The next day, the sun was shining brightly, and another peaceful day began in Mondstadt.
Takashi woke up early, and Xerneas was already standing in the yard, basking in the morning sunlight.
Having reunited after millennia, Xerneas, as the emissary of the forest, had long been protecting the woods and Pokémon in the form of a tree.
Now that she was awake, she still longed for the vibrant breath of nature.
"Morning, Xerneas," Takashi greeted her after finishing his morning routine.
"Oh, good morning," Xerneas responded gently, squinting her eyes at Takashi.
Takashi glanced at today's mission: **[Accumulate 60 million Mora in Sales over 14 Days]**.
Hmm, the target had increased again.
Just like housing prices.
Takashi had a simple breakfast—MooMoo Milk and dry bread—then took Feebas' Poké Ball and went out for a walk with Xerneas.
The residents of Mondstadt strictly followed an ancient lifestyle—rising with the sun and resting at sundown. Along the way, Takashi saw passing merchants and residents.
At the city gate, Flora, the flower seller, had her stall set up. The little girl sold Cecilia flowers at exorbitant prices.
Every time Takashi saw her, he couldn't help but want to complain a bit.
Knight Swan, who was stationed at the city gate, often asked questions about the personnel of the Knights of Favonius. Takashi always got them wrong—like confusing librarian Lisa with the library manager, or the cavalry captain with Knight Captain Kaeya, or Amber as a reconnaissance knight rather than scout.
Walking further out, they reached the bridge over Cider Lake that led to the other side of Mondstadt. On the bridge, a little boy named Timmy was always standing there, feeding wheat to a group of pigeons.
Amber's Baron Bunny had become quite the handy method for collecting poultry...
For Timmy's sake, Takashi decided to sneak across the lake with Xerneas.
With a single Teleport, Xerneas and Takashi were across the bridge.
Ripples shimmered on Cider Lake, and figures moved on the lawn below. Looking closely, it was Lisa, Amber, and Klee, taking a walk with their Pokémon.
"Shall we go say hello?" Takashi smiled at Xerneas.
"Alright."
"Hey, everyone!" Takashi and Xerneas jogged over.
Klee raised Lotad in her arms and waved enthusiastically, "Big brother, good morning!"
After a round of greetings, little Klee, Lotad, Tynamo, Ponyta, and the shy Xerneas soon became fast friends.
Xerneas was initially a bit reserved, but when she encountered this lively, cheerful little rascal, she began to open up.
She ended up rolling around on the lawn with little Klee, having a great time.
Lisa crossed her arms and played with her chestnut hair, giving Takashi an amused look. "I heard you made a big profit off Master Diluc again yesterday."
Takashi rolled his eyes—this girl had her sources.
"That was an angel investment."
"I'm very sensitive when it comes to money."
"Uh-huh, Miss Lisa is welcome to provide tax advice anytime," Takashi responded perfunctorily. The deal had been done—what, she wanted free after-sales service now?
Amber looked at the energetic Ponyta with satisfaction and said, "Yesterday, Ponyta and I ran back and forth for hundreds of li. It was amazing!"
Aren't you afraid of exhausting it to death...? Takashi gave a Conan-like awkward smile. "Ponyta's personality seems lively and cheerful. Pokémon with this temperament are usually confident. Miss Amber, you should take it easy at first, gradually build up rapport, and not push too hard, or you might strain it."
Amber was puzzled. "Strain it?"
Lisa chuckled, covering her mouth, "By the way, shopkeeper, I'm planning to develop some potions soon. I'm wondering if Tynamo can handle it with its current constitution?"
"You're going to use it as a test subject?" Takashi made a deadpan face.
Lisa waved her hand dismissively. "How could I? Look at how adorable Tynamo is—how could I do something so cruel? Its round head and rotund body make it my absolute favorite."
Takashi tapped his head. "In the beginning, you usually improve the bond between trainer and Pokémon through various interactions. Making potions together is also one way. After all, Tynamo is a Poison-type and wouldn't be repelled by toxins. Who knows, it might even enjoy it."
Upon hearing Takashi talk about how trainers and Pokémon interacted, Amber, being a professional scout knight adept at gathering all sorts of information, couldn't help but be intrigued.
She asked curiously, "Shopkeeper, how should I strengthen my bond with Ponyta?"
"Simple. Give it enough hay every day. Groom its flaming mane until it's nice and shiny. Keep its four hooves clean. And Ponyta loves running in open nature—make sure to take it for a run every day. If not, it'll get lonely."
"Amazing, shopkeeper!" Amber's eyes lit up like little crosses, turning into an instant fan.
Takashi looked up at the sky and noticed a dark raincloud in the distance. It looked like it might rain.
Thinking of the rain, Takashi turned to Lisa. "By the way, Tynamo is an Electric-type Pokémon. When there's thunder, lightning, or stormy weather, it gets excited and wants to run outside to absorb enough electricity to maintain the voltage balance inside its body."
Takashi sat on the sloped grass by the lake, with Amber on his left and Lisa on his right. When he started talking about Pokémon, he completely lost himself in the topic.
He didn't notice Amber's starry-eyed expression or Lisa's amused gaze.
After Takashi had explained all the details of caring for Tynamo, he finally returned to his senses. His cheeks were warm, and the atmosphere was a little awkward. Was he giving a public lecture?
Amber rested her chin in her hands, intrigued. "Shopkeeper, tell us more! Pokémon are so interesting."
"Who would've thought that at your age, you'd know so much," Lisa teased with a smile.
Just as Takashi was about to continue, Traveler Lumine appeared at the top of the slope with Wingull perched on her head, along with Paimon, who was always chasing treasure.
Seeing the lively scene, the two eagerly came over.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lumine got straight to the point. "Shopkeeper, I was planning to visit your Pokémon shop to buy some Pokéblocks, but unfortunately, you weren't there."
Takashi thought for a moment—didn't he give her ten boxes yesterday?
He instinctively looked at Paimon.
Paimon crossed her arms and shook her head helplessly. "This time, it's not my fault. We were having a picnic, and a bunch of Treasure Hoarders showed up. During our fierce fight with them, all the Pokéblocks were destroyed."
Amber took a box of Pokéblocks out of her pocket. "Do you need something to eat? I have a little here."
"Hah..." Paimon's eyes lit up at the sight of food, and she almost lunged for it.
Lumine grabbed her by the neck from behind, lifting her up. "Feed Wingull first."