Sensing Lucas's amazement, Otto signaled desperately to Oranguru on stage.
Don't just stand there—promote yourself!
Otto then explained Oranguru's strengths: not only was it skilled in all things butler-related, but it was also very powerful. Its psychic strength could lift heavy objects or precisely control towels for cleaning.
The perfect butler for home or travel.
Otto's enthusiastic sales pitch confirmed Meowstic's story—Oranguru really had been repeating for years, otherwise the principal wouldn't be so desperate.
But if Oranguru's résumé was so impressive, why had it stayed so long? There seemed to be no personality issue, as Lucas had seen it feeding wild Electric Pokémon. Was this kindness limited to Pokémon, and did it dislike humans?
Lucas doubted it. If Oranguru disliked humans, it would have hidden away in a forest, not stayed at a human-facing butler academy for years.
He watched Oranguru, who unlike the earlier candidates, simply stood quietly, not rushing to show off.
Perhaps the answer lay with Oranguru itself.
Lucas sensed Oranguru observing him.
As soon as their eyes met, a calm, wise male voice echoed in Lucas's mind: "Hello, Mr. Lucas."
Telepathy?
Lucas recalled that Oranguru could indeed use telepathy.
He tried replying aloud: "Nice to meet you, Oranguru. How did you know my name?"
Otto and Marusill looked stunned—not because of the telepathy, but because Oranguru usually never spoke to the guests, always cold and distant.
Normally, it seemed to avoid being chosen.
Oranguru answered seriously: "We reviewed the information about your place before coming here. Only those willing to work at your farm came today."
"After all, the rules state our choice is mutual, right?"
Oranguru's voice was calm and logical, making Lucas feel like he was speaking with a wise elder.
Lucas nodded, "You're right. The choice is mutual—it's your right."
"Thank you for understanding." Oranguru placed its fan over its chest, eyes full of wisdom. "What do you think of me? I assure you, nothing in my profile is fabricated."
Lucas answered honestly, "You're excellent—the best I've seen so far."
"Your farm operates entirely with Pokémon, and it's in a quiet, rural area. I like peaceful places."
"To be honest, I'm very interested in working at your farm."
Oranguru's approach was quite different from the others; it was confident and clear about its wishes, and Lucas felt it had every right to be.
At least, Lucas was willing to communicate with it. Its steadiness, wisdom, and independence fit his ideal of a butler.
He asked, "So, do you want to take on the job at my farm?"
Otto kept glancing back and forth between them, as if realizing that the Academy's decade-long repeat student was finally getting employed. Otto was moved to tears, and Marusill discreetly wiped her eyes.
She'd watched Otto worry himself bald over Oranguru's employment.
However, Oranguru's next words sobered Otto and Marusill.
Oranguru said, "I'd love to say yes... but I have one more condition."
Otto blurted out, "Oranguru! Isn't that enough? Why are you so insistent on your requirements after all these years?"
Oranguru looked at Otto, bowed slightly, and said apologetically, "Principal, I know you're concerned about my employment. Call me stubborn or old-fashioned, but this is the one thing I cannot compromise on."
"You... sigh!"
Otto's raised hand dropped in resignation.
Lucas's expression barely changed. He said, "Oranguru, speak your mind."
Oranguru nodded gratefully. So far, Lucas had left a great impression. Telepathy continued: "Perhaps I've wasted years here because I ask for too much."
"Since entering the Pokémon Butler Academy, I've dreamed that my future workplace would be one where humans and Pokémon coexist as equals, free of discrimination, where Pokémon aren't just tools for battle, and everyone does their part happily together."
"Based on the information, your farm matches my ideal."
"But there's one last hurdle: to ensure peace and stability, there must be strength to face unexpected threats."
"In short, Mr. Lucas, please send out a Pokémon to battle with me. As long as you demonstrate enough strength to protect your territory, I'll serve you wholeheartedly."
Oranguru's explanation made everything clear.
Maybe some found Oranguru picky or ungrateful, but Lucas saw it as a sign that Oranguru took its lifelong workplace seriously and wanted to choose carefully.
It's just that no one had met its standards before.
Thinking this, Lucas smiled. "A battle? That's unexpected, but I accept. I do know a thing or two about Pokémon battles."
Seeing Lucas agree, Oranguru was grateful. "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lucas."
As Otto fell into despair again, Marusill came over and quietly reminded Lucas, "Mr. Lucas, Oranguru might follow the butler's path, but it's a very strong battler."
"A few years ago, even a visiting Gym Leader lost to Oranguru. You understand?"
"A Gym Leader?"
Lucas was stunned and looked at Oranguru, who met his gaze calmly.
To be honest, Oranguru looked more like a sage than a fighter.
But if it could defeat a Gym Leader's Pokémon, it must be powerful—certainly stronger than his current Arcanine.
Looks like it's time for Swampert and the others to take the stage.