In this world of Pokémon, no matter how much wealth a family possessed, they were only considered elites among ordinary people. Only by mastering the power of Pokémon could someone truly stand at the very top. Ever since Erika became the Gym Leader of Celadon City, her family had risen to become the true rulers of the city in every sense.
Walking alongside Erika, Logan soon saw a luxury car parked by the roadside. It seemed she had come by car. Both of them entered and sat in the back seat. After Erika gave a soft instruction, the driver started the engine.
Logan had been planning to strike up a conversation with Erika, to get closer to her. But to his surprise, as soon as she sat down, the woman simply leaned back against the seat and drifted off to sleep.
The driver was clearly used to this habit of Erika's. He drove with practiced steadiness, not disturbed at all. After about an hour, the car finally stopped before a grand mansion.
The mansion was not a Western villa or castle, but a vast traditional-style estate—a massive courtyard more than anything. Although it wasn't located right in Celadon's center, it was still close enough, and to own such a huge property here spoke volumes of Erika's family's wealth.
Logan couldn't help but sigh. Why do the girls I meet always turn out to be wealthy heiresses? Aside from Green, it seemed every girl he met belonged to some powerful family. You'd think being born rich and beautiful would be enough, but they still strive so hard to become top trainers. How are ordinary people supposed to compete with that?
Logan was about to call out to Erika when she stirred awake, almost as though she had an internal clock set for the moment of arrival. She yawned softly and offered a faintly apologetic smile.
"…Forgive me, that was rather rude. I don't suffer from hay fever, but being around Grass-type Pokémon for so long, I've been affected by them. During the daytime, I often feel drowsy."
"Are you saying you do photosynthesis in the day?" Logan quipped.
Erika gave a light laugh. "You really are humorous, Logan. Now that you mention it, it does feel a little like that, doesn't it~?"
A servant hurried forward to open the car door. As Erika stepped down gracefully, she turned to Logan with a polite invitation:
"…Please, Logan. This is my home. Having you visit brings honor to my humble house."
"You flatter me, Miss Erika," Logan replied politely. Truthfully, in front of such a refined and cultured young lady, he felt awkward. Her aura alone made him unconsciously more formal—like he was turning into some kind of poetic gentleman himself.
"Please, come inside."
Under her lead, Logan entered the mansion. At the entryway, he removed his shoes, which a servant quickly took away. Erika walked ahead, and Logan followed behind, unable to stop his gaze from falling on the elegant sway of her long legs clad in over-the-knee socks.
The estate was immense, built around rock gardens, flowing streams, and bamboo fountains dripping rhythmically. Everything carried a strong air of traditional beauty. Passing through the entry hall, they came to a building surrounded by flowering plants—artfully arranged ikebana rather than wild growth.
After this indoor garden-like chamber, they finally arrived at a guest room.
"Logan, please wait a moment," Erika said with a soft smile. "I'll change into something more suitable to welcome you."
She gestured for him to sit at the low table on the tatami mats, then glided away.
Servants soon arrived with tea and sweets. The household was fully traditional—servants kneeling formally as they set everything down before bowing themselves out.
For a while, Logan was left alone.
He took a sip of tea. The fragrance was fresh and subtle, no doubt cultivated with the help of Grass-type Pokémon. It tasted wonderful, though he couldn't have explained exactly why—it was simply refreshing and satisfying. He tried one of the sweets, then let his eyes wander over the calligraphy scrolls and landscape paintings adorning the walls.
Compared to this, my life is a struggle in the wilderness, eating whatever I can and pushing myself to the limits every day… Meanwhile these girls live like this, pampered in grand estates. Logan sighed inwardly. Still, he reminded himself Erika hadn't had an easy path either—before becoming a Gym Leader, she must have endured countless hardships in training.
But… having servants care for you like this really does feel nice. When will I have a maid of my own? Someone to look after me every day—cooking, cleaning… maybe even warming the bed at night. Now that would be the life.
The fantasy lasted only a moment. Logan chuckled bitterly to himself. If he gave up training, gave up traveling and battling, he could probably settle down in a big city and live comfortably with his skills. But he knew he'd quickly grow lazy and lose the will to push forward. That wasn't who he was.
And in the wilderness? Forget it. Out there, you were lucky if you could keep yourself alive, let alone have a graceful maid by your side.
"…Maybe if it were a Pokémon… but what kind of Pokémon could become a maid?" Logan shook his head at the ridiculous thought. Pokémon turning into humans was the stuff of fairy tales. And one that could act as a maid? That would have to be a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon at the very least.
Lost in such musings, Logan sat kneeling until his legs went numb. Finally, the sliding door opened. Erika had returned.
"…I thought you went off to take a nap, Miss Erika," Logan teased.
"Normally, I would be napping at this hour," Erika admitted with a light smile. "But having such an outstanding guest as you here fills me with joy. My drowsiness has completely vanished. Still, it was my failing to keep you waiting—this outfit simply took a little longer to put on."
Her words, graceful and sweet, melted away any impatience Logan might have felt. She knew exactly how to speak so no one could ever hold a grudge against her.
Then Logan looked up—and his eyes widened.
Erika had changed from her sailor uniform into a vibrant furisode kimono, the formal attire of an unmarried young woman. The maple-colored fabric wrapped her slender figure elegantly, embroidered with clouds and autumn leaves. A bright flower was pinned in her short hair, completing the picture of a serene, dignified beauty. She radiated the aura of a true Yamato Nadeshiko.
Seeing her so carefully dressed to greet him, Logan couldn't help but forgive the long wait. If a girl goes to such lengths to meet you properly, it can only mean one thing—you're important to her.
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