Pawmot was also drawn over: "Pa-mo!" (Me too!)
Alcremie, who had eaten its fill and was now lying on the sofa, sprang up energetically upon hearing this:
"Ma-ma!" (Naoki's favorite Pokemon is me! He even built a cream workshop just for me!)
Dragonite argued, "Gwaa-gwaa!" (It's me! Naoki went to great lengths to raise me and help me become the strongest Dragonite!)
Upon hearing this, Pawmot joined the discussion: "Pa-mo!" (Naoki also got me a cape and a hammer!)
The Pokemon were endlessly debating over who was Naoki's favorite Pokemon.
However, after calling out for a long time, they couldn't come to a conclusion and eventually all turned to Naoki.
Though Cyclizar didn't participate in the debate, it quietly cast an expectant look in this direction.
Naoki: "..."
It feels like this isn't really a good question!
"You guys..." he said.
The Pokemon widened their eyes, all waiting for the answer.
Even Calyrex glanced slightly over.
Naoki: "You are all my favorite Pokemon."
Light sparkled in the eyes of all the Pokemon.
"Pa-mo..."
"Gwaa..."
"Waa-gwaa..."
"Let's eat up!" Naoki started to change the subject: "After we finish dinner, I'll read the letters from the town residents to you!"
The Pokemon's attention was immediately drawn, and they began to continue with dinner.
Seeing this, Naoki secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, he suddenly remembered there was a Cufant hiding in the tavern.
Thinking of this, Naoki stood up and took some Poffins and Berries, went to the tavern, opened the door, placed the dish of food in the dark, and then turned to leave.
It was unknown how much time passed before a small Pokemon cautiously emerged from the darkness.
It approached the fragrant Poffins, looked down at this food, then looked up towards the direction the human had left, not knowing what it was thinking in its heart.
*
After dinner, the Pokemon were playing in the living room, and brother Indeedee cleaned up the table and the hygiene. Meanwhile, Naoki and sister Indeedee were washing the dishes.
When all the chores were done, the time had already reached eight in the evening.
Naoki wiped his hands and then went to the bedroom to get a stack of letters sent by Allen.
These were all sent by the townsfolk and nearby farm owners over the last two days.
He opened and checked two of them this morning and found they were all New Year blessings, so he decided to leave the rest to read with the Pokemon in the evening.
With these letters, Naoki sat in front of the fireplace and waved towards the living room.
Soon, the Pokemon playing and frolicking around quickly ran over and gathered around him.
The flames in the fireplace flickered gently, casting long shadows of the Pokemon and Naoki.
After ensuring everyone was present, Naoki opened the first letter.
"I'm going to start reading now!"
"Ah-ga-sse!" Koraidon happily nodded in response.
Naoki smiled slightly, while stroking Pawmot lying on his lap, he began to read the content of the letter.
"Hey, Naoki, Happy New Year! You've unknowingly been on this ranch for a year now. If your grandfather saw how well you're running the ranch, he'd surely be very pleased, right? The year is now drawing to a close, so keep working hard next year too! Lastly, give my regards to Cyclizar—Mayor Thomas."
Naoki waved the letter in his hand towards Cyclizar and said, "Did you hear? Mayor Thomas is wishing you a Happy New Year!"
"Waa-gwaa～"
Cyclizar nodded its big head happily.
Naoki said, "Tomorrow we'll go together to give Mayor Thomas a New Year's gift."
Cyclizar gladly agreed.
Next, Naoki read the second letter.
"Happy New Year! Naoki! This is Keri's Forest Workshop, thanks for your hard work this year! Please continue to take care of us next year! If you need anything, feel free to order furniture from this side anytime—Keri."
"Just right, after winter ends I'm planning to build a greenhouse on the ranch so we can enjoy the freshest vegetables, no matter the season." Naoki eagerly shared his plans with the Pokemon.
The Pokemon listened carefully; although they couldn't quite understand, seeing Naoki happy made them feel happy too.
"Next, let's see—this is a letter from Mr. Elif. Do you remember Mr. Elif? He runs a cherry garden next door."
Koraidon and Cyclizar remembered, but Indeedee and Glaceon were a bit confused.
"In spring, Mr. Elif will host a Sakura Blossom Wine Party with many people and Pokemon attending, enjoying wine and sharing food," Naoki explained, "Last time it was held, you all hadn't come yet, but after some time, I'll take you to experience it."
"Ai-ee～"
Sister Indeedee gladly agreed.
Naoki smiled slightly and continued reading the letters slowly, at first with the Pokemon listening attentively.
But later on, they all began to feel sleepy.
With full stomachs, soft carpet, and a warm fireplace, such an environment indeed makes one drowsy.
Seeing this, Naoki paused, placed the letters to the side, then patted Pawmot next to him, saying to all the Pokemon: