"Well then... you're free now."

  Samuel smiled gently as he pced the Petilil on the floor of the carriage.

  Free... I'm free... Petilil looked up at Samuel, emotions swirling in its heart.

  Nearby, Mira watched the exchange between the Trainer and the Pokémon. A warm smile spread across her face—he truly was a kind person.

  The carriage, pulled by a sturdy Rhyhorn, rumbled steadily along the stone road, drawing closer to Berlitz Farm.

  As they reached the farm’s entrance, a Luxray was already waiting for them, its fur crackling with faint arcs of electricity. Its stance was tense, wary.

  "Luxray, it's me."

  Seeing the Luxray preparing for battle, Samuel quickly jumped down from the carriage.

  Oh, it’s the errand boy... Luxray nodded slightly but kept its sharp gaze locked on Mira and Prinplup as they stepped off the carriage.

  "Hello, Luxray. I am Mira, the Lord of Ambition City." Mira introduced herself with a composed tone, treating the Pokémon with respect rather than looking down on it as a mere beast.

  Samuel took note of this—Mira’s views on Pokémon seemed rather progressive.

  In ancient times, humans and Pokémon were still in competition, and it wasn’t uncommon for people to capture or drive Pokémon away in rge numbers.

  Luxray greeted Mira with equal grace, then casually led them toward the farmhouse.

  As they neared the estate, Mr. Berlitz emerged to greet them. Another Luxray stood at his side, its sharp gaze assessing the newcomers.

  The Luxray species had a unique ability to communicate over long distances through electric currents—much like a modern telegraph system.

  "Lord Mira, what brings you to my farm today? And how is the Treasurer’s health?" Berlitz asked with a smile, though his eyes flickered toward Samuel and the Petilil in his arms, a hint of curiosity fshing across his face.

  "I came to escort Apothecary Samuel back," Mira replied with a nod. "Baron Reiser has regained consciousness."

  Apothecary?

  Berlitz shot Samuel a surprised gnce. Was the Lord implying that it was Samuel’s medicine that cured the Treasurer?

  From these few words, Berlitz pieced together important information. He studied Samuel with curiosity—when had he become an apothecary?

  After all, when the constable had arrived with the Lord’s personal letter to take Petilil, he had expined the situation clearly.

  None of the apothecaries in Ambition City had been able to wake Baron Reiser, forcing them to pce their hopes on Petilil instead.

  And yet, Samuel had succeeded where all the city’s apothecaries had failed?

  Doesn’t that mean... his skill surpasses them all?

  "As long as the Treasurer is well, that’s what matters," Berlitz said, suppressing his questions as he welcomed Mira into the manor’s reception hall.

  Previously, he had reluctantly agreed to part with Petilil. Mira had acknowledged that favor, and as a result, she now personally accompanied Samuel to return the Pokémon.

  "I truly appreciate your help with Petilil, Mr. Berlitz."

  "If not for Petilil, we might never have discovered that Samuel here is such a talented apothecary."

  Mira’s words were deliberate, causing subtle shifts in both men’s expressions.

  So she’s helping me...

  Samuel understood immediately. He had been wondering how to bring up this matter with Berlitz.

  From previous interactions, it was clear that Berlitz had never truly wanted to give up Petilil—his compliance had been a reluctant compromise.

  Samuel had pnned to negotiate with him, but with Mira’s statement paving the way, his approach would be much smoother now.

  "I never expected Darby’s nephew to be an apothecary," Berlitz mused before adding, "But indeed, he was the one who saved Petilil."

  Mira and Berlitz continued chatting for a while before she took her leave. As a gesture of hospitality, Berlitz gifted her some berries before she departed.

  Once the Lord had gone, only Samuel and Baron Berlitz remained in the hall. In Samuel’s arms, Petilil tensed slightly.

  "Mr. Berlitz," Samuel said, taking a deep breath, "I want to take Petilil as my partner."

  He spoke pinly, not beating around the bush.

  As soon as the words left his mouth, Samuel mentally ran through several possible responses Berlitz might give.

  But to his surprise, Berlitz simply raised a brow and asked, "Petilil already belongs to the Lord—why are you asking me?"

  With that, he turned to Luxray and gave a brief command before heading toward the farm, his attitude clearly saying, This has nothing to do with me.

  "...Wait. Does that mean he agreed?"

  Samuel stood there, dumbfounded. He turned to Petilil, who was just as stunned.

  The next moment, Trainer and Pokémon exchanged a look—then both burst into ughter. A quiet, unspoken understanding formed between them.

  "Petilil, you're free now," Samuel reminded, honoring the promise he had made.

  Then, after a brief pause, he continued, "So... would you be willing to be my partner?"

  He was nervous as he asked.

  He had vowed to grant Petilil freedom, and that included the freedom to choose. If Petilil declined, he would release it into the wild.

  "Pe! Petilil!"

  Without hesitation, Petilil nodded firmly.

  For the first time, it was making a decision for itself—this was the freedom it had longed for!

  "Petilil, let’s take care of each other from now on."

  Receiving the answer he hoped for, Samuel lifted Petilil into his arms, his voice solemn and sincere.

  There was something special about moments like these—a sense of ritual that deepened the bond between Trainer and Pokémon.

  If only I had a Poké Ball for this moment... Samuel thought wistfully.

  Let’s take care of each other... Petilil repeated in its heart.

  It had found someone worth protecting with all its strength.

  With the bond officially formed, Samuel carried Petilil out of the hall, heading toward the orchard.

  Returning to the orchard, Petilil's mindset had completely changed. It was no longer a prisoner of this pce—now, it was free.

  Star-Star!

  The moment they neared the orchard, a chorus of bird calls rang out.

  On a sturdy tree branch, a Starly—still wrapped in bandages—perked up at the sight of Petilil, chirping excitedly.

  Petilil’s heart warmed as it recalled how Starly had fought desperately to protect it.

  Though the little bird had always been strict about guarding the orchard, it had also been a steadfast protector.

  If anyone dared to harm the Pokémon living here, they would have to get past Starly first!

  -----

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