Chapter 312: Seria's Request

"Alright everyone, you're free to explore—but stay close and don't wander too far!"

After giving the kids a few safety reminders, Remi clapped her hands and dismissed them to play. She and Nurse Joy would supervise while the children enjoyed themselves.

"Yay! I'm going to the flower beds!"

"Me too!"

"I want snacks!"

The children, who had been standing neatly in line, immediately scattered like a group of runaway Mareep, teaming up in small clusters to explore the fields.

Meanwhile, Hiro ran straight back over to Chimchar and Bagon. But instead of reaching out to touch them, he simply stood beside them with a happy grin.

"This snack is so good!"

"These berries are tasty too!"

One kid munched happily on pastries while another sampled the colorful, cubed berries. Their enthusiastic chatter quickly drew the attention of a few others who were about to head into the flower field. They stopped, turned, and ran over to the snack table instead.

"You're not joining them?"

Rex noticed a ponytailed girl lingering by his side and asked curiously.

"My name's Seria," she replied. "I heard your farm sells Pokémon eggs. Can I buy a Taillow egg from you?"

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Uh… Seria, aren't you a few years away from becoming a trainer? Why are you in such a rush to buy a Taillow egg?"

Seeing this tiny girl trying to talk business made Rex chuckle with curiosity.

"I just want to train it well. When it evolves into a Swellow, it can fly me to see my dad. Isn't that okay?"

Seria looked uncertain as she explained.

Through their conversation, Rex learned that Seria's father worked in Mauville City and was always busy. She could only talk to him on the phone. Her dream was to one day fly to visit him—on the back of her very own Swellow.

"In that case… if your mom agrees, I'll let you have a Taillow egg."

Rex sympathized, but he couldn't sell a Pokémon egg to a child without a parent's consent.

As for her wanting to raise it before she was of age—Rex had no issue with that. There were plenty of workarounds. The egg could be registered under her mother's name, and once Seria came of age, they could transfer the ownership legally.

It was actually quite common. Many well-off families selected and raised their child's starter Pokémon years in advance, giving them a huge head start when they officially became trainers.

"Aww… so I still need Mom's permission?"

Seria bit her finger, a look of defeat crossing her face.

She had planned to buy the egg in secret and surprise her mom. Once she had it, she figured her mom wouldn't be able to say no—especially if she put on a few tears.

She'd even emptied out her piggy bank. With years of saved-up allowance, she had more than enough to afford the egg.

The only thing she had worried about was whether Rex had any left—but now he'd said he did.

"Boss, maybe just let her have one."

Yuli had been listening to the whole exchange. Moved by Seria's story, she gave Rex a soft plea.

She could relate. Having lost her own parents, she still missed those days with them deeply. She understood Seria's longing to be with her father.

"Thank you, big sis!"

Seria's eyes lit up with hope, turning back to Rex with a pleading look.

"Alright, here's what I'll do. I'll let you take a Taillow egg with you, but before you leave, you'll need to explain everything to your mom. If she agrees, she can come here to finalize the purchase."

After a bit of thought, Rex offered a compromise.

Seria was just a kid. If he gave her the egg outright, it might look like he was taking advantage of a child. Letting her mother decide was the safest option for everyone.

"Really?! Yay! Thank you, big brother!"

Seria was ecstatic. She made up her mind that she'd do whatever it took to get her mom's permission—even if it meant throwing a tantrum.

"Alright then, go have fun now."

Rex smiled gently.

"Okay! But you better not forget my Taillow egg!"

Worried he might forget, she reminded him sternly before skipping away.

"I won't," Rex said with a helpless shrug.

Afterward, Rex sought out Principal Remi to explain the situation. After all, these were her students—he wouldn't go behind her back.

"I understand, and I think you did the right thing," Remi replied. "I'll also speak to Seria's mother myself."

She appreciated that Rex had only agreed out of kindness. She also knew how popular his Taillow eggs were—he certainly didn't need the money.

"Yuli, I'll leave things here to you. I'm going to the orchard to get the egg."

Relieved that Remi approved, Rex turned to Yuli.

"Go ahead, Boss. I'll take care of things here."

Yuli flashed him a sweet smile.

She knew Rex was only helping Seria because she had spoken up—and that small realization made her heart swell.

As Rex walked off, Chimchar and Bagon naturally followed after him. And trailing behind them was, of course, Hiro.

"Uh, Hiro… why don't you stay here? I'll be back soon."

Rex tried to gently shoo him off.

"No way! I want to be friends with Chimchar and Bagon!"

The boy puffed up stubbornly.

(End of Chapter)