After an unconventional exhibition match, the Dragon-type Master Tournament officially began.
Since Cynthia didn't have any matches scheduled for the first day, Aiden and Cynthia decided to leave the venue temporarily and hand the stage over to the other contestants.
After leaving the Master Tournament venue, Aiden looked at Cynthia and asked:
"Do you want to take a walk around the nearby shopping street? Mesagoza has a lot of delicious food."
As the most prosperous city in Paldea, besides various shops, it also had snacks and delicacies from all over the world.
Although in the game, they could basically only eat various sandwiches, Paldea's prototype was after all the Iberian Peninsula, where local cuisine had developed for thousands of years and was quite distinctive.
It was definitely better than Galar, where they ate curry every day...
And as the host, Aiden couldn't let his guests eat sandwiches and pre-cooked meals every day, right!
If worst comes to worst, Medali wasn't far away. Going to the most famous Pokémon restaurant in Paldea was also a good choice, since with Miraidon, traveling anywhere was convenient.
They just needed to order more portions when eating...
"Sure, if there's ice cream, that would be even better."
Cynthia smiled faintly.
Though it was almost Christmas, eating ice cream always felt a bit out of season.
However, human constitutions can't be generalized.
For humans in the Pokémon world, it seemed no problem.
"Alright, then we..."
Aiden nodded, ready to turn around and lead the way, but suddenly froze on the spot.
A lavishly dressed golden-haired girl suddenly appeared not far away, glaring at him with eyes that seemed capable of killing.
"Caitlin?"
Aiden blurted out, and his voice also drew Cynthia's attention.
Following Aiden's line of sight, Cynthia quickly noticed Caitlin, who was not far away, looking mournful.
Cynthia was also surprised by her appearance.
Because last time, Darach had informed her that the young lady of Battle Castle would be in seclusion for a period of time to practice her psychic powers until she fully mastered them.
So she hadn't been to Battle Castle for some time.
If it weren't for this exhibition match, she might not have disturbed Caitlin.
It seemed that she had already overcome the influence of losing control of her psychic powers?
Thinking about this, Cynthia couldn't help but smile and waved at Caitlin in the distance.
"Caitlin, here!"
Caitlin, who had been cursing Aiden non-stop in her heart, immediately reacted upon hearing Cynthia's voice, instantly restoring her usual noble and elegant image, walking gracefully towards them.
"Cynthia! How could you not tell me earlier about participating in the Master Tournament!"
"And the Elite Four assessment too!"
Once she got closer, Caitlin immediately issued a gentle scolding, while pouting discontentedly.
But given her petite figure, making such gestures actually looked like she was being cute.
Quite adorable, really.
"Didn't you ask Mr. Darach to inform me that no one should disturb your psychic power training recently?"
Cynthia smiled faintly, and while speaking, she reached out to pat Caitlin's head gently, as if smoothing down fur.
This action quickly made Caitlin's little tantrum vanish without a trace, and even brought a slight blush to her face.
Why does it feel like Cynthia is so skilled at this, just like how I usually pet my Eevee...
Off to the side, Aiden, who was quietly reducing his presence, couldn't help but mentally grumble.
And upon feeling his gaze, Caitlin quickly realized, her face flushing red as she took a step back, dodging Cynthia's hand.
At the same time, she turned her sharp gaze back to Aiden.
"You bad guy, give me back my Pachirisu right now!"
If she had known her Pokémon would be used by this guy, she absolutely wouldn't have agreed to Cynthia's request back then…
Though maybe not necessarily.
In any case, it must all be this jerk's idea!
"Huh? Oh..."
Aiden was initially stunned, not expecting Caitlin to be so direct.
He didn't even remember at first that the white demon he had in his possession was borrowed from Caitlin...
However, as an upright youth who spoke objectively and held no biases, although he and Caitlin had never gotten along well, Aiden still quickly took out a Poké Ball from his pocket and gave her a friendly smile:
"Not surprising from the owner of Battle Castle, Caitlin, your Pokémon is really good to use."
"Thank you!"
"You!"
This guy was definitely mocking her, right!
Caitlin instantly collapsed into a kitten-like expression, using telekinesis to snatch the Poké Ball from Aiden's hand.
Damn, touched by Aiden, this Pachirisu isn't clean anymore either!
Though the highlight moment of the exhibition match was truly shocking, even Caitlin instinctively clapped for it.
But why, even though it was her own Pokémon, was she not the main character by Cynthia's side???
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got!
"Never mind, I'll pretend I don't know about this…"
Caitlin sighed, looking at the Poké Ball floating in the air with complicated eyes.
Let's just say it went out to get some exercise...
Witnessing the "harmonious" interaction between the two, Cynthia chuckled.
Their relationship was indeed better than I imagined, right?
Even though it had been several years since they last met, they showed no signs of awkwardness during their first meeting, still bickering as usual.
Isn't that nice too.
"By the way, Cynthia."
Caitlin quickly shifted her gaze from someone annoying and looked back at Cynthia, her eyes full of anticipation.
"This Master Tournament will last for a week, right? I remember you're not comfortable staying in hotels. Actually, I have a villa in Mesagoza, so how about..."
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Good grief, I almost forgot this person is an ultra-rich heiress, owning many mansions all over the world, possibly living in them only once every few years...
But, isn't there some ambiguity in what you said?
"No need."
Cynthia smiled faintly and declined Caitlin's offer.
"Since Aiden's Sunlight Gym is near Cabo Poco, I'll temporarily stay with him for this period."
While speaking, her gaze inadvertently glanced at Aiden, her amber-colored eyes quickly narrowing into slits.
???
After hearing Cynthia's explanation, Caitlin was instantly struck as if by lightning, standing blankly in place with empty eyes.
Living together?
Did I hear that wrong?
She and Aiden probably haven't seen each other for five years, right?
Could it be that during her short month of seclusion, she had already fallen behind on the latest developments, and their relationship had evolved?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Cynthia is definitely not that kind of person!
Countless question marks appeared in Caitlin's mind, making her expression very interesting.
Watching her complex expression, four big characters inexplicably popped into Aiden's mind:
Nice guys finish last!
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