Seeing dawn was nearly breaking, Sieg simply abandoned any plans to rest, retrieving the psychic training manual from his spatial bag.
Previously, he'd only briefly skimmed the introduction and hadn't attempted deep practice.
"I see. Besides self-training, psychics can apparently also awaken through external stimulation."
Sieg sat cross-legged, beginning meditation according to the manual's methods. Unfortunately, by the time birds outside started chirping and dawn broke, he still hadn't entered a deep meditative state.
"The first meditation attempt is this difficult?"
Sieg finally gained some understanding of meditation training's difficulty.
Seeing servants already beginning work in the garden below, Sieg rubbed his tired eyes and simply gave up on psychic training for now.
Just as Sieg prepared to head to the dining room for breakfast, the Team Rocket computer, which had been silent all this time, suddenly chimed.
Sieg hastily closed the windows, locked the door, and only then carefully accessed the Team Rocket website.
[Team Rocket members receiving this message must assemble in Mauville City within seven days]
Sieg looked at the mandatory mission posted above, frowning. According to the history logs, the Team Rocket squad leader's identity he now occupied had never received any mandatory missions before.
"Looks like Team Rocket is planning something major in Mauville City!"
Originally, according to Sieg's planned route, he should first complete exploration of Hoenn region's northern territories, then head to the coastal southern areas and maritime cities.
His originally planned his next next stop to be Verdanturf Town, but now it seemed he'd need to temporarily change destinations.
Sieg glanced at Murkrow still standing guard by the curtains, a gentle look flashing in his eyes as he stroked its fluffy feathers.
"You've worked hard, Murkrow. Come back now."
Sieg headed downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. Luna wasn't present, probably still sleeping.
However, he encountered someone unexpected here.
"Sir Gerald, good morning!"
Sieg spoke respectfully to the middle-aged man seated at the head position, looking quite refreshed.
Gerald let out a hearty laugh, gesturing for Sieg to sit: "Haha, Sieg, no need for formalities. Judging by your expression, you didn't rest well last night?"
Though Sieg had tried his utmost to mask it in his expression, the fatigue in his eyes was still noticeable.
Sieg explained about designing the training plan for Luna's Chikorita and creating specialized Pokéblocks.
The room fell silent for a moment. Even Gerald looked somewhat surprised, clearly, Luna probably hadn't mentioned this to her family.
"While my daughter didn't tell me about this, I still must ask, young friend, how confident are you in this endeavor?"
Though Gerald knew Sieg possessed some talent in Pokémon breeding...
Such specialized training plan design was typically work for Intermediate Breeders. Only with sufficient experience and knowledge reserves could one complete a Pokémon's training plan creation.
Gerald's gaze fixed intently on Sieg, trying to read something from him.
Sieg's eyes met his without hesitation, showing no emotional fluctuation whatsoever.
"While I'm only a Junior Breeder, I'm fairly confident about this matter. Moreover, I've already asked Master Hogan to review it."
Facing doubt, Sieg answered with neither arrogance nor servility.
Only then did Gerald nod thoughtfully. With a Breeder's Guild president reviewing the work, credibility certainly increased significantly.
"In that case, I'll trouble you, young friend. For all of Luna's commissions with you, I'll pay the highest market rates."
Clearly, Gerald was saying this to prevent his family, or his daughter Luna, from owing Sieg favors.
After all, debts of gratitude were often hardest to repay.
They already owed a life-saving favor; naturally, they couldn't owe another debt.
After finishing breakfast, Sieg returned to his room once more, after all, his Pokémon hadn't eaten breakfast yet.
As usual, he prepared fixed Pokémon food and Pokéblocks for them, plus each Pokémon's favorite treats.
"Back to designing the training plan."
After organizing the items on his desk, Sieg retrieved various instruments and his hand-drawn breeding manual.
Then he opened his Pokédex's communication function, placing a video call to Master Hogan.
Ring ring ring~~~
After just a few seconds, the call connected. On screen appeared the president of the Rustboro Breeder's Guild, Hogan.
"Master Hogan, good morning~"
Over the following days, Sieg remained buried in his room, writing intensively, repeatedly revising the training plan before finally presenting a perfect version.
It had also passed Master Hogan's review, confirmed to exceed average standards.
The training plan he'd designed primarily targeted Chikorita's superior healing talent and energy control.
For moves, it only needed to master Weather Ball, Energy Ball, and a few other offensive techniques. The main focus was on Safeguard, Aromatherapy, Leech Seed, Grassy Terrain, and similar moves.
The specially customized Pokéblock "Verdant Glow" could not only enhance energy control but even make the Pokémon emanate a pleasant fragrance with long-term consumption.
This perfectly complemented the fragrance from the petals blooming around Meganium's neck. Two fragrances overlapping would definitely produce a marvelous effect.
"Oh, also, don't forget to let Chikorita sunbathe at least six hours daily. It not only promotes Synthesis learning but also helps the buds around her neck grow robustly."
After handing the completed training manual to Luna, Sieg carefully instructed her.
Luna nodded her head repeatedly, her admiration for Sieg beyond words.
"Also, I'll produce 'Verdant Glow' Pokéblocks on a fixed weekly schedule and send them to you through the Pokémon Center's transfer system." Sieg spoke meaningfully.
Luna paused, then realized: "Sieg, are you leaving?"
Sieg nodded. After all, this was only natural. Setting aside his original purpose of traveling to challenge the League...
The emergency assembly time Team Rocket had sent a few days ago was nearly upon him. Fortunately, Fallarbor Town had both a port and a train station.
Luna lowered her head, somewhat silent.
Though born into a prominent family and doted upon by her parents, the elite education she'd received since childhood made her a sensible person.
"Sieg, thank you for saving me back then. I'll remember this favor in my heart forever!"
Luna suddenly raised her head, showing Sieg a radiant smile.
Learning Sieg would soon leave, Luna spent the entire day clinging to him, seemingly treasuring these final moments together.
Early the next morning, Sieg and his Pokémon hurriedly finished breakfast at the estate before heading to Fallarbor Town's train station.
He'd naturally be riding the League's fastest, most convenient transportation, the maglev train.
"That girl's quite thoughtful, she even prepared a first-class ticket."
Looking at the first-class ticket Luna had gifted him before departure, Sieg was in good spirits.