Upon hearing Angie's question, Sobble sprang off Munchlax's belly in a flash and scurried onto Angie's lap in the blink of an eye.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Call! Call!
Angie chuckled and patted it gently. "Don't rush."
He then dialed Siebold's number.
At that moment, Siebold was still staying temporarily at the Azoth Kingdom Palace and hadn't left yet.
Angie made a video call, and soon Siebold's image was projected onto the screen.
"Good evening, Your Highness Angie! Good evening, Sobble."
"Good evening, Elite Four Siebold," Angie replied with a smile.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble happily leaned toward the phone screen, pressing its eye right up to the camera, startling Siebold with the sudden close-up of the big eye.
Seeing Sobble so lively, Siebold said with relief, "It looks like you're adjusting well at Your Highness Angie's place, so I can rest assured."
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble proudly gave a thumbs-up, indicating that it really liked Angie's home.
"Then I can report this happily to my grandfather," Siebold added.
Once Sobble finished its chat with Siebold, Angie got up from the sofa and said, "Alright, it's time for our special training!"
Hearing this, Munchlax and Diancie put down whatever they were holding and got up from the sofa, with Diancie even remembering to pick up the Komala.
Sobble looked at everyone in confusion.
Special training? Training this late?
In response to its puzzled gaze, Angie carried Sobble to the Culinary Training Room and introduced it to the room's features.
After hearing the explanation, Sobble was astonished—ten times faster than the outside world?
Then Angie said, "Today, we unlocked a new recipe. Let's try training with this one."
"Alright!" Diancie immediately put on her black-framed glasses, which she had produced out of nowhere, and even brandished a pointer, making a sharp, snapping sound as she flicked it.
Here she was! The demon coach had arrived!
Diancie pointed her pointer toward the big screen behind her, which instantly displayed a video demonstrating the method for making red bean porridge.
Although red bean porridge seemed simple, the recipe provided by the system was unique, containing various distinctive techniques to bring out the utmost flavor from simple ingredients.
Next, ingredients appeared in front of Angie, Munchlax, and Sobble.
"Let's begin."
Diancie's pointer struck the podium, making Munchlax flinch. In the past, when Diancie hit the podium, it usually meant she was about to scold him.
To make porridge, they needed to start by rinsing the rice. Angie and his two Pokémon began their work.
Since it was Sobble's first time participating in such training, it found everything new and exciting, and it approached the task with a very serious attitude.
Moreover, porridge was a type of food it had never encountered before.
When it came to cooking porridge, Sobble seemed to have a unique talent. With its keen sense of water, it could easily measure the perfect amount of rice and water and judge the best moment for the rice and red beans to reach ideal texture. As a result, it became the quickest among the three to get the hang of it.
"Sobble~ Sobble~~"
Sobble genuinely loved cooking; it practiced while even singing a little tune. Even when Diancie scolded it harshly for mistakes, it didn't get upset. Instead, it often gave a thumbs-up to Angie and Munchlax.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Am I cool? Am I cool?
Angie, amused, said, "Yes! Very cool!"
Encouraged, Sobble put even more effort into its practice.
An hour passed quickly, and Angie and the others emerged from the training room.
As soon as they exited, Diancie shed her strict instructor persona, her gaze now filled with gentleness and patience.
Munchlax, on the other hand, looked like a wilted cabbage after all the reprimanding, whereas Sobble seemed as lively as ever.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~~"
How come you're so happy even after getting scolded?
Munchlax, puzzled, hugged Sobble and asked.
Sobble clenched its fist, looking determined.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Because it makes me stronger!
With a bright smile, it suddenly gave a thumbs-up to Munchlax.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Wasn't I cool just now? Cool, right?
"Munchlax~"
Very cool!
Munchlax, baffled by Sobble's shifting expressions, answered with a confused look.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble jumped happily from Munchlax's arms into Angie's embrace, even rolling around in his arms.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
I'm the best! I'm the best!
What a vain little thing, Angie thought.
Diancie admired Sobble's spirit and gave it a pat on the head, saying, "Good job!"
With training over, everyone went to their rooms to wash up and sleep.
Diancie had prepared a room for Sobble, but it didn't like sleeping alone and insisted on sleeping with Munchlax, who gladly agreed.
The next day, Angie woke up as usual for work. He dressed Sobble in a tiny chef's outfit and placed a little chef's hat on its head.
"Alright, today you officially start working! Give it your best!"
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Am I cool?
Sobble, feeling quite pleased with itself, twirled in front of the mirror, admiring its reflection. When it was finally satisfied, it turned to Angie, gave a thumbs-up, and struck a charming pose.
Angie played along, giving it a thumbs-up in return.
"Super cool!"
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble was immediately gratified.
"Let's go." Angie picked it up.
When they arrived at Munchlax's House, Angie placed Komala at the counter while he and Sobble got to work in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Meowstic, as always, planned to start by cleaning up the store. But after making a round of the shop, it was puzzled.
Why did it feel like the shop was already spotless, almost glowing?
"Meowstic~ Meowstic~ Meowstic?"
It went to the kitchen to express its confusion to Angie, but Angie couldn't understand it.
"Meowstic, what's up?" Angie asked.
Meowstic thought for a moment, then decided to let it go, assuming it was just its imagination.
Seeing Meowstic turn back to the main hall, Angie didn't think much of it and continued with his work.
"Sobble, could you take care of cooking the porridge today?" Angie asked.
"Sobble~"
No problem!
Sobble confidently made an "OK" sign to Angie.
Soon, several large pots filled the kitchen, and Sobble got busy. Using its water power, it lifted itself to counter height and controlled the water flow to rinse rice, wash beans, and chop vegetables with swift and smooth movements.
Seeing this, Angie felt reassured and began steaming buns. Today, he planned to add a new flavor: pork and green onion buns! The shop's three existing buns were all vegetarian, which was a bit monotonous—people need some meat!
However, neither of them realized that a pair of eyes in the corner of the kitchen was watching them closely.
Before long, Raleigh and Slurpuff arrived as well. Raleigh seemed a bit distracted today, which Angie noticed right away.
"What's up, Raleigh?" he asked.
Raleigh hesitated.
"Are you still upset about Alva?" Angie asked with a smile.
Raleigh shook his head and stammered, "No, it's just... I... I might not be able to help here starting tomorrow."
Since Alva's capture, Raleigh had been assigned a new tutor, and his studies were now more extensive than before.
Angie understood immediately and smiled brightly. "So that's it! Well, if you can't make it, you can't make it. No need to feel bad!"
Raleigh nodded.
"You know, you could use a bit more confidence," Angie laughed. "You're the prince of Azoth; you have your own responsibilities and missions. Of course, you can't just be a waiter in my shop forever. Look, with Meowstic here, we'll manage just fine. No need to worry."
At worst, he'd just hire another server—no big deal.
"Mm." Raleigh nodded vigorously. "I got it."
Since it was his last day working at Munchlax's House, Raleigh and Slurpuff worked extra hard.
Soon, opening time arrived, and customers gradually filled the shop. They immediately noticed a change on today's menu board.
"Oh, Meowstic, you've added new items today!"
"What's this porridge? And the new pork and green onion bun must taste amazing, right?!"
Some were already swallowing in anticipation. Just then, an even richer aroma wafted from the kitchen.
The green onions in the pork and green onion buns were homegrown in Angie's garden. When steamed, the buns released an irresistible fragrance, and the flavor was exceptionally fresh.
It was enough to make anyone's taste buds sing.
As for the porridge... today's menu offered two types: red bean porridge and vegetable and meat porridge.
Red bean porridge could be sweetened to taste and was vegetarian, while the vegetable and meat porridge was savory with a bit of meat.
Descriptions of each porridge were written under the menu items, and Meowstic pointed these out to the customers.
"Alright, I'll have a red bean porridge and two pork and green onion buns."
"I'll take a vegetable and meat porridge and two pork and green onion buns."
…
"Meowstic~ Meowstic~"
Meowstic responded promptly, soon serving porridge and pork buns to the customers.
Indeed, in the chilly winter, hot porridge with warm buns left the customers steaming with contentment.
It was sheer bliss.
In the kitchen, Sobble supported its body with a water pillar, holding a giant ladle as it continuously stirred the large pot of porridge. The heat and the aroma of rice filled the air, and thus, one pot of porridge after another was sold out.
It seemed that everyone really enjoyed the porridge.
Angie thought to himself: If only he could unlock the recipe for spicy soup sometime soon, that's a breakfast staple!
Midway through, Angie specifically went to take a look in the main hall, and sure enough, he spotted Siebold dining in a corner; he had come again today.
Siebold noticed him too and waved a hand in greeting.
After breakfast, Siebold left without making a point to come over and chat with Angie or Sobble.
Before long, it was 10:00, and as usual, Angie closed the doors and watched as guards arrived to escort Raleigh and Slurpuff away.
Then he asked Sobble, "I need to go out for a bit. Would you like to go back with Meowstic and Komala, or would you prefer to come along with me?"
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble quickly climbed up onto Angie's shoulder, proving its choice through action.
"Alright then, let's go together." Angie scratched Sobble's chin, then turned to Meowstic. "Meowstic, could you take Komala back to the Nebel Plateau?"
"Meowstic~"
Meowstic nodded, using its psychic powers to lift Komala up to the third floor.
After locking up, Angie left Munchlax's Home with Sobble.
Once Munchlax's Home was completely quiet, a shadow suddenly appeared on the ceiling, and then a Haunter emerged from it.
First, it glanced around the main hall, and its eyes emitted a blue light. Instantly, the chairs and tables, which had been slightly out of order, were set perfectly straight.
This Haunter seemed to have a touch of OCD, needing all the tables and chairs to be arranged symmetrically, or else it felt uneasy.
After tidying up the furniture, it floated into the kitchen.
Seeing the messy, uncleaned kitchen, Haunter's face showed distaste. Its eyes glowed blue again, and instantly, pots and pans began cleaning themselves, and scattered seasonings and ingredients flew back to their places.
In no time, the entire kitchen was shining like new.
Having finished, Haunter nodded its head in satisfaction.
It floated in the air for a moment, then drifted over to the kitchen's compost bin, using its psychic power to rummage through it.
"Haunter… Haunter…"
Suddenly, it found half a vegetable bun in the bin, and a delighted smile spread across its face.
"Haunter… Haunter…"
With a look of pure joy, it cradled the half-bun and took tiny bites, savoring it, a satisfied smile on its face.
So delicious!
When the bun was finished, it looked a bit forlorn, then slowly melted into the wall and disappeared.
Meanwhile, Angie went to the supermarket with Sobble. He needed to order rice in advance, or else he might run into supply issues in the future.
After Angie and Sobble left the supermarket, he suddenly received a call from Kimia.
"Your Highness, my father has agreed to your proposal," Kimia's voice came from the other end of the line, naturally referring to Angie's suggestion to relocate the Sky Fortress to the Nebel Plateau.
"My father said that if you really have a way to move the Sky Fortress without a trace, then we'll go with your proposal. If not, it would be best not to move it and avoid drawing the attention of those with ulterior motives."
"Alright, I understand. Tell Edward not to worry; no one will notice a thing," Angie replied.
After hanging up, Angie brought Sobble back to Munchlax's Home.
The moment he walked in, he felt something was off.
Angie asked, "Sobble, do you feel like something's strange?"
"Sobble~"
Really?
Sobble looked left and right. Where do you think something's strange?
"Maybe it's just my imagination," Angie thought, adding, "Let's head back to the Nebel Plateau; we'll come back in the afternoon to clean the kitchen."
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble nodded.
But when Angie returned in the afternoon and saw the sparkling clean kitchen, he thought: Meowstic is really diligent with its work, already finishing everything!