Despite his gray hair and aged appearance, Mr. Ellie Moss moved nimbly.
He led Lucas around the ranch, stopping at each Pokémon group to enthusiastically introduce their features.
"These Skiddo are very gentle and friendly. They generate energy just from water and sunlight. As Grass-types, not only can they produce milk for the ranch, but they can also help crops grow."
Ellie Moss pointed to a group of Skiddo nibbling grass.
Lucas nodded and, with Ellie Moss's permission, approached the Skiddo.
Just as described, the Skiddo were gentle and friendly. After making sure Lucas meant no harm, a few cute Skiddo came over and nuzzled him.
Ellie Moss chuckled, "See? Skiddo are perfect for farms and ranches."
Lucas agreed, petting a Skiddo's head, and curiously asked, "How much do Skiddo cost?"
Ellie Moss replied, "These are all raised by me—healthy and friendly—so the price is a bit higher."
Lucas swallowed. He really wanted a Skiddo, so he asked, "How much exactly?"
Ellie Moss looked at him and smiled, "Fair price: 20,000 Pokédollars each."
Lucas: "..."
All his assets only totaled 30,000 Pokédollars, and one Skiddo cost 20,000?
Skiddo were worth it—they could help grow crops, produce milk, eat only grass, water, and sunlight, and would easily pay for themselves.
But the price was still a bit steep. Instead of buying from the ranch, Lucas thought it'd be easier for him to catch wild Skiddo and Gogoat himself.
Other farmers might not be able to do that, but for Lucas, it was easy.
Awkwardly, Lucas changed the subject, "Let me check out some other Pokémon…"
Ellie didn't call him out—he just led the way.
Ellie guessed that Lucas's farm must be just starting out, or else he'd have the funds for a Skiddo.
Realizing the prices for Skiddo, Miltank, and Nacli (Pokémon that produced valuable by-products) would be high, Lucas adjusted his goal to look for Pokémon that were more scattered in the wild and less expensive.
"These Fidough aren't just good for guarding the farm—they also make a high-quality yeast, which is great for cooking."
"And, their evolution, Dachsbun, can emit a pleasant aroma that helps wheat grow. Flour from wheat grown under Dachsbun's scent is said to be especially fine."
"The price? 2,000 Pokédollars each."
"This is Smoliv. Its evolution, Dolliv, produces high-quality olive oil. 2,500 Pokédollars each."
Ellie introduced nearly a dozen Pokémon: Smoliv for olive oil, Fidough for yeast, Combee for honey, Noibat for collecting berries with ultrasound, Nacli for special salt, and so on.
Based on the prices, Lucas had already picked a few Pokémon.
They came to a small room—just over ten square meters—filled with cabinets.
Inside the cabinets were all sorts of cute bowls and plates. Lucas looked at Ellie in confusion. Was there a Pokémon here?
Or was Ellie inviting him for lunch?
Ellie just smiled, walked to one cabinet, and took out a round bowl decorated with strawberries, handing it to Lucas.
As Lucas took the bowl, he noticed a new aroma in the air. He sniffed, "It smells so nice…"
Looking into the bowl, he saw a blob, like cream, lying limp inside. Getting closer, he confirmed the smell was coming from the creamy blob—which could move!
Suddenly, Lucas realized what it was and exclaimed: "Milcery!"
Milcery, a Fairy-type Pokémon from Galar, is made entirely of cream. Its evolution, Alcremie, is famous for making delicious, happiness-inducing cream.
"I thought this one might stump you," Ellie said, stroking his chin, "As expected of a teacher—no matter which Pokémon I show, you already know it. So knowledgeable at such a young age!"
Lucas replied modestly, "You flatter me. About this Milcery…"
Anticipating the question, Ellie said, "Yes, this one's for sale too. Price: 3,000 Pokédollars."
"This is our dessert storage room. Sometimes Milcery just appears out of the sweet air. Very mysterious. This is the only Milcery we have right now."
The only one?
Lucas blinked at the adorable Milcery in the bowl, already having made up his mind.
Alcremie could make delicious cream, helping Lucas make desserts to boost his Pokémon's happiness. Three thousand was a fair price.
He made a quick decision: "I want to buy one Smoliv, one Fidough, one Mudbray, and this Milcery."
He calculated: 2,000 for Fidough, 2,500 for Smoliv, 2,400 for Mudbray, and 3,000 for Milcery—just 9,900 Pokédollars, leaving him 20,000 to keep his lifestyle stable.
As for Skiddo, Mareep, or Wooloo, he could catch them himself in Paldea, Johto, or Galar.