After a deep conversation with Lisa about pharmacology research, Takashi returned to his shop late at night.
In the spacious store, there were still plenty of Poké Balls. Takashi and Xerneas took them to Miss Joy for a routine health check. As they cleaned up, they could hear the sound of roosters crowing in Mondstadt's alleys.
After a busy night, Takashi felt even more energized, almost overexcited. He had to use Xerneas's healing power to calm down and finally rest peacefully.
The next morning, Takashi woke up early again. Thanks to Xerneas's healing, he quickly recovered from his fatigue, and he was ready to dive into work once more.
After freshening up, he took Xerneas to the outdoor terrace of Good Hunter, ordered a pizza with a hot glass of milk, and served Xerneas its breakfast portion of energy cubes. They enjoyed the leisurely time, basking in the morning light.
Whether it was merchants in the city, patrolling knights, adventurers, or travelers, everyone had a warm smile on their faces. The rustic atmosphere of life gave everyone a sense of serenity and tranquility.
However, it seemed to be just an illusion.
Takashi picked up half a piece of pizza, broke off a small piece, and offered it to Xerneas. "Try this."
Xerneas chewed it twice. "Not bad, but it'd be better with some spice."
"Should I add some cumin as well?" Takashi smiled as he put the pizza down, his gaze shifting toward the city gate.
He was surprised to see people, originally dispersed around the city gate, suddenly drawn together by some invisible force. It gave the impression of an important figure entering the city.
However, that figure didn't seem to be well-received.
Takashi focused his gaze. A tall, slender woman approached, dressed in a blue and white top with a sexy black bodysuit, complemented by long patent leather boots. Her features were sharp, her eyes cold, and she carried a greatsword on her back. Her steps exuded a distinct sword-like aura, radiating a chilling presence.
Despite the whispers and pointing from the surrounding Mondstadt residents, her phoenix eyes remained resolute, defiant, and unyielding.
"Remnant of the old nobility, get out of Mondstadt!"
"Leave now!"
"A spy within the Knights of Favonius, shameless!"
She seemed indifferent to everything around her, walking gracefully and leisurely down Mondstadt's main street. She soon arrived at the front of Good Hunter. "Hello, I'd like a Mondstadt hash brown and vegetable soup, with less salt, please."
After saying this, she handed over some Mora to the server and sat at a table next to Takashi's.
Even from a table away, Takashi could sense the cold aura emanating from her—truly an icy woman.
Takashi glanced back at the female server behind the counter. She seemed to be looking for something, her eyes filled with disdain as she stared at Eula.
When the kitchen signaled that the food was ready, the server brought over the Mondstadt hash brown and vegetable soup, speaking in a gruff tone. "Finish and leave as soon as you can."
Takashi looked over in confusion and noticed a large pile of white crystalline powder next to the tall stack of hash browns on her plate.
Eula took a spoonful, licked it with her small tongue, and her face immediately darkened.
"Sorry, we only use salt to expel remnants of the old nobility. What a disgrace," the server sneered before leaving.
Eula replied coldly, "I will remember this grudge."
Then, she silently continued eating her hash brown and soup, occasionally glancing at Xerneas beside Takashi.
Since when did Mondstadt have a deer like that?
Xerneas shyly moved closer to Takashi. "I don't think her gaze is very friendly."
"She probably thinks you're food," Takashi gently stroked Xerneas's head.
Eula slowed her chewing, looking at Takashi and Xerneas with a doubtful expression.
Did that deer just speak?
Takashi's and her gazes met, and he offered her a friendly smile.
Eula immediately looked away. Aside from the few friends she got along with, she had never seen a stranger show her kindness before.
Being chased from street to street, cursed from east to west—it had become her daily routine.
As long as the Mondstadt residents did not lay hands on her, the greatsword on her back was merely for show.
Takashi greeted her openly, "I'm Takashi, the owner of Mondstadt's Pokémon store."
Eula silently took another spoonful of her vegetable soup, scanning the surroundings with her eyes.
Don't you care about how others see you?
Takashi looked around. Hatred-filled gazes focused on Eula, like spotlights on a stage. It seemed even sitting near her drew people's ire.
However, these residents were just all talk. They all hated Eula, but no one dared lay a finger on her.
If they did, the greatsword on her back would teach them a lesson.
After all, Eula's swordsmanship was among the best in the Knights of Favonius, rivaling even Jean's.
Who would dare provoke her?
Takashi shrugged and shook his head. "You're the Spindrift Knight, Eula, right? It's an honor to meet you here."
Eula paused for a moment, and the onlookers were also taken aback.
The awkward atmosphere almost made Takashi suffocate. He had only wanted to greet her, but it felt like stepping into the underworld.
Eula silently lowered her head without responding to Takashi's greeting. She knew her identity as a descendant of the old nobility was despised, and she did not want to bring trouble to innocent people.
Silence was the best response.
"Yoohoo!"
Suddenly, a cheerful voice called out from behind. Everyone turned around and saw that it was the Outrider, Amber.
"Eula!" Amber ran over and jumped onto Eula, hugging her like a pendant, her face nuzzling Eula's affectionately.
Eula's usually cold expression softened slightly, with two adorable blushes appearing on her cheeks. Her bright eyes seemed unsure whether they were from embarrassment or joy.
They truly were the famous Platonic pair.
"You're hurting me," Eula said indifferently.
"Ah, I've just missed you so much!" Amber laughed as she held the back of her head. "Oh, wait, is this all you're eating? Wow, it's so salty! This is way too much salt!"
"I told them to use less salt, but they still used so much," Eula replied nonchalantly.
Amber grabbed the Mondstadt hash brown from her and took it to the female server. "Excuse me, but there's too much salt on this hash brown. Please make a new one."
When the server saw it was Amber, her attitude changed immediately. She bowed and said, "I apologize for our oversight. I'll replace it right away."
Amber crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks in annoyance. "You just like bullying nice people."
"Oh wow, it's Xerneas! And the shop owner! Good morning, you two!" Amber finally noticed Takashi and Xerneas.
Takashi: Smiling awkwardly but politely
Xerneas: →_→