Chapter 77

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When Dak returned to the Mystery Hatchery House, it seemed that Robin had already calmed the two new staff members. At least this was true for the eleven-year-old Sugar.

Sugar had been well protected by her sister and had a limited understanding of the world. She was still in the process of embracing new things, so she quickly adapted to everything around her.

Her more mature sister, Monet, seemed a bit slower to adjust. She had a solid understanding of the world and the appearance of the Mystery Hatchery House was warping her worldview. It was like someone from a technological era suddenly being able to cultivate magic.

Children might think nothing of it, but adults would definitely experience a shock to their cognition.

At this moment, Sugar was happily playing with the Pokémon babies, who seemed to love her innocent nature.

Monet, however, sat quietly, gazing over the lawn filled with eggs and the little creatures playing with her sister.

"Hmm."

As Dak entered, Monet immediately stood up to greet him but hesitated, unsure of what to say, so she simply bowed deeply. "Thank you for saving us."

"No problem. Have you had a chance to learn a bit about our Mystery Hatchery House?"

Dak removed his white cloak and handed it to Robin, who approached to take it.

"Yes," Monet replied, noticing Dak's long green hair, which was strikingly similar to her own. She couldn't help but give it a second glance.

"Wow, big brother's hair is just like sister's. Maybe you're our long-lost family member!"

Sugar had also noticed Dak's hair and, with a Dedenne perched on her head, she bounded over to Dak and gently touched his hair. She had always envied other children who had complete families and wanted one of her own.

Of course, Sugar knew they weren't actually related to Dak. She was just saying this perhaps to make him happy and then he might let them stay.

"Sugar, don't say nonsense."

Monet pulled Sugar back. Living in a place like Saint White Poplar, Monet knew how to survive. Assuming the head of a powerful place like the Mystery Hatchery House was formidable, she worried that Sugar's careless behavior might offend him.

"Haha, I wish I had a cute sister like you."

Dak wasn't bothered by their naive impressions. He simply smiled warmly.

"Then, can Sugar and I stay here with you?" Sugar eagerly looked up at Dak with hopeful eyes.

"Dedenne!"

Dedenne voiced its thoughts.

"Of course. We're really short on staff here. If you'd like to stay and help me out, I'd really appreciate it."

Dak smiled and patted the Dedenne on its head.

"Yay!"

Sugar hugged Dedenne and started hopping joyously around the lawn, carefully avoiding the Pokémon eggs. She was careful and tender-hearted.

Dak nodded approvingly. He hadn't decided what kind of job to train Sugar for, as he hadn't yet identified her talents. But there was no rush—after all, Sugar was still very young.

"We're very grateful for your hospitality!"

Monet was visibly moved as she bowed to Dak, relieved that she no longer had to worry about living in fear or dealing with unruly customers.

"What did you do in Saint White Poplar?"

Dak thought it was important to know what Monet had been doing before.

"I was a bartender at a pub," Monet said somewhat sheepishly, unsure how her skills could be useful here.

"Hmm."

Dak considered that Monet might be suited for research or developing products like Pokémon incense or muffins, but those roles weren't urgently needed.

Right now, the biggest gaps were in research, inspections, and medical care.

"I can learn! I'm a fast learner, and I'm willing to do any job."

Seeing Dak's concerned expression, Monet quickly offered her eagerness to adapt, fearing they might be turned away.

"You'll be my assistant for now. I'll teach you how to use the equipment in the manufacturing room, and you might need to conduct some research later."

"Okay."

Monet agreed immediately, although she felt a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of doing scientific work.

"What about me? What will Sugar do?"

Sugar ran up to Dak at that moment.

"What would you like to do?"

Dak frowned slightly, thinking of assigning her some light tasks.

"I want to fight bad guys!"

"Ah?"

"Some creepy guys used to follow my sister, and I scared them off! I'm really strong!"

Sugar swung her fists to show her strength.

"Even if you say so…"

Dak sighed. Even if Sugar claimed to be strong, she was just an eleven-year-old girl, and the Mystery Hatchery House didn't really have much need for fighting.

"Sugar, stop messing around."

Monet reached out to pinch Sugar's cheek, turning it red.

"I'm not messing around!"

Sugar was stubborn.

"How about this?"

Dak thought for a moment and then came up with an idea.

"Hmm?"

Both Monet and Sugar looked at Dak curiously.

"Sugar, you'll be the captain of our Security Team! You'll be in charge of maintaining safety and peace in the Hatchery House. If a customer causes trouble or if the Pokémon start fighting, it's your job to step in, enforce the rules, and teach them a lesson."

Dak, looking at Sugar's emerald hair, couldn't help but smile as he thought of a profession from another world.

He planned to train Sugar to be a 'Miss Junsar' of the future. For now, her responsibilities would only extend within the safe environment of the Mystery Hatchery House.

"Great! Leave it to me!"

Sugar patted her chest confidently.

"Dedenne!"

Dedenne expressed its readiness to help Sugar.

Monet shook her head in resignation but was somewhat relieved. The young man in charge seemed easy-going and even willing to indulge her sister's playful side.

In her eyes, Dak's accommodation was merely playful, letting the little girl enjoy herself without feeling burdened. She didn't realize Dak seriously considered training Sugar for a security role.

"By the way, you can just call me Dak. No need for 'boss' or 'manager.' We are partners in creating the Pokémon era!"

Dak instructed Monet and Sugar on how to address him, making them feel more at ease as part of the team.

"Okay," they both nodded.

After sorting out the titles, Sugar continued to play outside, Robin watched over the Pokémon eggs, and Monet followed Dak into the manufacturing room to learn about the equipment.

Dak showed her how to use various machines and encouraged her to think about potential developments for the Pokémon Dex.

"I'll leave you to think about this. It's still early, so I'm going out to see if I can recruit more staff."

Leaving Monet in the manufacturing room, Dak greeted Sugar and Robin before stepping out again.

Research staff was somewhat in place, but inspectors and medical staff were still needed.

"For inspectors, it would be best to find men with a somewhat intimidating appearance, someone who looks like they wouldn't tolerate mistreatment of Pokémon."

"For medical staff... maybe someone like Nurse Joy, a pink-haired woman could be interesting?"

(End of Chapter)