The so-called Mediterranean climate means hot and dry summers, with mild and rainy winters.
But even with the warm sun providing heat, Paldea still felt slightly cold after entering winter.
On the way back to Sunlight Gym riding Miraidon, Aiden turned his head to look at Cynthia.
Although she still appeared somewhat youthful, she was just like the "Big Sister" in his memory—always wearing a thick black overcoat.
"Are you cold?"
"Not really."
Cynthia smiled faintly.
"The last time I came, there wasn't this motorcycle-like Pokémon at Sunlight Gym, right?"
"Is it the Cyclizar from the Paldea region? I've heard that there's a riding Pokémon called Cyclizar here."
"Gao..."
Upon hearing the word "Cyclizar," Miraidon immediately let out an indignant grunt.
"No, its name is Miraidon."
Aiden patted the sulky motorcycle.
Even though it had completely given up on maintaining any dignity, being mistaken for a Cyclizar still made it feel dissatisfied?
Can you get your priorities straight...
"It's a long story, but basically, this guy is also a member of our Sunlight Gym."
"Understood."
Cynthia nodded and didn't continue to inquire about Miraidon's origins.
It seemed to be a Pokémon with quite a story.
Before becoming a champion, Cynthia was first a scholar.
So she could clearly sense that this presence named Miraidon was no ordinary Pokémon.
But since Aiden didn't bring it up, he must have his reasons.
Moreover, it looked like they had been getting along well before?
Noticing Aiden's small gesture of soothing Miraidon, Cynthia couldn't help but smile.
When she wasn't around, Aiden, living alone in Paldea, had gradually become more reliable.
...
Back at Sunlight Gym, Eevee and Riolu were having breakfast in the hall.
"Bui!"
"Lu!"
Upon seeing Cynthia, the two little ones' faces immediately lit up with surprise as they ran over to her side.
"Long time no see, Eevee and Riolu."
Cynthia squinted, greeting the two cuties while skillfully patting their heads with both hands.
Good grief, she had just arrived and already dismantled half of our Sunlight Gym's "security system."
Aiden suddenly felt a bit sentimental.
No wonder it's Cynthia, her charm towards Pokémon is truly overwhelming, isn't it?
If even Miraidon were to betray me someday, wouldn't I become the extra one in the gym?
No, no, no, Miraidon should be the exception…
"Since that's the case, let's catch up with my Pokémon too."
Cynthia withdrew her hands and smiled, taking out six Poké Balls.
After a flash of red light, six imposing figures instantly appeared in the previously spacious hall.
"Kaaoo!!"
At the sight of Aiden, Cynthia's ace Garchomp immediately let out a low roar, its eyes carrying a hint of menace.
Garchomp used Roar, and it was super effective against Aiden!
"Lucario?"
Lucario immediately noticed the little brother Riolu, whose height only reached its thigh. It sensed its physical changes through Aura during this period.
Hmm, no slacking off; the speed of improvement hadn't slowed down after being caught by the trainer, and there was even a subtle sign of nearing evolution.
However, considering the future, it seemed to have temporarily suppressed the impulse to evolve, focusing on refining its physical strength.
As expected of the man recognized by the big sister, he's indeed thoughtful.
As for Glaceon, it turned its gaze to the little Eevee Cynthia was petting, and its expression softened instantly.
Glaceon walked over with cat-like steps, elegant and silent, pressing its cool cheek against the little Eevee, who was closing its eyes enjoying the petting service.
"Bui?!"
Eevee was startled and quickly retreated a few steps, only to find a beautiful older sister standing in front of it without realizing it.
Soon, the big and small Eevees pressed together, chatting about something unknown.
Cynthia's other three Pokémon—Spiritomb, Milotic, and Togekiss—remained quietly in place, silently observing the surroundings.
"Looks like everyone is adapting quickly."
Seeing her Pokémon all curious about the new environment, Cynthia couldn't help but smile.
"Haha, haha..."
Aiden wiped the sweat from his temple without showing any emotion, looking at the Garchomp that had been staring at him ever since it was released.
"From now on, let's get along well..."
After speaking, Aiden took out the sandwiches he had prepared earlier and offered them with both hands.
"These are specialty sandwiches from the Paldea region. Would you like to try some?"
Eat this, and we'll be good friends!
"Kaaoo?"
Garchomp instinctively frowned and was about to turn its head to refuse.
However, at that moment, a wonderful aroma wafted from the seemingly ordinary sandwich, immediately catching its attention.
Though it looked like the sweet food it hated the most...
Why did it smell so good?
Similarly drawn by the aroma were Cynthia and her other Pokémon.
"This scent..."
Cynthia blinked, never having smelled such an ultimate sweetness before.
Seeing this, Aiden couldn't help but reveal a proud smile.
"It's the Sweet Herba Mystica. I added a secret ingredient to the sandwich that's hard to find even in Paldea: Sweet Herba Mystica."
The best use of Sweet Herba Mystica.
Sandwiches with added ingredients were especially attractive to Pokémon.
"Kaaoo!"
Garchomp took the lead, snatching the sandwich from Aiden's hand. After tentatively taking a small bite, it froze in place.
After a long while, it finally snapped out of it and immediately wolfed down the sandwich without caring about its image.
Seeing this, Aiden smiled faintly.
He was right; even the brave-type Garchomp, which disliked sweets, couldn't resist this aroma in front of the Sweet Herba Mystica!
"There's no need to fight over it. There's plenty more in the kitchen."
As soon as Aiden finished speaking, Cynthia's Pokémon simultaneously moved, rushing toward the kitchen.
"It seems they're adapting better than I thought."
Cynthia shook her head helplessly.
Even Garchomp disregarded its image—it must be unimaginably delicious.
"But how did I not know that you've learned to cook..."
In her memory, Aiden couldn't make a decent meal since childhood. Unexpectedly, after a few years, had he overcome being a cooking novice?
It was hard to imagine. What kind of life had he lived alone in Paldea during that time...
Cynthia couldn't help but feel a bit heartbroken.
"That's right, my cooking skills are all thanks to my own efforts!"
Aiden raised his head proudly.
Who said making sandwiches doesn't count as cooking? He was now a master sandwich maker!
As for the Sweet Herba Mystica...
It was merely an auxiliary addition to enhance the flavor.
Lying dog!
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