A new wooden cabin had been built on Berlitz Farm.

  After returning from the lord’s estate, Mr. Berlitz officially hired him as the farm’s apothecary.

  According to their agreement, he would need to produce 200 bottles of healing medicine per month. In exchange, Mr. Berlitz offered him a 20% share of the profits.

  Previously, the farm’s medicine had been crafted by Mr. Berlitz using the Healing Leaves from Petilil, which weren’t true healing potions.

  However, Samuel’s medicine was brewed using Oran Berries, which had genuine healing properties. Though slightly less effective, it was significantly more profitable.

  On the farm, Oran Berries were usually sold for 50 copper coins apiece. But once processed into healing medicine, each bottle could be sold for 5 silver coins—ten times the price!

  “Try it out, my new growth fertilizer.”

  Inside the cabin, Samuel smiled at the small Pokémon before him, who stared back with a confused expression.

  The Petilil before him was completely different from the timid creature it had once been. Now that it had gained the freedom it longed for, its expressions were much more animated.

  This was how a Grass-type Pokémon should be—full of life and energy. Samuel was delighted. Grass-types were always so vibrant.

  “Normally, training wouldn’t happen in a pce like this,” he admitted. “But time is short, and to keep things confidential, I’ll have to trouble you for now.”

  Seeing that Petilil was still staring at him in confusion, Samuel scratched his head. In front of him sat an old, worn-out flowerpot.

  If fertilizer were like food, then its appearance was certainly unappetizing.

  Petilil had only two leaves on its head. It observed the pot for a moment, then, without hesitation, hopped right in.

  Curiosity filled its heart. After finally attaining its long-desired freedom, it had assumed its life would continue as usual.

  Yet the person who had granted it freedom was offering it a completely new path—to become a true Pokémon, a strong Pokémon!

  To grow stronger and live freely—was there any greater form of freedom?

  Thus, it had no hesitation in choosing this path, just as it had made its most important decision once before.

  Nestled in the seemingly ordinary soil, Petilil began absorbing the so-called “fertilizer’s” energy.

  Almost instantly, a wave of soothing warmth flowed through its body. Rexing into the sensation, it stretched slightly, letting the energy seep into every part of itself.

  It feels so good… A faint green glow surrounded Petilil, wrapping it in a gentle aura.

  Then, a small bud sprouted atop its head. It grew rapidly, soon forming a full, healthy leaf!

  “The absorption rate is excellent.”

  Samuel nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased.

  The efficiency of the growth fertilizer depended on the Pokémon’s natural aptitude, and Petilil’s potential was quite promising.

  This meant he could use the fertilizer to cultivate Petilil’s strength quickly, giving it enough battle power to defend itself.

  Everything was progressing far more smoothly than he had expected. Originally, he had pnned to sell the fertilizer for profit, but now, with Petilil by his side, he no longer needed to.

  Instead, he could devote all of the fertilizer to Petilil’s training. It felt as though fate had aligned things perfectly for him.

  That night, Petilil curled up in the flowerpot and drifted off to sleep.

  It was the warmest bed it had ever known, and even in sleep, a contented smile remained on its face.

  Multiple times during the night, it woke up and gnced at Samuel sleeping in the nearby bed, afraid that everything would reset once morning came.

  When it opened its eyes at dawn, Samuel awoke at the same time. They exchanged a gnce and smiled, the quiet warmth filling the room.

  After getting up, Samuel took Petilil to Mr. Berlitz’s house.

  As a farm employee, he was entitled to meals and lodging, and he wasn’t about to refuse such hospitality.

  After breakfast, Uncle Darby arrived at the farm. Upon learning that Samuel had obtained a Petilil and been promoted to a senior employee, he was stunned.

  Such drastic changes in just one day?

  After the initial shock, pride swelled in Darby’s heart—like a father watching his son grow up.

  “Uncle Darby, I’ll take care of you from now on,” Samuel decred proudly, like a child boasting about his achievements to a parent.

  Darby simply patted his shoulder and said, “Your father would be proud of you. And so am I.”

  As for Samuel’s promise to support him, Darby didn’t take it seriously. He was still strong and had no need for his “kid” to take care of him just yet.

  Samuel didn’t press the matter. Some things were better left unsaid—actions spoke louder than words.

  After chatting for a while, they walked toward the orchard together.

  Uncle Darby continued his usual work, clearing fallen leaves and spoiled fruit from the standard orchard.

  Meanwhile, Samuel openly stepped into the berry grove. He needed to harvest ripe Oran Berries to brew more medicine.

  Petilil skipped happily ahead, no longer seeing the grove as a cage but rather as its home—where its closest friends lived.

  In the grove, a Starly fluttered down from above. Having recovered from its injuries thanks to Samuel’s medicine, it was back to full health.

  Perched on the wooden fence at the orchard’s edge, it vigintly watched Darby, dutifully fulfilling its role as a guardian.

  Such a rigid little guy… Samuel silently mused. You know, even if you let him slide, Mr. Berlitz wouldn’t mind.

  Understanding the situation, Uncle Darby gave Samuel a nod and stepped out to resume his own work.

  “I’ll finish my own work first, then help Uncle Darby,” Samuel thought, turning his gaze toward the berry trees.

  Meanwhile, Petilil joyfully pyed with a group of Cherubi, its three leaves rustling as it soaked in the morning sunlight.

  Chirp, chirp, chirp!

  The Starly stuck close to Samuel, observing his every move.

  As he walked, Samuel spotted a fallen berry on the ground. An idea came to him—he could use it to make more fertilizer.

  But just as he bent down to pick it up, Starly suddenly swooped in, pressing its wing against his hand and shaking its head.

  Seriously? Aren’t you being a little too diligent? Samuel chuckled internally but gave Starly a small nod. Fine, I’ll wait until it rots before picking it up.

  Continuing through the grove, he harvested five ripe Oran Berries—all approved by Starly’s strict standards.

  -----

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