Chapter 69

Elder Ailimos moved with surprising agility, completely unlike his white-haired, aged appearance.

He expertly guided Luo Mu through the farm’s Pokémon, stopping warmly at every group to introduce their traits.

“These Rideau Sheep have very gentle, affectionate temperaments—they generate energy just from water and sunlight, and as Grass-type Pokémon, they not only produce milk but also help crops grow.”

Ailimos pointed to the Rideau Sheep grazing peacefully nearby.

Luo Mu nodded in understanding and, with Ailimos’s permission, approached the Rideau Sheep.

As Ailimos said, the Rideau Sheep were gentle and affectionate; they first regarded Luo Mu with curious eyes, confirmed no malice radiated from him, then several cute ones circled around, nuzzling him warmly.

Ailimos chuckled happily: “I told you right—Rideau Sheep are perfect Pokémon for farms and pastures.”

Luo Mu agreed with Ailimos, stroking a Rideau Sheep’s head as he asked curiously, “How much do they cost?”

Ailimos said, “I’ve raised and bred all of them myself—they’re healthy and gentle, so the price is a bit higher...”

Luo Mu swallowed hard; he truly wanted a Rideau Sheep. “Just tell me the number.”

Ailimos glanced at Luo Mu and smiled: “Fair price for young and old—20,000 Alliance Coins per one.”

Luo Mu: “.........”

I only have 30,000 Alliance Coins total, and you want 20,000 for just one Rideau Sheep?

Though Rideau Sheep are absolutely worth 20,000 Alliance Coins—they help plants grow and produce milk, survive mainly on pasture, water, and photosynthesis, and recoup costs easily.

But the price still deterred Luo Mu; instead of buying here, he could simply venture into the wild a few times, compare, and catch wild Rideau Sheep or Rideau Goats.

Other farmers and ranchers couldn’t capture Pokémon in the wild, but for Luo Mu, it was effortless.

He let out two awkward laughs and changed the subject: “I’ll look at the other Pokémon...”

Old and shrewd, Ailimos didn’t call him out—he simply led the way ahead.

Meanwhile, Ailimos guessed Luo Mu’s farm was just starting out; otherwise, he wouldn’t lack funds to buy Rideau Sheep.

After learning the Rideau Sheep’s price, Luo Mu realized Pokémon like Rideau Sheep, Miltank, and Saltrock would be expensive due to their abundant byproducts.

Aside from Miltank, which is nearly unseen in Paldea’s wilds, Pokémon like Rideau Sheep and Saltrock can easily be caught in the wild.

So Luo Mu adjusted his goal—he began examining Pokémon that were scattered in the wild and wouldn’t cost much.

“These Pupitar not only guard the farm, but also produce high-quality yeast, greatly aiding in cooking.”

“Moreover, their evolved form, Galarian Weezing, emits a charming fragrance that promotes wheat growth—legend says wheat exposed to its scent yields flour of exceptional quality.”

“As for price... 2,000 Alliance Coins each.”

“This is Minifluff—its evolved form, Ollinu, produces premium olive oil... 2,500 Alliance Coins each.”

Ailimos introduced nearly ten different Pokémon to Luo Mu: Minifluff for olive oil, Pupitar for yeast, Three Bee for nectar, Zubat for collecting berries via ultrasonic waves, Saltrock for producing special salt, and more...

Based on prices, Luo Mu already had several suitable Pokémon in mind.

They arrived at another room; Ailimos opened the door, revealing the interior.

The room was small—only about fifteen square meters—filled with cabinets.

Inside the cabinets sat colorful, adorable bowls and plates; Luo Mu glanced at Ailimos in confusion—were there Pokémon here?

Or was Ailimos inviting him to lunch?

Ailimos smiled without speaking, walked straight to a cabinet, opened it, and handed Luo Mu a round bowl decorated with strawberry ornaments.

Luo Mu took the bowl and suddenly sensed something new in the air; he sniffed and murmured, “So fragrant...”

He looked into the bowl—a soft, cream-like substance lay inside; he leaned closer and confirmed the scent came from it—and... the cream was moving!

A flash of insight struck Luo Mu—he remembered the name of the substance... no, the Pokémon—and whispered in surprise: “It’s Smoochum!”

Smoochum, a Fairy-type Pokémon from Galar, is entirely made of fresh cream; its evolved form, Milcery, is famed for producing rich cream that brings overwhelming happiness when eaten.

“I thought this one might stump you,” Ailimos stroked his chin, impressed: “No wonder you’re the teacher—no matter which Pokémon I introduce, you act like you already know it. Such vast knowledge for one so young!”

Luo Mu replied humbly: “You flatter me—this Smoochum is...”

As if sensing Luo Mu’s unspoken question, Ailimos said: “Yes, this one is for sale too—price is... 3,000 Alliance Coins.”

“This is our dessert storage—sometimes Smoochum spontaneously appear in the sweet aroma. It’s quite miraculous. This one is now the only Smoochum left on the ranch.”

Only one left...?

Luo Mu blinked, gazing at the adorable Smoochum in his bowl—his decision was already made.

Milcery, Smoochum’s evolved form, produces sweet, delicious cream—under its help, he could make tasty desserts to raise the happiness index of his farm’s Pokémon. Three thousand Alliance Coins was not expensive—he could easily afford it.

Thinking this through, Luo Mu paused, then swiftly decided: “I’ll take one Minifluff, one Pupitar, one Mudsdale, and this Smoochum—all together.”

Luo Mu had calculated: 2,000 for Pupitar, 2,500 for Minifluff, 2,400 for Mudsdale, and 3,000 for Smoochum—totaling 9,900 Alliance Coins. He’d still have 20,100 left to maintain his lifestyle.

As for Rideau Sheep, Miltank, or Wooloo, he could catch them in Paldea’s wilds, the Johto region, or the Galar region.