"At least I didn't go home empty-handed, but this frustration is hard to swallow…"
Lucas carried his red bucket full of "loot," his face a complex mix of emotions.
"Serperior~." (It's a token of Politoed's feelings.)
Serperior reached out a vine and patted his right shoulder in a show of forced comfort.
Lucas felt no better. Even after learning Politoed had specially learned fishing from the local Wooper and Quagsire, and had caught the fish just for him, Lucas couldn't hold back his breakdown.
Could it be that he was fated to always be the Unlucky Fisherman?
With that question in mind, Lucas returned to the farm—only to find a very familiar face standing by the gate.
The man had a shiny bald head, wore a chef's coat and a wave-patterned apron, and his build was broad and stocky.
It was none other than Kofu, the Gym Leader of Cascarrafa.
Kofu had just arrived and was admiring Lucas' Luxray, who was on patrol.
Strong body, restrained aura, the eyes of a true powerhouse—he hadn't seen Luxray since Lucas' Gym Challenge, but now understood how Lucas had passed the Champion Test overseen by Chairwoman Geeta.
Even against Grusha's Mega Blastoise, Luxray had less than a 30% chance of losing.
Lucas stopped, puzzled: "Mr. Kofu?"
At Lucas' voice, both Kofu and Luxray looked his way, as did Serperior, Politoed, and the Poliwhirls.
A flicker of surprise crossed Luxray's golden eyes—it had expected Poliwag to evolve, but hadn't expected all three to do so.
"Lucas, it's been a while!" Kofu's eyes lit up. He started to say more, but seeing Politoed and the Poliwhirls, he exclaimed in surprise, "Wait, is that… the Poliwag!?"
Lucas nodded slightly: "It just evolved today."
Luxray padded over and, after checking with Serperior about their trip, licked Politoed and the Poliwhirls one by one.
Seeing their confusion, Lucas explained, "Luxray does that to show happiness—it means he's glad you evolved."
Politoed and the others immediately let out happy croaks.
Kofu crouched beside Politoed, examining it and the Poliwhirls, and smiled in satisfaction: "You've raised them well. Poliwag and its evolutions always have slippery skin. Even after traveling on land with you, their skin is still glossy and moist—that means their Water-type energy is abundant."
As a Water-type expert, Kofu could tell Lucas had raised them with care, especially Politoed, which even made him want one of his own.
If they could trade Pokémon, Kofu felt confident Politoed could become the ace of his team.
In the past, Politoed might have been bashful at such praise. In fact, the three Poliwhirls already looked embarrassed.
But now, as a king at heart, Politoed accepted the praise—it was only right for a king. Even if its subjects were just three Poliwhirls.
After some small talk, Kofu straightened up: "Let's get down to business."
Lucas nodded, sending the Pokémon ahead to the farm. Politoed and the others, eager to surprise their friends, hurried off. Lucas hefted his bucket and said, "Mr. Kofu, let's talk over tea. I need to take care of this fish first."
Kofu laughed heartily, not standing on ceremony: "That's perfect—I was just getting thirsty myself!"
…
In the living room, by the cabinet—
Lucas took out tea leaves and his treasured, slightly chipped teapot, then asked, "I only have black tea right now. Is that okay?"
Kofu, eyeing the Pokémon watching him curiously, nodded: "No problem."
A moment later, Lucas brought out honey cakes and black tea steeped in the chipped teapot, setting them on the table, pouring tea as he asked: "What do you think of my farm, Mr. Kofu?"
Kofu took the steaming cup, inhaled the rich aroma, then drank it down in one gulp as if it were wine.
After savoring it, Kofu's eyes lit up: "Now I see why you turned down the high-ranking League job Geeta offered, and chose to retire and run a farm."
"The tranquil environment, the laid-back rural life," Kofu said, sampling the honey cake, "and these delicious treats and tea—you're really enjoying life!"
If not for his restaurant back in town, Kofu would want to buy land and run a farm just like Lucas.
"Is this really just bagged black tea? Why does it taste so complex…?"
"Take a look at this teapot," Lucas said, showing the chipped teapot to Kofu.
After examining it, Kofu understood: "No wonder you can brew such good tea with ordinary leaves—it's the teapot!"
Lucas nodded: "In a few months, when summer comes, the Sawsbuck on the farm will grow new leaves, and I'll be able to make even better black tea. If you're interested, you're welcome to come try it."
"It's a deal!" Kofu agreed, then pulled a gold-embossed letter from his pocket and handed it to Lucas: "By the way, Siebold asked me to give you this—said it was very important, so I came myself."
"A letter from Siebold?"
Lucas took the letter, noting its luxurious design—both envelope and paper exuded understated elegance.
Kofu stroked his chin and smiled: "He left my restaurant recently to return to Kalos. I think this is an invitation to some event, but I don't know the details."
Lucas nodded, recalling Siebold's mention of an invitation before. He could more or less guess what the letter contained.