Early the next morning, Angie was already up and busy. Today marked the grand opening of his new store, and he had to start preparations early. Even Meowstic arrived at Angie's house bright and early.
Before heading out, Angie handed a set of clothes to Meowstic. "Here, Meowstic, let's change into our new outfits."
Not only did Meowstic change into its new clothes, but Angie also changed into his own set, and he had prepared matching outfits for Raleigh and Slurpuff too.
Once they were all dressed, Angie led Meowstic to the mirror. "What do you think? Does it look good?"
Meowstic wore a dark blue headband with two Munchlax ears printed on it. On its top half, it sported a dark blue jacket matching Munchlax's fur, with a yellow shirt underneath. The bottom half was a matching pair of shorts, with a yellow apron around its waist.
Angie and Meowstic were dressed identically, though Angie wore loose-fitting pants on the bottom.
This outfit would be the official uniform for their store, "Munchlax's Home." Angie had spent quite a while selecting it from the system's store to ensure it matched the shop's decor.
But Angie's appearance didn't entirely match the outfit's style. With his bright golden hair and deep-set features, he didn't look very traditionally Asian.
Not that there was any helping it — looks were something you were born with.
Meowstic, meanwhile, gazed at its reflection in fascination, even spinning around once to see the full look.
It thought it looked quite dashing.
"All right, let's get going," Angie said, bending down to pat Meowstic on the shoulder.
"Meowstic~"
Meowstic nodded, and together with Komala, they set off.
Upon arriving at Munchlax's Home, Angie didn't rush to open the doors right away. Instead, he went into the kitchen to knead dough for buns and prepare stuffed buns, while Meowstic enthusiastically used its psychic abilities to levitate several dusters and cloths, sweeping and wiping down the main hall.
After cleaning, Meowstic placed side dishes, bowls, and plates on each dining table.
Not long after, Raleigh and Slurpuff arrived through the back door, Raleigh holding the spare key Angie had given him.
After changing into their uniforms, Raleigh and Slurpuff immediately came downstairs to help.
With Raleigh and Slurpuff's assistance, Angie's pace quickened significantly.
Checking the time, Angie opened the doors right at 7:00 a.m.
From then on, Munchlax's Home fixed business hours would be from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. No matter who arrived, even if it were the Elite Four, Angie would close the shop once time was up.
"Meowstic, open the doors for customers," Angie called from the kitchen.
"Meowstic!"
Yes, boss!
Meowstic replied enthusiastically.
After setting down its duster and cloth, Meowstic opened the door.
As soon as the door swung open, the crowd poured in all at once.
"Finally, it's open! I was starting to think I had the date wrong!"
"So this is the young boss's new place! The decor is really unique!"
"Good thing I didn't get the location wrong; I was beginning to doubt myself since the door hadn't opened yet."
"Good morning, Meowstic!"
…
The regular customers filled the shop, and Meowstic quickly invited everyone to sit and started taking orders, while Raleigh rushed out from the kitchen to help.
"Meowstic, Your Royal Highness Raleigh, your outfits are really unique today!"
"Meowstic, I'll have a steamed bun, a chive bun, a radish bun, and a cabbage bun."
"Meowstic, over here we need two steamed buns and two radish buns!"
"Your Royal Highness Raleigh, please bring us six steamed buns, two radish buns, two chive buns, and two cabbage buns."
…
Voices calling out orders echoed through the shop. Meowstic had an incredible memory and could remember everyone's orders accurately, even when several people were ordering at the same time.
Raleigh was a bit slower, but he had a menu list where he carefully noted down each order with a pen, making sure nothing went wrong.
As time passed, tray after tray of buns and steamed bread was sold, and waves of satisfied customers left with full stomachs.
Angie was worn out and thought to himself, Should I consider taking on another apprentice?
At this pace of making buns and steamed bread, it was exhausting. If his physical fitness hadn't improved so much, he probably wouldn't be able to keep up.
Meanwhile, outside, a significant event was unfolding, bringing yet another crowd of customers to his store.
All the electronic billboards on the tall buildings throughout Azoth City were flashing Angie's photo on repeat. Banners across the screens displayed the words: "Royal Family Member: Angie Azoth."
The royal family had evidently decided to formally announce Angie's existence to the public, using the photos taken during his outing with Kimia.
Dressed in the special uniform of the Azoth royal family, Angie's handsome face shone on the screens, looking remarkably striking.
The people who are unfamiliar with him asked, "Since when did the royal family have a new member?"
Those in the know explained, "Are you out of touch? This is none other than Queen Anna's twin brother from five hundred years ago!"
"Five hundred years ago?" The other person was stunned.
"Let me tell you, it's a story that goes back to our pride of Azoth—Sir Nikola…"
As the story spread among the citizens, Angie's name became widely known, and waves of people began flocking to his store, eager to meet the prince from five centuries ago.
One of those drawn by the news was Siebold, a member of the Kalos region's Elite Four.
Standing at the entrance of Munchlax's Home, Siebold looked up at the sign, murmuring to himself, "So this is the store that prince opened?"
Not only was Siebold the Water-type Elite Four member of the Kalos League, but he was also a renowned chef with a restaurant of his own. So when he heard Angie's story, he couldn't resist coming to see for himself.
"Sobble~ Sobble~~"
Perched on Siebold's shoulder was a Sobble.
This Sobble was a descendant of his grandfather's Pokémon. Siebold's grandfather had also been a chef with remarkable culinary skills, so Sobble had been learning the art of cooking with him ever since it was born.
Siebold's grandfather had intended for Sobble to be raised by Siebold, as both Siebold and Sobble shared a love for cooking.
However, Sobble rejected Siebold, feeling that his dishes lacked soul. It believed that its ideal Trainer would be someone even more skilled.
So, every time Siebold went out, Sobble would eagerly follow, knowing that Siebold would visit the famous local restaurants or culinary spots wherever they went. Sobble hoped that one day, it might meet its destined Trainer among the talented chefs it encountered.
This time was no different.
"Let's go in and try the craftsmanship of this member of azoth royal family," Siebold said.
"Sobble~ Sobble~~"
Sobble nodded its head in agreement.
As Siebold entered, he was greeted by an elegantly dressed Meowstic.
"Meowstic~"
Welcome!
Meowstic politely led Siebold and Sobble to an empty seat. The shop was packed with customers, and this was the only available spot.
"Meowstic~"
What would you like to eat?
Meowstic pointed to the menu on the wall, asking Siebold.
After quickly scanning it, Siebold replied, "I'd like two steamed buns, and two of each type of bun filling, please."
Buns and steamed bread... unfamiliar dishes he had neither seen nor heard of before.
Could they be delicacies from five hundred years ago? Siebold wondered as he ordered.
"Meowstic~~"
Please wait a moment.
After taking the order, Meowstic hurried to the kitchen and soon returned, using its psychic powers to carry four plates.
"Meowstic~~"
Please enjoy.
Arranging the buns and steamed bread on the table, Meowstic quickly dashed off to serve other customers.
Seeing the steaming buns and stuffed buns in front of them, Siebold and Sobble swallowed in anticipation.
The aroma was delightful!
So these are buns and steamed bread? Such pristine, beautiful food! Siebold thought as he reached for a steamed bun, marveling at the soft texture, which felt like touching a baby's delicate skin.
Such a soft food! he thought, astonished, as he had never encountered anything like it. Even his finest bread couldn't compare to the cloud-like softness of this steamed bun.
Then Siebold noticed three small dishes in the center of the table, each labeled with a note: diced pickled radish, pickled string beans, and spicy cabbage.
The three dishes were lined up, with a card behind them that read.
[ It tastes even better with steamed buns! Just take what you need, and please don't waste any. ❤️ ]
Siebold took a small plate, picked some spicy cabbage, then tore off a piece of steamed bun and ate it with the cabbage.
The soft bread and the tangy, spicy cabbage combined into an addictive flavor that he couldn't get enough of.
"Sobble, here, you try some too!"
Siebold quickly offered a piece of steamed bread with spicy cabbage to Sobble.
"Nom~~"
Sobble opened its mouth and gobbled up the bread, its cheeks puffing out as it chewed.
At that moment, Sobble realized it had finally found its ideal Trainer.
The reason Sobble hadn't accepted Siebold until now was that his cooking had a sense of detachment, as if it was far removed from ordinary people.
That wasn't what Sobble wanted.
Now, tasting the buns made by Angie, it felt a warmth that reminded it of home—something Siebold's cuisine lacked.
Next, Siebold and Sobble tried the pickled radish and string beans with the steamed bread, each combination offering a unique and enjoyable flavor.
And the buns themselves were another delightful experience, distinct from the steamed buns.
After finishing off all the buns and steamed buns, Siebold elegantly took out a handkerchief to dab at his lips—then let out a loud burp.
Not very elegant after all.
"Sobble~~"
Sobble burped as well.
"I didn't expect this Prince Angie to be so talented! It's no wonder this place is thriving!" Siebold remarked.
At that moment, Sobble scurried to stand before Siebold, pointing excitedly toward the kitchen.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Siebold was taken aback. "You want to meet Prince Angie?"
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Sobble nodded.
"The day has finally come," Siebold said. "But there's no need to rush. How about we observe him for a few more days, get to know him well first? After all, we'll be staying in the Azoth Kingdom for a while."
Sobble thought about it and agreed.
"Sobble~ Sobble~"
Alright.
"But I'm telling you in advance!" Siebold added. "You have the right to choose a Trainer, but a Trainer has the right to choose you too. If he doesn't want to accept you, you're not allowed to throw a fit!"
(.) Sobble was taken aback. No way, who could possibly reject me when I'm this cute? Though it seemed impossible, Sobble obediently nodded.
Since the shop was so full, Siebold and Sobble left after eating, not wanting to take up space any longer.
In the kitchen, Angie asked Raleigh, who came to pick up an order, "Raleigh, why does it feel like I'm getting busier? Are there that many customers?"
Raleigh nodded, "Yeah, it seems like there are more and more."
Angie was puzzled—this shouldn't be happening!
Soon, it was ten o'clock, and Angie hurriedly instructed the Meowstic to hang the "Closed" sign at the entrance. As soon as the remaining customers finished eating, he would close up and rest.
So tired!
The amount of buns and steamed buns sold hadn't increased that much, so why was he so exhausted?
Once the "Closed" sign went up, many new customers, drawn by the shop's reputation, were left disappointed.
"What? Closing already? It's just ten o'clock!"
Someone glanced inside and saw the place was packed. "Business must be booming; it's no wonder they're closing early. They probably sold out, right?"
"It smells so good—I missed out this time, what a miscalculation!"
A young couple, seeing they were too late, had a brief argument. The girlfriend reproached the boyfriend, "I told you to hurry up, but you kept saying we had plenty of time! Now look what happened!"
The boyfriend sighed, "How was I supposed to know they'd close at ten? How about we try again tomorrow?"
"You better be early tomorrow! If you dawdle again, I'll make you pay!"
After seeing off the last customer, Angie, Raleigh, and Meowstic finally let out a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, in a dark alley not far from Munchlax's Home...
A Haunter was surrounded by a Houndoom, a Banette, and a Froslass, with the three Pokémon baring their teeth at Haunter.
From the shadows, Levi and Cherie slowly emerged.
"Haunter, after all this running, it's time for you to surrender quietly," Levi said. "Otherwise, we won't be so nice."
"Haunter!"
Haunter glared at Levi and Cherie, anger and defiance burning in its gaze.
"It seems you're determined to be stubborn!" Levi commanded, "Alright, everyone, teach Haunter a lesson."
At Levi's order, the four Pokémon pounced on Haunter all at once.
Haunter's eyes glowed as it used Psychic to grab Froslass, hurling it into Houndoom, knocking both of them back. Then, Haunter dodged Banette's attack and hit it with a Shadow Ball, sending Banette flying.
Taking advantage of the moment, Haunter turned around and bolted.
"You useless things!" Levi yelled at his three Pokémon in frustration.
"Quick, don't let it escape!" Cherie urged.
With a fierce howl, Houndoom picked up Haunter's scent and led Levi and Cherie in pursuit.