Liking sweets is a secret that Bea wants to keep hidden because it doesn't match her maintained image. She feels embarrassed when this preference is exposed.
However, her fans easily discovered this secret. In every battle, fans would bring her high-quality sweets. Bea could only accept their kindness with mixed feelings of guilt and gratitude, eating the sweets and then doubling her training routine as compensation.
Recently, Bea's mental state had been extremely tense, and her sweet cravings had drastically decreased. Summer's suggestion became the final straw that broke the Camerupt's back.
"Okay, I'll first take you to Misty Lake. Wait there while I gather some berries," Summer said.
Bea silently nodded but couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.
At Misty Lake, many Water-type Pokémon were attracted to the water-soaked rocks.
Shellders at the bottom of the lake cautiously opened their shells to feed, careful not to wake the sleeping Milotic.
Slowpokes on the lake's surface seemed to be in deep discussion with Psyducks, although neither seemed aware of the other's presence.
Arrokudas darted around in straight lines in the water, stopping only when they collided with Magikarps.
Beside the lake, Chewtles were trying to bite the tails of Poliwags, who were startled and quickly jumped into the water, only to float back up again.
A green lotus leaf floated on the surface, landing perfectly on a Lombre's head.
An out-of-place Falinks sat under a tree, using the tranquil atmosphere to train its focus, hoping to one day master its concentration without relying on Milotic's intimidation.
"This is Misty Lake. Take some time to get used to it," Summer said.
Bea surveyed the surroundings. The lake's aura indeed helped calm her mind. Oh, another Pokémon she didn't recognize, but it was definitely a Fighting-type.
Once Summer left, Bea didn't pay much attention to the rare Pokémon. She found a spot on the grass and sat down, ready to meditate.
Her inner turmoil was almost resolved, but there were still lingering thoughts. She aimed to use the tranquility to clear them, using the environment to hone her spirit.
Cake, pudding, parfait, donuts, cookies—ah!
The sweet aroma made Bea open her eyes suddenly. What was she thinking? Why were all her thoughts about sweets?
Bea didn't realize that the peaceful atmosphere had relaxed her normally tense spirit, and enjoying sweets was her favorite way to unwind.
"Here's a local Lum Berry from Sunset Forest. If you find it good, please spread the word in Circhester," Summer said, handing her the berry.
"Thank you, I won't be polite then," Bea replied, taking the berry.
She took a bite, and the unique sweetness exploded in her mouth. It was the best Lum Berry she had ever tasted!
"Delicious." Bea quickly finished the berry in her hands.
She wanted to ask for another, but restrained herself due to her image.
"By the way, Bea, would you like to try some jam?"
"What?" After a strong inner conflict, Bea slowly said, "Please."
After bidding Summer farewell again, Bea took a deep breath and sat back on the grass, determined not to think about sweets.
Jam, jam, jam—Bea stood up in frustration. Why, even in this quiet place!
"Alright, I'll try the jam first. Maybe then I can calm down."
The Falinks opened one eye, feeling a sense of pride. Such a noisy girl, not as good as me—oh!
A terrifying aura emanated from the lake bottom, making the Falinks quickly close its eyes. Don't wake up, don't wake up!
After a while, Summer finally returned, holding a jar of yellow jam.
"Please try it. This is my masterpiece."
"Thank you." Bea took the jar and a spoon, carefully tasting the jam. The sweet and sour taste filled her mouth. She immediately identified the ingredients.
"This is Custap Berry jam, isn't it?"
"Correct. I didn't expect you to recognize the taste," Summer said, surprised.
"How could I not?" Bea thought but didn't say aloud. She asked, "Summer, don't you think this jam is a bit simple despite its high quality?"
"Yes, because I don't know much about jam combinations, so I only made this simple one," Summer admitted.
"Well, Summer, are there other berries in Sunset Forest?"
"Of course. Bea, are you—"
"Yes, please let me make some jam myself!" Bea said with enthusiasm.
Summer smiled knowingly and said, "I'll tell you about the other berries in Sunset Forest then."
"Bea, here are your Custap, Sitrus, Roseli, and Payapa Berries."
Bea nodded, now as focused as she would be in a battle. Making sweets deserved the highest respect.
"Half Custap Berry for the main sweet and sour flavor."
"Quarter Sitrus Berry for a rich sweetness and a unique tang to enhance the flavor."
"One-fifth Payapa Berry for a distinctive sourness to create a complex taste."
"Lastly, one-twentieth Roseli Berry for a unique vanilla flavor, the final touch. But since it's very sweet, only a little can be added."
"But that's just the basics. Each berry needs special handling to bring out its purest flavor. Summer, let's get busy!" Bea was full of energy.
Summer then realized Bea had a skill her fans didn't know about—she was a dessert master.
Unable to enjoy desserts openly, and with fan gifts not satisfying her needs, Bea had a revelation: if she loved sweets so much, why not make them herself?
With her disciplined training and unmatched passion, Bea quickly became a skilled dessert chef.
She sometimes sold the extra sweets she made, becoming a sought-after, mysterious online vendor known as Frostmilk Fairy.
"Done!" Bea eagerly tasted the slightly warm jam, a perfect blend of premium ingredients, and smiled blissfully.
"Ah!"
Realizing she was being watched, Bea showed a moment of shyness before returning to her usual stoic expression.
"Ahem, Summer, the jam is perfect."
"Oh, thanks to your secret recipe."
"Boni~"
"Of course, I didn't forget your help, Polteageist." Summer patted the Pokémon seeking praise.
So, this Pokémon is called Polteageist. Bea glanced at the evening sky and said, "It's getting late. I should head back."
"Take the jam with you. It's your hard-earned result."
"No, it will be better if it stays in Sunset Forest overnight. Besides, it's not like I won't be back," Bea said lightly.
Without realizing it, her mood had significantly improved. Nessa's suggestion was right. Proper rest is important. Yes, I'll take her advice.
"Sunset Forest is always open to you!"
"Of course. It's now one of my top three training spots," Bea said, bowing goodbye. Although her demeanor remained the same, her spirit was entirely different.
Watching Bea leave, Summer texted Nessa, mission accomplished. But he felt a bit regretful for not learning any battle techniques from Bea today.
He smiled. No, gaining a jam recipe and doing a good deed wasn't bad at all.
(Chapter ends)