Cherreads

Chapter 111 - Chapter 111: Expansion

Unlike in the game, Lewis had mentioned early on that the forest surrounding Ron's farm could be incorporated into the farmland—with a catch: land rent.

The fees would fund community projects. 

Ron initially thought expansion wouldn't be needed for a year or two. But with mass crop cultivation, livestock, and Pokémon breeding, space was already tight.

He pushed open the Carpenter's door. 

Robin sat idly, chin in hand, staring at the entrance. She sprang up when Ron entered. "Morning! What do you need?"

Ron outlined his plans: building a barn and expanding the farm. 

"Expanding already? You've been here less than half a year!" Robin marveled. She pulled out blueprints, pointing to marked zones: 

- Near Cindersap Forest (adjacent to the Nursery): 100,000G/quarter 

- Next to Chicken Coops (smaller, near Marnie's Ranch): 70,000G/quarter 

- Two larger plots: 200,000G/quarter 

Ron studied the map. The largest plot could fit five coops, five barns, and pastureland. 

"I'll start next quarter," he decided. "For Summer, the land is still sufficient." 

At these rates, selling animal products only in Pelican Town wouldn't be profitable. But Kalos changed everything. 

Current output:

- 10 eggs/day (600G) 

- 4 chickens/day (processed meat: 200–300G each) 

- Daily Kalos revenue: 1,800G 

With just two small coops. Scaling up would multiply profits. 

Kalos's generous pricing was likely a goodwill gesture—buying scattered batches daily only made sense if they anticipated future bulk orders. Ron needed to industrialize fast. 

Robin nodded. "I'll build the Barn tomorrow. Then upgrade the Coops, right?"

"Yeah." 

Shane struggled alone caring for animals. Even with Indeedee's help, it was overwhelming. Ron planned to max out Coop upgrades before expanding livestock. The top-tier coop included auto-feeders and Auto-Grabbers—a huge relief for Shane.

After finalizing details, Ron returned to the farm. 

Hops harvesting would continue until month's end. The current stockpile could brew a full year's worth of Pale Ale without expanding the brewery. 

That meant 100,000G every three days. 

Watching Rattata shuttle between brewery stations, Ron checked the Miltank's stats via his Pokédex.

Unlike battle-ready Pokémon, Miltank just needed to be healthy for delivery. No special training required—just ample grazing. 

Their milk quality depended on pasture grass. Premium grass = premium milk.

"I'll ship them all by Summer's end," he murmured, glancing at the pails of milk piling up.

---

Meanwhile, at the Library…

Penny led the kids out. It was Saturday—they'd normally play at the Community Center, but today's fairy tale lesson prompted a research trip. 

Outside, Alex stood at his ice cream stand, cones glistening with rich Moomoo Milk. 

The sun blazed, heat thick in the air. 

Knowing Penny's finances, the kids didn't ask for treats. They held her hands, walking quietly. 

"Do you want ice cream?" Penny knelt, stopping Jas and Vincent. 

"Can we?" Jas hugged her doll, eyeing the cones—then shook her head. "No thanks! Shane's buying me one tonight." 

With Pam employed, Penny's burden eased. She could afford small joys like this.

She ruffled their hair and approached the stand. "Three cones, Alex." 

Alex handed them over. "600G total." 

"Isn't it 750?" Penny asked. 

Alex explained: cheaper milk let him drop prices by 50G. Sales had surged—even a small cut didn't matter much to him. 

"Oh…" Penny took the cones, glancing toward the farm. 

In just 30 days, Ron had:

- Given Pam and Shane jobs

- Supplied cheap produce/milk to Jodi and Gus 

- Helped everyone through hardships 

And he'd only been in Pelican Town six months. 

---

Back at the farm… 

Leftover morning ice cream was refrozen, then served during peak heat hours. 

Though cold drinks were always available, ice cream motivated the Pokémon far more and productivity soared.

Even Rattata's beer-delivery runs seemed stronger. 

Watching Pale Ale fill the shipping bin, Ron smiled. Trading milk for ice cream was genius.

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