---
Eric's eyes lit up 'Finally, someone who knows what they're doing'
Rather than fumbling through online tutorials or relying on advice from influencers in entirely different regions, consulting a local expert was undoubtedly the smarter approach.
"Honestly, I'm struggling to decide what crops to plant for my first harvest," Eric admitted. "That's why I thought visiting Jones Farm might give me some guidance."
Peter blinked, realization dawning. So that explained why Eric had been looking at the fields with such curiosity he wasn't just inexperienced; he was practically a novice. Perhaps this was just a wealthy city kid dabbling in farming as a hobby?
Still, Peter maintained his warm smile, patting his chest confidently. "You've come to the right place! Since our bosses considered buying that old plot of land, they sent me to survey it. The soil there is almost identical to ours, so whatever grows well here should work for you too."
Peter led Eric, Arven, and Mabosstiff to an orchard filled with rows of trees bearing Oran and Pecha Berries. The bright fruit glistened under the sunlight, showcasing their ripeness.
Arven's curiosity got the better of him, and after Peter's approval, he joined a farmhand to experience the joy of harvesting berries firsthand, with Mabosstiff happily tagging along.
Eric, meanwhile, ran his fingers over the rough bark of an Oran Berry tree. The sturdy trunk supported branches brimming with fruit, each tree holding well over a hundred berries.
He recalled that a single Oran Berry sold for about 20 Pokédollars, with exceptional quality ones fetching up to 100 Pokédollars. He was curious about the cost of the saplings and how long it would take to yield a harvest.
Turning to Peter, he voiced his questions, patiently waiting as the farmer mulled over his response.
Peter considered for a moment. Technically, he wasn't obligated to help a potential competitor, especially since his bosses had expressed interest in the same plot of land.
But Eric seemed genuine in his curiosity, and the information he sought wasn't exactly proprietary. If anything, it could foster goodwill.
With that in mind, Peter smiled and answered, "Oran and Pecha Berry saplings cost around 1,000 Pokédollars each. Their harvest cycles depend on the specific variety, but most take between a month and two and a half months to bear fruit."
"However," he added, "the saplings themselves take about two months to grow before they can start producing berries. So, if you're planting from scratch, you're looking at a minimum of three and a half months for your first harvest."
Peter glanced at Eric, who had pulled out a small notebook. As Peter explained, Eric meticulously jotted down notes, his serious expression revealing a genuine thirst for knowledge.
Peter chuckled inwardly. He's either incredibly earnest or doesn't care about the costs. Either way, this guy's not much of a threat.
---
The visit to Jones Farm proved invaluable. Eric left with a wealth of practical knowledge that he couldn't have gleaned from books alone. On the walk back to the farm, he mentally drafted a plan for his first crops.
First, he would start with staple crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and cabbage. These would serve as his primary income until the berry trees matured.
Second, he would plant Oran and Pecha Berry saplings. These were in high demand and relatively easy to grow, making them ideal for a novice farmer.
However, the price of fully grown berry trees 3,000 Pokédollars each was a steep hurdle. While it would save time, Eric couldn't justify the cost given his current budget. With only 231,145 Pokédollars left in savings, he needed to stretch every penny.
Besides, with a bit of patience, he could achieve the same results at a fraction of the cost.
Eric also factored in the additional expenses of grass seeds for the pasture, fish stock for the lake, and other essentials. For now, it was wiser to take things slow and steady.
"Set small goals," Eric muttered to himself. "If potatoes can thrive in Siberia, I can grow them here too."
---
Back at the farm, Arven prepared to leave. Since the lighthouse was in the opposite direction of Jones Farm, he planned to return on his own with Mabosstiff.
"Thanks for the tour today, Brother Eric!" Arven said, waving enthusiastically. "I had a lot of fun!"
"Calling me Eric will be fine," Eric said with a smile.
Eric ruffled Arven's soft, chestnut-coloured hair. "Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner?"
"No need! Mom promised to cook something special tonight," Arven replied, his face lighting up at the thought. It had been a while since he'd had a homemade meal from his mom.
Eric hesitated before suggesting, "How about I let Dragonite give you a lift? It'll be faster, and you can get home in time to help your mom in the kitchen."
Arven's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? That would be awesome!"
Eric called out to Dragonite, who quickly arrived. After ensuring Arven and Mabosstiff were safely aboard, he handed Arven a Poké Ball. "Here. For Mabosstiff. I noticed you hadn't caught him yet, so consider this a gift."
Arven beamed, clutching the Poké Ball tightly. "Thanks, Eric! I'll take good care of it!"
With a wave, Dragonite ascended into the sky, quickly disappearing over the horizon.
Watching them go, Eric stretched his arms above his head and sighed contentedly. "Ahh~ Perfect timing. Now, I can hit the market and buy some seeds."
----
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