However, Terrance had no interest in battles. Being quite lazy himself, he had no plans to participate in any battles for the time being.
If not the boat, the only option left was to choose a car.
Due to environmental issues, Snowpoint City didn't have trains. According to what he knows, in his hometown Kanto, Saffron City already had a massive maglev train station that connected the Kanto and Johto regions.
Time was of the essence, and with only half a month's leave, Terrance couldn't afford to waste any time. After some hesitation, he decided to carpool, opting for the cheapest option available.
Using the public computer at the Pokemon Center, he contacted a car owner.
It was a private car, and the owner was a local, heading to some place for business. Taking Trainer Terrance along was a way to earn some extra money for him.
However, even by driving, it would take a day to reach Hearthome City, where the car owner wanted to go. Terrance had no choice but to accept it.
He closed his eyes along the way, and before he knew it, they had arrived at their destination - Hearthome City.
As soon as they reached the city, Terrance wandered around randomly and then asked for directions.
"I want to challenge the Hearthome Gym!"
"I think I'll join the Pokemon Fan Club..."
"I heard there's a large swimming pool in Amity Square. Let's take our Pokemon there to relax!"
These were the voices of passersby.
And Terrance's goal, from the moment he knew he was heading to Hearthome City, was set on the Pokemon Cooking House.
"It's one of the places recommended by Teacher Teresa," Terrance muttered as he arrived in front of a white building and seized it up. Various cutlery were graffitied on the walls... and Pokemon were eating their meals.
"I hope I can learn something here." Terrance took a deep breath and entered.
In fact, the people here were very hospitable. As soon as Terrance pushed open the door, he received a warm welcome.
"Hey, boy! Are you here to learn or just to visit?"
Behind the counter, a uniformed young man wearing a badge shouted.
Next to him was a young boy with purple hair, dressed in a dark blue formal attire.
"I'm here to visit."
"Oh! A visitor!! Welcome," the uniformed young man said warmly.
"Please follow me." He waved his hand, making a welcoming gesture, and also turned to the young boy beside him, saying, "Young Master James, welcome back. I have already informed the manager."
In response, the purple-haired boy nodded gently, smiled at Terrance, and then walked inside.
"Our Pokemon Cooking House not only creates dishes for different Pokemon, but also researches ingredients with flavors that are jointly loved by different Trainers and their Pokemon..."
"In any case, coming here for a visit is the best choice."
"Uh... are you even listening?"
The uniformed young man looked at Terrance, who seemed indifferent, feeling a bit awkward.
"...Sorry, my bad. Can I ask who that person was just now?"
As he gazed at the retreating figure and recalled the reverent address of "Young Master James" from the uniformed young man moments ago, Terrance was stunned.
"You mean Young Master James?" The uniformed young man pulled him aside. "He's the child of an important guest of our boss..."
"Notice how luxurious his attire is? It is said that he comes from a prominent family in Kanto and the liquid assets his family can immediately take out is several millions. He's a millionaire young master!"
Pff...
Meo-meowth?
James?
Team Rocket?
Is this some kind of joke?
Terrance could forget anything, but Team Rocket, who had been a recurring theme throughout the story, which left a lasting impression on him.
Then again, James did seem to come from a wealthy family and joined Team Rocket after running away from home.
"…A millionaire, huh?" Terrance was speechless.
Why did James run away from home, and what was the reason...? Ah, it's too painful, can't think about it.
"Well, thank you, I'm going in now."
Terrance couldn't wait to strike up a conversation with James.
"Eh..." Seeing Terrance hurrying inside, the uniformed young man was puzzled, "What is the purpose of having me as a guide then~"
...
Pokemon Cooking House.
James leaned against the glass window, his eyes twinkling as he watched the busy chefs and cooking apprentices, showing a yearning expression.
"I really want to cook with them..."
Though he thought that way, James just sighed. Even if he liked it, his mother would never approve...
Being able to sneak out from the hotel while his parents attended the ball was already a victory.
"Sparkling Radish, it would be even better if the slices were slightly thicker..." James turned around in surprise and found that the one who spoke was a boy younger than himself.
"You also have knowledge about cooking?"
"It's a basic skill for a Breeder." Terrance smiled.
As in the anime, James's personality was gentle even when he was younger.
Perhaps due to his upbringing, he always spoke with formality, maintaining the etiquette of high society. Or perhaps because he had few friends, Terrance managed to draw out some information from him.
As it turned out, James's parents had come to the Sinnoh region to discuss business matters with their partners, and incidentally brought James along to the Sinnoh region, which had been voted as the most suitable place to live. Hearthome City, many families and young mothers seeking leisure, come to this place.
"A top-tier Pokemon hotel!"
"It must be very expensive..."
Staying for one night at the Pokemon hotel in Hearthome City would cost as much as Old Green House's expenses for a long time.
Terrance's attempt at striking up a conversation was remarkably effective, leading James to enthusiastically join in. At this moment, a middle-aged man in a suit rushed over.
"Young Master James, apologies for the wait. I am the manager of this Pokemon Cooking House. Please convey my greetings to your parents on my behalf."
"We have prepared a sumptuous afternoon tea and pastries. Would you like to enjoy them now?" the man in the suit said. "Of course, we also have various Pokemon dishes. The cooks would be delighted to receive Young Master James's evaluation."
"Really?" James looked interested.
"I brought out Growlie secretly, so it has been a day since it has eaten."
"Growlie?" The manager looked at Terrance with a puzzled expression.
"Hey..." Terrance's face turned dark. How could he not recognize that it's the name of a Pokemon? Your thoughts are quite strange, uncle.
"It's a Growlithe," James said, "And I heard that one of your chefs here is skilled at making dishes that both Fire-Type Pokemon and Trainers can enjoy. Is that true?"
"Can they really create dishes that cater to both humans and Pokemon tastes..." Terrance listened silently from the side.
"Well..." The manager wiped his sweat. If James's parents found out they were letting him and the Pokemon eat together, the consequences would be severe.
These big families, don't they just treat Pokemon as pets...
Young Master James is indeed a formidable opponent...
"It's fine; Growlie is my best friend," James said firmly.
The manager wiped his sweat again, not knowing how to handle this request. He hesitated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing.
James was delighted and eagerly pulled Terrance along, "Let's go together then."
"Huh? I can join too?" Terrance looked at the manager in the suit, without any intention of asking. What a joke, his current identity is...
"Of course, there's no problem. Young Master James's friend, our dishes will surely satisfy both of you."
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