Chapter 467: Farmer (4)

"If none of us make it big in the future, we could start a farm together," Isshiki proposed, growing more excited as he continued. "With cabbage and pumpkin seeds, we could definitely make a lot of money growing vegetables. Plus, we could raise chickens and ducks—those can be handled by Yoshino. Ryoko could manage the fermentation room…"

As Isshiki's enthusiasm rose, everyone else stayed quiet. No one was eager to admit, "That sounds great, let's open a farm together if we fail in the future!" After all, wouldn't that be like admitting they had no prospects?

However, Sōma found the idea amusing. He chuckled and added, "That sounds perfect! I could open a Sōma restaurant right on the farm so we'd all be together after graduation."

The group turned to look at him, all at a loss for words.

"Sui, you should join us too," Isshiki said with a grin.

Sui didn't know how to respond. He hadn't yet reached the point of worrying about his future like that.

"Isshiki-senpai, you're overthinking things," Yoshino giggled. "Sui won't be opening a farm with you."

"Is that so?" Isshiki asked, sounding surprised.

"Once Erina-chi marries Sui, he'll be the head of Totsuki Academy. Even if he doesn't lift a finger, he'll have more money than he could ever need. How could he not make a living?" Yoshino explained with a grin.

Ryoko smiled as she brushed her hair back. "I'm so jealous. I wish I could marry into a wealthy family someday too."

Sōma scratched his head and laughed. Meanwhile, Erina's face turned bright red. She could barely lift her head and muttered, "What are you talking about? Even though money isn't a concern, Sui won't just sit around doing nothing in the future, right?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she realized everyone was staring at her.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Erina asked, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Erina-chi didn't even deny that they'll get married in the future. Tsk tsk," Yoshino teased.

"I didn't expect that," Ryoko added, smiling mischievously.

"What?!" Erina's ears turned a deep shade of red as she bowed her head, too embarrassed to meet anyone's gaze.

Despite the awkwardness, Sui found Isshiki's idea intriguing. Now that he had mineral earthworms, large-scale vegetable farming wasn't just a pipe dream anymore.

The current vegetable garden was small, but it could be expanded in the future. With Isshiki, who was well-versed in agriculture, taking charge, it could become something significant.

Once Erina took over as head of Totsuki in the future, with her diligent and responsible nature, she would undoubtedly manage all the academy's affairs like her own enterprise. Sui could then introduce a fantasy food department dedicated to producing and selling fantastical ingredients.

In no time, these unique ingredients could dominate the global culinary scene, becoming must-have staples in high-end restaurants worldwide. The profits alone from this venture could be substantial.

Though Sui wasn't officially affiliated with Totsuki yet, he knew it was only a matter of time before he would become its master. The children he would have with Erina and Alice would also carry on the legacy, ensuring Totsuki remained within their family.

Beyond vegetables, the farm could eventually grow fantasy fruits, and they might even experiment with breeding docile fantasy animals for meat.

Sui even toyed with the idea of crossbreeding fantasy ingredients with regular ones, like the red-haired pigs with ordinary livestock. However, after a moment's thought, he realized it might not work—the red haired pigs were far too large, and most sows wouldn't be able to handle it...

For now, though, growing vegetable fantasy ingredients seemed feasible. The only issue was that Sui had too few fantasy seeds to cultivate.

Just then, the system voice chimed in:

"The host has successfully grown the first batch of fantasy ingredients, unlocking a new task: 'Fantasy Farm Plan'.

Mission Description: Cultivate more fantasy ingredients on your farm so that more people can enjoy these delicious ingredients.

First Achievement Task: Plant and harvest the first batch of vegetable fantasy ingredients.

Mission Reward: One Fantasy Vegetable Ingredient Pack.

Mission Timeframe: Six months.

Second Achievement Task: Cultivate and breed the first batch of livestock fantasy food.

Mission Reward: One Livestock Fantasy Food Pack.

Mission Timeframe: One year."

"Huh?" Sui let out a soft sound of surprise as he read the new task description. If there was a first and second task, surely there would be a third and fourth. He was eager to see what rewards awaited him, especially the vegetable ingredient pack.

He had already planted almond cabbage and marshmallow pumpkins, so now it was just a matter of waiting for them to mature to complete the first achievement task.

As for the second task, however, Sui couldn't think of which livestock fantasy ingredients to breed yet.

——

After a hearty lunch, the group watered the newly cultivated fields, marking the end of their work for the day. With some free time on their hands, they sat in chairs, enjoying the sunshine and chatting while a few Pokémon played happily on the grass.

In the afternoon, everyone made some desserts, pairing them with peach juice as they relaxed and indulged.

Isshiki was particularly captivated by the marshmallow pumpkins and even made pumpkin cake and pumpkin pie for everyone to taste.

"This pumpkin is amazing!" Yoshino exclaimed with her mouth full, her cheeks puffed like a bun.

"Mhm, it really is," Megumi agreed with a smile.

"Senpai, how about we open a farm together in the future?" Sui suggested, sharing his thoughts. "Besides cabbage and pumpkins, there will be even more types of vegetables in the future."

"Really? Sui, do you have even more delicious vegetables? That's wonderful!" Isshiki responded excitedly. "When the time comes, count me in! I'll make time for it, even if it means dropping out of school."

Everyone stared at Isshiki in surprise. They knew he was serious—after all, he often skipped classes just to tend to the vegetable garden at Polaris Dormitory. Now that he had the chance to grow even more rare vegetable varieties, it wouldn't be surprising if he left school to become a full-time farmer!