"Grandmother."
Cynthia pressed a hand to her forehead, her tone laced with exasperation. "This is a guest!"
The cane-wielding elder drew closer.
Then, with a light tap, she poked Cynthia.
Grandmother leaned on her cane, squinting suspiciously at Natsume before turning back to Cynthia.
"Really?"
"Of course it's true!" Cynthia replied with a helpless laugh.
Natsume wasn't offended—if anything, he was impressed.
Grandmother had sharp eyes!
She'd instantly seen right through him—he was here to steal her precious cabbage!
"Professor Carolina, it's an honor to meet you."
Natsume extended the briefcase toward her and introduced himself.
"I'm Natsume. I'm here to, uh… accompany her in delivering the Adamant Orb."
Grandmother's gaze flicked to the side.
There, she saw Cynthia with her arms crossed, eyes drifting upward—a telltale sign her granddaughter was lying.
After scrutinizing the young man, Carolina let out a quiet "Hmm," visibly struck by his appearance.
Handsome enough to rival Cynthia's grandfather in his youth!
Grandmother suddenly erupted in outrage.
"Oh ho! And you still claim there's nothing between you two?"
"Hm?" Cynthia blinked in surprise.
The old woman huffed, refusing to take the briefcase as she turned away in a sulk.
"Chingling, let's go!"
"Chingling~!" The tiny bell on her hair ornament chimed sweetly.
"Ganging up to deceive your poor grandmother…"
Muttering under her breath, she shuffled toward the museum.
"Sleep outside tonight! Don't even think about coming in!"
The words were deliberately loud—meant for Cynthia to hear and reflect on her actions.
Natsume's heart raced.
Grandmother was a genius!
Could this actually be working in his favor?!
"Grandmother."
Cynthia sighed and stepped forward, crouching to rest a hand on the elder's shoulder.
"He's come a long way. Shouldn't we at least offer some hospitality?"
"Hospitality? Hmph!"
Carolina shot her granddaughter a sidelong glance, though her tone softened slightly.
"We barely have enough rooms as it is. Where's he supposed to sleep?"
Suddenly, her expression darkened.
"...Don't tell me you two are already sharing a room!"
"Grandmother!" Cynthia's voice carried a rare edge.
"Oh, thank goodness." The old woman exhaled in relief. "At least that's not the case."
"The couch will do."
Cynthia glanced back at Natsume, a faint smile playing on her lips as she hugged her grandmother.
"Just don't let him catch a cold."
"Tch. Don't think sweet-talking will work on me."
Carolina's stern facade wavered as she gently stroked her granddaughter's golden hair.
"Go on. Bring me the Adamant Orb."
"So you're agreeing?"
"Not a chance."
Carolina turned her sharp gaze toward the composed young man, cane tapping as she narrowed her eyes.
"I still have plenty of questions for him."
...
Natsume watched as the grandmother-granddaughter pair exchanged quiet words.
Then, Cynthia gracefully rose and walked toward him.
"Hand me the briefcase." She extended a pale hand, smiling.
"What did she say?" Natsume passed it over, curious.
Cynthia rested a finger on her chin, tilting her head in thought.
For Grandmother to not immediately kick him out…
"First impressions… weren't bad?"
"Grandmother truly has excellent taste." Natsume nodded solemnly.
Cynthia arched a brow, an amused smile tugging at her lips.
"Come on. Let's head inside."
Their relationship had deepened since that confession at the hot springs hotel.
Soon, there'd be a proper confession, an engagement, meeting the parents…
As Natsume followed her toward the museum, his face warmed. He coughed into his fist.
Damn these fluttering feelings!
"Gengar~ (～￣▽￣)～"
Gengar floated beside him, nudging him teasingly with an elbow.
Natsume: "Stop licking the Spear Key. We still need her expertise to examine it later."
"Gengar!" Gengar saluted. Understood!
On a distant hillside, shrouded in nightfall…
The trio crouched in the bushes, peering through an infrared telescope.
"Status report?"
"The Executive has infiltrated enemy territory! Preparing to breach defenses!"
"Standing by for support, meow! Operation 'Champion's Grandmother Conquest' is a go!"
"Wobbuffet~!"
The trio scrambled about before suddenly letting out a long sigh.
"...When you think about it."
"They look so happy together."
"And here we are, just watching from the shadows, meow…"
"What a terrible feeling!!"
"Wobbuffet~!"
...
The museum's interior was minimalist.
Past the rear entrance and courtyard lay the Celestic Historical Research Institute—and Cynthia's family home.
"Hired extra security?" Cynthia asked as they walked.
Carolina nodded. "With the Lustrous and Adamant Orbs here, it's only natural to expect unwanted attention. Though the League did send reinforcements…"
Seeing her grandmother's hesitation, Cynthia smiled. "You don't trust them, do you?"
"It's not that I don't trust them. They're just… unprofessional."
Carolina shook her head. "The Jennies refuse to station here, and the ancient ruins require constant maintenance…"
"I brought help too."
Cynthia chuckled. "Someone reliable."
Carolina side-eyed her granddaughter. "Out with it. What else are you hiding besides that boy?"
"Well… it's about this year's research conference."
Cynthia met her grandmother's gaze. "I've gathered legends on the Temporal and Spatial Dragons… and I've seen the Spear Key in person."
"You obtained the Spear Key?" Carolina's eyes widened slightly.
"..."
Cynthia shook her head, smiling mysteriously.
"Let's just say… you'll find out soon enough."
Carolina paused, then sighed quietly, leaning on her cane.
"My granddaughter's all grown up… slipping right through my fingers…"
"Grandmother!" Cynthia groaned, equal parts amused and exasperated.
"Still." Carolina stared ahead, muttering to herself. "He is handsome. Reminds me of your grandfather back in the day. Let's see if his character holds up…"
"Huh?" Cynthia blinked.
Carolina ignored her, pushing open the door to the house before casting a frosty look at Natsume.
"Listen up. You're staying one night. Handle your own meals—I'm not cooking for you. Understood?"
"Can I use the kitchen?" Natsume ventured cautiously.
Carolina scoffed—a begrudging approval.
Natsume smiled. "Perfect. I'll make supper for you, then!"
"Hah?" Carolina stared before shaking her head and shuffling inside. "Weird kid…"
Cynthia shot Natsume an apologetic look.
He responded with a confident thumbs-up.
Now… it's my turn to strike!
...
Cynthia's home was unexpectedly modest.
A simple three-bedroom layout—one for Cynthia, one for Carolina, and one for Cynthia's parents.
About her parents, Cynthia had only mentioned them vaguely. Natsume knew better than to pry.
Which, of course, meant Natsume was relegated to the couch.
"I'm really sorry," Cynthia murmured, glancing at him. "You're a guest, and yet—"
"I'm not picky about where I sleep. Besides, Gengar can just use Hypnosis if needed."
Cynthia blinked in surprise.
Professor Carolina, however, seemed determined to ignore Natsume.
She took the briefcase and marched straight to the nearby research institute, burying herself in work.
Her plan? Cold-shoulder him. See if he'd get impatient—test his temperament.
No matter who someone was, basic respect for elders was non-negotiable.
Even in solitude, a true gentleman maintained composure.
Cynthia understood her grandmother's intentions but couldn't intervene. She simply rested her chin on her hand, quietly observing Natsume.
"What are you looking at?"
"Gengar."
"Not my dashing good looks?"
"Tch." Cynthia averted her gaze… then slowly looked back.
Natsume dropped the teasing and stood. "Where's the kitchen?"
"Over there."
Cynthia straddled a chair, arms draped over its back, lazily pointing toward the kitchen.
Natsume rolled up imaginary sleeves. "First, let's see what ingredients we have."
"If there's nothing, I guess Sirfetch'd will have to suffer."
A beam of light shot from the Premier Ball. Sirfetch'd panicked.
"Sirfetch'd!? (OロO)"
Natsume raised a brow. "Relax, I'm joking."
"Sirfetch'd…" It exhaled in relief.
"Even if there are ingredients, you're still suffering." Natsume added ominously.
"Mmm…" Cynthia stifled a laugh, smiling softly. "Stop bullying Sirfetch'd and go cook."
"Roger that."
The old-fashioned house ticked with the rhythm of a slow, slightly-off grandfather clock.
Time stretched lazily here, soft and unhurried.
The kitchen showed signs of regular use—water stains on the stove, onions, potatoes, canned goods…
Natsume rummaged through cabinets and the fridge, calling out, "Your grandmother really likes canned food!"
"She does. Hamburgers, pudding, canned stuff… and Moomoo Milk." Cynthia's voice was quiet, then louder. "Because they're convenient!"
"No wonder Cynthia's cooking isn't great."
Natsume muttered to himself. "For her to grow up so well… she really went through a lot."
"Wait, how would I know she 'grew up well'?"
Grumbling, he decided to make hamburger steaks using the canned ingredients.
"Rotom, fetch the oven from Gengar's pocket."
"On it, Rotom~!" Rotom was growing accustomed to its new role as legendary kitchenware.
Though the kitchen lacked proper tools, Gengar's pocket dimension was fully stocked—
What didn't a food content creator carry around?
"Sirfetch'd~!" Now wearing a chef's hat, the Sirfetch'd expertly whisked eggs.
Suggested title change: "Too Scared to Be Eaten, I Became a World Champion (×) Master Chef (√)"
Natsume washed his hands, then finely diced onions with nimble fingers. The crisp, pale pile looked almost artistic.
"Gengar! " Gengar the stove, eyes watering as it stared at the onions.
"Of course onions make you cry."
Natsume chuckled, narrating as he worked. "Next, sauté the onions…"
A pink ribbon quietly slipped him a frying pan.
Natsume looked down to see a flustered Sylveon.
"Thanks." He grinned.
"Syl—Sylveon!"
Half-caramelized, half-crisp, the onions were set aside.
Natsume kneaded the meat, seasoning it with salt, egg, flour, pepper, and the onions.
"Should make some for James and the others too."
He shaped the patties with practiced slaps.
"Gengar!" Excited, Gengar washed its hands and joined in.
"Like this—slap! And this—slap! Perfect patty shape. Impressive, right?"
"Gengar! ヽ(￣▽￣)"
At some point, a golden-haired beauty appeared beside him, watching curiously.
"Can I help?" Cynthia asked, slightly embarrassed.
"Sure." Natsume glanced at her. "Just follow Gengar's lead with the patties."
Cynthia nodded determinedly, rubbing her hands together. "Got it!"
Side by side, they focused on cooking.
"Look! I made one!" Cynthia proudly held up her creation.
"Not bad." Natsume nodded. "Just… ugly."
"Hmph!" She glared, then steeled herself. "Again!"
The sizzling patties turned a perfect golden brown.
"I like mine crispy." Natsume remarked.
"Gengar! (ˉ﹃ˉ)" Gengar nodded vigorously.
Cynthia inhaled the aroma, lips parting slightly. "What's next?"
"Crème brûlée."
He pulled Moomoo Milk from the fridge. "Won't take long with an oven."
"But… we don't have one—"
"Gengar!"
To Cynthia's shock, Gengar grinned and produced an oven from its pocket.
Rotom zipped inside, announcing:
"Beep… Rotom Oven Form, activated!!"
Cynthia blinked. "Rotom's… being used as kitchenware now?"
"Wait, do people actually use Rotom for battles?" Natsume feigned surprise.
This was smart home tech, self-driving AI, elite hacker, legendary kitchenware Rotom!
Cynthia touched her chin, suddenly questioning her life choices.
With Rotom's help, the crème brûlée was done in no time.
Plating the hamburger steaks, crème brûlée, and miso soup, Natsume nodded in satisfaction.
Cynthia smiled and turned.
"I'll go check on—"
"Grandmother!?"
Natsume focused on plating. "Really, Cynthia? That's such a childish—"
Silence.
He turned.
Carolina stood there, eyeing him with a mix of wariness and… something complicated.
Cynthia, Cynthia!
You still claim there's nothing between you two?!
Your grandfather and I stood in this exact spot, cooking together, back in the day!
Still, the fact that he could cook? Points in his favor.
Carolina eyed the [Hamburger Steak Set], swallowed hard, and scoffed.
"Doesn't look like much."
Natsume dramatically removed his apron, offering the meal with a calm smile.
"Try it. Then judge."
Something in his tone made Carolina pause.
Hesitantly, she took the fork Cynthia handed her, throat bobbing.
"Pfft. As if something this simple could—"
Her knife sliced through the patty.
A golden light erupted.
Cynthia gasped. "What move was that?!"
"A1 High Flash." Natsume coughed. "I added A1 High Flash."
The Pokémon watched, tense, as Carolina took a bite.
A jolt of electricity surged through her—like Pikachu's Thunderbolt striking from above.
Delicious.
Tears welled in her eyes. Memories flooded back—
A young, elegant Carolina on Celestic Town's hillside, under a gentle night sky.
Her lips meeting those of Cynthia's blushing grandfather—
"Grandmother! Snap out of it!" Cynthia shook her shoulders.
"I—I'm fine." Carolina wiped her eyes. "Just… reminiscing."
Cynthia glanced at Natsume, relieved.
Grandmother's impressed!
Amid the Pokémon's cheers (and Sylveon's squeals), Natsume smirked, absentmindedly brushing his shoulder—
Oh right, no badge there. Never mind!
"Hope it's to your liking!"
Carolina studied Natsume, then her smiling granddaughter.
Finally, she sighed.
"Let's… just eat. Natsume, join us."
...
The Pokémon rushed to the table, balancing plates excitedly.
The cramped house felt warmer, livelier.
The ticking clock no longer seemed so slow.
Carolina eyed Natsume, her gaze softening.
"Gengar, Meowth's group must be starving."
Natsume handed over a thermal bag. "Mind delivering this?"
"Gengar~ (￣▽￣)／" With its mastery of Teleport, takeout delivery was trivial.
Even without the Gym gig, Gengar could've made a living as a courier…
This family's burdens weigh heavy on Gengar's shoulders!
Outside Celestic Town, the starving Team Rocket trio had resignedly set up camp.
Then, Natsume's care package arrived.
Tears streamed down their faces as they devoured the meal. "Such a wonderful feeling~!"
"Wobbuffet~ o(╥﹏╥)o" (Where's my food?)
Gengar pulled out a jar of Pokéblocks with a flourish. "Ta-dah!"
Wobbuffet's eyes sparkled. "Wobbuffet!"
Back at the table, Carolina cleared her throat.
"Your relationship is your business. What I want to know is… what happened at Solaceon Ruins?"
Natsume exchanged a glance with Cynthia. "That's actually what I wanted to discuss."
He recounted the events, showing her the [Spear Key].
No need for secrecy—she'd be family soon anyway.
Carolina had heard of it from Cynthia—the legendary artifact balancing the Lustrous and Adamant Orbs.
All three were invaluable.
If possible, she'd love to study the Spear Key.
In return, his Pokémon could train near the Orbs…
"Gengar~"
Gengar produced the cube-like [Spear Key].
"This is it." Natsume said solemnly. "Your expertise would be invaluable, Professor."
For the first time, Carolina smiled warmly.
Handsome, a great cook, and professionally compatible with Cynthia?
So far, she approved.
If he hadn't already made his move—
She might've tried setting him up herself.
Ah, youth.
She took the Spear Key… then paused.
"Why… is it wet?"
Natsume and Gengar shared a look.
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