; he's spent over two decades at the base with little to spend on, likely saving a considerable amount.
Growlithe's base price: 300 million Berries, on par with a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit.
But the final outcome is still up in the air, so Dak can only take the remaining Pokémon babies and leave for now.
Back at the shop, only thirteen Pokémon babies are left, including Bon Clay's Smoochum and Robin's Miltank.
Upon returning to the shop,
"It feels so much quieter all of a sudden," Bon Clay observed, watching the Pokémon skillfully return to their designated spots to nap, missing Growlithe's usual antics.
Sceptile remained silent, quickly leaping back onto the tree to rest.
Dak thought Sceptile might be somewhat happy about Growlithe's absence, but it doesn't seem to be the case. He couldn't detect any particular emotion from Sceptile's behavior or demeanor.
Robin, hearing the noise outside, came out from the kitchen where she was preparing dinner.
"Has Growlithe also found a trainer?" she immediately noticed Growlithe's absence.
"Yes, he seems quite fond of Zephyr."
"The non-killing admiral? Growlithe has excellent taste then," Robin smiled, happy for Growlithe finding a formidable trainer.
But there's more to her reaction; Dak noticed tears in her eyes, not for Growlithe, but present since she stepped out from the kitchen.
As Dak pondered over this, Robin approached and hugged him.
"Thank you, Dak," she said, resting her head on Dak's shoulder, taller than him.
Dak guessed she might have used the Moon Feather to dream about her deceased mother during the afternoon nap.
Though curious about what Olivia might have said to Robin, Dak refrained from asking.
"By the way, Dak, look, I made cookies. Try them."
Robin quickly released Dak and went back into the kitchen to fetch a plate of cookies, which looked decently made.
"Why the sudden interest in baking cookies, Robin? Thinking of becoming a breeder?" Dak tasted one, barely remembering any instances of Robin cooking.
Hmm...
Quite unpalatable.
Dak's expression twisted, though not dramatically enough to compare to a Devil Fruit's effect, just plainly not tasty.
"Mom talked a lot with me. She didn't want me to follow in her footsteps or carry on Ohara's legacy. She just wished for me to live a peaceful life, to be a good wife and mother," Robin smiled, leaving unsaid Olivia's final advice not to be like her.
"Oh? So, you're practicing your culinary skills for the future? Impressive, Robin," Dak widened his eyes, unable to imagine who would be lucky enough to have Robin as a wife, knowing she could easily manipulate them.
"So, how is it?" Robin looked at Dak expectantly, her eyes gleaming.
"Emmm," Dak carefully weighed his words.
"Not tasty?" Robin seemed a bit disheartened.
"It's okay. Men are simple creatures. Even if it's not tasty, as long as it's a handmade cookie, they'll be happy. Just knowing you made an effort will surely make them appreciate it," Dak reassured her.
"Is that how you feel too, Dak?" Robin hesitated before looking at Dak with the plate in hand.
"Of course, I'm also a man," Dak gave a thumbs up, grinning, "I can't imagine who will be fortunate enough to have Robin as a wife. That man would indeed be very lucky."
"It's better not to look forward to something so distant," Robin turned away, heading back into the kitchen, her expression hidden from view.
Dak's attention soon shifted to the skirmish between Scraggy and Poochyena. (Small mistake fixed here, really... Pokémon's names are a pain in the ass to translate)
Only Bon Clay observed everything, his expression peculiarly amused.
After a peaceful night, a new day dawned.
An important day was upon them – the last day to complete the main mission and to use Mihawk's assistance in finding a location for the new branch.
Dak was eager to start the new main mission.
(End of Chapter)