Gratitude

After lunch, Naoki began assigning specific tasks to the two Indeedee butlers. Just as Sister Indeedee had mentioned, Brother Indeedee was excellent at housekeeping and organizing daily affairs, so Naoki entrusted him with managing the entire house.

Sister Indeedee, being skilled in cooking and caring for Pokémon, was given the responsibility of looking after many of the ranch's Pokémon. Of course, Naoki assured them that they wouldn't have to do everything by themselves; they would all work together as a team.

Sister Indeedee's duties were divided into two key areas:

Feeding the Pokémon on the ranch whenever Naoki was away.

Using her unique ability to sense emotions to care for the Pokémon, understand their needs and problems, and promptly inform Naoki.

After explaining the tasks, the two Indeedees exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. It seemed straightforward and aligned perfectly with their talents.

Seeing their enthusiasm, Naoki was reminded of the special traits of the Indeedee species. Unlike Pokémon like Cyclizar, which require energy from food, Indeedees absorb positive emotions—happiness, gratitude, and joy. Their horns allow them to channel these emotions into energy, making them natural caretakers for humans and Pokémon alike.

Speaking of caretaking, Naoki suddenly remembered something.

"Oh! I haven't introduced you to the Pokémon Tavern yet," Naoki said with a smile.

"Ai eh?" Sister Indeedee asked, tilting her head in confusion.

Brother Indeedee also looked curious, waiting for an explanation.

"As the name suggests, it's a place for drinking and gathering," Naoki said. "Come on, I'll show you."

They crossed the lawn and approached the old house that had been converted into a tavern. Naoki opened the door and gestured for them to take a look.

"This is the tavern, but it's not open yet," Naoki explained. "Do you know what a café is?"

Brother Indeedee nodded. "Ai ye."

"A tavern is similar to a café, a place for relaxing and gathering," Naoki continued. "But my tavern is a bit different from the usual ones. It doesn't serve humans—only Pokémon."

"Ai Ai?!" Both Indeedees looked shocked. A tavern just for Pokémon guests?

"That's right," Naoki said, explaining how the Pokémon Tavern worked.

Sister Indeedee's eyes sparkled with excitement. She loved the idea! So when the tavern opened at seven that evening, she was eager to help.

After dinner, the usual guests—two Machamps—came in for a drink. This time, however, they were surprised to see a new face behind the bar instead of Naoki.

Sister Indeedee greeted them warmly, "Ai Ai~" (Welcome!)

The two Pokémon, slightly confused, asked, "Where's Naoki?"

Sister Indeedee smiled. "Aiya!" (Naoki's busy with housework! I'll be taking care of you tonight!)

The two Machamps relaxed, reassured that everything was fine. They ordered their usual tree juice, sat down, and began chatting, just like always.

After a while, Quaquaval and Growlithe also arrived.

When they saw that Naoki had been replaced as the tavern's host, they were just as surprised as Machamp had been earlier. Sister Indeedee patiently explained the situation to them and prepared drinks according to their requests.

During this time, Sister Indeedee noticed that Growlithe didn't seem to enjoy the sweet and sour taste of regular tree juice. After thinking for a moment, she brought over a glass of juice squeezed from Cheri Berries, known for their spicy flavor—perfect for Fire-type Pokémon.

Sure enough, Growlithe was delighted to find that he much preferred Cheri Berry juice to the regular tree juice!

"Arf Arf!" he barked excitedly, wagging his tail in gratitude.

"Ai Ai~" Sister Indeedee responded with a warm smile.

...

Meanwhile, back at the house, Naoki noticed Brother Indeedee seemed distracted. "If you're worried, go check on her! Leave the rest of the clothes to me," he suggested kindly.

"Ai eh..." Brother Indeedee hesitated. Before coming here, his parents had taught him to be diligent and serious when working for their master, so he had always held himself to high standards. But this was the first time he'd been separated from his playful sister.

Naoki, understanding the young Pokémon's concerns, smiled. "Relax, don't be so tense. Go on, it's fine. I was thinking of checking in on the tavern myself anyway."

Brother Indeedee gratefully nodded and hurried downstairs, jogging through the night to the brightly lit tavern.

When he arrived, he saw his sister standing behind the bar, safe and sound. Although she appeared to be working, her full attention was focused on the chatting Pokémon.

Seeing that everything was fine, Brother Indeedee sighed in relief and walked in calmly.

"Ai'ai?" Sister Indeedee blinked in surprise when she saw him but then broke into a wide, cheerful grin.

"Aiya!" (Brother, I really like it here!) she said with enthusiasm.

Brother Indeedee, taken aback by his sister's radiant expression, paused for a moment before stepping forward to assist her with the work.

Later that night, after the last Pokémon guests had left, Brother Indeedee helped wash the dishes while his sister swept the floor with a spring in her step. Her smile never left her face.

It seemed she had found a new sense of purpose.

"Ai'ai~" (Brother, this place is amazing! All the Pokémon keep thanking us~) she chirped happily.

Without turning, Brother Indeedee replied, "Ai Ai." (Mr. Naoki is a good person.)

Sister Indeedee nodded with a soft giggle. "Ai Ai!" (The best human in the world!)

Just then, a beam of light entered from outside the tavern door.

Naoki appeared flashlight in hand. "It's time to head back to bed!" he said with a chuckle, shaking his head. It was nearly midnight—far past the tavern's usual closing time.

Sister Indeedee was a little embarrassed slightly, "Ai ah..."

She had been so caught up in chatting with Growlithe and Quaquaval that she had completely lost track of time.

The two Pokémon quickly tidied up the tavern, carefully locked the door, and happily followed Naoki back to their home.

Naoki pointed to the refrigerator and said, "There's food and water in the fridge. If you're ever hungry or thirsty, feel free to help yourselves. Don't ask me—just treat this place like your own home."

"Ai Ai~" Sister Indeedee nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright, good night," Naoki said, watching them head to their room before turning to his own bedroom for some rest.

As the bedroom lights dimmed, the entire ranch fell into a peaceful quiet. Only the soft whispers of the two butlers could be heard in the stillness of the night.

Sister Indeedee curled up in her small bed, replaying the events of the day in her head. She was so excited that she could hardly sleep. 

Meanwhile, Brother Indeedee lay flat on the other bed, his sleeping posture rigid and straight, his eyes closed as if he were already asleep. 

But Sister Indeedee knew her brother too well. He wasn't asleep yet.

In a playful tone, she said, "Ai'e~" (Brother, today was so wonderful~)

Brother Indeedee, always serious, responded with a soft but firm, "Ai'e." (It's time to sleep.)

Sister Indeedee, curious as always, asked, "Ai'e?" (Aren't you happy?)

After a brief pause, Brother Indeedee opened his eyes and answered earnestly, "Ai'e." (I am happy.)

Content with his answer, Sister Indeedee smiled and hugged the little dinosaur plushie Naoki had placed on her bed. She murmured softly, "Ai'e!" (I want to live here forever!)

Hearing this, Brother Indeedee thought back to the Meowth in the manor, who had been abandoned by its trainer because it wasn't strong enough.

He stared at the ceiling in the darkness, pondering.

'Naoki, he wouldn't abandon them, right?'