Eula waved Amber over, and Amber cheerfully ran to her. Eula then asked in a low voice, "Do you know that man?"
"Yeah, he's the one selling the Pokémon," Amber said proudly, hands on her hips, clearly happy about knowing Takashi.
"And what is that creature beside him? It looks like a deer but isn't one. I think we should investigate him further. He seems suspicious," Eula said cautiously.
Upon hearing that, Amber instead reassured her, "The one next to him is called Xerneas. It's a Pokémon. They're like the pets we're used to seeing, but they're more expensive and intelligent. Personally, I see them as partners."
Amber then pulled out Ponyta's Pokéball from her pouch and tossed it. "Come on out, Ponyta!"
"Neigh!" Ponyta lifted its front hooves energetically and neighed.
Eula's face tensed. Another creature.
Amber approached and affectionately rubbed her face against Ponyta's while stroking its flaming mane.
"See, Eula, I told you, it's my partner," Amber said, showing off like a child flaunting a new toy to her friend.
Takashi silently continued eating his pizza while watching Amber perform. If nothing went wrong, Amber's persuasive tongue would surely bring Eula into the fold and get her to buy a Pokémon.
Eula just watched, unsure of how to respond to Amber's public display.
Amber understood Eula's personality. In front of strangers, especially in front of the common people of Mondstadt who had once been oppressed by the old nobility, Eula would always choose cold words and never show interest in anything. It was her way of maintaining her dignity.
This was elegance within elegance.
"Alright, Eula, seeing is believing. Let's go to his Pokémon shop together. I guarantee you'll have an unexpected harvest," Amber said, walking over, holding Eula's hand, and glancing back at Takashi. "Shopkeeper, are you done eating? You've got a customer."
Takashi put down his pizza, clapped his hands, and said, "The door of the Pokémon shop is always open for you two. Let's go, Xerneas."
Upon hearing this, Eula frowned slightly. She hoped this wouldn't bring unnecessary trouble.
Takashi led Eula and Amber back to the Pokémon shop. Seeing the shelves full of Pokéballs, Eula merely glanced at them with a composed demeanor, maintaining the elegance of her noble upbringing.
Compared to Amber, the difference was evident. "Wow, Shopkeeper, have you made high-energy Pokéblocks?"
Amber's eyes practically glowed at the sight of the Pokéblocks.
"No, these are custom-made energy blocks for Xerneas based on its taste," Takashi shook his head.
"That's too bad. I wanted to make some Pokéblocks for Ponyta myself."
"Do you want to learn? I can teach you."
"Really?" Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Yes, next time for sure." Takashi nodded slightly, and Xerneas knowingly took a Pokédex from the shelf. "Miss Eula, why don't you try drawing your destined Pokémon?"
Eula's gaze turned wary, and she became serious. "Shopkeeper, is this shop registered with the Knights of Favonius? Are the main services approved? Has it passed a tax audit?"
Takashi awkwardly stood there with a polite smile. This was the moment for Amber to help out.
Amber placed her hands on her hips and patiently explained, "The Acting Grand Master Jean has been here before. She even bought a Pokémon."
"Jean did? Oh, then it's fine," Eula said, finally letting go of her concerns.
"So, shall we continue?" Takashi held the Pokédex, waiting for her to take it.
Eula didn't take it. Instead, she spoke seriously, "Shopkeeper, I'm here today under the guise of inspecting your shop. This won't harm your reputation, but if I buy a Pokémon from you, think carefully—the residents of Mondstadt might end up disliking you, which could make your business difficult."
A bunch of idle talkers who just complain about not being able to afford Pokémon—why should I care what they think?
Make a face mask out of it?
I must say, though Eula appeared cold on the outside, she was meticulous and had even considered such details.
Takashi waved his hand. "Miss Eula, please don't worry about the opinions of Mondstadt's residents regarding my shop. They were never my target customers. I aim for the stars and the abyss..."
Eula's eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you also want to join the Knights of Favonius?"
Takashi shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't have that capability. I can only contribute in my own small way. Pokémon are my gift to the Knights."
From Takashi's demeanor, Eula could see he seemed sincere. His words were genuine, and his demeanor confident.
It reminded her of the determination and courage she had when joining the Knights. Unfortunately, without a Vision, Takashi was no more than an ordinary civilian, unable to meet the standards of a knight. Otherwise, he would have been a good candidate for the Knights of Favonius.
Amber quietly watched from the side: →_→
Eula then asked, "I heard Amber say earlier that Pokémon are partners?"
"Yes, Pokémon can follow trainers, participate in battles together, and build strong bonds of friendship."
Eula pondered. Bonds and friendship had always been like an unreachable luxury for her. If not for having someone like Amber by her side, she might have long isolated her heart from the world, consumed by thoughts of wielding her sword against her enemies.
As a remnant of the old nobility, she fought against everything the old nobility represented, as well as the resentment of Mondstadt's people. With nothing but perseverance and willpower, she supported herself to make it to today, earning herself the title of the Spindrift Knight within the Knights of Favonius.
Yet she still couldn't gain the love of Mondstadt's citizens.
Friendship and bonds had become luxuries for her.
The ridiculous part was that this shopkeeper claimed that Pokémon could forge bonds as deep as friendships.
Takashi broke the silence. "Miss Eula, everything must be tried before it can be experienced. If you remain fixed in your thoughts, you might miss out on many beautiful things."
Amber encouraged Eula from the side. "Come on, Eula, pick one. I already have Ponyta, and I'll need a companion in the future. Keep me company."
When faced with Amber's request, Eula could never fully refuse. After some hesitation, she sighed. "Fine, I guess I'll give it a try."
"Here." Takashi handed her the Pokédex.
Eula took it, pressed the button, and the silhouettes flashed across the screen before settling.
She looked at the creature on the Pokédex without any visible emotion.
Its body was pale green, and it had a dark green leaf on its head with buds around its neck. Its head was larger compared to its body, with large red eyes and four short legs, each having a single toenail. It also had a small tail.
It cocked its head and showed a faint smile.
Amber came closer, her eyes sparkling. "Wow, it's so cute!"