Chapter 193: A Heart of Gratitude
Chapter 193: A Heart of Gratitude
After lunch, Naoki began assigning specific tasks to the two Aiguansi.
Just as the younger Aiguansi had said, the older one was skilled at housekeeping, managing their master's daily life, and handling internal affairs, so Naoki handed over the management of the entire house to it.
The younger Aiguansi, on the other hand, excelled at cooking and caring for Pokemon, so Naoki put the numerous ranch Pokemon under its care as well.
Of course, this didn't mean that Naoki would let the Aiguansi do everything; he would also work alongside them.
The younger Aiguansi's tasks consisted of the following two items:
1. Feed the ranch Pokemon when Naoki is not at the ranch.
2. Use its unique ability to sense emotions to care for every Pokemon on the ranch, promptly understanding their needs and concerns, and conveying them to Naoki.
When Naoki informed the two Aiguansi of their responsibilities, they glanced at each other and nodded in unison.
This didn't sound too difficult!
And these tasks were, after all, within their job scope.
Seeing the Aiguansi's reactions, Naoki suddenly remembered something unique about their species.
Unlike Motos lizards, which gain energy from consuming meat,
the Aiguansi draw their energy from a variety of positive emotions, such as happiness, gratitude, and joy...
They use the horns on their heads to absorb these emotions and convert them into their own energy source.
And it is because of this trait that both domesticated and wild Aiguansi will diligently care for humans and Pokemon alike, always seeking to experience joyful emotions like gratitude and happiness.
Speaking of care, Naoki suddenly remembered something.
He turned to the Aiguansi and said, "By the way, I haven't introduced you to the Pokemon Tavern yet."
"Aigu?"
Hearing this term for the first time, the younger Aiguansi looked puzzled.
The older Aiguansi by its side also seemed perplexed, silently waiting for an explanation.
"As the name suggests, it's a place for drinking and gatherings." With that, Naoki turned and said, "Come, let me show you!"
The group walked across the lawn and arrived at the old house that had been transformed into a tavern.
Naoki pushed open the door and stepped aside to allow the two Aiguansi to get a clear view of the interior.
"This is the tavern, but it's not open for business yet." Seeing their confused expressions, Naoki paused for a moment and asked, "You know what a cafe is, right?"
The older Aiguansi nodded. "Aigu."
"A tavern is similar to a cafe; it's a place for relaxation and gatherings," Naoki explained.
With that clarification, the two Pokemon immediately understood.
"However, the tavern I'm running is a little different from a typical one," Naoki added mysteriously.
As expected, the siblings were intrigued and turned to face him.
Naoki didn't keep them in suspense. "My tavern doesn't cater to humans; it exclusively serves Pokemon customers."
"Aigu?!" The two Aiguansi exclaimed in disbelief, their eyes widening at his statement.
Pokemon... customers only?
"That's right," Naoki affirmed, proceeding to explain the current situation of the tavern in detail.
After hearing him out, the younger Aiguansi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
It loved this place!
So, when the tavern opened for business at seven in the evening,
after finishing their dinner, the two Hulk Pokemon who strolled over to the tavern for a drink were surprised to see that the bartender had changed from Naoki to an unfamiliar Pokemon.
The younger Aiguansi cheerfully welcomed the two customers. "Aigu~"
"Nikeh...?"
Perplexed, the Hulk Pokemon couldn't help but ask about Naoki's whereabouts.
Younger Aiguansi: "Aigu!" (Naoki is doing chores with his brother! I'll be your host today!)
Hearing this, the two Hulk Pokemon breathed a sigh of relief. They had initially worried that Naoki might have run away, leaving the tavern to close down.
Now that they knew Naoki was fine, they ordered their usual two glasses of tree fruit juice and settled into the chairs for a casual chat.
Before long, the Froakie and Kartana arrived as well.
Like the Hulk Pokemon, they were astonished to see a different Pokemon running the tavern.
The Aiguansi patiently explained the situation and prepared two drinks according to their preferences.
During this time, the younger Aiguansi noticed that Kartana didn't seem to enjoy the sweet and sour tree fruit juice, so it thought for a moment and brought over a glass of juice made from cherry-like tree fruit, a spicy beverage favored by Fire-type Pokemon.
Ecstatic to have found a drink that suited its taste, Kartana excitedly expressed its gratitude to Ai Guanshi.
"Ai Yi~" The younger Ai Guanshi's face softened into a gentle smile.
Meanwhile, in the room...
Naoki noticed the older Ai Guanshi's distracted expression and said, "If you're worried, go and check on it. Leave the rest of the laundry to me."
"Ai Yi..." The older Ai Guanshi hesitated.
Before coming here, their parents had taught them always to be diligent and meticulous in their work for their master, so it had always held itself to a high standard.
But this was the first time it would be apart from its younger sibling...
The older Ai Guanshi thought of its playful younger sister, and worry crept into its heart.
Naoki, seeing its concern, laughed and waved at it: "Relax, don't be so tense. If you want to go and see her, go ahead. You can also check if the tavern needs any more help."
The older Ai Guanshi nodded gratefully and then turned and left, running through the night to the brightly lit tavern.
Its younger sister was standing safely behind the bar, though she seemed to be working, her attention was entirely focused on the group of Pokemon chatting away.
The older Ai Guanshi breathed a sigh of relief and then calmly walked in.
"Ai Yi?" The younger Ai Guanshi was taken aback for a moment, then a brilliant smile lit up her face.
"Ai Yi!" she exclaimed, "Brother, I love it here!"
The older Ai Guanshi had never seen such a radiant expression on its sister's face.
It paused, then joined its sister behind the counter to help out.
Late into the night, after seeing off all the Pokemon customers, the older Ai Guanshi helped its sister clear the tableware and rinse them with clean water.
The younger Ai Guanshi, on the other hand, took the broom and energetically swept the tavern floor.
Throughout the evening, a smile had hardly left her face.
It was as if she had found the meaning of her existence.
"Ai Yi~" (Brother, this place is wonderful. Those Pokemon are so grateful to us!)
Without turning his head, the older Ai Guanshi replied, "Ai Yi." (Mr. Naoki is a good person.)
The younger Ai Guanshi nodded in agreement, adding, "Ai Yi!" (He's the best human in the world!)
Just then, a beam of light shone in from outside.
Naoki, who had been waiting for a long time for the two Pokemon to return, stood at the door with a flashlight in hand.
"It's time to go to sleep!" he said, a little exasperated. It was almost midnight, far past their usual bedtime.
The younger Ai Guanshi looked a little embarrassed. "Ai Yi..."
It had been having such a good time chatting with the two Hulk Pokemon and the Throh that it had lost track of time.
The two Pokemon quickly finished cleaning the tavern and carefully locked up before happily following Naoki back to their residence.
Naoki pointed to the refrigerator. "There's food and water in there. If you get hungry or thirsty, help yourselves. You don't need to ask me. Just make yourselves at home."
"Ai Yi~" The younger Ai Guanshi nodded happily.
"Then, good night." Naoki watched as they returned to their room and then turned to retire to his own bedroom.
As the lights in the bedroom went out, the entire ranch fell silent.
Only the soft whispers of the two Ai Guanshi siblings remained.
The younger Ai Guanshi curled up on its small bed, its mind replaying the events of the day, too excited to fall asleep.
The older Ai Guanshi lay on the other bed, its posture strict and proper even in sleep. Its eyes were closed, but its sister knew it wasn't truly asleep.
In a coquettish tone, she said, "Ai Yi~" (Brother, I'm so happy today~)
Older Ai Guanshi: "Ai Yi." (It's time to sleep.)
Younger Ai Guanshi, curious: "Ai Yi?" (Aren't you happy?)
The older Ai Guanshi opened its eyes and answered seriously, "...Ai Yi." (I am happy.)
Satisfied, the younger Ai Guanshi hugged the small dinosaur substitute plush toy that Naoki had prepared for them and whispered, "Ai Yi!" (I want to stay here forever!)
Upon hearing this, the older Ai Guanshi thought of the weak Meowth that had been abandoned by its Trainer on the ranch.
It gazed up at the ceiling in the darkness.
Would Naoki... ever abandon them?
(End of Chapter)
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