Chapter 244: Hiring New Staff
The Indeedee standing at the gate had upward-facing horns, its purple and black coloration giving it an air of elegance. Its half-open eyes exuded a blend of cuteness and seriousness. Clearly, this was a male Indeedee.
Known as the "Emotion Pokémon," Indeedee thrives on positive emotions, often lending its abilities to assist humans and Pokémon alike. In the Galar region, they're typically partnered with Nurse Joy in Pokémon Centers, though they can be found in other regions too.
"Thanks for helping us, Indeedee," Professor Sycamore said with a smile.
"Dee-dee~~"
The Indeedee responded with a polite bow, folding its hands neatly as it guided Johan and Sycamore into the estate.
As they passed through the gates into the front yard, Johan couldn't help but marvel at the scenery.
Even in late autumn, the estate remained lush with greenery. White cobblestone paths stretched between perfectly symmetrical rows of trees and bushes, with not a single stray leaf on the ground.
Hidden among the flowers and shrubs, Johan spotted several Pokémon peeking out shyly to observe the visitors—Scatterbug, Vivillon, Flabébé, and Aromatisse all curiously eyed the newcomers.
Johan adjusted his monocle and shot a warning glance at the shadow where his Gengar was lurking.
Behave yourself.
Although mischievous by nature, Gengar understood Johan's expectations. It only peeked out slightly, greeting the Pokémon with cheerful waves.
The Indeedee at the lead lightly twitched its horns, as if sensing the emotional states of Johan, his Vulpix, and Gengar. Whatever it perceived made its expression soften noticeably.
Passing a central fountain, several Ducklett hurriedly waddled into the water with nervous splashes.
"This estate rivals Steven's mansion," Johan murmured to himself.
Professor Sycamore chuckled, noticing Johan's reaction.
"It's impressive, isn't it? I was equally stunned my first time here. But don't worry—the owners are incredibly kind."
Johan nodded. The sheer size and upkeep of the estate suggested considerable wealth, yet the couple who owned it seemed to dedicate their resources selflessly to caring for Pokémon.
Indeedee led them past the main building and into the backyard, where Johan spotted an elderly man tilling the soil and an older woman knitting peacefully on a chair.
"Dee-dee~~"
The Indeedee called out softly, catching the attention of the couple.
"You're here," the man said warmly, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Mr. Coffee, Mrs. Coffee," Sycamore greeted them with familiarity, smiling.
Few people knew the couple's actual names; even Sycamore addressed them as Mr. and Mrs. Coffee. The nickname, derived from their shared passion for coffee cultivation, suited them well.
"Welcome," Mrs. Coffee said with a gentle smile.
"This is Johan, a teacher and café owner," Sycamore introduced.
Johan bowed slightly in greeting. "Mr. and Mrs. Coffee, it's a pleasure to meet you. I run a small café alongside my teaching work, but due to my schedule, I've been struggling to manage both..."
"Sit, sit," Mrs. Coffee interrupted kindly. "There's no need to stand on formality."
Another Indeedee approached, carrying trays with two cups of coffee and small plates of cake.
This Indeedee, a female with downward-facing horns, had a calm demeanor and a soft, comforting smile.
"Dee-dee~~"
As Johan and Sycamore sat, Vulpix sniffed curiously at the two Indeedees.
"Oowu?"
Though they looked similar, Vulpix seemed fascinated by their subtle differences.
"Ka-kah~~"
Gengar popped out from Johan's shadow, waving amicably. Today, it was unusually well-behaved—a fact that didn't escape Johan's notice.
Receiving permission from the Coffee couple, Johan released the rest of his Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
"Feel free to play," Johan said, adding a quick reminder, "but be on your best behavior."
The female Indeedee brought snacks for the Pokémon, who quickly warmed up to her.
A Taste of Perfection
"Try the coffee," Mr. Coffee said, gesturing to their cups.
Johan and Sycamore exchanged a glance before lifting their mugs.
The rich aroma hit Johan first, a blend of chocolate bitterness with a hint of citrusy acidity. The flavor was smooth and velvety, with a lingering sweetness that bloomed on the palate.
"Delicious," Sycamore said, smacking his lips appreciatively.
"It's... the best coffee I've ever had," Johan admitted.
Mr. Coffee beamed. "We grow and roast the beans ourselves. I'm glad you enjoy it."
Johan's thoughts wandered—perhaps he could source beans directly from the Coffee couple for his café.
"Try the cake, too," Mrs. Coffee encouraged.
Johan's plate held a slice of chocolate mousse cake, while Sycamore had a slice of cheesecake.
Both looked exquisite, and the taste did not disappoint.
"Did the Indeedees make these?" Sycamore asked curiously.
"Not these two," Mr. Coffee replied, smiling mysteriously.
Johan followed their gazes toward a window, where two more Indeedees peeked out—a bold older sister and a shy younger brother.
"There are four Indeedees here?" Johan murmured in surprise.
Mrs. Coffee explained that the siblings were rescued during a trip to Galar, where they had been bullied by a group of Thievul and Nickit.
The siblings were brought back to Kalos, where they flourished under the Coffee couple's care.
"The brother prepares coffee, and the sister bakes," Mr. Coffee said proudly.
Johan was impressed by their story and their skills.
"What do you think of them, Johan?" Mrs. Coffee asked.
Johan hesitated, glancing at Sycamore. Weren't the Coffee couple supposed to test him first?
Seeing his confusion, Mrs. Coffee laughed. "Sycamore speaks highly of you, and the Indeedees already trust you. Their instincts never lie."
Indeedee, known as the Emotion Pokémon, could sense and evaluate a person's character with remarkable accuracy.
Still, Johan wanted to ask the siblings directly.
"It's important to me that they want to join willingly," he said.
The Coffee couple exchanged approving glances.
"Good. But there's one thing you should know," Mr. Coffee added.
"These two cannot be captured in Poké Balls—they were likely stolen from poachers and escaped before being sold."
Hearing this, Johan's expression darkened.
Inside, Johan approached the Indeedees.
"Dee-dee~~" the sister greeted warmly.
"Dee... dee..." the brother peeked out shyly.
Johan smiled gently, extending a hand with energy cubes.
The sister took one immediately, savoring it with delight.
The brother hesitated, eyeing Johan warily, until his sister grabbed another cube and stuffed it into his mouth.
"Tasty, right?" Johan said with a grin.
The brother's cheeks reddened as he nodded.
"Would you like to help at my café?" Johan asked.
The sister nodded enthusiastically, and though the brother was hesitant, he eventually agreed as well.
Their skill sets surprised Johan further—the sister's hidden ability, Psychic Surge, created a Psychic Terrain, while the brother's Synchronize trait allowed him to share status conditions.
Such abilities would be invaluable for both café work and Johan's Pokémon therapy services.
With the siblings officially on board, Johan promised to return for them after his trip to Snowbelle City.
As he and Sycamore left the estate, the Coffee couple watched fondly.
"They made a good choice," Mrs. Coffee said.
"I hear Johan is quite the trainer," Mr. Coffee added.
The sister clenched her tiny fists determinedly.
"Dee-dee!"
She levitated fallen leaves and branches into a tidy pile, a testament to her impressive psychic power.
Her brother, watching nervously, marveled at his sister's strength.
"Dee..."
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Powerstones?
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