Carrying food to lure wild Pokémon and some healing medicine, Raven rode a Bouffalant hauling clay into the forest that afternoon.
Two knights escorted them, guarding against the risk of wild beasts attacking the cart.
Fortunately, this stretch of forest held no dangerous threats—only timid Grass-types with no desire to fight.
Cottonee, Petilil, Foongus…
Raven's gaze lingered on a few small figures peeking out from behind rocks, their eyes cautious. He blinked in surprise.
"I didn't expect to find Petilil here."
From what Raven remembered, Petilil were particular about their habitat.
They usually lived only near fresh, clear waters with rich, moist soil. If their environment deteriorated, they would migrate together in search of a better place.
What made them more valuable was the leafy sprout atop their heads—it was a rare medicinal herb. Bitter enough to make people dizzy, yes, but also able to restore stamina.
In some regions, those leaves were even boiled into soup. The smell was so strong that it repelled Bug-types, making it useful as a natural insect deterrent.
If we had Petilil in the settlement, the woodcutters wouldn't need to worry about Sewaddle or Joltik ambushes.
The thought made Raven's eyes brighten. He signaled Bouffalant and the knights to stop.
"Your Highness Raven?" one knight asked, confused.
Raven stepped down and tried speaking gently to the three Petilil.
But as soon as he approached, the trio panicked, turning to flee.
"Snivy, Vine Whip."
"Snivy."
Snivy flicked its neck, sending out a whip of vines. The slender green tendrils lashed forward, twining neatly around the Petilil before they could scatter.
Under Snivy's precise control, the vine tightened just enough to restrain them, then reeled them back toward Raven.
The three little Grass-types struggled and cried out. Snivy tilted its head toward Raven, waiting for instructions.
"Easy now, Petilil. We mean no harm," Raven said softly, patting their leafy heads and producing some food from his pack.
The Petilil paused, blinking at him. The fear in their eyes dulled, curiosity flickering in its place.
"It's like this," Raven continued. "I'll release you now. Please don't run just yet—I only want to speak with you."
Snivy loosened its vines. The Petilil dropped lightly onto the grass. Instead of fleeing, they hovered uncertainly, watching him.
Raven cleared his throat. "I've established a settlement outside this forest. The land is fertile, with fresh rivers and safety from danger. I'd like to invite you to live with us."
And in return, of course, he was thinking of those medicinal leaves. As Grass-types, their sprouts would regrow after pruning anyway.
The Petilil rustled nervously, clearly uncertain.
"How about this?" Raven suggested. "I'll show you the place. If you like it, you can stay."
He planned to entrust them to Lila, the healer, who had just finished building a herb garden near her home.
"Snivy."
Snivy gave them a firm look. Under its gaze, the hesitant Petilil finally nodded.
"Good."
The forest wasn't far from the settlement, so Raven soon returned with the Petilil in tow. He found Lila tending her herb garden.
"Your Highness Raven?" Lila was startled, quickly setting down her tools and bowing.
"No need for formality." Raven's eyes swept over the garden.
Her wooden house sat by the river, with a small fenced courtyard behind it. A dirt path ran through the middle, herbs and flowers planted neatly on either side.
"I came here to discuss something." He gestured behind him. "Come out."
Encouraged by Snivy, the Petilil peeked out shyly.
Lila gasped, her eyes wide. "Those are…!"
"You recognize them?" Raven asked.
"Of course!" Lila exclaimed. "The leaves on their heads are priceless medicinal herbs. Even in the capital, they're rare! They cure headaches, refresh the mind, and restore strength."
Her face lit with joy. "With them here, we won't have to worry about fevers or chills spreading!"
Raven chuckled. "That's why I brought them. I'd like you to care for them. Of course, it depends on whether they wish to stay."
He looked to the Petilil. "This is the place I told you about. What do you think?"
The Petilil glanced around. The herb garden brimmed with fragrant plants. A clear river flowed nearby. The air was safe and vibrant.
Their eyes gleamed.
Seeing that, Raven knew they were convinced.
"In that case," he said warmly, "stay here without worry. We'll protect you from other Pokémon."
"Petilil."
They nodded cheerfully.
Raven smiled and turned to Lila. "I'll leave them to you. Raise them well."
"Yes, Your Highness!" she answered firmly.
After Raven departed, Lila crouched to face the Petilil. She cleared her throat. "From today onward, you'll live here with me. I'll take good care of you."
"Petilil!" The trio chirped happily.
Lila's lips curved into a soft smile. So cute… Perhaps these so-called beasts aren't so frightening after all.