The people who had been jostled aside initially frowned in displeasure, but upon catching sight of the fleeting figure that had rushed past them, their expressions quickly shifted to surprise.
"Isn't that Lady Caitlin?"
"It really is her—the White Rose Princess! I never expected to see her in Kanto."
A few who recognized the girl whispered among themselves.
"Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let her hear you. They say this young lady has quite the temper. Not to mention, she's one of those rare individuals born with immense psychic powers. When her emotions flare up, her abilities go out of control. Plenty of people have been hurt—some even died because of it."
"...I've heard the same. Her family has gone to great lengths to clean up those messes. Rumor has it she now lives alone in the Sinnoh region, though some say her family wants to exile her to Unova."
"Tsk, tsk. A psychic who's also a Trainer—her family should be celebrating such a rare gift. Instead, they're practically banishing her. Pitiful, really. But if this young lady is aboard the S.S. Anne, I'd say this place just got a lot more dangerous."
Someone shuddered as they spoke.
"That's why I say our Sabrina from Saffron City is the best. Beautiful, even if a bit cold, but she has complete control over her powers."
"You don't know the half of it. I heard when Sabrina was young, she also—"
A group of well-informed individuals gossiped in hushed tones. Regardless of social class, gossip was a universal pastime.
When Caitlin recklessly charged toward Ryuuske without a care, the onlookers tensed. If these two had some kind of grudge and ended up fighting, and if the young lady lost control of her psychic powers… well, the Trainers might survive with their Pokémon's protection, but the ordinary folks would be in serious trouble!
---
"Wait!"
Ryuuske, who had just pocketed his winnings and was about to leave, paused at the melodious call. He turned and was met with a vision of pure white flooding his sight.
It wasn't that the girl was dressed in white—rather, her very presence gave the impression of a pristine bloom in a rose garden. She appeared to be around his age, clad in a pink-and-white dress with ruffled hems that cascaded like water lilies. Delicate lace trailed from the skirt, revealing only her snow-white calves adorned with pink crystal heels.
"And you are…? Did you need something?"
Ryuuske wracked his brain. This girl seemed familiar—perhaps the one he'd glimpsed during boarding. But given her flushed cheeks and slightly labored breathing, she must have run here. Strangely, she acted as if they were acquainted, though Ryuuske was certain he'd never met her before.
He studied her features: delicate, noble, and exquisitely refined—like a princess secluded in a castle. A rare beauty, indeed. The two white rose hairpins nestled in her golden locks added an innocent allure.
"You cheated just now. With psychic powers."
Her voice was hushed, but her arched brows and piercing gaze left no room for misunderstanding.
To her, his handsome face—agelessly charming by any standard—meant nothing. What captivated her was his psychic energy—powerful, precise, and utterly controlled.
"Miss, you can eat whatever you like, but words? Those require caution. A stomachache can be treated, but careless accusations come with consequences."
Ryuuske's eyes narrowed. He had cheated using psychic abilities, but he hadn't expected this girl to notice. Not that he'd ever admit it.
Upon closer inspection, he realized why—she, too, radiated psychic energy. Hers was potent, rivaling even untrained Psychic-type Pokémon. But the chaotic fluctuations made it clear she had no control over it.
Just then, a man in a butler's uniform approached. Ryuuske couldn't pinpoint his age—perhaps in his thirties, but impeccably maintained, with a mature handsomeness.
His gaze flicked to the Poké Balls at the man's waist. If they weren't just for show, this butler was also a Trainer. A glint of violet flashed in Ryuuske's eyes, and with a mere thought, he psychically immobilized the man mid-step.
Butlers. Who knows if he'd suddenly challenge me to a battle for his lady's sake? Ryuuske had no interest in pointless fights. A warning would suffice.
Of course, if the man insisted on releasing his Pokémon, this level of psychic restraint wouldn't hold him.
"Yes! This—this is it! Such power! So overwhelming! Teach me! Teach me how to control it! If you do, I won't expose your cheating. I'll give you anything you want!"
Caitlin's eyes sparkled, her entire body trembling with excitement.
She was done. Done with a life where every surge of emotion brought disaster. Done with isolation, with the fear of even speaking to others.
People envied her. Resented her. But none understood her torment. Uncontrollable power was worse than having none at all.
What a spoiled young lady. Even her 'threats' sound naive—no grasp of social nuance whatsoever.
Ryuuske sighed inwardly. Even the immobilized butler wore a wry smile.
Her expression wavered between imperiousness and desperation. Ryuuske could imagine her suffering, the madness of being shackled by her own uncontrollable gifts.
Sympathy was one thing, but he had no patience for a self-absorbed, socially inept noble. Had she been gentle and refined, he might've humored her.
As her agitation grew, the psychic distortions around her intensified. Ryuuske's lips thinned. If she lost control here, casualties were inevitable—and given this crowd consisted of high society's elite, the fallout would be catastrophic for her family.
Being a lone wolf like me has its perks. No strings attached. If things go south, I'll just find Lance and we can plot world domination together.
"Shouldn't you introduce yourself first, miss?"
"Caitlin. My name is Caitlin!"
"A beautiful name. Like a white rose in full bloom. But—"
Ryuuske, clad in his crimson tailcoat, stroked his clean-shaven chin. He removed his glasses and, with a flick of his cane, tapped the tip against her chest—or so it appeared to bystanders.
"—the first step to mastering psychic power is this: You must be elegant."
A pulse of violet light flared as Ryuuske forcibly stabilized Caitlin's rampaging energy, suppressing it with sheer will.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away.
"...Darach."
Dazed, Caitlin stood frozen for a long moment before finally calling out to her butler.
"Yes, my lady?"
"I… I want to make him mine."
Her eyes burned with fierce determination as she uttered words that sent poor Darach into a silent panic.
To be continued…
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