----
"Thank you for your intervention, Mr. Eric."
Officer Jenny, exuding her usual confident demeanour, saluted Eric as her team of officers secured the scene.
Nearby, the three children who had been rescued were tightly embraced by their tearful parents, who profusely thanked Eric for saving their children.
Eric wasn't great at handling such emotional moments. Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, he waved off their gratitude with a strained smile, eager to wrap things up.
Once Officer Jenny and her team escorted the kidnappers away, Eric turned to the black luxury car parked nearby.
Next to it stood Nemona, flanked by her family's butler, Sebastian, and the sleek vehicle that looked more expensive than anything Eric had ever seen.
"Wow," Eric muttered, his eyes practically sparkling as he stared at the car. "That thing's worth at least thousands right?"
He couldn't help but gawk. Having recently seen a video about such vehicles online, Eric recognized the model immediately. It was low-key but oozed luxury.
Nemona noticed Eric's wide-eyed admiration and paused in thought. She remembered how modest his farm had seemed. This car was just one of the many vehicles in her family's collection. Maybe…
Nemona was about to suggest gifting the car to Eric when Sebastian stepped forward, bowing politely with a hand over his chest.
"Mr. Eric, please allow me to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the young miss's family. Thank you for saving Miss Nemona from those vile criminals."
Eric waved his hand dismissively. "It was nothing, really. Just doing the right thing."
Sebastian shook his head with a solemn expression. "Not at all. The young miss's disappearance left her parents and elder sister distraught. Your actions prevented an unimaginable tragedy. On behalf of the family, I must insist you accept their thanks properly. Would you do us the honour of visiting our estate? My employers have prepared a generous reward for your efforts."
Nemona's face lit up at the suggestion. 'Big Brother is coming to our house? Yes!'
However, Eric's response was firm. "I appreciate the offer, but I wasn't doing this for a reward. Please convey my thanks to your employers, but I must decline the invitation."
His tone left no room for negotiation.
Nemona's shoulders slumped in disappointment. She had hoped to spend more time with Eric.
Sebastian, however, was quick to adapt. Smiling graciously, he pulled a gold-embossed card from his pocket. "In that case, please accept my contact information. Should you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. My employers would be more than happy to reciprocate your kindness."
Recognizing the gesture as a subtle way of keeping the connection alive, Eric accepted the card with a nod. Before they parted ways, he leaned down to tell Nemona, "If you ever want to visit the farm, you're welcome anytime."
Nemona beamed at his words, her earlier disappointment forgotten.
---
Back at the farm, construction was in full swing. About ten workers, assisted by several Machamp, were busily preparing the land.
"Eric, you're back!" called a hearty voice.
Turning, Eric saw the construction foreman a stocky man with a moustache and a hard hat. What caught Eric's attention, though, was the scene around him.
The foreman had two children clinging to each arm, one perched on his shoulders, and a few more running around his feet.
Eric raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "Wow. You're really hands-on, huh?"
The foreman chuckled. "When the kids are on-site, someone's gotta keep them out of trouble."
Eric gave a respectful nod. He didn't envy the man's patience.
After exchanging pleasantries, they turned their attention to the farm's layout. Together, they finalized plans for dividing the land into three main zones: a farming area, a pasture, and a lake.
The foreman and his Machamp team offered a reasonable quote of 100,000 Pokédollars for the job. While the price only covered basic wooden infrastructure, it was affordable enough for Eric, though it left his savings at a meagre 30,000.
"Let's get to work!" the foreman declared, flexing his arms in sync with the Machamp, eliciting giggles from the nearby children.
---
Meanwhile...
Back in her family's luxurious seaside mansion, Nemona clung to her father's arm, her cheeks flushed. With her older sister, Karen, offering an encouraging smile from behind, Nemona mustered her courage.
"Father… I want to become a Trainer!"
Her father, Alan, paused, surprised. His eyes, the same shade as Nemona's, softened as he knelt to meet her gaze.
"What brought about this change, my little princess?" he asked gently. "Was it that retired Champion who saved you?"
Nemona nodded, her face growing even redder. Clenching her fists, she declared, "I want to be strong, like him! I'm aiming to become a Champion-level Trainer!"
---
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