Chapter 43: Milking the Goats

As soon as Andrew arrived, the Skiddo, his mounts, immediately cheered and ran to him.

"Baa~ baa~" Andrew, Andrew, you're here!

"Baa~ baa~" Andrew, what tasty treats have you brought us today?

"Baa~ baa~" Is that tomatoes? I love tomatoes!

"Baa~ baa~" I like cucumbers; fresh and crunchy cucumbers are the best!

…

The Skiddo nuzzled up to Andrew, making the Gogoat look on with envy.

It was clear that Andrew's recent visits had made a big impression. While the Gogoat had little direct contact with him, the Skiddo had become very familiar with him.

They loved the vegetables Andrew brought. Compared to dry grass, the crisp and juicy vegetables were much more appealing.

"Don't rush, don't rush, there's plenty for everyone," Andrew said as he distributed the vegetables among the Skiddo.

"Baa~ baa~" It's so good, really delicious!

The Skiddo enjoyed the vegetables with enthusiasm.

"Here, try this radish. It's very crunchy and tasty." Andrew offered a white radish, thick as an adult's arm, to one of the Skiddo.

"Ahh~~"

The Skiddo took a bite, and the crunchy, juicy texture made it impossible to stop eating.

(*≧▽≦) "Baa~~" So delicious! Sweet!

The radish was too large, so Andrew broke it into two pieces and gave them to two Skiddo. Then he took out a smaller red radish, about the size of a baby's fist.

"Here, try this one too. It's tasty as well." Andrew said.

The small radish could be eaten in one bite by the Skiddo.

Unlike the crisp and sweet white radish, the red radish was a bit firmer and slightly spicy, offering a different flavor.

"Crunch~ crunch~~"

The crisp chewing sound from the Skiddo showed that it enjoyed the red radish too.

Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ Delicious, I like it!

Seeing the Skiddo enjoying the food so much, some of the Gogoat swallowed their saliva reflexively. They looked at the thick grass beneath them and suddenly found it less appealing.

"Go~ go~~" Mr. Andrew, you come here every day with delicious vegetables. Do you have a particular purpose? Please tell us directly.

After a while, the Gogoat couldn't hold back any longer. After some discussion, a particularly strong and large Gogoat emerged from the group and addressed Andrew.

Andrew recognized this as the leader of the Gogoat and Skiddo.

Although he couldn't understand the leader's words, he could roughly guess its meaning.

Seeing that the time was right, Andrew decided to propose a deal. He said, "I'd like to propose a trade."

"Go~" Trade?

The Gogoat leader looked at Andrew in confusion.

Andrew continued, "I see that your Skiddo really enjoy my vegetables. How about I trade vegetables for goat milk?"

The Gogoat leader pondered the proposal. It was indeed tempting.

Gogoat, whether male or female, can produce milk. They use it to nurse the Skiddo when they're very young, but once that period is over, the Skiddo start eating grass like the adults.

At this point, any surplus milk remains in their bodies, making them uncomfortable. They often assist other Pokémon with their young.

However, there aren't enough newborns in the Nebel Plateau each year to use up all their excess milk.

Exchanging milk for delicious vegetables seemed like a great idea.

"Go~ go~" Are you really going to trade vegetables for our milk?

The Gogoat leader sought confirmation.

"Do you agree?" Andrew asked.

Seeing that Andrew was sincere, the Gogoat leader consulted with the group. After returning, it nodded in agreement.

Since Andrew had become a part of the Nebel Plateau community and it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, why not agree?

"Wonderful!" Andrew exclaimed with joy.

Seeing Andrew so happy, the Gogoat leader couldn't help but smile.

"Baa~ baa~" Will we be able to enjoy Andrew's vegetables every day from now on?

"Baa~ baa~" That's amazing! Really amazing!

…

The Skiddo gathered around, chattering excitedly. Andrew couldn't understand them and could only respond awkwardly.

Oh right, maybe I should learn how to milk goats? Andrew suddenly thought.

So, he discussed with the Gogoat leader to see if he could try milking. The Gogoat agreed.

Soon, a robust female Gogoat walked from the group. She was the goat with the most milk, and her baby had just been weaned, leaving her uncomfortable.

"Go~~"

The Gogoat leader signaled that Andrew could start.

Andrew approached the goat, unsure where to begin.

It wasn't just Andrew who was nervous; the goat was too. While she was used to nursing her young, being milked by a human was a new experience.

At this moment, Andrew had a brilliant idea: he could buy a tutorial from the system shop!

He opened the system shop, searched, and soon found what he needed.

"Gogoat Milking Tutorial: Guaranteed to Teach You!" Hmm~~~ An awkward title.

Andrew studied the tutorial carefully. He was surprised to learn that milking had so many techniques.

Andrew nodded as he read, gaining new insights.

Hmm, before milking, you need to massage the udder to promote milk flow.

You should also mimic the movements of a kid goat nuzzling the udder, and the motions should be gentle.

The force used during milking is important—press, squeeze, grip… the technique matters too.

After studying for a while, Andrew closed the book, took a deep breath, and set a small bucket beneath Gogoat.

"I'm ready to begin," Andrew said to Gogoat.

Gogoat nodded in response, showing its readiness.

Andrew followed the techniques he had learned, gently grasping Gogoat's udder and beginning to massage it. Gogoat didn't seem embarrassed by the touch. In fact, it appeared to enjoy the massage, feeling its veins relaxing and warming up.

After some time, Andrew started the actual milking process. He secured the base of the udder with his thumb and index finger to prevent the milk from flowing back, then used his other fingers to squeeze and draw out the milk. A steady stream of creamy, white milk flowed into the bucket, accompanied by a subtle, pleasant aroma.

Success! Andrew felt a rush of satisfaction at his quick learning and successful execution.

The excess milk relieved Gogoat of its burden.

Gogoat's milk was abundant, and soon the bucket was filled with fresh, green grass-fed goat milk.

At that moment, Munchlax, who had been playing with the Skiddo, wandered over and sniffed the bucket.

"Munchlax?" Is it tasty?

Munchlax dipped a paw into the bucket, took a quick taste, and was immediately pleased.

"Munch ~~~" It's so tasty!

Munchlax's eyes lit up with delight.

Andrew gave Munchlax a light smack, "No manners! Can't you wait?"

Munchlax, aware that Andrew was preparing milk for steamed buns, had been eagerly anticipating it.

"Munchlax~ Munch~~" Hehe~~~

Munchlax wasn't upset and instead clung to Andrew, trying to charm him.

Andrew smiled and playfully pinched Munchlax's chubby cheek as a small punishment.

However, the enticing aroma of the goat milk tempted Andrew. He couldn't resist dipping his finger into the milk and tasting it.

The moment it touched his tongue, Andrew was impressed by the milk's unique flavor. It was rich and creamy, with no unpleasant taste, just a gentle grassy aroma. The taste was smooth and full-bodied, with a lingering aftertaste that was memorable.

Exquisite!

Seeing Andrew sneak a taste like Munchlax, the latter chuckled to itself, thinking Andrew hadn't noticed.

After storing the bucket of goat milk in his system bag, Andrew addressed the Gogoat leader, "I'll officially start milking the Gogoats tomorrow. You can come to my house at noon to get vegetables, which I'll prepare in advance."

He continued, "Also, feel free to come by for breakfast. The vegetables are great, and the steamed buns and dumplings are delicious."

The Gogoat leader nodded in understanding.

Andrew and Munchlax then headed home with their empty basket.

"We shouldn't stay out too late; otherwise, Diancie might get upset," Andrew said to Munchlax.

"Munch ~ Munch~~" Yes, yes.

Munchlax nodded seriously.

As they walked, they suddenly heard a commotion coming from somewhere nearby.

"What's going on?"

"Fletch~~ling ~~"

A small Fletchling flew over in a hurry, landing on Andrew's shoulder and chirping frantically while gesturing with its wings.

"Fletchling ~~"

The Fletchling's urgent expression and wing gestures pointed in a certain direction.

Andrew said, "Alright, I get it. Let's go see what's happening."

Following the Fletchling's lead, Andrew and Munchlax soon arrived at a scene where a large group of Pokémon had gathered. Among them were the Fletchling's parents, Bellsprout's parents, Swablu's parents, Espurr, Drilbur, Vivillon, and Litwick. They were all surrounding something.

As Andrew approached, he saw that the Pokémon were encircling a small aircraft. Inside the aircraft were Kimia, Raleigh, Flamel, and Sylveon.

Seeing Andrew, Kimia waved eagerly, "Your Highness! Your Highness! Please help us!"

The Pokémon, seeing Andrew, were also excited, crowding around and chattering away.

Clearly, they were not welcoming any humans on the Nebel Plateau besides Andrew.

Andrew quickly calmed the Pokémon, "Everyone, please settle down. Don't be upset. These are my friends, and they're just here to visit. It's alright, everything's fine!"

Hearing this, the Pokémon gradually dispersed.

"Don't forget to come by for a meal tomorrow!" Andrew called out to them.

Kimia and her companions breathed a sigh of relief.

As soon as they arrived on the Nebel Plateau, they had been surrounded by the aggressive Pokémon, nearly causing a crash.

Although Sylveon could have easily resolved the situation, Kimia had stopped it, knowing that using force would only escalate matters.

Fortunately, Andrew arrived just in time.

Seeing Kimia and the others disembark from the aircraft, Andrew approached with Munchlax, "What brings you here?"

Kimia smiled and replied, "We planned to visit you but never found the time. We didn't expect the Pokémon on Nebel Plateau to be so… 'enthusiastic.'"

Andrew explained, "Most of the Pokémon here have had negative experiences with humans, so they're wary. Don't take it personally."

Kimia understood, "I see now. That makes sense." She added apologetically, "We were too hasty in coming without notice."

"But they really respect Your Highness," Raleigh said. "You're impressive."

Andrew smiled and ruffled Raleigh's fluffy head, "I've been here long enough to become part of this place. Naturally, everyone is familiar with me. We're all friends."

"To be friends with so many Pokémon is truly admirable. Your Highness is remarkable," Flamel said, adjusting her glasses.

"Syl~ Veon~~" Your Highness has become even better; that's wonderful.

Sylveon agreed, though its words were not understood.

"Well, since you're here, let's head home. I'm planning to cook some new dishes tonight, so you're in for a treat!" Andrew said with a smile.

"Really?" Raleigh's eyes brightened with excitement.

"Of course. Let's go." With that, Andrew led everyone towards his home.

Arriving at Andrew's house, Kimia was amazed by the charming little building. "Is this Your Highness's home?"

No wonder Your Highness had been so modest; the place was indeed impressive! She had thought it was exaggerated.

"Yes, come on in."

Andrew warmly invited everyone inside.

"You're back…?" Diancie, noticing the group following Andrew, went from surprised to delighted. "Princess Kimia, Prince Raleigh, Miss Flamel, and Sylveon, what brings you here?"

Kimia and the others greeted Diancie.

"Please, have a seat." Diancie warmly invited everyone to sit.

(The End of This Chapter)