"I am the King of Bountiful Harvests; you have nothing to fear," Calyrex spoke gently, looking down at the teapot before him.

  He radiated a calming warmth toward the little Pokémon living withieapot.

  Polteageist felt this warmth and cautiously lifted the lid with its head, peeking at the mysterious Pokémon in front of it.

  Calyrex smiled kindly, and Polteageist's eyes sparkled, looking far less frightehan before. It sensed no ill will from Calyrex.

  Watg from nearby, Mike grinned, chug, "Looks like Polteageist has really taken a liking to your Pokemon! With him around, there's nothing to worry about. Once you're home, just let him keep them pany, and they'll settle in nicely!"

  By this time, Calyrex had gently picked up Polteageist.

  At first, Polteageist looked a bit unsure, but then Naoki heard Calyrex say, "Just stay close to me for now."

  Polteageist paused, then cheerfully agreed, twisting its small form. Two tiny purple legs stretched from the bottom of the teapot as it left Calyrex's hands, floating tentedly beside the atop Calyrex's head. It looked like a charmi or, perfectly suited to him.

  "," Mike said, "you should use the Poké Balls to catch them. I couldn't get them to cooperate fully, so it'll be up to you to make them feel at home."

  Naoki hat made sense.

  He took out two Poké Balls from his bag, tossing oly at Sinistea oable. The Poké Ball tapped Siurning it into a red light and drawing it inside. After a few small shakes, the ball stilled. Whether Sinistea accepted him or was simply too small to resist, the capture was plete.

  Regions like Hisui had all sorts of methods for catg Pokémon, most of which didn't even require battle.

  Some teiques included sneaking up from behind to caton off guard aging them physically, dodging their attacks until they tired out, and then throwing a Poké Ball just as they were exhausted.

  Various tools were also useful, like mud balls, smoke bombs, sticky globes, and berries.

  Satisfied, Naoki put away Sinistea's Poké Ball.

  Then he approached Polteageist, who was now looking at him curiously.

  "From now on, we'll make a home together," Naoki said gently. "I'll take you back to a safe pce where no Pokémon harm you. And I promise to prepare delicious tea for you."

  Polteageist looked at him with wide, coffee-like eyes, as if weighing his words.

  Calyrex nodded warmly beside him. "I'll be going with Naoki too," he added reassuringly.

  The little head of Polteageist tilted thoughtfully for a moment before nodding.

  It had decided to trust this human and his Pokémon friend.

  "The's make it official, Polteageist!" Naoki said warmly, holding out a Poké Ball in front of the ghostly teapot h nearby.

  Polteageist looked at the Poké Ball, a bit curious, and after a few seds of hesitation, reached out a tiny hand to touch the button on it.

  As soon as it touched the button, the teapot and its spirit form were drawn into the Poké Ball. It shook twid then clicked still, indig a successful capture!

  Naoki couldn't help but smile, delighted to have added an authentiistea and Polteageist set to his team.

  With his goal achieved, it was time to head back to Paldea!

  As expected, when the moment arrived, Mike felt pelled to ask, "Are you sure you won't stay in Gar? I'd be happy to offer you a generous annual sary if you do!"

  A trainer of Naoki's skill would be valued anywhere, and for his pany, signing a trainer like him could be an incredible opportunity.

  Naoki could sehe siy in Mike's offer but simply smiled and shook his head. "Thank you very much, but I prefer my quiet life bae."

  Realizing Naoki had made up his mind, Mike felt a pang of disappoi. "Are you sure you're not w for the Paldean League?"

  The strength Naoki had shown seemed far beyond that of an ordinary trainer, and Mike could hardly believe he didn't belong to any league.

  But Naoki's answer only surprised him more. "No, I'm actually a rancher. I run a small farm with my Pokémon."

  "A... rancher?" Mike was dumbfounded. Had he heard that right?

  Naoki nodded. "Yep, I raise Pokémon and grow crops—just a simple farm life."

  Mike's mind raced as he took this in. 'Rang, raising Pokémon, farming... could it really be true?' He couldn't help but imagine a sario: what if this young man was once a renowned champion who, after years of battling, decided to retire to a peaceful life with his Pokémon?

  The thought amused and amazed Mike. The idea of a former champion choosing such a quiet life showed remarkable resolve, something rare and admirable.

  Mike finally sighed with a bittersweet smile, realizing that no amount of money could sway someoh such a steadfast heart. "If only I'd met you earlier," he murmured wistfully.

  For a moment, Naoki felt a bit lost in Mike's words. But after a brief pause, he simply smiled and began to say his goodbyes: "We should be heading out. If you ever find yourself in the Paldea region, stop by Naoki Ran Kosaji Town. We'd love to wele you!"

  'Paldea region… Naoki Ran Kosaji Town.'

  Mike mentally he location.

  Naoki didn't say much more. He gave a nod to Mike, then headed dowairs with Koraidon and the King of Bountiful Harvests by his side.

  Koraidon carried the rge bag of Corviknight feathers without pint, as Naoki wasn't quite strong enough to ma alone. Every time this happened, Naoki couldn't help but appreciate Koraidon's unwavering reliability.

  By suhey arrived at Wyndon Station, ready to catch the st train to Hulbury. From there, they'd board a ship to Paldea.

  The Gar region's steam trains were remarkably fast; in four hours, they reached Hulbury just as the clock struck 5 PM, perfectly timed for the st ship to Paldea.

  Once aboard, Naoki, Koraidon, and Calyrex found a spot on the deck, gazing at the reg shoreline of Gar. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sea as the ship's whistle sounded, signaling their journey home.

  As the Gar region slowly faded from view, the bustling port town of Hulbury blurred into the distas lighthouse being a faint twinkle against the evening sky.

  Naoki, standing on the deck, turo his panions, Koraidon and Calyrex, who shared his gaze toward the horizon.

  "This trip to Gar was truly amazing," Naoki thought joyfully. He'd not only befriehe majestic Gstrier and Spectrier, but even the King of Bountiful Harvests had chosen to join him. Along the way, he'd entered legendary Pokémon like Za and Zamazenta, and to top it all off, he'd acquired a ge of Sinistea and Polteageist teaware.

  But more thareasures, Naoki was most excited about returning home to his rand seeing all the familiar faces again.

  He wondered how everyone on the ranch was doing.

  'Were there challengers attempting the Green Grass Trial? Had the little bcksmith Pokémon finished f its hammer? Had Naclstack evolved intanacl? Was Miltank adjustio its winter feed now that the fresh grass was gone? And were any new Pokémon visiting the cozy little tavern they'd built together?'

  "Have Mew and Teddiursa sent bay postcards or souvenirs from their test travels?"

  The air was getting colder each day. Naoki thought of bee and Butterfree, who had likely retreated to the warmth of the gss greenhouse by now.

  He was eager for ao all these thoughts. He missed everyone ba the ranch, just as much as they missed him.

  Calyrex watched as Gar slowly faded into the distance. Memories of the past drifted through his mind—the once-prosperous nd of Gar, the humans who revered him with s, the disaster that spread across the region, and his ation ceremony at the Shrine.

  Then came his time of weakness, his energy spent, his beloved steed gone, and a long, lonely sleep in the snowy wilderness. Even after he awoke, he wandered aimlessly, his memories clouded, until he found himself alone on the vast fields of ice.

  The King's gaze was calm as he looked into the horizon, with a wisdom formed through the trials he had ehe memories of his past could not be washed away, just like the steadfast stones of the Shrine, unged even through the years.

  But then, one day, he felt a faint warmth—a renewed faith, faintly calling to him from across the distant nd of Paldea. At first, it uzzling, but over time, the faith grew strniting from a small spark into a grand, bzing light.

  It was his faithful followers, his "little believer," spreading his name once more in that distant nd. The gentle look on the King's face softened as he closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of their devotion. When he opehem again, he khe past was truly behind him.

  Now, he was no lar's king, a figure of reverence. From now on, he was simply Calyrex, a humble rancher's panion.

  The heavy responsibilities of a king rolled away from his shoulders like a retreating tide, leaving him feeling lighter than ever before. He turned from Gar's fading shores, ready for this new life awaiting him in Paldea.

  Paldea was his new home, yet Gar would forever hold a special p his heart.

  ...

  It takes three days to travel back to the Paldea regiar.

  Naoki had been busy throughout this trip, but tonight, he finally found a rare moment to rex. Instead of wandering around the deck, he picked up a packet of bck tea from the ship's restaurant auro his .

  The sea was calm at night, rippling only occasionally uhe glow of the full moon, which made the deep blue waters look both peaceful and mysterious.

  His was small, about 20 square meters, with a bed, a bedside table, and a desk by the porthole—perfect for reading and writing.

  Naoki released all his Pokémon, except for Spectrier and Gstrier. Calyrex floated gracefully above the floor, while Cyclizar examined a small ship model with curious eyes.

  "Raao…" Koraido out a soft yawn, looking sleepy.

  Notig this, Naoki chuckled and said, "If you're tired, go ahead a."

  But at Naoki's words, Koraidon seemed to shake off its drowsiness, stretg and standing up, now watg Naoki's hands ily as he prepared the tea.

  Naoki was making a special brew for Sinistea and Polteageist. These two Pokémon had a magical quality—they could iheir own powers into tea, making it part of themselves.

  As the tea steeped, a gentle aroma spread throughout the room.

  [Bck Tea (C): Bck tea brewed from standard-quality leaves, with a hint of bitterness.

  Effect: Refreshing effect, Level 1. The strong bitterness has a surprising awakening effe anyone who drinks it, human or Pokémon.

  Note: Your brewing teique brings out the tea's bitterness, giving it the punch of a strong coffee. An ued result.]

  Naoki looked at the tea, feeling a bit unsure.

  "Refreshing, huh…" he muttered, sidering his creation.

  He had hoped to make something enjoyable to share with Sinistea and Polteageist, perhaps as a way tthen their bond. But seeing how potent the tea turned out, he suddenly wondered if this might not be the best after all.

  Looking up, Naoki saolteageist was staring at the cup of bck tea. As for Sinistea... well, Naoki wasn't quite sure where its eyes were.

  The room fell into an awkward silence.

  Naoki broke it with a tentative question, "So… what do you think of the taste?"

  Sinistea floated back a little, clearly unimpressed by the bitter tea. Polteageist, oher hand, moved in closer, curious.

  Its body had used up quite a bit of bck tea while in ste, and it seemed eager to replenish itself.

  Naoki observed with i. "Could it be that Polteageist actually prefers bitter tea over sweet?"

  Enced, he slid the cup of bck tea over.

  Though a bit hesitant, Polteageist leaned out of its pot, took the cup with its tiny hands, and slowly poured the tea into its pot.

  In no time, the small cup was empty, and Naoki noticed Polteageist's translut body being fuller as it absorbed the tea's essence.

  "Wow, that's incredible!" Naoki marveled. "It's actually merging its power with the tea tthen itself!"

  He recalled that the Pokédex mentioned bck tea infused with Polteageist's had a distinct taste and aroma—quite unique, both in fvor and fragrance.

  Just then, Polteageist, who had been tent moments before, suddenly looked sorrowful. Its face drooped as if it had just tasted the bitterness of life itself.

  "Ah…"

  The ghost pokemon i let out a sad sigh, slumping against the edge of its teapot, arms draped over the side like a miniature, mencholy philosopher. It looked into the distah a face full of worries, occasionally sighing deeply.

  Naoki blinked, puzzled. "Um… what's going on?"

  Even Calyrex, the King of Bountiful Harvests, seemed intrigued. "Why has it bee so somber?"

  Naoki shrugged. "I… I'm not sure."

  He racked his brain, trying to recall any tidbit of knowledge about Polteageist's behavior.

  Then, a realization struck him: 'Polteageist's mood might actually be influenced by the taste of the tea it absorbs!'