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The rest of the engagement ceremony went much more simply. Professor Oak and Mr. Ketchum each gave a brief speech, thanking the guests for coming. Afterward, Liam and Delia exchanged silver-platinum engagement rings. With that, the modest ceremony was complete.
Next came the free activity time. Professor Oak, Aunt Fumiko, and the Ketchums pulled Liam and Delia aside. Professor Oak, with a mysterious smile, produced a small box and handed it to the couple.
"Hehe, today's a happy occasion. We've prepared a little gift for the two of you. Go on—take it."
Liam and Delia exchanged a quick glance before Liam reached out and accepted the box. Together, they opened it.
"Huh!? A key?"
Delia blinked in confusion at the brand-new house key inside the box, then looked toward Professor Oak and the others with a puzzled expression.
"Professor Oak? This key is...?"
Liam also asked with a puzzled tone.
"Hehe, now that you're engaged, you're basically starting your own family. And how could a family not have a personal home?"
Aunt Fumiko chuckled with a warm smile as she spoke.
"You probably noticed that a new house appeared in town recently, but no one ever moved in. That house is actually something we secretly prepared for you—it was meant to be a surprise," Mrs. Ketchum added with a smile. But as she spoke, her eyes turned red, and she looked at Delia with reluctant fondness.
"This is the key to your new home. From now on, you two will be living together. Be patient with each other, alright? And Delia, no more temper tantrums—everything will be decided by Liam, understood?"
The last part came from Mr. Ketchum. He looked at Delia with fatherly affection, gently patted her on the head, and added warmly, "You hear me?"
Delia stared at the key in her hand, her mouth slightly agape. Then, her whole face turned bright red as she quickly hugged Mr. Ketchum's hand that was still patting her head, pouting and shaking it playfully.
"Um... hehe, this gift is really too generous. But we'll accept it for now. Once I start earning my salary, I'll definitely repay you."
Now that he was Champion, surely the League would start paying him a high salary, right? When that time came, he'd have to properly repay Professor Oak and the Ketchum couple. Liam thought about it uncertainly.
Mr. Ketchum shook his head at Liam's words, indicating that it wasn't necessary. Then he looked at Liam seriously.
"Hehe, Liam, from today onward, Delia is your responsibility. You must take good care of her... Oh, and we've prepared two separate bedrooms in your new house. Uh... whether you use both is up to you. But I think you're both still a bit young for that kind of thing... ahem... so... hehe, it's your choice..."
Liam: "...Father-in-law, I have no idea what you're talking about! Hahaha..."
In the backyard of the research lab, the residents of Pallet Town had laid out a bountiful spread of food. Both people and Pokemon were free to eat whatever they liked.
Liam held Delia's hand as they greeted everyone, with Delia still blushing. They thanked each guest for attending the engagement ceremony and offering their blessings.
When they finally got to Giovanni, he looked slightly embarrassed and said to Liam, "Liam, there's something I need to discuss with you..."
Liam tilted his head in confusion, but before he could respond, Delia gently patted his hand, smiled, and nodded to Giovanni and his companions before excusing herself to go look for Lorelei.
Watching Delia's thoughtfulness, Liam smiled before turning to Giovanni and asking softly, "Hmm? What is it? If something's up, just say it. No need to stand on ceremony."
Giovanni gave an awkward smile, then glanced over at Weavile, who was happily eating atop the table, before turning back to Liam.
"Liam, recently, Miyamoto was tracking a hunting group that had re-entered the Kanto region. She discovered that they seem to be targeting the legendary Pokemon, Mew."
"What!?"
Liam's eyes widened in shock, and he immediately exclaimed.
Giovanni quickly motioned for him to keep it down. After confirming that no one was paying attention to them, he continued in a low voice.
"It was an urgent situation, so Miyamoto had to take them out. But when she arrived, Mew had already been injured. The little one's gotten pretty aggressive, more temperamental than usual. It lashed out at Miyamoto and the others, then fled."
"So actually, I had another reason for coming here—I'd like to borrow Weavile. Weavile's a Dark-type, and Mew used a lot of Psychic-type moves back then, so I suspect it's a Psychic-type Pokemon. Weavile would be a good counter."
"I do have a few Poochyena and Houndoom from Johto, but they're still early in training—not strong enough yet. Aside from scouting, they won't be of much use. Takeshi's Sneasel isn't strong enough either. After thinking it through, I decided to come ask you. Your Weavile's strength is undeniable."
Giovanni laid everything out in one breath and waited quietly for Liam's response.
"Mew... is indeed a Psychic-type. I can lend Weavile to you temporarily, but... why are you trying to catch Mew in the first place? What's the point? Wouldn't it be better to let it live freely?"
Liam looked hesitant as he asked.
"We're not trying to harm Mew. We just don't know yet why the hunting group is trying to capture it, or what their goal is. But whatever their reason, we can't let them succeed. So I plan to strike first and catch Mew before they do. Its safer for Mew to be with us than in the hands of the hunting group."
"Also, Blaine's genetic engineering project has made progress. If we manage to catch Mew, it could greatly help in perfecting the plan. Since the plan originated from you, you should understand how crucial Mew is to it. I really believe in this project—and I want to see it completed."
Giovanni knew Liam was just worried they might hurt Mew. As long as he made it clear they wouldn't, Liam would likely agree. Besides, Mew was central to the gene engineering plan Liam had once proposed. Giovanni believed Liam would help.
Liam lowered his head in thought. Realistically, if today's Team Rocket caught Mew, it probably wouldn't be mistreated.
And anyway, Mew wasn't exactly weak—catching it wasn't going to be easy.
"Alright. I understand. But I want to ask Weavile first."
"Weavile! Come here a second!"
"Wea-vi?"
Hearing Liam's call, Weavile—who had been happily munching away on the table—turned and instantly darted over in a blur of dark light.
"Weavile, this is Giovanni. He wants your help in dealing with a powerful Pokemon. Do you want to go? Only if you're willing—don't force yourself..."
Liam bent down with a smile as he explained to Weavile.
"Weavile?"
Weavile looked at Liam, then turned to Giovanni, unsure of the situation.
"Hehe, Weavile, I need your help to catch a powerful Pokemon. The mission will be tough, but I believe it'll be a great opportunity for you to train and grow stronger. Would you be willing to come with me and give it a try?"
Giovanni also bent down, his face wearing a slightly stiff smile as he softly spoke.
"Weavile..."
Weavile could tell that Liam trusted Giovanni, so he probably wasn't a bad guy. And lately, Weavile had been feeling a bit disappointed in itself—its strength was no longer top-tier in Liam's team. It was time to push forward and grow. Liam had many Pokemon, and time for training was limited.
Realizing this, Weavile raised its head solemnly, looked Giovanni in the eye, and gave a firm nod.
"Weavile!"
"Oh! You're in? That's fantastic! Welcome aboard, Weavile!"
Giovanni's face lit up with joy as he smiled brightly at the newly recruited Weavile.