At Spikemuth Restaurant, Grandpa Gideon savored a steaming cup of tea, looking content.
"I'm used to black tea, but it's nice to have some oriental green tea for a change." He set the cup down and looked at Summer.
"So, Summer, what's brought you here today?"
"Grandpa Gideon, do you remember our trip to Hammerlocke to sell the berries?"
"Of course, it was only a few days ago. My memory's still sharp." Gideon pulled out his truck keys and placed them on the table. "So, we're selling berries again? Here, take the keys, you can drive yourself."
Seeing Summer's unusual expression, Gideon hesitated, hand hovering. He asked quietly:
"Don't tell me you don't have a driver's license?"
"I don't, but that's not the issue. I actually just got back from Hammerlocke." Summer sounded slightly embarrassed.
Gideon took a sip of tea, signaling with his eyes for Summer to continue.
"The berries from Sunset Forest sold extremely well. They were sold out within half a day at the berry shop, and even two days later, customers were still asking about them." Summer shared his observations from the berry shop in Hammerlocke.
"That's good news. Next time, raise the price by double. Didn't you realize the owner was undercutting you?" Gideon said, a bit exasperated.
"Of course I noticed. The guy was so nervous when he bought the berries that his hands were shaking."
"So you were testing the market's response to the Sunset Forest berries?"
"Exactly." Summer nodded.
Gideon looked thoughtfully at his tea, then asked:
"Are you planning to sell the berries yourself?"
"No," Summer shook his head seriously. "I want to use the Sunset Forest berries to promote Spikemuth."
"Heh, you really think people will come all the way to Spikemuth for those berries? The sales at Hammerlocke aren't as simple as you think."
Gideon raised three fingers. "Foot traffic, prime location, and an established customer base – how does Spikemuth match up?"
"Plus, the berry shops have a steady supply from berry farms. If the shop gains popularity and we can't meet demand, what then? Are you, a forest ranger, going to compete with the Pokémon for food?" Gideon questioned.
He knew that running a business wasn't easy. Despite his confidence in his curry, few would travel to this declining town just for a plate of curry.
"Grandpa Gideon, the attraction of Sunset Forest berries is greater than curry."
Gideon choked on his tea, coughing violently and widening his eyes.
"Cough, cough, you rascal, if I didn't know you meant well for Spikemuth, I'd knock you out."
"You've tasted the Sunset Forest berries yourself. How are they?" Summer asked directly.
"Well," Gideon hesitated, then reluctantly admitted, "they're delicious, that's true."
"But," he started to argue.
"First, I don't plan to open a shop in Spikemuth. I intend to sell to other berry shops, just like before."
Seeing Summer's earnest eyes, Gideon softened. Summer was a good kid trying to revive Spikemuth. He should hear him out before offering advice.
"Firstly, we can keep the price low but must brand them as from Spikemuth. Given the sales at Hammerlocke, the shop owners should agree."
"The key is reputation. We need people to remember Spikemuth."
"As for supply, I've considered it. The yield of Sunset Forest berries will only increase in the future."
"What if the shop owners don't agree?" Gideon asked, joining the discussion.
"As long as the quality is good and the price is low, someone will agree. Our cost is almost zero."
"Are you really a ranger?" Gideon asked helplessly. "And once people are drawn in?"
"We show them Spikemuth's charm, which you know better than I do."
"Of course." Gideon finished his tea in one gulp, setting the cup down with a clink. "This is a gradual process. You still have your ranger duties, so leave the promotion to me. I still have some connections."
He smiled, "That's why you came to me, right?"
"Exactly."
"I understand. But Summer, why are you so determined to revive Spikemuth?"
"Maybe it's the charm of Spikemuth." Summer's words were sincere.
Hearing this, Gideon stood up and headed to the kitchen, leaving a final word.
"Sit tight. I'll treat you to a meal."
After that day, high-quality berries branded with Spikemuth's name began appearing in berry shops across Galar, quickly becoming popular among trainers. People started to grow curious about Spikemuth, the origin of these berries.
At Macro Cosmos HQ, President Rose toyed with a plump, juicy Sitrus Berry.
"Look at this, Oleana. Such a beautiful berry. I hear it's quite delicious too."
"Yes, President Rose. According to our research, this berry's quality is 60% higher than average Sitrus Berries." Oleana reported from her notes.
"Impressive," Rose admired.
"Shall we send our team to…"
"No need, Oleana," Rose waved his finger. "This isn't our concern right now. Besides, the people of Spikemuth likely badmouth me behind my back."
"They don't understand your efforts!" Oleana said passionately, then quickly composed herself, apologizing. "My apologies."
"It's alright. I'm prepared for universal rejection. All for Galar's future," Rose said firmly, confident in his plans.
Meanwhile, in Hulbury, a port city in eastern Galar, Marnie had just finished her Grass-type Gym Challenge and arrived in town.
"Summer said to visit the berry shop here. Morpeko, what surprise do you think he has in store?"
"Morpeko~" Morpeko mumbled, mouth full of berries.
"Right, with you around, I'd go to the berry shop even if Summer hadn't mentioned it."
Marnie felt her success in the Gym Challenge was thanks to Summer's advice, so she thanked him on Chuchu, receiving a response.
"Nothing special here," Marnie said, scanning the berry shop, then spotted something interesting. "What's this?"
An empty basket had a wooden nameplate reading: Berries from Spikemuth.
"So this is your surprise, Summer."
Marnie instantly understood Summer's intent. He was using the Sunset Forest berries to promote Spikemuth, his clever idea.
"Everyone's working hard, so I must work even harder."
Marnie whispered encouragement to herself. Wait and see, Summer, the fame I bring to Spikemuth will surpass yours. I won't lose this competition!
(End of Chapter)