Grandma Lanca
The sun slowly rose in the early morning, and the sunlight that had been blocked outside gradually moved into the shop along with the sun, shining on Yuga's face behind the cash register.
However, the climate in Verdanturf Town had always been comfortable, so even if the sunlight fell directly on his face, it didn't feel hot; instead, it felt warm.
In this comfortable environment, with no customers visiting, Yuga was about to fall asleep.
"Young man."
In a dazed state, Yuga seemed to hear someone calling him, so he opened his half-closed eyes.
What met his gaze was a kindly old grandmother, causing Yuga to immediately sit up straight.
"Hello, Grandma. Are you here to buy Pokémon?"
Yuga touched the corner of his mouth with his hand to ensure there was no drool before politely smiling and asking.
"So, you're the one running this shop now?"
The old grandmother didn't answer Yuga's question; instead, she posed her own question.
Yuga was momentarily taken aback, then nodded.
"Yes, I am. By the way, does Grandma know my mom and dad?"
"Turns out you're their child. I do know your mom and dad. Though we haven't known each other for long, we've gotten along well. I came here for recuperation, but I haven't been here for long. I came to the shop once before, thinking of buying a Pokémon, but I couldn't make up my mind. After all, buying one means taking responsibility for it. Your parents received me, and seeing my hesitation, they suggested I go back and think it over. Later, we bumped into each other in town several times and gradually became familiar. They often mentioned you to me, though I never got to see you since you don't usually go out. It's clear they love you. But before I could make up my mind about buying a Pokémon, something like this happened."
The old grandmother spoke many words, revealing her fondness for Yuga's parents.
"I'm sorry for making you listen to so much of this old lady's rambling. Getting older makes you unwittingly chatter on."
The old grandmother seemed to realize she had said too much and quickly apologized to Yuga.
Yuga waved his hand to show that he didn't mind.
"No, no, Grandma. I'm glad you talked about my mom and dad. You're not rambling at all."
Upon hearing Yuga's words, a smile appeared on the old grandmother's face.
"You're a good child, just like your mom and dad said. Well then, show me the Pokémon eggs and introduce them to me."
Yuga didn't know how the Clearwater couple had described him to the old grandmother, but he didn't feel comfortable accepting the title of "good child." His original self couldn't be considered a good child, but perhaps in the eyes of all parents, their own children were always better than others.
"Sure, this way, Grandma."
Yuga led the old grandmother to the cabinet where the Pokémon eggs were placed.
"Grandma, I still don't know how to address you."
While walking, Yuga asked the old grandmother.
"Look at me, I forgot to introduce myself to you. My name is Lanca."
The old grandmother patted her forehead and said to Yuga.
"Then I'll call you Grandma Lanca. I'm Yuga, you can call me Yuga."
"Alright, I'll call you Yuga."
"Did Grandma Lanca come to Verdanturf Town alone?"
"I came with my husband."
"Are you buying a Pokémon to keep you and your husband company?"
"Yes, exactly. Our children aren't around, and at our age, we wanted to find a quiet place to retire. So, we came here."
Saying this, a hint of loneliness flashed in Grandma Lanca's eyes, albeit briefly, but Yuga still noticed it.
Yuga wondered if he had asked the wrong question.
Standing in front of the Pokémon eggs, Yuga pondered for a moment before pointing to the eggs inside the cabinet and addressing Grandma Lanca:
"Now, we don't have many Pokémon eggs in the shop, and the variety is limited, but I think these three types of Pokémon would be suitable for someone like you.
The first one is Taillow, a young swallow Pokémon. It's brave and responsible, and won't hesitate to step up in times of danger.
The second one is Skitty, a small cat Pokémon. It's lively and playful, great at bringing joy. Having it at home is like having a source of happiness.
The third one is Lotad, a waterlily Pokémon. It has a gentle nature, though not as lively as Taillow or Skitty. It will quietly stay by your side, very obedient.
Although its final evolution, Ludicolo, isn't as well-behaved.
Once it evolves into Ludicolo, it becomes energetic, especially fond of dancing, and can help dispel loneliness. It's the Pokémon that can bring the most laughter to a household."
After listening to Yuga's introduction, Grandma Lanca lowered her head and contemplated.
"What kind of Pokémon do you think I should choose?"
After thinking for a while, Grandma Lanca seemed unable to make up her mind and turned to Yuga for help.
Yuga smiled wryly and said, "I can't make the decision for you, after all, you're not buying it for me. You need to think about why you want to buy a Pokémon and what you want it to bring to you."
Upon hearing Yuga's words, Grandma Lanca thought for a moment and chose Lotad.
Carefully, Yuga took out the Pokémon egg of Lotad and placed it in a hatcher, handing it to Grandma Lanca.
Since the incident with Miss Suzuki, Yuga had purchased several hatchers to keep in the shop.
After Grandma Lanca paid, she said to Yuga, "Many people at our recuperation center would like to have a Pokémon companion. I'll spread the word for you."
Yuga replied with a smile, "That's great. I'll be relying on you to take care of my business."
Seeing Grandma Lanca off, Yuga shouted after her, "Grandma Lanca, please come by and visit with your husband sometime."
Grandma Lanca happily waved her hand at Yuga.
Another successful sale, and Yuga was feeling quite good.
However, at the current rate, with only 2 out of 14 Pokémon eggs sold, it was evident that the mission wouldn't be completed within three days.
During the morning, apart from Grandma Lanca, Yuga didn't see another customer.
It wasn't until the afternoon that Yuga's Day Care received the most customers at once.
First were two women with two children, a boy and a girl.
From their conversation, Yuga deduced that the women were the respective mothers of the children, and the two families had a close relationship. The children were childhood friends.
Judging by their attire, neither family was particularly affluent; at least they weren't as well-off as Miss Suzuki and Grandma Lanca who had come before.
They had come here to select their initial Pokémon for the children.
Before Yuga transmigrated, he used to watch cartoons on TV where people could receive their initial Pokémon from a professor, so he assumed it was the same for everyone.
However, since arriving here, he realized it wasn't the case.