WebNovels

Chapter 58 - Chapter 58

Professor Oak could only roll his eyes helplessly.

Nearby, Granny Joyce couldn't help but chide him, "Oak, you're getting more and more out of line, letting just anyone speak so casually with you." Professor Oak found himself momentarily speechless, unsure of how to respond.

Carl couldn't resist teasing, "Big brother, why are you still so afraid of Granny Joyce? Didn't I tell you before? A man should be more assertive if he wants a chance at a new romantic life."

"Even though I understand you've been single since your wife passed, there's no need to turn back to Granny Joyce, right?"

Everyone present wore expressions of surprise at his words. Even Ethan and Lance perked up, looking intrigued. Could it be that Professor Oak was considering an autumn romance? Carl never spoke without reason; there must be truth to it.

How interesting!

The reactions of the two involved were the most fascinating. Granny Joyce's face even showed a hint of surprise and shyness.

"What do you mean?" she glared at Carl coldly.

The onlookers secretly egged on the situation in their minds. There definitely seemed to be something going on!

Carl threw a knowing glance at Professor Oak. "Big brother, are you not going to say anything?"

"I'm not worthy, truly not worthy," Professor Oak hung his head, almost pleading, "Carl, please, stop it."

"Alright, I won't meddle," Carl said with a supportive gesture. "Big brother, seize the opportunity."

Professor Oak was almost in tears. He knew his younger brother loved to tease, yet he still fell for it.

Surprisingly, Granny Joyce didn't pursue the matter further, which only piqued everyone's curiosity even more.

"Let's get back to business," Carl suddenly changed the subject, causing everyone to roll their eyes in unison. He remembered business?

"I'm looking for Lance to clarify something for Cynthia. The nickname 'Dodo' wasn't something she told me; I came up with it myself."

Cynthia looked puzzled. "Is this how you help?"

Blatantly lying; thanks a lot.

Lance clenched his fists in frustration. This felt like a provocation!

Just as Lance was about to react, Carl added, "Even though your team isn't that great, talking behind your back wasn't right. I'm considering offering some compensation."

This made Lance burst into laughter. This guy dared to criticize his team? What a provocation! Compensation? What a joke!

"You—"

He was about to retort when Professor Oak and Ethan both covered his mouth simultaneously. Lance was speechless. Was everyone against him today?

Oak and Ethan exchanged a glance, silently signaling not to be impulsive. Carl's compensation wasn't ordinary and was definitely worth hearing.

Sure enough, Carl continued, "I can tell you which member of the Elite Four in Johto is with Team Rocket. How about that?"

Lance fell silent instantly. Oak and Ethan released their hold, all three of them stunned.

Ethan was incredulous. "How could that be?"

Lance took a deep breath, speaking seriously, "Explain. If it's true, I owe you a favor."

A nickname was trivial; core intel on Team Rocket was crucial. The room's atmosphere grew heavy.

The idea of an infiltrated Elite Four was alarming. They were the league's face, representing top trainers. If even they couldn't be trusted, where was the league's authority?

No wonder Ethan reacted so strongly, making Lance pay close attention.

Just as Carl was about to speak, Granny Joyce interrupted, "Before that, shouldn't you introduce yourself? We don't even know who you are, so how can we trust what you say?"

Casually accusing an Elite Four member should prompt an investigation? It was absurd.

Professor Oak quickly stepped in, "Don't worry, Carl wouldn't speak carelessly."

Granny Joyce looked at Oak in surprise. After all these years, it was the first time he'd been so firm with her. This young man must be something special.

To have Cynthia accompany him, and to be on friendly terms with Professor Oak, while remaining unfazed by the presence of so many champions, he couldn't be ordinary. Oak called him Carl—there must be a 'Carl' in his name.

Granny Joyce's eyes widened, "Are you Carl?"

"That's me," Carl nodded calmly.

Granny Joyce glanced at Ethan and the others, noticing they weren't surprised at all, even the usually oblivious Lance found it unsurprising.

"You all knew?" Granny Joyce's expression soured.

Lance scratched his head, "Wasn't it obvious? The league president mentioned being misled by Team Rocket to have Cynthia stop Sabrina from assassinating the founder of the XY game. Since the founder is Carl, and Cynthia's companion is him, who else but the game designer who can foresee the future?"

Granny Joyce was momentarily speechless. As an Elite Four, she hadn't considered such a simple matter—she must have been slipping.

Serena and Lillie suddenly chimed in, "Carl, you designed the XY game? And even LeafGreen and FireRed?"

"You didn't know?" Carl was surprised.

"You never mentioned it!" both girls felt deceived.

Carl shrugged, "Serena, you know the manager of XY is the dad of that chubby guy, right? He often comes to discuss the game with me—what did you think it was for?"

Serena was dumbfounded.

Carl explained with a smile, "Playing games isn't a waste of time. This game made me quite a bit of money, helped spread Pokémon knowledge, and even revealed Team Rocket's secrets. Does that sound like slacking?"

Serena blushed. If that was slacking, then apart from the league president, everyone else might as well give up.

"We were too naive," Serena admitted, no longer blaming Carl. Lillie nodded in agreement.

Granny Joyce's sigh came through the communicator, "I suppose it's time for me to retire."

Ethan quickly interjected, "Don't say that. The Kanto league's situation isn't great; we need reliable allies like you."

Granny Joyce tapped her cane on the ground, "Don't worry, I can hold on until we find a suitable successor." Her voice was strong, not at all like an elderly woman.

Lance and the others admired her resolve. Though stubborn, Granny Joyce's loyalty to the league was unquestionable.

Considering recent rumors in Kanto and Johto, Carl suggested, "Speaking of successors, I might have a suitable candidate."

Everyone turned to him. They knew Carl wouldn't recommend someone lightly.

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