Bellsprout dashed to Lucas as soon as it landed, reaching out to take his hand and tugging him in a specific direction, clearly intending to lead the way.
Seeing this, Victreebel and Weepinbell instructed Bellsprout's older siblings to watch the house while they hurriedly followed.
Flabébé hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to chase after Lucas and Munchlax as well.
The water sources on Nebel Plateau primarily came from the Nebel River and Nebel Lake. The lake in front of Lucas's house was actually part of the larger Nebel Lake.
The source of the Nebel River remained unknown. It flowed out of the endless mountains in the northwest of Nebel Plateau, poured into Nebel Lake, and then continued onwards, flowing far away and passing through the Azoth Kingdom.
It could be said that the Nebel River was the lifeblood of the Azoth Kingdom.
Because of Nebel Lake's existence, the water system on the plateau was highly developed, with small rivers, streams, lakes, and puddles connected to Nebel Lake everywhere. As a result, a large number of Water-type Pokémon made their homes on the plateau.
Compared to the relatively scarce food on land, there was much more sustenance in the water, so Water-type Pokémon generally enjoyed better living conditions than their land-dwelling counterparts.
Bellsprout brought Lucas and the others to what appeared to be a small pond.
Of course, though it was called a small pond, its area was actually quite substantial. Currently dry, it displayed large areas of exposed silt alongside withered lotus flowers and leaves.
Although the climate on Nebel Plateau didn't change dramatically throughout the year, it was technically approaching autumn now—a perfect time to harvest and enjoy lotus roots.
However, looking at the pond full of mud before him, Lucas felt slightly apprehensive. How would he dig? Would he have to wade in?
The silt, which had been submerged in water year-round, now emitted occasional wafts of an unpleasant odor.
But... for the sake of delicious food, he would risk it!
After considering his options, Lucas directly removed his shoes, socks, coat, and pants, leaving only his shorts and shirt. He then tentatively placed one foot into the silt.
Fortunately, the mud only came up to his calf.
Surprisingly, Lucas didn't find the sensation of touching the silt as unpleasant as he had anticipated.
Rolling up his sleeves, he reached into the mud and felt around. Soon, his eyes lit up. When he pulled his hand out, he was holding a lotus root.
Perhaps because they were wild, the lotus roots here weren't very large—some were quite slender—but they appeared white and tender.
"Looks like we're going to have a good harvest today!" Lucas said, holding up the lotus root triumphantly.
Munchlax and Bellsprout were both delighted to hear this, especially Munchlax. Seeing that Lucas had successfully retrieved something, it immediately wanted to jump in and help.
"Munch~ Munch~" Master~ I'm coming!
It accelerated and was about to rush into the silt when Lucas shouted in horror: "Munchlax, no, don't!"
But it was too late. Munchlax had transformed into a small, round projectile and barreled into the pond.
Lucas wanted to dodge, but the silt beneath his feet created suction that prevented him from moving quickly enough.
Bang!
The next second, Munchlax slammed into the mud, and the silt erupted like a blooming flower, splashing in all directions. Lucas, being closest, suffered the worst of it and was immediately covered in mud from head to toe.
Lucas: . . .
Munchlax sat up from the silt, scratched the back of its head innocently, and belatedly realized that the little flower behind its ear had fallen off.
"Munch~~"
ε(┬┬﹏┬┬)3 It held the mud-covered flower with its equally muddy paws, looking at Lucas with a distinctly aggrieved expression.
Lucas spread his hands helplessly, then tugged at his silt-covered shirt and said, "Look at me. Do you think I have the energy to worry about your flower right now?"
"Munch~~"
Seeing that Lucas was completely covered in mud because of its actions, Munchlax immediately ignored the flower, turning its head to the side and pretending it hadn't caused any trouble at all.
"You little rascal!" Lucas said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Suddenly remembering something important, he looked at Bellsprout on the shore and asked, "Bellsprout, does this place have an owner?"
Lotus root was food, after all. In Nebel Plateau, where food wasn't particularly abundant, it stood to reason that this area would have some claim of ownership.
If it had an owner, it would be presumptuous for them to dig up lotus roots here uninvited. Earlier, in his excitement to harvest the lotus roots, he hadn't considered this issue at all.
"Sprout~ Sprout~~" Yes, let me call them!
Sure enough, after Bellsprout called out toward the pond, two heads—one large and one small—emerged from the silt not far away.
They were a Barboach and a Whiscash.
Barboach and Whiscash were the owners of this pond and its lotus roots, and also happened to be Bellsprout's good friends. The lotus root that Bellsprout had given to Lucas earlier had been a gift from these two Water-types.
Seeing the owners appear, Lucas quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry, I had no idea someone owned this place."
However, Barboach and Whiscash shook their heads, indicating they weren't angry.
The pond wasn't large, and being a wild variety, the yield of lotus roots wasn't particularly high. But for Barboach and Whiscash, the supply was essentially inexhaustible, which was why they had shared some with Bellsprout.
Moreover, lotus roots grew in silt where other Pokémon couldn't easily find them, resulting in extra roots slowly rotting in the mud each year.
For this reason, Barboach and Whiscash didn't mind others harvesting the surplus lotus roots.
Suddenly, Lucas had an idea and said, "How about this, Barboach and Whiscash? You could give me all the lotus roots here, and in exchange, you can come to my house for meals in the future. Would that work?"
This way, he could obtain lotus roots and earn happiness points—a win-win situation.
Barboach and Whiscash were stunned by this proposal, but then quickly shook their heads.
Go to a human's house for dinner? They didn't dare.
"Sprout~ Sprout~~" His food is really delicious!
At this point, Bellsprout gestured enthusiastically to its two good friends, trying to describe how delicious Lucas's cooking was and attempting to persuade them.
But Barboach and Whiscash continued shaking their heads desperately.
No, absolutely not!
Lucas suddenly had another idea. "How about this—you come to my house tonight and try the dishes I make with lotus roots. If you like the food, then consider visiting regularly. If not, we'll forget I ever suggested it."
Lucas had just thought of an excellent plan. He wanted to hire Barboach and Whiscash to cultivate lotus roots for him in this pond.
The original wild lotus root variety here wasn't ideal, and the yield was low. He could purchase high-quality lotus root seeds from the system store to replace the wild lotus roots.
This way, the same area of water could produce more and better lotus roots. Barboach and Whiscash could keep enough for themselves while supplying the excess to him!
The more he considered it, the more feasible it seemed, and Lucas's eyes grew increasingly enthusiastic as he regarded Barboach and Whiscash.
Barboach and Whiscash thought: Does this human want to eat us? His eyes look so scary!
Bellsprout continued trying to persuade Barboach and Whiscash. Eventually, the two Water Pokémon couldn't withstand their good friend's persistence and reluctantly agreed to visit Lucas's house for dinner that evening.
"Then it's settled," Lucas said happily. He then instructed Bellsprout, "Bellsprout, since Barboach and Whiscash don't know where my house is, please bring them along when the time comes."
"Sprout~ Sprout~" I will!
Bellsprout nodded confidently.
Victreebel and Weepinbell watched from the sidelines with growing concern. Was their child lacking common sense? Why was it so obedient to this human?
After securing Barboach and Whiscash's agreement, Lucas and Munchlax continued harvesting lotus roots.
"Munch~ Munch~" Master, Master, look at me!
Munchlax rolled around excitedly in the mud. After a moment, it stood up holding a pile of lotus roots, proudly showing them to Lucas.
Lucas, who had just managed to pull out a lotus root only to have it break, looked at Munchlax's proud display with a mixture of envy and amusement. "Look at all that mud on you. Don't expect me to wash you when we get back."
"Munch~ Munch~" I'll be good!
Hearing this, Munchlax immediately suppressed its smugness, instead holding the lotus roots and acting adorably beside Lucas.
"Okay, okay! Stop rubbing against me—you're getting mud all over me," Lucas quickly pushed Munchlax away, though he was already completely covered in mud.
"Sprout~ Sprout~" I can help too!
At this point, Bellsprout also called out to Lucas. It stretched its long vine into the mud and immediately pulled out a string of lotus roots.
"Alright, alright, you're all amazing—I'm the only useless one!" Lucas plunged his hand into the mud as if venting his frustration and yanked out a lotus root.
Flabébé, watching Lucas, Munchlax, and Bellsprout having fun in the mud, also extended two vines, inserted them into the soil, and extracted a string of lotus roots.
"Flabé~ Flabé~" Here, these are for you.
Flabébé floated over and offered the mud-covered lotus roots to Lucas.
"Are these for me?" Lucas asked, surprised.
"Flabé~ Flabé~" Yes, take them.
Flabébé nodded gently.
Lucas happily accepted the lotus roots. "Flabébé, you should come to my house tonight and try my cooking too!"
He decided to host a lotus root feast that evening. Even though he wouldn't necessarily earn happiness points, he genuinely wanted to do it.
"Flabé~ Flabé~" Maybe I will.
Flabébé turned away and flew to the side, continuing to extract lotus roots from the mud with its vines. Lucas wasn't sure whether it had agreed or not.
Barboach and Whiscash noticed Lucas struggling and, for Bellsprout's sake, began to help as well. Being Pokémon that naturally lived in mud, they were far more efficient at digging up lotus roots than Munchlax and Bellsprout.
Since Barboach and Whiscash hadn't yet formally agreed to exchange lotus roots for meals at Lucas's house, he didn't harvest too many—just enough for that evening.
After finishing, Lucas, Munchlax, and Bellsprout moved the lotus roots to a small river connected to the pond to wash them. Otherwise, with the roots completely covered in mud, Lucas would be exhausted just carrying them home.
In fact, even just transporting them to the river left Lucas so tired he could barely straighten his back.
This body really isn't in good shape! he thought, massaging his lower back while directing Munchlax.
"Munchlax, wash the mud off your body first."
"Munch~" Got it!
With those words, Munchlax jumped into the river with a loud splash, instantly muddying the previously clear water.
Several Magikarp that had been hiding at the bottom of the river became very agitated when their home was suddenly clouded. They jumped out of the water to express their displeasure by nipping at Munchlax.
Within seconds, Magikarp were attached to Munchlax's head, arms, belly, and rear end.
"Munchlax, you... hahaha~" Lucas couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous sight.
"Sprout~ Sprout~" That's so funny!
Bellsprout even clutched its stomach, rolling on the ground with laughter.
"Flabé~ Flabé~" I shouldn't laugh but...
Flabébé initially tried to remain composed, covering its mouth with one hand and struggling to maintain control, but ultimately couldn't help joining Bellsprout in laughter.
Pui, pui, pui~
The mud on Munchlax's body was dirty and foul-smelling, and even the Magikarp found it disgusting. After a few nibbles, they slapped their tails, fell back into the water, spat a few mouthfuls in Munchlax's direction, and then swam away indignantly.
Lucas, Bellsprout, and Flabébé laughed even harder at this display.
"Munch~ Munch~" What's so funny?
(ω) Simple-minded as always, Munchlax scratched the back of its head upon seeing everyone laughing so heartily and joined in with a foolish grin, though it didn't understand the joke.
After they'd had enough fun, Lucas also jumped into the water, first scrubbing the mud from his own body, then helping Munchlax get clean, and finally beginning to wash the lotus roots.
The river wasn't deep—barely covering Munchlax's belly. It wasn't flood season, after all. The water gurgled as it flowed downstream, and the turbidity caused by Lucas and the others was washed away in moments.
Victreebel and Weepinbell perched on the grass nearby, not offering help but quietly observing as Lucas, Munchlax, and Bellsprout talked and laughed together, with Flabébé occasionally joining the conversation. Although Lucas couldn't understand Pokémon language, it didn't seem to hinder their communication.
In the eyes of the observing Pokémon, Lucas's smile was so bright and warm that they found themselves wondering: Could someone with such a genuine smile really harbor ill intentions?
Gradually, the two Grass-type Pokémon found their suspicions giving way to confusion.
Soon the lotus roots were thoroughly cleaned, and Lucas stored them directly in his system backpack. He then clapped his hands and called to Munchlax and the others:
"Okay, let's head home."
Seeing Lucas wave his hand and make a pile of items seemingly disappear, Munchlax, Bellsprout, Flabébé, Victreebel, and Weepinbell all looked astonished.
"Munch~ Munch~" How did you do that?
"Sprout~ Sprout~" That's amazing!
"Flabé~ Flabé~" Where did they go?
Munchlax and the others followed behind Lucas toward home, gesturing animatedly as if asking questions about what they'd just witnessed.
Lucas responded with "Uh-huh" and "Ah-ah," although he didn't understand what the three small Pokémon were saying.
Lucas and the Pokémon separated halfway along the path.
Victreebel and Weepinbell took Bellsprout home, while Flabébé also needed to return to its own dwelling.
"Bellsprout! Flabébé! Remember to come to my house for dinner tonight!" Lucas called after them.
"Sprout~" I will!
"Flabé~" I'll think about it!
Bellsprout and Flabébé waved back to Lucas. Initially, Flabébé had been somewhat afraid of Lucas, but after spending time together, that fear had completely disappeared.
Diancie sat at the door waiting for Lucas and Munchlax. Seeing them return completely soaked, she quickly asked:
"How in the world did you two end up like this?"
Lucas and Munchlax exchanged glances and couldn't help but burst into laughter.