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"Ahhhhh!" When Brock mentioned the festive atmosphere in the town, Misty suddenly let out a piercing scream that startled both Ash and Brock completely.
"What's wrong with you?" Ash asked, his heart still racing from the unexpected outburst.
"Today... what day is today?" Misty asked with a panicked expression, clutching a Pokemon egg protectively in her hands.
"Today? It's March 3rd," Brock replied after checking his travel calendar.
"Oh no! I almost forgot!" Misty exclaimed, her eyes widening with realization.
"What's all the fuss about?" Ash asked, still completely confused by Misty's sudden change in behavior.
"Today is March 3rd! Today is the annual Princess Festival!" Misty announced excitedly, her panic transforming into pure enthusiasm.
So many adventures and incidents had happened during their recent journey that she had nearly forgotten about this special holiday. Brock nodded with understanding after hearing this explanation, suddenly remembering the significance of the date. However, Ash's facial expression immediately changed when he heard Misty's announcement.
"Listen carefully," Misty said, turning to address both of her traveling companions with sparkling eyes. "Today is Princess Festival, which means that no matter what request I make today, you absolutely must agree to it!"
Brock fell silent for a moment after hearing this declaration. While he understood the tradition, he also knew what this meant for them. This was indeed how the festival worked.
"I knew it!" Ash groaned, covering his forehead with his hand and feeling even more exasperated than before.
To put it simply, this festival could be compared to a combination of Children's Day and Women's Day, but in the Pokemon world,Princess Festivalthe celebration was even more elaborate and demanding. During this special festival, girls could make virtually any request of boys, and the boys were expected to comply.
While there wasn't technically a legal requirement to agree to every demand, refusing to follow along on this particular day would definitely result in being criticized and attacked by large groups of other girls who took the tradition very seriously.
If anyone wondered why Ash felt so defeated about this situation, it was because ever since he had arrived in this world, even his own mother had enthusiastically celebrated this festival. In previous years, he had been dragged along on exhausting shopping trips with his mother, carrying countless bags and packages. He had originally thought that going on his Pokemon journey would finally free him from this annual nightmare.
"What's wrong with you? It's only once a year, and you can't handle this small request?" Misty said with a slightly hurt expression when she saw Ash's less-than-enthusiastic reaction.
"Okay, okay! Have it your way! What do you want to do?" Ash finally accepted his fate, knowing there was no way to escape the situation.
"Since we're in O-Hina Town, of course I want to go shopping for dolls!" Misty declared happily.
After hearing Ash's reluctant agreement, her bright smile returned immediately. She began walking forward excitedly, already scanning the streets for shops that sold dolls and figurines.
O-Hina Town was a unique settlement in the Kanto Region that specialized almost exclusively in the production and sale of dolls, figurines, and collectibles. There were virtually no other major industries or trades in the entire town. For the residents of O-Hina Town, the annual Princess Festival represented their primary source of income for the entire year. It was said that the profits from this single day were enough to sustain the town's economy for twelve months, because countless girls from all over the region would travel here specifically for this celebration.
Walking through the decorated streets, the group could already observe many girls with excited, joyful expressions on their faces. Behind nearly every girl were boys who looked dejected and exhausted, carrying large and small shopping bags filled with purchases.
Looking at these other travelers, both Ash and Brock could clearly predict their own fate for the rest of the day. However, there was nothing they could do about it - they had chosen to travel with Misty, after all.
Soon enough, Misty began her shopping spree in earnest. She enthusiastically browsed through various doll shops throughout the town, purchasing items that caught her eye. Before long, the shopping baskets in Ash's and Brock's hands were completely full of her acquisitions.
The town had implemented special promotions for the festival - in order to celebrate the day and attract more girls to visit, virtually everything in O-Hina Town was offered at significant discounts for female customers. Some restaurants and entertainment venues were even providing free services exclusively for girls.
This generous approach was precisely what attracted so many girls to make the journey to O-Hina Town every year.
After spending the entire morning purchasing several bags worth of dolls and collectibles, Misty finally seemed satisfied with her haul. She decided to take a break when she noticed that both Ash and Brock were looking completely exhausted and listless.
Not only were Ash and Brock tired, but even Pikachu appeared somewhat weary from all the walking and waiting. However, Jigglypuff seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the entire experience. It appeared that regardless of whether they were human or Pokemon, girls simply had a natural affinity for these types of cute items.
"Alright! Don't look so miserable - let's go get something to eat! I'll treat you both to a nice meal!" Misty said, feeling a bit embarrassed when she saw how tired her companions looked.
Fortunately, food at the restaurants was free for girls today as part of the festival celebrations. While the boys still had to pay for their own meals, Misty only needed to place the order for everyone.
Both Ash and Brock breathed a sigh of relief when they heard about the meal break. If Misty wanted to continue shopping after lunch, they would probably need to ask their Pokemon to help carry additional bags.
"Come on, don't be shy - eat as much as you want!" When they arrived at the restaurant, Misty ordered numerous expensive desserts and treats that they normally wouldn't splurge on while traveling, since everything was complimentary for her.
"You want us to eat more so we'll have enough energy to help you carry more shopping bags?" Ash observed, looking at the elaborate cake display on their table but finding that he had little appetite.
"The Princess Festival only happens once a year! Please, please cooperate with me!" Misty pleaded when she sensed Ash's reluctance.
She held her spoon delicately and clasped her hands together, speaking in an unusually charming and persuasive tone that was quite rare for her typically assertive personality.
"I understand, I understand," Ash said with resignation, reaching for the slice of cake that Misty had pushed toward him and beginning to eat it without much enthusiasm.
"Hehe!" Misty felt relieved and satisfied after watching Ash start eating the dessert.
Ding dong!
"Attention all valued shoppers and visitors! We want to express our sincere gratitude for everyone's wonderful support today. The most spectacular event of our town's Princess Festival is about to begin - the annual Queen of the Princess Festival!"
"The ultimate winner will receive a deluxe three-tier display stand and a complete set of specially-crafted limited edition Pokemon dolls as prizes."
"Additionally, the champion will have the exclusive opportunity to take commemorative photographs with our special celebrity guest!" The restaurant's announcement system suddenly activated, providing details about the upcoming event.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Excited screams and cheers erupted throughout the restaurant and could be heard from the streets outside.
"This is absolutely crazy! It seems like everyone is incredibly interested in taking photos with celebrities!" Brock commented, feeling like his ears were nearly damaged by the volume of the enthusiastic responses. Girls could be so intense when it came to celebrity worship!
"This is perfect! I want to participate!" Misty jumped up from her seat and declared with tremendous excitement. As expected, she chose to enter the competition without any hesitation whatsoever.
"You also want to take a photo with the celebrity?" Brock asked curiously after hearing her announcement. Misty had never struck him as the type of girl who was particularly interested in celebrity culture or star-chasing.
"No way! My goal is winning those Pokemon dolls!" Misty shook her head decisively after hearing his question. Her response sounded completely serious and determined, not like she was being sarcastic or joking around.
"Let's go right now!" Misty announced, standing up abruptly and grabbing both Ash and Brock to pull them along with her.
"But I haven't finished eating yet!" Ash protested, looking longingly at his half-eaten cake.
"Don't worry! When the competition is over, I'll treat you both to an amazing dinner tonight!" Misty promised as she continued dragging them toward the exit.