A Bountiful Family Feast

Mother Nami looked at the lively, adorable Pokémon, tied on her apron with satisfaction, and headed back into the kitchen. Before long, an even richer aroma drifted out, filling the entire house with a comforting scent.

Watching his mother return to the kitchen, Xinhai picked up the Pokémon biscuits from the table and handed them out to the partners gathered around him. He broke one into small pieces and fed them to the Eevee on his shoulder and the Gardevoir beside him.

"Eevee~!" (Tasty!) Eevee narrowed its eyes contentedly and nibbled at the biscuit in small bites.

"Gardevoir." (Mother's biscuits still suit my taste best.) Gardevoir savored it elegantly, a nostalgic look appearing on her face.

The other partners enjoyed their biscuits as well. The living room was filled with soft chewing sounds and satisfied murmurs, creating a warm, peaceful atmosphere.

As Xinhai fed his partners, he chatted with his mother in the kitchen about amusing things from his journey. Mother Nami occasionally laughed happily or asked about the details with concern.

About half an hour later, familiar, steady footsteps sounded outside the yard, followed by the faint click of a key entering the lock.

The front door opened with a click, and Father Yantai appeared in the doorway.

He wore well-fitted casual clothes, his figure still in excellent shape. There was a trace of fatigue from work on his face, but his deep eyes, so much like Xinhai's, carried gentleness and composure.

Almost the moment the key made a sound, Father Yantai's Zigzagoon shot toward the door. Just as Yantai opened it, Zigzagoon stood upright and affectionately planted its front paws on his shoulders, its tail spinning like a propeller as it cried excitedly, "Zigzagoon! Zigzagoon!"

Caught off guard by the sudden enthusiasm, Father Yantai staggered back half a