The headquarters of the Knights of Favonius.
Eula held a freshly obtained confession from Wu Lao Qi and walked to Jean's office door, gently knocking.
"Come in."
As the door opened, Jean saw it was Eula. She put away the smile she had just shown while playing with the little Charmander, and faced her calmly. "Eula, how did it go?"
Eula threw the confession onto the desk. "Easier than expected. With a little pressure, he confessed everything."
Jean picked up the confession and scanned it, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Tomorrow at 5 PM, at the ruins of the Wolf of the North in Wolvendom."
Eula looked at her firmly.
Jean set the confession down. "Got it. You take care of this matter then. Do you need me to assign additional manpower? If there are a lot of enemies, it'd be good to have support."
Eula shook her head. "No need, Amber and I are enough."
Jean nodded slightly. "Alright then, I'll inform Amber."
"No need, I'll go find her now."
With that, Eula turned and left Jean's office.
"Hey, Eula! Long time no see."
Eula had just stepped out and ran into Lisa coming down from the second-floor workshop. Lisa was holding a purple amphibious creature in her arms. The creature had a sleepy look, static electricity sparking from its cheeks.
"Mm." Eula replied simply.
"How about grabbing a dandelion wine at the tavern later? Maybe invite Kaeya and Rosaria as well?"
"Sorry, I have something to take care of." Eula shook her head.
"It's rare for you to come back. Are you in a hurry to leave again?"
"Apologies." Eula turned and walked away silently.
Lisa followed behind her, holding the little Toxel. Takashi had asked her about something regarding potions for the Pokemon, and after a morning of research, she had some progress. She was planning to head to the Pokemon shop anyway, maybe even ask for some perks.
The two walked to the training grounds of the Knights of Favonius, where Eileen was still diligently practicing her swordsmanship against a wooden stake.
Seeing them passing by, Eileen hurriedly greeted, "Lady Lisa, Lady Eula."
Eula paused and asked lightly, "Have you seen Amber?"
"She went to the Pokemon shop with Captain Kaeya."
Without a word, Eula left the training grounds.
"Keep it up," Lisa encouraged the young recruit before leaving. "Keep practicing."
"Yes, ma'am." Eileen nodded, watching them go.
Eula headed for her villa, while Lisa took a different route, heading down the central fountain plaza towards the Pokemon shop.
—
In the Pokemon shop.
Kaeya looked down at the Pokemon Guidebook, the high-grade energy cubes, and the Trainer Manual in his hands, falling into thought.
Amber was fascinated by Machop's muscles; it looked strong and powerful, and she wanted to touch it, just to feel it.
"Machop!"
Machop took a step back defensively, ready to guard against anything.
Takashi smiled and explained, "This Machop isn't like the other friendlier Pokemon. It's more loyal to its trainer. If someone else approaches without the trainer's permission, it might see it as a challenge."
Amber, hearing this, awkwardly raised her hands. "I was just curious, nothing more."
Takashi continued, "As a Fighting-type Pokemon, Machop is very skilled in martial arts. If you're not careful, you might get thrown over its shoulder. Apart from that, they can handle heavy work that ordinary people can't."
Kaeya interjected, "So you're saying Machop can also help carry things?"
"That's right. For example, if an elderly Mondstadt citizen struggles to carry a sack of rice up six flights of stairs, Machop could easily carry several sacks without breaking a sweat."
Kaeya stroked his chin in thought, imagining taking Machop along to help haul wine barrels to the tavern.
Just then, Lisa and Eula entered the Pokemon shop together.
"Welcome!" Takashi warmly greeted the two newcomers.
Eula stood to the side, her expression indifferent as she glanced at Lisa. Why had she waited at the restaurant just to walk with her here? Didn't she realize strangers might see them and think they were close?
Lisa paid no mind to Eula's look. Instead, she looked down at the green-skinned Machop in front of Kaeya and covered her mouth with a teasing smile. "Kaeya, your Pokemon is adorable."
Kaeya folded his arms. "The shopkeeper said it's a shiny Pokemon—quite rare."
"Oh?" Hearing this, both Lisa and Eula took another look at Machop.
Chikorita, who had been rubbing against Kaeya's shoes, noticed Machop getting all the attention, almost like a star on stage.
Jealousy bubbled up.
"Chiko..."
Chikorita extended its vines, trying to push Lisa and Eula out of the shop.
Lisa looked down. "What's wrong with this little one?"
Xerneas glanced at Takashi. Boss, should I translate this?
Takashi shook his head. For the sake of the customer experience, better not. He bent down and picked Chikorita up, holding it out to Eula. "Miss Eula, you're here to pick up Chikorita, right?"
Eula placed a payment slip on the counter and took Chikorita into her arms, nodding slightly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Takashi said, "This Chikorita has a bit of a spoiled nature and a strong personality. At first, it may be difficult to get along, but since you've built a bond from your previous battle, it should help. Also, Chikorita loves sunbathing, so taking it out often will help its growth."
"Chiko..."
In Eula's arms, Chikorita arrogantly raised its head, eyes closed in contentment.
Eula thought to herself, *With time, this little one will definitely be tamed.*
"By the way, Miss Lisa, what brings you here today?" Takashi turned to Lisa.
Lisa played with her brown hair, folding her arms. "The thing you asked me to look into has made some progress. Find a time to—"
Instead of speaking aloud, Lisa leaned in and whispered the rest.
Amber: ...
Kaeya: ...
Eula: ...
After finishing, Lisa gave a playful smile. "That's the situation. Understand?"
"Got it." Takashi nodded. "I'll find time to handle it."
Amber couldn't hold back her curiosity. As a professional outrider, she could sense something was up. "Lisa, what were you whispering about?"
Lisa gently tapped Amber on the forehead with her finger. "Don't ask too many questions, Amber dear."
"Right," Takashi saw this and quickly changed the topic. "Captain Kaeya and Miss Eula, you've both got your Pokemon now. Since you're still getting used to them, how about a battle to strengthen the bond between you and your Pokemon?"
"A Pokemon battle?!" Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement, her small fists clenching.
Takashi nodded slightly. "Of course, this is only if both new trainers agree to it."
Kaeya folded his arms and looked at Machop.
Machop lifted its right arm high, its eyes gleaming with determination, looking eager to battle.
Chikorita jumped out of Eula's arms, standing on the floor while glaring at Machop.
"Let's do it."
"Let's do it."
Both trainers spoke in unison.