Join my p@treon for more chapters
p@treon.com/Tempest_29
When Evan returned to the orphanage, it was completely dark.
The children in the orphanage had all been bathed and moved into new rooms.
They happened to be eating at the time.
Evan had returned at the perfect moment.
Everyone was delighted to see him back.
One by one, they began chatting with him, expressing how much they liked their new rooms.
Seeing their cheerful faces, Evan smiled.
He thought, Just as I hoped. It wasn't a waste to spend so much money.
These rooms were meant for them to live in until they reached adulthood.
After that, they would either become independent or be adopted by willing families.
Then Evan would no longer have the obligation to support them.
Evan was willing to back whatever they chose to do in the future, but he had no plans to enable dependency. However, since they were still young, he decided not to bring this up yet. He thought it best to discuss it with them when they were older.
The orphanage continued to operate as it always had, but it was no longer struggling financially. If more orphans arrived, Evan would take them in without hesitation.
Such matters were already decided.
Evan joined the children for dinner at the orphanage, and just as he was about to leave, he remembered something.
So he turned to Aunt Jenn and the others and said:
"Aunts, could you please call the uncles back?"
"Working here would be better than working away from home. I'll pay them wages."
"The shops are reopening tomorrow, and you'll all be busy. The energy cubes can be left to the uncles, right?"
"The demand for those cubes has been growing lately."
"So we need the help. What do you think about calling them back?"
Evan shared his thoughts openly.
Hearing this, the aunts exchanged glances.
After considering it, Aunt Jenn responded, "I'll call him tonight to discuss it. It should be fine to bring him back."
She agreed with Evan.
Calling him back seemed like the right decision.
At the very least, Evan would treat them well.
They also knew that Isla and the others received decent wages—and commissions too.
It finally dawned on them that Evan wanted to work together to build a better future for everyone. As long as they worked hard, they wouldn't have to worry about making money.
There was nothing to refuse.
Evan was pleased when Aunt Jenn and the others agreed.
"Good," he said. "You can sort it out."
"Oh, and Aunt Jenn, I almost forgot. Wait a moment, and I'll transfer this month's wages to you."
"This includes the orphanage salary, the money from selling energy cubes, and your share from making low-level energy cubes."
"I'll transfer all of it together."
Hearing this, the aunts were momentarily speechless.
But they didn't refuse, knowing Evan wouldn't take no for an answer.
Instead, they accepted gratefully.
With that, Evan took his leave.
Back at the breeding house, Evan released all his Pokémon, locked the door, and started washing up.
Once finished, he transferred the aunts' wages.
Then he turned to his Pokémon, including Gardevoir, and said:
"Everyone, gather around."
"Let me check you all out."
"I want to see how you've been developing lately."
"And Kirlia, you're up too."
"Machamp, call the others."
Evan gave Machamp the task of rounding up the Pokémon.
With some free time on his hands, Evan decided to conduct a thorough check-up of all the Pokémon in the breeding room, including those belonging to guests.
Machamp immediately sprang into action, calling the Pokémon to gather for the check-up.
The process was simple. With a machine, it only required each Pokémon to stand in place for a moment.
It was efficient and focused on detecting any potential health issues.
Evan first checked his six Pokémon.
After evaluating their progress, he nodded in approval.
"Pikachu is already at an advanced level. Very impressive."
Pikachu was the first to be checked, and Evan's praise made it beam with pride.
"Pika pika!" it chirped happily.
Of course, it had worked hard, and Evan's recognition made its efforts feel worthwhile.
Although Evan usually didn't pay much attention to such things, after spending so much time together, being hugged like a pillow by his Pokémon had become a norm. There was no need to explain the bond they shared—it was clear and undeniable. Over time, his Pokémon had grown used to Evan's personality and habits.
"Pidgeot, you lazy one!" Evan said with mock annoyance.
"Why is your strength still at the Peak level?"
Turning to Gallade, he continued, "Gallade, train it hard for me tomorrow!"
"And what's this I hear about you playing with Pidgey all the time? They're just kids!"
Then his tone softened as he looked over the others.
"Well, Charmeleon is doing well. It's already at the intermediate level. I bet it won't take long to reach advanced."
"Pikachu, you better step up your game too—it'd be embarrassing to get overtaken."
Evan focused primarily on these three Pokémon. Pidgeot, however, made him sigh.
When he caught it, it was already at the Peak level, and now it was just a middle-level Peak . Clearly, Pidgeot needed more discipline.
Sensing Evan's critical gaze, Pidgeot shifted uneasily.
Ah… it's not that I don't want to improve. It's just those Pidgey… They're too charming! I can't resist!
Evan, noticing Pidgeot's discomfort, decided not to press further. Instead, he gave Gallade strict instructions to focus on Pidgeot's training.
"That's what happens when life's too comfortable," he muttered, shaking his head.
The other Pokémon didn't concern him as much. Gardevoir was already at the peak of the Elite tier, showing signs of an imminent breakthrough to Champion level. Gallade had recently advanced during the battle with Empoleon, so Evan wasn't worried about it either.
As for Lurantis, Evan hadn't caught it long ago. Its strength didn't matter as much—it was cute and endearing, which was enough for now.
After finishing his own Pokémon's evaluations, Evan turned his attention to Isla's Kirlia. The little Pokémon seemed ready to evolve, likely within a few days.
The other Kirlia were in similar states, with one male already having evolved into a Gallade. Evan mused that he might have a few more Gardevoir soon.
After completing the check-ups, Evan released the Pokémon. Some of the wild ones had minor issues, but they weren't serious. A bit of medicine would resolve those small ailments, common from spending so much time in the wild.
Once everything was taken care of, Evan returned to his room to rest. Before settling in, he sent a message to Isla, asking her to deliver the next batch of energy cubes the following day. He also mentioned that her Kirlia was close to evolving.
Isla hadn't gone to bed yet. Upon receiving the news, she immediately started a video call.
When the call connected, Evan noticed Isla in her pajamas. He couldn't help but smile and playfully compliment her outfit.
"Your clothes look great," he teased with a like.