Ron paused, then nodded.
With the barn and coop expansions underway, these machines would be necessary eventually.
He wasn't about to exploit Shane just to save money—especially now that the farm earned 100,000G every three days.
But another thought struck him: If this works on Pokémon… could he sell it to Kalos ranches?
Just as Kalos customs seemed miraculous in Pelican Town, Stardew Valley's tech would astound Kalos. The Auto-Grabber was a perfect example: a simple box with a funnel that replaced milking machines, shears, and egg collection—all in one.
"I'll leave it to you," Ron said. "If it works tomorrow, I'll order one once the barn's built."
Shane thanked him quickly.
"It makes sense—it's for the farm, and caring for all these Miltank is tough work," Ron said, tucking the letter away. He downed his beer, glanced at the mountain of milk pails, and left with a sigh.
---
While Ron fretted over the surplus milk, townsfolk already queued at the Pokémon Center for today's Moomoo Milk.
It was cheaper than regular milk, tastier, and more nutritious. The cheese was affordable too—a steal.
Summer means Hot Pepper season. Paired with the farm's cheap Peppers, it made perfect Pepper Poppers—normally 400G at the saloon, but just 150G to cook at home.
Joy rang up sales, glancing at the line. With ample funds, she no longer reserved Kalos instant meals just for Jodi—they were always in stock. Today, Jodi was buying noodles (thanks to Ron's free milk gifts).
Joy smiled at her and kept working.
Lewis finally reached the counter, eyeing the milk and cheese. "All from the farm?"
"Yes," Joy confirmed.
Lewis knew the quality was excellent—but he couldn't sell it at higher prices. He'd worried about the farm's surplus until Ron started selling it dirt-cheap here, helping everyone.
Most townsfolk weren't destitute, but few were wealthy. Everyone had their struggles.
Lewis bought milk (50G) and cheese (60G), thanked Joy, and scanned the queue—spotting Jodi and Penny. He gave them a bittersweet smile and left.
Honestly, even Lewis couldn't imagine selling goods below cost just to help others. And someone like Pierre? Lewis glanced at the general store.
He'd probably hoard the milk or dump it—anything to keep prices high.
---
Back at the farm…
After sending milk to Joy, Ron packed more to visit Linus. If Linus liked it, daily deliveries could become routine.
Although he respected Linus's wilderness lifestyle, Ron still hated wasting milk—especially since Linus rarely got protein beyond fish.
Ron hiked the north path and spotted Linus grilling fish by a campfire.
"Hey," Linus greeted, surprised. They hadn't talked in weeks—Ron was always farming or mining.
"I came to check on you," Ron said, sitting. He thrust Moomoo Milk into Linus's hands. "Brought some farm milk—help me offload some. The production's overflowing."
He added cheese. "Pair it with grapes or berries. It tastes great."
Linus hesitated, then accepted. He poured a saucer for Trubbish.
Watching Trubbish slurp, Linus thanked him again.
Ron waved it off. "Take more anytime. Seriously—milk's piling up."
Linus smiled. He sensed no pity—just a friend sharing surplus. "I'll manage alone otherwise. But I dried some raisins—try some?"
Ron agreed. Linus ducked into his tent, returning with a bowl.
After chatting, Ron left.
Linus watched him go, then scratched Trubbish's head and refilled its saucer.
---
On the way back, Ron spotted a stranger at the farm gate.
"Good afternoon. I'm Alex," the man said, introducing himself. "Evelyn's grandson—you've met her."
When Ron nodded, Alex stepped closer. "Every summer, I run an ice cream stand."
Made from milk and sugar, each cone sold for 250G—a seasonal hit that funded his household.
"I heard your farm's milk production is huge. Can I buy some?"
Ron asked about quantities. Learning it wouldn't dent his surplus, he deflated slightly—then gestured to the brewery crew.
"Take it free. But in exchange, send some cones to the farm daily."
Far off, Sailor—the only Pokémon who knew what "ice cream" meant—jerked its head up.
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