Saturday, September 26.
In the early hours, the sun gently ascended.
Haunter took hold of a hose, diligently watering the flowerbed.
"ao wu!" Growlithe joyfully leaped through the arching water column, frolicking around the courtyard.
"jie jie~!" Haunter playfully shook the hose, letting out hearty laughter.
Squirtle, stationed on the balcony, sported sunglasses and commenced his warm-up routine with a casual 'hey'.
Luke, with Sylveon snuggled in his arms, knocked on Cynthia's door and mumbled to himself, "She's probably still fast asleep..."
Considering they were up until nearly three in the morning, Luke harbored some doubts that Cynthia would rise early.
"...coming right up," came a drowsy voice from inside.
A warm breakfast spread with steaming coffee and crispy bacon toast was soon arranged on the table.
Luke scanned the setup, nodding in contentment.
A little while later, Cynthia opened her door, her hand ruffling her hair as she yawned upon sitting down.
"It's not too late to eat breakfast," Luke urged, looking rather serious.
Cynthia concurred, took a sip of coffee, and her beautiful eyes lit up.
"Let's get started," Cynthia announced, folding her hands together.
...
The conference was scheduled for seven o'clock.
The scientific research summit, attracting scholars and experts from various domains, was officially inaugurated at Canalave City's library.
Cynthia, donning a white shirt, her blonde hair flowing over her slender waist, strolled confidently in high heels.
Her imposing presence caught the attention of many.
"Isn't that the renowned mythical scholar?"
"Who's that with her?"
"Some familiar faces... but Cynthia and Professor Rowan personally welcomed him yesterday."
As this was whispered, a newfound sense of admiration glistened in the eyes of onlookers.
Luke, following alongside Cynthia, felt a trace of unease.
"Whatever..." Luke mumbled to himself, "As long as I remain quiet, nobody will notice me."
Canalave City's library was just a stone's throw away.
This grand edifice, constructed of white stone, hosted a gathering of scholars who engaged in earnest discussions on its lengthy staircase.
At the entrance of the library, Professor Rowan conversed with a woman of stately demeanor who relied on a cane.
"Come along," Professor Rowan urged, his briefcase in hand, nodding at both of them. He introduced, "This is Professor Magnolia, an authority in Dynamax research from the Galar Region."
Professor Magnolia, supported by her cane, graced them with a gentle smile. "Cynthia, I've long admired your work..."
"Thank you," Cynthia responded with a warm smile.
"And this is..." Professor Magnolia's gaze alighted on Luke.
"This is my assistant," Professor Rowan clarified, stroking his beard. "This young one is both a Trainer and a skilled tactician."
"I see," Professor Magnolia acknowledged, her smile lighting up her face. "Very promising at such a young age..."
Luke offered a polite nod while musing to himself:
Even representatives from Galar Region are attending...
This conference was truly stacked with prominent figures.
"My granddaughter, Sonia, has a deep interest in Sinnoh's legends," Professor Magnolia explained. "However, I'm not sure of her current whereabouts... If she causes any disturbances later on, kindly direct her to me."
"Of course," Cynthia replied.
Professor Rowan then turned to them and announced, "The opening ceremony is about to commence. Let's head over!"
...
The opening ceremony was hosted in the library's auditorium.
Professor Oak, a distinguished leader in the field, delivered an eloquent speech on stage, receiving resounding applause from the audience.
Following the ceremony, various academic exchanges took place in the numerous sub-venues.
Both Professor Rowan and Cynthia were scheduled to present their reports.
Luke wore his identification badge and joined in.
Wandering aimlessly through the exhibition hall, it appeared he had no particular purpose.
So he surreptitiously slipped into the cafeteria where he found some delightful 'Stuff Cheeks' munching away.
One must admit, the buffet spread was excellently arranged, with a special highlight on desserts: macarons, soufflés, chocolate cakes...
"jie jie~!"
Haunter dived right into the cake, then popped back up, paw extended, lunging toward Luke with a wide grin.
Luke's expression shifted slightly as he sidestepped the playful Haunter.
"jie jie~?"
In this instant, Haunter was taken aback.
A woman with oversized glasses on her forehead, an orange curled ponytail, and tasteful makeup, was making her way over.
She delicately nibbled on her cake using a fork, her orange-haired woman questioned, "Are you also a researcher here for the conference?"
Luke gave the orange-haired lady an up-and-down look, clearly puzzled.
Well-manicured nails, trendy hair accessories, and limited-edition handbags...
It didn't seem that she had much in common with researchers. However, she was Professor Magnolia's granddaughter...
"Sonia!" Luke exclaimed.
Sonia pointed at herself and blinked her dark green eyes. "Do you know me?"
"Just earlier, Professor Magnolia showed us your pictures," Luke said, without much thought. "She asked that you come find her after the conference."
"Thanks. I'll go." Sonia set down her cake and licked her lips, a bit vexed. "It's not easy to come here, but the security is so strict..."
"By the way, you haven't answered my question yet."
Sonia gave him a curious look and gestured up and down. "Are you also a researcher?"
A researcher as handsome as him should leave an impression, or so Sonia thought.
Luke wore a perplexed expression and cleared his throat. "I currently serve as Professor Rowan's assistant."
Sonia's eyes sparkled with interest. "May I ask... what field of research?"
"Ancient texts," Luke responded with feigned confidence, his face displaying no signs of embarrassment or a racing heart.
Though it wasn't precisely accurate to say he was doing research...
[Ancient Text Lv3] gave him more than enough credibility to impress laymen.
Sonia was momentarily taken aback. The field of ancient texts was relatively obscure, and she had limited knowledge about the Unown.
The legends went that those who could master the Unown could even control the legendary Entei.
As such, ancient philology was a central focus in the realm of historical research.
It made sense for someone so young to serve as Professor Rowan's assistant...
Sonia pondered for a moment, then smiled and extended her hand. "I specialize in Galarian legends at the moment. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"If you're open to the idea, it would be great if we could collaborate!"
Luke accepted the young woman's outstretched hand, taken aback for a moment. "Collaborate on what?"
"Let me explain; let's sit down and chat!" Sonia was intrigued. She led Luke to the nearby milk tea parlor, where she ordered an ice cream parfait. Luke also ordered a drink for Haunter.
"jie jie~ (๑´ㅂ`๑)," Haunter gingerly stirred the spoon, flashing a silly smile.
"Galar's Laboratory has been actively recruiting talent from other regions in recent years..." Sonia began.
"But I'm not interested," Luke swiftly interjected.
After all, if he wanted to be a researcher, he would go to Sinnoh and work with Cynthia.
"No, no, no, we're not poaching," Sonia waved her hands frantically. "We offer the talented individuals Dynamax Bands as a reward for their contributions in data gathering and analysis..."
"In other words," Luke interrupted again, "you're offering me a Dynamax Band for free? But I'm neither a researcher nor a Trainer..."
Moreover, wouldn't Dynamax require some financial investment?
"Ah...I'm not planning to come to Galar anytime soon," Luke coughed, clearing his throat. "I'm sure there are others more deserving of a Dynamax Band."
Sonia rested her cheek on her hand, quite earnest. She said, "Dedicated scholars of ancient texts have always been scarce in the Galar Region. It's fitting to offer Dynamax Bands as an incentive..."
"In any case!"
Sonia cleared her throat, slapped the table, leaned closer to Luke, and looked directly into his eyes.
"Whenever you decide to come to Galar, tell me. We have a Dynamax Band ready for you at any time!"
Sonia's determination was quite astonishing, and her cheeks took on a faint rosy hue.
Looking into her sincere eyes, Luke's emotions were mixed, and he let out a sigh. "Please pass on my gratitude to your grandmother."
"You're very welcome!" Sonia replied with a warm smile. "But you need to thank me too!"