"You're extorting me—I can't give you that! "Gothitelle clutched her skirt, her elegant face flushing bright red.
Two hundred thousand Poké Coins was no small sum. Losing face was one thing—losing that much money would hurt even more.
"I thought you said it was pocket change? "Dolores smiled slyly.
In beauty and charm, she had never once lost to the pampered heiress standing before her.
Many joked that she and Gothitelle ought to switch identities—that Dolores, not Gothitelle, had the temperament of a noble lady.
With rumors like that, it would be a miracle if the two ever got along.
"…Fine. I exaggerated. Two hundred thousand requires family funding. I can't do that."Gothitelle lowered her gaze, admitting defeat at last.
"Then what about one hundred thousand? "Dolores eased her pressure slightly.
"Don't push me!"Gothitelle snapped her head up, anger flickering in her eyes. "If you had won, how much could you pay?"
One hundred thousand already made her heart ache.
"…Fifty thousand. "She clenched her teeth. That was her limit.
"Deal." Dolores didn't push further.
She knew when to stop—cornering Gothitelle too hard would only cause trouble.
She took the payment card Gothitelle handed over, the crisp click of her fingernail against the plastic full of satisfaction.
"Fifty thousand from you. Now then… as for buying my Pokémon—"
"Heh. Not selling. "Dolores flipped her hair and walked off without looking back.
"You—wait!"Gothitelle stepped forward quickly. Her voice dripped with unwillingness.
"You can't even graduate. What do you need a Pokémon for? The League and the Gyms won't acknowledge an unqualified trainer!"
Dolores didn't slow or react.
Graduation was her weak point—true. But she wasn't about to give up the Pokémon she had just captured.
On the way back, Dolores noticed something odd about Miss Lilligant and Raylen. Something felt… off, but she couldn't pinpoint what.
"What's wrong?" Dolores asked with concern.
"I'm fine. "Miss Lilligant forced a smile, though her fingertips trembled.
Over time, she felt a strange sensation—like her internal energy was swirling chaotically.
So this world's Pokémon can have energy imbalance reactions too? Raylen raised an eyebrow at that.
He had thought they didn't experience anything like that. But apparently… he might be the first to trigger such a reaction.
The increasingly unsettled feeling made it hard for him to stand still in the open.
"Master, can we please go home? Quickly? "Raylen tried to collect himself, but the growing discomfort in his energy flow left him helpless.
If Dolores's home was empty…Maybe she could use some kind of stabilizing technique to help him smooth out his chaotic energy.
"Do you… need to use the restroom? "Dolores looked down at him.
His evasive eyes and awkward posture made her study him more closely. Then she let out a soft laugh, her expression warm and amused.
The little one really didn't know anything—he must be embarrassed about relieving himself in public. Adorable.
"Me…?"Raylen froze.
He looked down at himself.
From this world's logic…Yeah. This did look exactly like he needed to go to the bathroom.
He got an idea. A great one.
"…Yes. "He nodded obediently and nuzzled Dolores's palm for good measure.
"Hehe, come with me."Dolores smiled sweetly, leading him toward the woods beside the plaza.
As for taking him to the public restroom? Absolutely not. The smell alone would be a crime, and she refused to expose her precious Pokémon to that.
Besides, this was a Poké-Human, not a regular Pokémon. No one would mind.
Once they entered the woods, Dolores noticed Raylen had stopped moving.
He was clearly ready to relieve himself—yet he didn't.
Raylen, meanwhile, was celebrating internally.
Perfect.
Dolores's reaction was totally natural—no suspicion at all.
"I… need help. "His voice was soft and unsure, testing her response.
Just as he expected—
Dolores gently placed her cool, delicate hands on his shoulders and guided him toward a calmer energy stance.
Her movements were slow and patient, her tone full of gentle affection.
"There. Like this. "She worked carefully, helping him regulate his unstable internal energy.
Raylen exhaled softly as the chaotic energy inside him soothed.
"Feeling better? "Dolores smiled at him, her eyes tender.
This Pokémon had won her five hundred thousand coins, made her look impressive in front of everyone, and maybe—just maybe—could change her future.
Helping him in this small way was the least she could do.
Her fingertips remained steady and gentle, fully focused on ensuring his energy returned to normal.