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"This gentleman—allow me to introduce you. This here is Mr. Kurt, the head of our household…"
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the kimono-clad lady at the side couldn't help stepping forward. She stood beside the "old man," smiling as she addressed Liam.
"Eh!!" x2
"You're kidding! You're Mr. Kurt? But the Kurt I know should be around the same age as Professor Oak! Why do you look… like… this…?"
Liam stared at the "old man" sitting on the tatami, trying to recall Kurt in his memory. In the end… it really did seem to be this very person!
"Hmph! It's just that, because of work, I stayed too close to open flames and ended up losing all my hair. My real age isn't much different from that bastard Oak's!"
The so-called "old man" — Kurt — curled his lips in annoyance at Liam's words.
"Uh… hahahaha… I truly must apologize for my rudeness. Allow me to reintroduce myself."
Seeing Kurt's expression, Liam scratched his head a bit sheepishly, then formally introduced himself and Delia.
"My name is Liam, from Pallet Town in the Kanto region. I used to be Professor Oak's assistant, and now I'm a Pokémon Trainer."
"And this is my fiancée, Delia. We're actually traveling, and Delia's taking the opportunity to challenge the Johto League. We've often heard Professor Oak mention you, so it's a great honor to meet you in person today."
As Liam spoke, Delia gave a slight bow in greeting.
"Yes, I've heard a bit about you too. Just as Oak said, you're an outstanding young man. Very impressive."
Kurt's stern face softened into a faint smile as he looked at Liam approvingly.
"Oh? I see… so you've already been in contact with Professor Oak. That explains how he knew where I was. I suppose you told him?"
Only now did Liam realize how Oak had learned his whereabouts—it must have been Kurt, who had contacted Prof. Oak last night to verify.
"Heh, come, sit down. No need to stand there… I only grew curious after seeing your Champion Identity, so I asked Oak about you. Now I know more of your story. Honestly, young people these days are incredible—a Regional Champion at your age! You're much better than even Oak was, hahahaha…"
Kurt motioned for Liam and Delia to sit, picking up his teacup as he spoke. The kimono-clad lady, who had been standing beside him, was equally surprised to learn Liam was a Champion. She bowed politely before excusing herself.
"Hehe, you flatter me…"
At that moment, as Liam sat down on the tatami, cold sweat formed on his forehead. He could feel the scorching gaze from beside him without looking—he knew Delia was staring at him.
"I've also heard from Prof. Oak about you two. Have you visited the local Gym yet? And what brings you to me today?"
Kurt caught the hint of guilt in Liam's expression but didn't press further. Instead, he shifted the subject.
"We've already been to Azalea Gym. Delia earned the Hive Badge. Leader Ginko is truly skilled at raising Bug-type Pokémon."
Liam gave Kurt a slightly resentful glance before continuing.
"As for coming here—first, we wanted to pay our respects. Since we're in Azalea Town, if we don't visit you, Professor Oak will scold us later."
"And secondly… if possible, Delia and I were hoping to purchase a few of your specialty balls. Would that be… alright?"
His eyes sparkled as he looked at Kurt.
"…Ginko's role as a Gym Leader is just one side of him. His skill is to be expected. For Delia to win the Azalea Badge shows her own impressive strength—praise well deserved. As for your request to buy specialty balls? Heh, no sale!"
Mr. Kurt folded his arms, smiling but refusing outright.
"Eh! Mr. Kurt! Why not? I really love the Pokeballs you make!"
This time, it was Delia who spoke up, more anxious than Liam, pleading with Kurt.
"Hmph! You're my juniors, and I'm your elder. Plus, Liam saved me twice. So I won't sell them to you…"
He paused, then smiled.
"…but I will give you a few. Consider it both a gift from an elder and a token of thanks to Liam. I only have a few kinds I'm satisfied with right now—hope you don't mind."
"Ah! We're more than happy! Thank you so much, Mr. Kurt!"
Delia's eyes lit up, her head nodding repeatedly, her face full of joy.
"Your specialty balls are works of art—priceless treasures. How could we possibly be dissatisfied? Thank you for your generosity."
Liam also smiled, bowing his head slightly in thanks.
"Alright, enough with the flattery. Any particular type you want? If not, I'll just pick a few myself. Sit tight—I'll be right back."
But just as he stood up, a soft blue glow suddenly shone from Delia's arms.
"Huh?!"
Startled, Kurt looked toward the Pokémon Egg Delia had been holding, eyes widening in surprise.
"It's finally… hatching?"
Liam murmured quietly at the familiar sight.
Delia didn't speak at first—her expression shifted from surprise to a warm, gentle smile. She placed the egg onto her lap, her hands softly stroking it, radiating a maternal warmth.
"Looks like it's about to hatch. A precious moment indeed. There's still a little time left, so I'll go prepare the perfect PokéBall for this little one. I already know which one will suit it best."
Mr. Kurt tiptoed out as if afraid to disturb the egg.
Once he was gone, Delia whispered, "Liam… this feels nostalgic. This is our second time witnessing an egg hatch together, isn't it? The first was when Garchomp hatched. I'm really curious what this little one will be like. Will it be as mischievous as Garchomp was back then?"
She looked up at him with a sweet smile. Liam returned the smile, sitting close beside her. His right arm went around her shoulders, his left hand gently holding hers, both gazing down at the glowing egg.
"Yeah… it really does bring back memories. But I'm grateful that back then… I held onto your hand so tightly… and never let you go."