Back at Research Station No. 1, Angie and Arven found the two professors and researchers still working hard at their work, completely absorbed and oblivious to their surroundings.
"Let's cook something," Angie suggested to Arven.
"Sure, I'll help," Arven nodded.
"Wait," Angie suddenly said. He then summoned his Munchlax, Diancie, and Drizzile from home.
Witnessing this, Arven was utterly dumbfounded.
Angie explained with a smile, "It's a special ability I have—I can summon my Pokémon to my side whenever I need them."
Arven quickly composed himself and nodded lightly. While rare, individuals with such abilities weren't unheard of.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~"
Master, you're so slow! I've been waiting for ages!
As soon as Munchlax saw Angie, it threw itself into his arms, expressing its deep longing.
"Munchlax!"
Arven also ran over, delighted.
"Munchlax~"
Munchlax released Angie and gave Arven an enthusiastic hug instead. Overwhelmed by Munchlax's affection, Arven was a little flustered and, to mask his emotions, released his Mabosstiff.
Angie smiled as he watched Munchlax. He had always appreciated how expressive and loving his Munchlax was.
It's so sdorable.
"Let's get started on dinner. We've got some great ingredients today, so you're all in for a treat," Angie said, retrieving cooking utensils, a dining table, seasonings, and other supplies from his system's inventory.
Munchlax and Drizzile's faces lit up with anticipation upon hearing this.
Since the Research Station was a research facility, Angie and the others moved to the lawn outside to cook.
The upper levels of Area Zero were blessed with pleasant weather today—perfect for a picnic.
Angie turned to Drizzile and said, "Drizzile, can I trouble you to cook a pot of vegetable soup?" As he spoke, he handed Drizzile the necessary vegetables.
"Drizzile~ Drizzile~~"
Drizzile gave him a big thumbs-up without hesitation and got to work.
Angie then addressed the two Charcadet. "Charcadet, could you help us light the fire?"
"Charcadet~"
"Charcadet~"
The two Charcadet happily agreed.
The Crybaby Charcadet crouched under the iron stand supporting the soup pot. Flames erupted from its body, and before long, the water in the pot was bubbling.
"Drizzile~ Drizzile~"
Lower the flame a bit, lower the flame!
Hearing this, the Crybaby Charcadet immediately adjusted its fire.
"Drizzile~ Drizzile~"
Great job!
Drizzile gave it a thumbs-up
"Charcadet~"
The Crybaby Charcadet smiled shyly.
Angie said, "Munchlax, you can start cooking the rice first and then come help me."
"Munchlax~"
Munchlax nodded and got busy.
As for Diancie and Arven, they weren't much help with cooking, so they fetched water and washed vegetables instead.
The Goodboy Charcadet crouched under the rice pot, enveloped in flames. Soon, the fragrant aroma of cooked rice filled the air.
After setting the rice aside to simmer, Munchlax joined Angie to assist him.
Since both Charcadet were occupied, Angie decided to start preparing fish balls.
The Veluza's flesh was generously plump. Angie carefully placed the large cuts of snowy white fish meat onto the cutting board, where they trembled ever so slightly—fresh and tender beyond belief.
"Munchlax, come on, let's get started," Angie said.
"Munchlax~!"
Munchlax cheered and ran over to stand beside Angie. The two of them stood shoulder to shoulder, each picking up a piece of fish and a kitchen knife.
Step one: preparing the fish. Together, the master and Pokémon diced the fish into small pieces, then finely minced it until it turned into a paste.
The Veluza's flesh had no bones—its skeletal system was unique and didn't shed bones like ordinary fish.
Normally, this step could be done with a machine, but Angie hadn't brought one on this trip. Still, for this duo, doing it by hand was no trouble at all.
The second step was marinating the fish.
"Munchlax, watch and learn," Angie instructed.
"Munchlax~!"
Munchlax nodded enthusiastically.
Just then, Drizzile and Arven joined them. Angie noticed and said, "You two can help too."
"Drizzile~!"
Drizzile cheered and jumped right in to assist.
Arven, however, hesitated. "Can I really help?"
Angie chuckled. "There's no such thing as 'can or can't' when it comes to cooking. Even if it turns out badly, so what? It's no big deal."
Hearing this, Arven smiled and nodded firmly before diving in to help alongside Angie.
Meanwhile, Diancie was tasked with monitoring the fire. Though it couldn't cook, it had observed enough to handle this job easily.
Since it was Arven's first time cooking, Angie explained every detail carefully.
"First, we add some salt to the minced fish. Do you know how much 'some' is?"
"Munchlax~"
"Drizzile~"
Munchlax and Drizzile nodded simultaneously.
Arven, however, looked completely confused.
Angie continued, "Next, add cooking wine, pepper, ginger, and other seasonings."
Wearing disposable gloves, they thoroughly mixed the fish paste with the seasonings by hand, ensuring everything was well combined.
"We can also add a little starch and egg whites. The starch makes the fish balls stick together better, while the egg whites give them a smoother texture."
Arven nodded thoughtfully, beginning to understand.
After a while, the two Charcadet finished their earlier tasks, and Angie asked them to heat a pot of water using a low flame.
"Be careful—keep the flame low," he reminded them.
"Charcadet~"
"Charcadet~"
The two Charcadet nodded.
Finally, it was time to shape the fish balls.
"Alright, everyone, follow my lead," Angie said to Munchlax, Drizzile, and Arven.
All three of them turned their attention to Angie.
Demonstrating as he spoke, Angie said, "We do it like this... like this... and then like this..."
He scooped a handful of marinated fish paste, pressed it into his palm, and squeezed it out through the gap between his thumb and forefinger. Then, using a spoon, he scooped the ball from his hand. A perfectly shaped fish ball was ready.
"Place the fish balls in the hot water to cook. Once they float to the surface, they're done."
Munchlax, Drizzile, and Arven nodded in unison and began mimicking Angie's actions, trying to shape their own fish balls.
Splat!
Munchlax, using too much strength, accidentally launched a lump of fish paste into the air.
Drizzile immediately burst into laughter.
"Drizzile~ Drizzile~!"
Munchlax, you're so clumsy!
Munchlax protested indignantly.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~!"
You think you can do better?
"Drizzile~ Drizzile~!"
Of course! I'm both skilled and very smart!
Drizzile replied confidently.
Brimming with self-assurance, Drizzile carefully recalled Angie's demonstration while avoiding Munchlax's mistake. Yet, when it tried to scoop the fish ball, the paste fell apart completely.
Munchlax laughed loudly.
"Munchlax~ Munchlax~ Munchlax~!"
You're even worse than me!
Now it was Munchlax's turn to mock Drizzile.
After exchanging laughs at each other's expense, the two Pokémon turned their eyes toward Arven.
"Munchlax~!"
It's your turn now!
"Drizzile~!"
That's right, let's see what you've got!
Arven held the fish meat in his hands, feeling a bit nervous, but miraculously, he succeeded on his first try.
"I did it!" Arven exclaimed with delight.
"Munchlax~"
Amazing!
"Drizzile~"
Wow, that's cool!
Munchlax and Drizzile showered him with praise.
Angie said, "Quick, put it in the hot water."
"Okay."
Arven placed the fish ball into the water, watching as it slowly floated to the surface in the boiling water, filling him with a sense of accomplishment.
With their initial failed attempts behind them, Munchlax and Drizzile learned from their experiences and soon successfully made their own fish balls.
Through the combined efforts of Angie, his two apprentices, and Arven, the fish balls were quickly completed.
Next, Angie and his two apprentices divided the tasks.
Angie continued using the fish balls to make more dishes, Drizzile stir-fried some vegetables, and Munchlax prepared other delicacies with the Veluza's flesh.
As time passed, Angie crafted spicy fish balls, crispy fried fish balls, and fish balls in tomato sauce. Munchlax prepared braised fish, steamed fish, and fish in hot chili oil. Drizzile cooked sour and spicy shredded potatoes, three-delicacy stir-fry, and vegetarian fried mushrooms, using the mushrooms that the Oinkologne had found earlier in the day.
Inside the Research Station, Professor Sada and Professor Turo were still busy working, with Raleigh learning under their guidance.
Suddenly, Raleigh sniffed the air lightly, detecting a faint aroma wafting around him.
"Professor Sada, Professor Turo, do you smell something delicious?" he asked.
"A delicious smell?"
The two professors paused in surprise.
"Is there?"
Raleigh sniffed again carefully and then declared with certainty, "There is!"
Suddenly, a realization struck him, and he exclaimed with excitement, "I know—it must be His Highness cooking!"
"Cooking?" Professor Sada and Professor Turo exchanged puzzled glances before checking the time. Wow—was it that late already?
At the mere mention of food, all three of their stomachs began growling in unison, triggering a chain reaction among the other researchers in the room.
The group couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Professor Sada said, "It is about time to eat. Has today's meal been delivered?"
A researcher shook his head. "It should be arriving soon."
Raleigh then grabbed Professor Sada and Professor Turo by the hands, saying, "His Highness must already have something delicious waiting for us!"
The two professors couldn't resist Raleigh's enthusiasm and followed him outside. As they approached the exit, the aroma grew stronger and stronger.
The Research Station's excellent airtightness meant that even with Angie's flavorful cooking, most people inside wouldn't have noticed it. Only someone like Raleigh, with sharp senses and a familiarity with Angie's culinary skills, could pick up the faint scent.
The moment they stepped outside, Raleigh and the two professors were enveloped by a symphony of enticing aromas.
"Mom, Dad!"
Seeing the two professors emerge, Arven ran to them excitedly.
They were astonished to see tables and chairs set up on the grass, laden with a variety of dishes. Meanwhile, Raleigh had already darted over to Angie.
Overwhelmed with excitement, he circled Angie like an eager puppy.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, there's so much delicious food!"
Angie patted his head and said, "Go call everyone from the Research Station to come to eat."
"Alright!" Raleigh cheered as he dashed back into the Research Station.
Professor Sada and Professor Turo walked over with Arven in tow.
Professor Sada marveled, "Angie, did you make all of this?"
Angie smiled. "Not just me—Arven helping me too."
Professor Sada was surprised. "Really?"
Both professors turned to look at their son, their eyes filled with delight.
"I only helped a little," Arven said shyly in a soft voice.
Professor Sada gave him a warm hug, saying, "Son, you're amazing!"
Professor Turo ruffled Arven's hair affectionately. "Our Arven is finally growing up."
Angie chimed in, "Arven has real talent for cooking!"
Arven's face turned even redder under the praise.
Before long, the other researchers were called out by Raleigh. When they saw the table full of delicious dishes, they wore the same astonished expressions as the two professors earlier.
"Everyone, let's dig in!" Angie announced.
At those words, everyone gathered around the table eagerly and started eating. As expected, Angie's culinary skills instantly won over everyone.
Professor Sada marveled, "Now I understand why Nasir keeps wanting to invest in you!"
Even Angie was a bit taken aback by how incredible the Veluza's meat tasted—it truly lived up to its legendary reputation.
The boiled fish was tender and juicy, melting in the mouth; the fish balls were bouncy, smooth, and springy; the steamed fish was fragrant, savory, and not greasy... No matter the preparation, the Veluza's meat was nothing short of divine!
Unsurprisingly, everyone was stuffed after the meal.
Professor Turo collapsed onto the grass, rubbing his belly, exclaiming, "That hit the spot!"
Professor Sada agreed, "It's been ages since we've eaten this well!"
Seeing everyone so relaxed, Angie smiled as he began tidying up the dishes with Diancie.
Just then, a person dressed in uniform descended from the sky riding a Corviknight. The Corviknight had a large crate clasped in its talons.
As the person landed, he noticing the already well-fed researchers and Professor, and asked with bewildered expression, "Wait, have you all already eaten?"
This person named was Ata, he's the one who's usually delivered the meal for the people in the Research Station.
Professor Sada apologized, "Sorry, Ata. We've all eaten. Looks like you made the trip for nothing."
Ata frowned slightly. "What should I do with all this food, then?"
Angie spoke up, "How about giving it to me?"
The Veluza hadn't been fed yet, after all.
Ata didn't know Angie but looked at the two professors, who nodded at him. Only then did he agree. "Alright, sure."
He left the crate of food and departed on his Corviknight.
Angie turned around to Diancie and said, "Diancie, I'll leave the cleanup to you. I'm heading to feed the Veluza with Munchlax and Drizzile."
"Got it. Don't worry about it," Diancie nodded.
The Professor and researchers got up immediately to help Diancie clean up.
Meanwhile, Angie, Munchlax, and Drizzile carried the large crate toward the water pool, with Drizzile holding the original food Angie had prepared for the Veluza.
When they reached the poolside, Angie clapped his hands and shouted, "Everyone, it's time to eat!"
At the sound of his voice, one Veluza after another surfaced, racing eagerly toward the pool's edge.
Angie clapped his hands again and shouted, "Line up! No food if you don't queue!"
"Veluza!"
The Veluza leader called out, and the previously chaotic group immediately quieted down, obediently forming a line.
Angie praised the leader, "Well done! You're a real leader!"
"Veluza~"
The Veluza leader squinted its crescent-shaped eyes happily and opened its huge mouth, waiting for Angie to feed it.
"Alright, alright, here you go!" Angie said, pouring a large bowl of rice mixed with stir-fried vegetables into the leader's mouth.
Nom-nom-nom!
The Veluza leader started chomping quickly.
"Good, isn't it?" Angie asked.
"Veluza~ Veluza~"
The Veluza leader spun around joyfully in the water, splashing Angie in the process.
"You little rascal..." Angie laughed and continued feeding it.
Given the Veluza leader's large size, it naturally had an equally large appetite. Angie spent quite a bit of effort just feeding it alone.
Munchlax and Drizzile were busy feeding the other Veluza.
It took nearly an hour before the three of them managed to feed all the Veluza.
After eating, the Veluza swam around contentedly in the water.
A while later, Diancie and Arven arrived at the poolside.
"All cleaned up?" Angie asked.
Diancie nodded.
Angie then turned to Arven. "Have the Professor gone back to work?"
Arven replied, "Yep~"
Angie couldn't help but remark, "They really work hard!"
The group then sat by the pool, chatting casually.
Arven had a dozing Mabosstiff lying on his lap.
Angie was flanked by two Oinkologne, who, after eating their fill, were now napping. Behind him was a soft, sleepy Munchlax leaning against him.
Diancie was amusing two little Charcadet, while Drizzile had jumped into the pool and was riding on the Veluza leader's back, playing with the other Veluza.