Lucas was pulled by Munchlax all the way to the door of its room.
"Munch~ Munch~~"
It instructed Lucas to wait at the doorway, then mysteriously disappeared inside.
After a brief moment, the door creaked open again. Munchlax cautiously peeked its head out, and upon seeing that Lucas had indeed waited obediently, a genuine smile spread across its face.
"Munch~~"
Opening the door completely, Munchlax emerged holding two identical pillows.
"Munch~~"
With shy movements, it pressed one of them into Lucas's arms.
The pillow was predominantly light gray with an adorable Munchlax pattern. When Lucas touched it, the sensation reminded him of cloud-like softness.
These pillows were unlike anything they had at home previously.
"Munch~ Munch~~" Master, do you like it?
Munchlax asked timidly.
"Munchlax, is this for me?" Lucas asked, both surprised and delighted.
"Munch~~" Yes, look—I have one too, exactly the same.
Munchlax nodded, clutching its own identical pillow that partially concealed its body, leaving only its head visible.
Lucas ran his fingers across the pillow's surface, feeling its texture, and asked for confirmation, "Is it filled with Altaria and Swablu feathers?"
"Munch~ Munch~~" Yes, yes~ Master is so perceptive.
Munchlax nodded repeatedly.
It emerged that this gift had been secretly prepared after Lucas had provided Munchlax with its wages.
Munchlax had approached the Altaria family and diligently collected their shed feathers daily. It had then washed the gathered feathers, dried them thoroughly, boiled them in water for disinfection, and dried them once more...
Finally, it had used its wages to carefully select suitable pillow cores and covers from the system store.
To ensure the Altaria and Swablu feathers were exceptionally clean, Munchlax had also consulted various Pokémon and collected special plants to add to the boiling water during the feather preparation.
When Lucas embraced the pillow, he detected a subtle fragrance emanating from it—fresh and pleasant.
Clearly, Munchlax had invested tremendous effort in creating these two pillows.
If Swablu and its parents hadn't eventually learned of Munchlax's intentions and voluntarily provided additional feathers, relying solely on Munchlax's collection of naturally shed feathers would have extended the project indefinitely.
Lucas felt warmth spreading through his heart. He had once casually mentioned that sleeping on the soft wings of Altaria and Swablu would be heavenly, never expecting Munchlax to silently preserve this thought.
"It must have required considerable effort to gather so many feathers, right?" Lucas asked, crouching down and taking Munchlax's paw.
"Munch~~" No, no.
Munchlax shook its head shyly.
Lucas embraced it gently. "I truly treasure this gift—it's among the most precious I've ever received. Thank you, Munchlax."
"Munchlax~~" Munchlax returned the embrace with equal gentleness.
After releasing Munchlax, Lucas said happily, "I'm going to place it on my bed and sleep with it every night."
Seeing Lucas's appreciation for its gift, Munchlax's eyes curved with joy as it raised its own pillow, saying, "Munch~~" I have one too, matching yours.
Lucas nodded. "We have master and apprentice pillows."
"Munch~~"
Hearing this, Munchlax hugged its pillow happily and spun in place.
Lucas took one of Munchlax's paws and walked toward his bedroom. "Let's see how it looks on the bed."
"Munch~"
Munchlax nodded vigorously, following Lucas with light steps.
Entering his room, Lucas positioned the pillow at his bedside and said dreamily, "I can't imagine how wonderful it will be to sleep with this every night!"
"Munch~~"
Upon hearing this, Munchlax mimicked Lucas's expression, straining to visualize it, which amused Lucas greatly.
"Munch~~"
Exiting its reverie, Munchlax grabbed Lucas's hand and rushed out, heading directly to its own room, where it placed its pillow in precisely the same position as Lucas had.
"Munch~ Munch~"
Munchlax pointed to its pillow, looking expectantly at Lucas.
Lucas gave an approving thumbs up. "We truly are master and apprentice—we even thought to place our pillows in identical positions."
"Munch~ Munch~~"
At this praise, Munchlax immediately leaped into Lucas's arms affectionately, nearly overwhelming him with its enthusiasm.
Having pleased Lucas with its thoughtful gift, Munchlax remained in excellent spirits for several days afterward, greeting everyone with a smile. Even when Pokémon visiting the restaurant caused minor disturbances, Munchlax addressed them pleasantly without a trace of irritation.
Shortly after descending the stairs with Munchlax, Lucas discovered that Komala had returned. It was nestled in its small house, clutching its log pillow while sleeping soundly. A faint alcoholic aroma emanated from it, though the wine bottle was nowhere in sight.
"Little drunkard," Lucas murmured, shaking his head fondly.
After dinner that evening, Lucas's family of four gathered in the cooking training room as usual. Lucas and Munchlax practiced their culinary skills, Diancie served as coach and supervisor, and Komala... perhaps... possibly... contributed to the aesthetic presentation.
Diancie stood on her platform and announced, "Today we will officially practice creating various baozi. Do either of you chefs have any comments?"
"Munch~" No.
"None!"
Lucas and Munchlax responded with serious expressions.
"Excellent." Diancie brandished her pointer, produced a pair of black-rimmed glasses from seemingly nowhere, positioned them on her face, and adjusted them with authority. "Today I will maintain my usual rigorous standards."
The strict instructor has arrived! Lucas thought with internal alarm.
"Training begins now!" Diancie announced loudly, startling both Lucas and Munchlax. Even Komala momentarily ceased its characteristic swaying motion.
"Today we'll focus primarily on filling preparation."
"Munch~~"
"Yes, understood."
Lucas and Munchlax nodded obediently.
"The first filling we'll prepare is cabbage."
As Diancie finished speaking, various ingredients and seasonings required for the filling appeared before Lucas and Munchlax.
"Let's begin. First step: chop the cabbage into small pieces."
Hearing the instruction, Lucas and Munchlax quickly seized their knives and began demonstrating their cutting techniques. However, before they had made more than two cuts, they heard the sharp sound of Diancie's pointer striking the platform.
"Munchlax, you're cutting too finely! Excessively fine pieces will compromise the texture. Start again!"
Munchlax paused, promptly discarded the freshly cut cabbage, and resumed with a new approach.
Bang bang bang...
From the cooking station came the continuous sound of knives striking cutting boards, occasionally punctuated by Diancie's stern admonishments.
"Munchlax, still too fine!"
"Lucas, focus! Stop looking around!"
"Munchlax, you're chopping vegetables, not venting frustration. Moderate your force."
"Lucas, are you lacking energy? Apply more strength."
...
As time passed, Lucas and Munchlax processed basket after basket of cabbage.
Lucas, being skilled, managed reasonably well, but Munchlax, still a novice, endured a constant verbal barrage from Diancie.
The system-provided recipes imposed extraordinarily strict requirements for each step, allowing zero margin for error.
Next came cabbage pickling and seasoning, a phase where even Lucas found himself frequently reprimanded.
This section proved even more demanding; every minute detail required attention. Seasoning quantities for each vegetable needed absolute precision—neither excessive nor insufficient. If even the slightest moisture remained after pickling, Diancie would subject both Lucas and Munchlax to thorough criticism.
"I instructed you to mix the filling, not drown it!"
"Munch~" Arceus help me~
"Oh, Legendary Mew~"
Lucas and Munchlax couldn't resist muttering under their breath.
( `^´ ) "What are you two whispering about?" Diancie's voice echoed ominously.
"Munch~~" Nothing at all.
"Nothing whatsoever!"
Lucas and Munchlax hastily shook their heads.
"Then resume work immediately! Your pace is slackening!" Diancie commanded.
"Munch~" Yes, Drill Sergeant!
"Yes, Drill Sergeant!"
Lucas and Munchlax had never experienced such an interminable ten hours.
When master and apprentice finally emerged from the training room, they felt mentally and physically drained.
Observing their exhausted state, Diancie remarked, "Honestly, you two nearly drive this refined lady to distraction."
Diancie, having originated from the Azoth royal family, considered herself a genuine aristocratic lady.
(The Azoth royal family traditionally specialized in Fairy-type Pokémon. For instance, Lucas's initial Pokémon was the Rock/Fairy-type Carbink, his twin sister Anna received the Steel/Fairy-type Magearna from Nikola, and presently Princess Kimia's starter Pokémon is the Psychic/Fairy-type Ralts, while Prince Raleigh's is the pure Fairy-type Swirlix.)
Lucas and Munchlax thought simultaneously: What refined lady? She's clearly a merciless drill instructor!
Due to their extreme fatigue, Lucas and Munchlax simply completed their evening ablutions before retiring immediately.
Before sleep, Lucas claimed his daily task rewards, though unfortunately without his previous luck. He received only two ordinary ingredients: two fresh cucumbers and two scallions.
Ah~ I'll save those for tomorrow's dinner.
Lights out—time for sleep!
The previous day's arduous culinary training, combined with the comfort provided by Munchlax's special pillow, ensured Lucas slept soundly through the night.
Munchlax's experience proved entirely different. Throughout the night, it dreamed constantly of chopping vegetables, mixing fillings, forming baozi... Mountains of ingredients accumulated before it, seemingly endless. It even spoke aloud during its sleep.
"Munch~ Munch~~" No~ No~
In its nightmare, Diancie approached step by step wielding her pointer, because Munchlax hadn't completed its assigned tasks.
Terrifying! What refined lady? No such person exists!
When Lucas awoke the following morning feeling refreshed, Munchlax appeared thoroughly exhausted.
"Munchlax, what's troubling you?" Lucas inquired, concerned.
Hearing this, Munchlax glanced nervously at Diancie before silently shaking its head, indicating nothing was amiss.
In its dream the previous night, unable to process all the designated ingredients, Munchlax had spent the latter half of the night envisioning Diancie berating it while brandishing her pointer.
Dreadful! Refined lady of noble birth? Completely fictional!
Diancie appeared puzzled and asked Munchlax, "Is something wrong? Have I done something to upset you?"
"Munch~~~~" No~ No, you look especially radiant today—the diamonds on your body are particularly lustrous.
Munchlax quickly offered flattery.
"Really?" Diancie repeatedly examined her reflection in a water basin before saying with evident vanity, "Perhaps it's due to my restful sleep last night; I do feel exceptionally well today."
Munchlax: . . .
Today, like yesterday, Lucas needed to establish his stall in Azoth Royal City. After rising and attending to morning routines, he and Munchlax immediately began preparations.
Kneading dough, chopping vegetables, mixing fillings... All these tasks required completion in advance so Lucas wouldn't face overwhelming pressure upon reaching Azoth Royal City.
Yesterday marked his first experience operating a stall. Lacking prior knowledge, he had attempted everything on-site, nearly exhausting himself completely.
With all materials prepared, Lucas planned his departure.
Diancie accompanied Lucas to the door, hesitantly suggesting, "Perhaps I should accompany you today?" She felt concerned about Lucas, who had returned the previous day with considerable back pain.
Lucas shook his head. "Please remain here to assist Munchlax. While its cooking skills are adequate, without supervision it struggles with managing the establishment."
"Very well, then leave early and return promptly," Diancie replied reluctantly.
"Starrr~~"
At that moment, a call sounded from nearby. Lucas glanced in its direction and said, "It's getting late; I must leave quickly, or Staraptor will grow impatient."
Today, Staraptor, Fletchling's mother, would transport Lucas to Azoth Royal City.
Unlike Fletchling's somewhat stubborn father, its mother now held Lucas in high regard and willingly offered assistance.
Since Altaria's father had already helped, it seemed only appropriate that Fletchling's parents, who also dined at Lucas's home like the Altaria family, should demonstrate their appreciation.
Lucas carried Komala to Staraptor and said, "Staraptor, I appreciate your assistance today."
"Starrr~~"
Staraptor nodded, lowering its body further to facilitate Lucas's mounting.
"Thank you." After expressing gratitude, Lucas nimbly leaped onto its back.
"Starrr~~~"
With a resonant cry, Staraptor beat its powerful wings and ascended skyward, heading toward the rising sun.
"Ahh~~~" Lucas yawned, allowing the cool morning breeze to caress his face before wiping away involuntary tears from his eyes. He sighed, "Survival demands effort—even a prince must sell his skills!"
Staraptor's velocity exceeded even Altaria's impressive speed. Before long, Lucas landed outside Azoth Royal City.
Before separating, Lucas produced numerous baozi and steamed buns for Staraptor, saying, "Please enjoy these now. Let's reconnect here at midday."
"Starrr~~"
Staraptor nodded, taking the food in its beak before disappearing into the adjacent forest.
Subsequently, Lucas hastily entered the city, located a secluded corner, retrieved his food truck, and drove toward Nikola Park.