Takashi only smiled lightly, not bothering to argue with her reasoning.
Barbara tilted her head to look at Xerneas standing next to Takashi. Its multicolored antlers resembled concert lights. "Is this your Pokémon? It looks amazing."
"Would you like to have a Pokémon of your own?" Takashi immediately cut to the chase, trying to promote.
Barbara waved her hand. "You see how busy I am all the time—where would I find the time to care for a Pokémon? If they ended up starving, I'd feel awful."
What? This girl dares to refuse, and we're out in the wild!
Maybe... Barbara, you wouldn't want anyone to find out about you sneaking out here to gather Jueyun Chili, right?
Barbara rested her chin on her hands, gazing dreamily at the cloudless sky.
The wind blew gently, the clouds drifted lightly, and everything felt close by.
Takashi scratched his head. What am I thinking? I'm here to sell Pokémon!
"Miss Barbara," Takashi asked, "what is your dream?"
"To become an idol, to bring smiles to everyone's faces," Barbara answered without hesitation.
Quite the idol persona she has.
"Can I understand it as a form of spiritual and emotional healing?" Takashi continued to probe.
After all, Barbara was also a Vision holder, capable of controlling water and healing people. Combined with her beauty, sweet voice, and the fact that Klee's mother Alice was her manager, she naturally captured the hearts of Mondstadt's residents.
It wasn't just having her sister Jean as Acting Grand Master or their noble father Simon that allowed Barbara's perfect debut.
"Of course," Barbara said resolutely, "I hope the people of Mondstadt don't get hurt in this monster-ridden land. Even if they do get hurt, I will do my best to heal them so they can recover."
"Miss Barbara, you really are kind-hearted," Takashi praised her first. "In fact, among the Pokémon, there are also some who are just as kind-hearted as you."
Barbara's bright eyes lit up with interest. "Kind-hearted? You mean there are Pokémon that can heal people's emotional wounds?"
"Of course, and there are quite a few," Takashi said, seeing her interest and continuing down that path. "For example, some Pokémon can release a substance called Sleep Powder, helping those who struggle to sleep enter a sweet dreamland. Some Pokémon can use floral healing to restore the energy of tired people."
"Can they heal people when they are ill too?"
Takashi glanced at Xerneas. "Miss Barbara, do you believe in the Vision granted by the gods?"
"Yes. The Anemo Archon will protect us."
"Just as you believe in the Anemo Archon, there are gods among the Pokémon as well. They can travel through time and space, soar in the sky, dive into vast oceans, and though some may not fly, they silently sleep to protect the peace of the earth."
"That sounds fascinating. Could you tell me more about the Pokémon's stories?" Barbara pulled out a packet of spicy fish snacks, took a bite, and offered some to Takashi. "Here, something to keep you awake."
Takashi took a piece and bit into it—it was spicy. Barbara was clearly a fan of spicy food.
For the sake of the fish snack, Takashi shared the story of the Hoenn region and the conflict between Team Magma and Team Aqua.
"Groudon, symbolizing the power of the earth, and Kyogre, symbolizing the power of the ocean, awakened from their slumber, causing massive waves. The ground trembled, the sky was filled with constant rain, and sea levels rose, as if ready to swallow arrogant humans whole."
"In that moment of crisis, Rayquaza, symbolizing the power of the sky, descended from above. The dark clouds dissipated, the sea calmed, the earth ceased to quake, and the two ancient Pokémon returned to slumber, bringing peace back to the world."
Barbara's eyes sparkled. "Rayquaza sounds so cool! Could I have one as my own?"
Takashi internally rolled his eyes. This girl really had no sense of reality sometimes—that's a legendary Pokémon, not something you just have.
"Don't think Pokémon are so easy to handle—some are smarter than humans," Takashi laughed.
Barbara clenched her little fists. Pokémon seemed so interesting; she wanted one too. But what if she didn't have time to take care of it? What could she do?
If she asked Sister Victoria to help, she'd definitely scold her for being irresponsible.
After all, Barbara had snuck out today, missing the morning prayers at the church.
Takashi continued, "Miss Barbara, you seem like you're not too good with swordplay."
"Huh? Well, um..." Barbara covered her head, blushing. "Yeah, I've always been clumsy. I can't even hold a sword properly, and I always get scolded by my father."
From Barbara's expression, Takashi could tell how painful it must have been to have such an outstanding older sister always ahead of her.
Like Takeshi Kaneshiro and Daniel Wu...
"Recently, Acting Grand Master Jean visited my shop and bought an Oshawott for Klee. They had so much fun together," Takashi said. "It won't be long before Jean herself will also come to choose her Pokémon. Don't you want to consider it too, Miss Barbara?"
"Huh? My sister's buying a Pokémon?" Barbara looked completely surprised. Although she didn't see her sister often at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, she knew that Jean was always busy with paperwork, often working until dawn before resting.
For such a workaholic, it was shocking that she'd have the time to raise a Pokémon.
Takashi crossed his arms confidently. "Of course, after all, her destined Pokémon has been eagerly waiting for her."
"What kind of Pokémon did she choose? Is it cool, charming, or cute? Or maybe..." Barbara got so excited talking about her sister that she began to babble.
Takashi hesitated—should he tell her that Jean chose a red lizard-like Charmander? It looked like a toy, but it was powerful and full of potential for the future.
Despite Barbara's constant smiling face, having fans surround her whenever she went out, she sometimes felt insecure inside.
Especially in front of her smart and capable sister.
So to sell her a Pokémon, he needed a different approach.
"Your sister chose a Pokémon called Charmander."
"Is it powerful?"
"It's alright—very cute, though."
"Huh? My sister likes cute things too?" Barbara beamed, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
"You know she's very fond of Klee."
Barbara mumbled to herself—it was true. Her sister's relationship with Klee was closer than with herself.
The way Klee's mother treated Barbara was the same as how Jean treated Klee now.
"Well, if it's my sister, she must want to protect Mondstadt. As for me, I can only heal people's hearts through song... I'm still far behind her," Barbara said, her self-confidence wavering as she spoke.