The harvesting work lasted an entire day, and every last mature hop cone from the three hop fields was carefully picked clean.
The open space behind the ranch that had originally been set aside for drying was no longer sufficient, so Silas had no choice but to clear out an additional area to accommodate the sheer volume of hops.
Layer upon layer of yellow-green cones lay spread across the ground, forming an astonishingly pleasing sight. The faint, fruity fragrance drifting through the air seemed to ease the exhaustion in his body, soothing away much of the fatigue brought on by the day's labor.
With hops this fragrant, the beer brewed from them would undoubtedly taste excellent.
However, considering that there were still many "little ones" at the ranch, Silas planned that when he brewed the next batch, he would add fruit to the mixture and create a lower-alcohol fruit wine instead.
The moment Morpeko noticed Silas appear, it was the first to dash toward him, clinging directly to his pant leg as if hanging there.
"Morpe~ gurgle gurgle!"
Right on cue, its little belly let out a loud, unmistakable rumble.
"You worked hard today too," Silas said with a smile, casually lifting Morpeko up and placing it on his shoulder. "Let's head back and I'll make something delicious for you all. Just wait a little longer."
"Morpe-ko~!"
With Silas's promise secured, Morpeko immediately narrowed its eyes in satisfaction, revealing its two large front teeth in a grin.
It rummaged around inside the pouch on its belly, pulled out a roasted seed, cracked it open neatly with its incisors, and swallowed it happily.
Noticing Silas looking at it, Morpeko generously took out another seed and offered it to him.
Ever since arriving at the ranch, Morpeko had never once worried about food. Its pouch was stuffed full every single day, and it was more than willing to share with the other Pokémon.
It knew very well that whenever its pouch became empty, Silas would always refill it.
"You eat it yourself. Don't worry about me."
Rubbing Morpeko's soft little cheek, Silas shook his head gently.
His gaze then shifted forward to the Pokémon in the distance. The Mareep were helping spread out the hops evenly so that each cone could receive as much sunlight as possible.
Silas crouched down and reached toward the first batch that had been laid out to dry.
This portion had already lost much of its moisture. The cones' surfaces appeared drier and shriveled, turning a deeper yellow-brown color.
Some of them had already reached the proper drying standard—the flowers were dry and brittle, no longer plump and moist like when freshly picked.
At this rate, after one more full day of sun-drying tomorrow, he would be able to brew the first batch of beer the day after.
Finally, his basement would have a proper use.
As he walked, Silas thought about heading into town in a few days to purchase a variety of fruits for brewing.
Classic grape-flavored fruit wine was absolutely essential. Raspberry and blueberry would be wonderful additions, and peach wine was indispensable as well.
There were many flavors he wanted to try. When the time came, he planned to brew a single barrel of each to test them. If they tasted good, he would make more next time; if not, he would reduce the quantity—or simply not brew them again.
By the wooden bridge, the Mudsdale brothers and the regular Meowth were all in the water.
After working all day, their bodies carried traces of sweat and scent; they needed to wash thoroughly.
Silas handed Morpeko over to Kangaskhan, asking her to help wash it.
Then he called out to the Pokémon splashing in the water, "Don't play around too much. Once you're clean, dry yourselves off. I'm heading back to prepare dinner."
"Meow!"
The regular Meowth responded first, clearly eager to leap out of the water.
It was the one who disliked bathing the most. Yet before it could make its escape, its limbs were seized by Alolan Meowth and Galarian Meowth, who dragged it back to give it a proper scrubbing.
The three Mudsdale brothers soaked for quite a while before stepping onto the shore and vigorously shaking their massive bodies, sending droplets flying everywhere like a sudden rainstorm.
Meanwhile, Silas hurried back to the cabin.
Korrina had just emerged from the bathroom with Minccino, wearing Serena's clothes.
"If you're not in a rush to head back, Korrina, stay and have dinner at the ranch."
"I'm not in a hurry at all, Big Brother Silas."
Korrina licked her lips slightly, already reminiscing about the delicious dishes Silas made.
Beckoning to Dolliv and Alcremie, who were sitting quietly and obediently on the sofa, Silas brought them into the kitchen to begin preparing a hearty dinner for the entire ranch family.
Everyone had worked tremendously hard today. He intended to reward them with a truly satisfying meal.
There were now many Pokémon at the ranch. By the time he finished preparing dinner for them all, Silas's arms were so sore he could barely lift them.
Inwardly, he made up his mind: tomorrow, he would go hire an Indeedee to help at the ranch.
As for the hops still drying outside, Kangaskhan and the Meowth could watch over them.
The ones that met the drying standard would be collected; those that hadn't would remain in the sun.
It was a light and simple task—he trusted the Meowth to handle it easily.
Once Indeedee came to help manage the ranch, he could hand over various miscellaneous chores and wouldn't have to stay so overwhelmingly busy.
Even as he thought this, his hands never slowed.
Before long, waves of fragrance drifted out from the kitchen. In the living room, every Pokémon lifted their noses and inhaled in unison.
Their stomachs rumbled one after another like distant thunder. Exchanging amused glances, they instinctively gathered at the kitchen doorway to wait. Korrina was among them.
"It smells amazing!" Korrina said dreamily. "Big Brother Silas, what are you making?"
"Mapo tofu. It's perfect with rice."
"Really? Then I'm going to eat ten bowls of rice!"
Korrina raised her hand excitedly. Not to be outdone, Morpeko cried out "Morpe-ko!" repeatedly, insisting it could eat eleven bowls.
And just like that, one human and one Pokémon began competing in a rather strange direction.
One claimed twelve bowls, the other insisted on thirteen.
The numbers kept increasing until they had exaggerated all the way past thirty.
Silas walked over with exasperation and lightly tapped each of them on the head.
"I didn't cook that much rice. If you're going to talk like that, maybe you shouldn't eat at all."
"Nooo!" Korrina clutched her head and stuck out her tongue playfully. "Your cooking smells this good—I can't resist!"
"Morpe!"
(Me too! I love Silas's cooking the most!)
"Alright, you two little gluttons, go wash your hands. We're about to eat."
He poked their foreheads with his index finger and called Cyclizar to help carry the remaining dishes to the table.
Finally, he sprinkled a last handful of chopped green onions over the mapo tofu. A ladle of hot oil was poured on top with a sharp sizzling sound, golden droplets bursting forth as the rich, spicy aroma instantly filled the air.
"The flavor is perfectly authentic."
Silas tasted a piece. The tofu was tender and silky, infused with bold, numbing heat and spice—absolutely ideal for eating with rice.
What kind of culinary effects would such a dish have?
[Mapo Tofu (B): Made with tender tofu and a specially prepared fermented bean paste. The tofu is soft and richly flavored, and the sauce is spicy, numbing, and aromatic—a superb accompaniment to rice.
Dish Effect: Greatly increases appetite (the absolute nemesis of anorexia).
Special Effect (Fire-type Exclusive): After consumption, Fire-type Pokémon experience a slight increase in the speed at which they accumulate Fire-type energy.]
Both effects were excellent.
Silas asked Cyclizar to call Litten back so it could join them for dinner; he was certain it would adore this dish.
Once Litten arrived, Silas glanced at Korrina and Morpeko, who were practically drooling.
"Everyone's here. Let's eat."
The moment his words fell, Korrina and Morpeko sprang into action like unbridled colts.
They grabbed their spoons and stuffed a large bite into their mouths, hissing from the heat and spice yet smiling so widely their eyes curved into crescents. Immediately afterward, they shoveled in mouthfuls of rice.
"Wah! It's so delicious! Big Brother Silas, it's such a waste that you don't open a restaurant with skills like this!"
"Morpe!"
Morpeko chimed in enthusiastically, finishing the rice in its bowl in just a few bites with the help of the mapo tofu.
Then it raised its small bowl high, asking for another serving.
After tasting it, Litten's eyes shone brightly, and it let out a contented, delighted meow.
The rest of the Pokémon loved it as well.
As long as everyone enjoyed the meal, Silas felt completely satisfied.
(End of Chapter)