The hall was grand and bright, with a high ceiling and magnificent crystal chandeliers. Arched glass windows lined both sides, letting sunlight bathe the space in a soft glow.
It was clear the Academy took the graduates' employment very seriously.
After all, if chosen, the Pokémon would likely stay with that family for life.
In the center was a semi-circular stage—probably for the graduates' talent shows. Otto had led Lucas to a prepared seat facing the stage.
Lucas noticed only his and Otto's seats had fruit and drinks. Marusill, the assistant, stood quietly behind Otto.
"Am I the only one choosing today?"
Lucas asked curiously.
Otto nodded. "We only invite one approved guest at a time to avoid competition, so the process doesn't look like buying and selling Pokémon. This also allows you to select the butler Pokémon best suited to your needs."
"Meowstic probably mentioned: all the Pokémon you'll see today are actively seeking employment. They may have their own conditions, but since it's a mutual choice, you only need to decide if you can accept their terms."
Lucas nodded in understanding.
He appreciated the Academy's approach. As a legitimate institution, they avoided any impression of illegal Pokémon trade.
As Geeta had explained, the Pokémon he would meet here would be more like employees than captured Pokémon—it was a relationship of employer and worker.
The Academy didn't charge fees. The generous salaries Geeta mentioned were monthly wages paid to the butler Pokémon. Lucas didn't have to worry; Geeta handled all payments. He just needed to pick his favorite butler.
After a few minutes, the Academy's graduates started to appear on stage.
They came out one by one. The first butler Pokémon surprised Lucas.
A Sirfetch'd as a butler?
Seeing Sirfetch'd on stage—calm, sharp-eyed, with a bow tie—Lucas was intrigued.
Marusill handed over Sirfetch'd's profile. "Graduate No. 1, Sirfetch'd. It excelled at the Academy, especially with food preparation. Using its leek sword, it can slice ingredients with incredible precision."
As she spoke, Sirfetch'd produced a table its own height and... a bowl of tofu? Then, wielding its leek sword, Sirfetch'd performed a dazzling display of slicing, finally presenting a bowl of fine tofu threads to Lucas.
Lucas: "!!!"
Tofu noodles?!
This Sirfetch'd's knife skills were incredible.
If not for having Ceruledge, whose own skills were improving, Lucas might have chosen Sirfetch'd.
The grades on Sirfetch'd's profile—straight As—were dazzling.
After Sirfetch'd, the next butler was a graceful Gardevoir.
Gardevoir's grades were slightly lower, but its specialty was different.
Like the two Tsareena before, Gardevoir excelled at massage and could use a soothing psychic pulse to relax humans.
Gardevoir's demonstration left Lucas feeling completely refreshed.
It felt as if all his fatigue had been washed away—very comfortable.
After Gardevoir left, Lucas felt his skin had become more radiant, just like after the massages given by Suzie in the original anime.
Next, Lucas interviewed Boltund, Hatterene, Blissey, Audino, Machamp, and Lucario—all with remarkable skills and professionalism.
Throughout, Lucas enjoyed the talents and attention of these eager candidates and chatting with each.
There were quite a few butlers who caught his eye.
Then, the next candidate appeared.
Seeing Otto's delighted expression, Otto leaned in and whispered, "Here's the last graduate. It's a bit special, but its butler skills are the best among all nine you've seen."
"Even better than Sirfetch'd?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow—he'd already guessed who it was.
Oranguru stepped onto the stage—slow but steady. Marusill handed Lucas its profile.
A quick glance, and Lucas was amazed.
This résumé matched even the most experienced human butlers.
Every subject was graded S, above Sirfetch'd's As, and its skills spanned cooking, bartending, carpentry—an entire page of talents.
Was this a max-level butler?