Wanderer of the Pokémon World

Chapter 265: Leisurely Afternoon Tea

"Alright," Xiu called out, deciding a break was in order. His mind needed a rest. "Snack time." He retrieved several small, sealed tins from his backpack and spread them on the grass in the shade of the withered tree.

"These are some new recipes I've been experimenting with," he explained, placing one before Xiaochun. "You've probably never tasted anything like them. Go on, try some."

Before Xiaochun could react— the Pidgey, ever opportunistic, eyed the tins with undisguised interest. It tentatively pecked at the lid of Xiaochun's tin.

Xiaochun, without a word, gently shooed the Pidgey away. She carefully opened it, selected a small, dried fruit, popped it into her own mouth, chewed thoughtfully, then offered a tiny piece to the Pidgey, who snatched it eagerly.

"Sharing is a virtue," Xiu said, reaching out to gently stroke her hair, a rare, genuinely warm smile gracing his lips. His patient efforts, it seemed, were beginning to bear fruit.

Xiaochun was slowly shedding the layers of ingrained indifference and cruelty, revealing glimpses of a compassionate, child beneath. The small, almost unconscious act of sharing with Pidgey… it was a significant step. My efforts haven't been entirely in vain.

"Come on, everyone, try these," Xiu urged, gesturing to the other tins. He hadn't been entirely idle during his intensive study sessions. Experimenting with new food and techniques was a form of relaxation for him.

These snacks – mostly dried fruits, candied roots, and infused berries – were the byproducts of those experiments. Many were berries and exotic herbs, not just for taste, but also for subtle beneficial effects: alleviating fatigue, restoring minor injuries, and even providing a temporary boost to concentration.

This current batch, however, was still experimental with the quantities small. He needed feedback to refine the formulas.

As he was explaining this, he noticed Happiny, with its unerring instinct for anything edible, toddling towards a particularly vibrant red container. "Whoa, there, little one!" Xiu exclaimed, quickly snatching the tin away just as Happiny's tiny fingers were about to pry it open.

"Not that one! That's the extra spicy batch." He shuddered. "I made a mistake with that one and I felt like my throat burned for two hours straight. Even water felt like fire." He'd originally intended to discard it, then decided to keep it… just in case.

"Ah-BAH!" Happiny protested loudly, thoroughly indignant at having its chosen treat confiscated, reaching out with grabby hands.

"No, you can't have this one," Xiu said firmly, holding Happiny back with one hand while holding the spicy tin high above his head with the other. "Trust me on this."

Suddenly, the tin vanished from his grasp. He spun around, startled. Daisy stood behind him, the offending red tin now in her hand, Gary at her side, both looking highly amused.

"Honestly, Big Brother Xiu," Daisy said, her eyes twinkling, "walking around without making a sound… you're as quiet as a Gastly. And why are you being so secretive with the snacks?" She peered at the red tin. "What's so special about this one that even Happiny can't have it?"

"Where else would I be but back here at the institute?" Xiu retorted, a touch of exasperation in his voice. It was uncanny how Daisy always seemed to appear at the most unexpected, and often inconvenient, moments.

"And these are my experimental creations." He then gestured towards the other tins spread on the grass. "But, since you're here… you might as well make yourselves useful. Taste-testers. I need feedback. Human palates often differ from those of Pokémon, after all." This batch was still a work in progress. More opinions could provide valuable data.

"Excellent!" Daisy exclaimed, clearly delighted. She pulled a reluctant Gary down onto the grass beside Xiu and Xiaochun, the tins of snacks forming a colorful centerpiece.

As Daisy's eyes roamed eagerly over the various options, Xiu casually reminded her, "Perhaps you'd like to start with that red tin you're holding?"

Daisy, however, was no fool. She tossed the red tin back to Xiu with a knowing smirk. "Nice try, Big Brother Xiu. I think I'll pass. You're a very bad liar, you know."

Xiu merely laughed, waving his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Suit yourselves."

Daisy and Gary began to sample the various treats. The food in this world was generally bland and uninspired. This was what had driven him to experiment with seasonings and develop his own unique recipes, both for himself and for his Pokémon. He always prioritized taste, even when formulating nutrient pastes or specialized rations.

It was clear from Daisy's and Gary's reactions that they, too, had suffered from the general lack of culinary imagination in their world. The complex flavors, the unexpected textures of Xiu's creations, clearly surprised and delighted them.

Xiu had focused primarily on the functional aspects of the snacks – the energy boosts, the healing properties – but the unique combination of exotic fruits and herbs had also resulted in some truly interesting taste profiles.

"What is this?" Gary exclaimed, his earlier sullenness forgotten, his eyes wide with surprised pleasure after tasting a small, dark purple candied root. He looked genuinely curious.

Xiaochun, who had been silently observing, slowly raised her head and looked at Gary.

Gary's face instantly flushed a bright red. He ducked his head, suddenly shy, unable to meet Xiaochun's unwavering, expressionless gaze.

Xiu hid a smile. So, the arrogant young master has a weakness for silent girls. It was an amusing development. "That," Xiu explained, "is a candied licorice root variant. The main active compound has a unique property – it enhances focus, but also has a naturally sweet, slightly anise-like aftertaste when prepared correctly…"

He then launched into a detailed explanation of the ingredients and properties used in making these treats, creating a pleasant afternoon tea atmosphere. Even Gary, drawn in by the fascinating new flavors and Xiu's explanations, began to relax.

The next morning, after completing his early chores at the institute, Xiu didn't bother with the usual roundabout approach. He knew Rinko would be expecting him. He simply took Abra and Scizor and headed directly for the Murasame Botanical Garden. He had a new lesson plan prepared.

He found Rinko in the main greenhouse, already at work. "Finished reviewing the notes I left you?" Xiu asked, getting straight to the point.

Rinko looked up, a slight flush on her cheeks. "Uh… yes, Xiu. Most of it, anyway."

"Good enough," Xiu declared. "Then call out your Vileplume. Today, we begin with a practical application. Lesson one: The fundamentals of Pokémon combat."

Rinko's eyes widened, nervousness and excitement in her expression. She hesitated for only a moment, then nodded decisively, a new determination hardening her gaze.

She walked out to the flat, grassy area just outside the greenhouse with Vileplume ambling contentedly beside her. Xiu followed, Scizor taking up a position opposite Rinko and her Pokémon.