"I'll give you the freedom to choose."
Aven took a deep breath and slowly walked toward Petilil.
If this Petilil rejected him, he would look for another candidate.
To raise a powerful Pokémon, it wasn't just about having the right training methods and resources — the Pokémon itself was also crucial.
If the Pokémon lacked the determination to grow stronger, it would be difficult to become truly powerful!
Noticing someone approaching, Petilil tensed up. But seeing it was Aven, it relaxed and allowed him to come closer.
Petilil had complex feelings about Aven. Over the past few days, it often recalled the things Aven had said.
Ever since that day, no one had come to pick berries or leaves from its body anymore. That had built up its trust in him.
"Lil…"
Aven stood before it and paused for a moment.
'Why does this feel like I'm confessing to a girl I like…?'
That odd thought crossed his mind, making him suddenly nervous.
He took a deep breath and said, "Petilil, would you like to become my partner?"
Petilil froze, surprised that Aven would say something like that.
"Mm, like how Uncle Mike and his Luxray are partners," Aven quickly explained, worried Petilil wouldn't understand.
To his surprise, Petilil nodded without any hesitation, as if it had already made up its mind long ago.
'Huh… I did it?' Aven blinked, not expecting things to go so smoothly.
This was his first time "confessing," and it turned out to be easier than he imagined.
But now what? Just take Petilil home?
He stood there awkwardly. In his past life's experience, this was the part where he should toss a Poké Ball.
But in this world, there were no Poké Balls — so he just stood there looking silly.
Luckily, he recovered quickly and squatted down with a grin. "Then I'm counting on you from now on."
Petilil cheerfully nodded. In its heart, it added, 'I'm counting on you too…'
…
That evening, Aven brought Petilil home.
"Huh? Petilil? Aven, why did you bring it here?" little Andy asked excitedly.
Aven smiled and ruffled his hair. "From now on, Petilil is my partner — just like Uncle Mike and his Luxray."
Andy gasped in surprise, then said enviously, "I wish I could be partners with Starly, but it never agrees…"
"You have to take good care of Petilil then," Uncle Mike said with a smile, reminiscing about his own bond with Luxray.
At his feet, Luxray looked up at its trainer and curled its lips into a slight smile before closing its eyes again to rest.
Aunt Erin came out from the kitchen with dinner. Glancing at Petilil, she hesitated. "I'm not sure what Petilil eats…"
"No worries, Aunt Erin," Aven said cheerfully. "I've already prepared food for Petilil."
The fermented Oran berries should be about ready by now.
…
After a hearty meal, Aven took Petilil to the backyard.
It had already been half a month, and the barrels that had sat in the sun looked noticeably weathered.
When he opened the lid, a light fruity fragrance wafted out.
The rotten Oran berries had fully dissolved into the water.
He gently shook the barrel, and the nutrient-rich liquid rippled inside, releasing a unique aroma.
"The Oran berry fermentation is complete!"
After checking the liquid, Aven nodded in satisfaction. Next, he would turn this into growth fertilizer.
He untied the sack he had brought back — it was filled with soil.
This soil had come from the orchard and contained essential nutrients needed for growing Oran berries.
To make proper fertilizer, you'd normally mix this soil with the fermented liquid, then process it further by composting and maturing it.
But that process was mainly to make the fertilizer suitable for berry plants.
Since it was for a Grass-type Pokémon, this was already good enough.
…
"Now it's training time."
Inside the house, Aven grinned at the little creature in front of him.
It was Petilil's first time absorbing fertilizer, and Aven wasn't quite sure how effective it would be.
"Li!" Petilil chirped happily, its face full of anticipation.
Petilil was completely different from before.
After gaining the freedom it longed for, it had rediscovered itself — even its expressions became more lively.
'Now this is what a Grass-type Pokémon should be like…' Aven thought joyfully.
Grass-types always gave off such a sunny vibe.
"Training shouldn't be done in a place like this, but time's tight, and for secrecy's sake, I'll have to trouble you a bit."
Noticing Petilil looking at him curiously, Aven chuckled awkwardly and pulled an old flowerpot out from under his bed.
'If this fertilizer were food, this setup would really ruin the appetite…'
"Li." Petilil shook its head and tiptoed into the flowerpot on its own.
'Why does this feel like I'm a stay-at-home dad…' Aven thought with a wry smile.
He picked up Petilil and said, "Hold on, let me get things ready."
He spread the growth fertilizer and soil inside the pot while Petilil watched quietly, its eyes curving like crescent moons.
Its heart was full of contentment.
After gaining the freedom it longed for, Petilil thought life would continue on as usual.
But the one who gave it that freedom had also offered a new path — to become a true magical beast, one with real strength!
To become strong, and live freely — what could be more liberating than that?
Petilil thought back to Aven's words, and without hesitation, chose the path of growth.
Just like the time it made the most important decision of its life — and had never once regretted it.
"All right, go ahead and give it a try."
Aven gently placed Petilil into the flowerpot after setting the fertilizer.
Lying inside, Petilil instinctively pressed its body into the soil and buried itself — instantly feeling at ease.
Then, its body stiffened slightly as it sensed a comforting energy coming from the soil.
It relaxed and stretched, the two leaves on its head swaying gently.
It had completely immersed itself in the soothing energy.
(End of Chapter)
TN: If you guys found that if this novel is already translated please let me know so that I can dropped it.