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Half an hour earlier.
Caitlin, having arrived in Kitakami by private jet, strolled through the streets of Seiru Town.
After walking around for a bit, aside from accumulating a few shopping bags, she hadn't found the figure she had been expecting.
"Darach, take these back to the villa for me."
Sighing, Caitlin dumped everything she had just bought into the arms of her butler, Mr. Darach.
"Very well, Miss."
Darach skillfully took the items, his arms and fingers now fully loaded.
However, as a perfectly poised and elegant butler, he still maintained his graceful stride, quickly catching up to Caitlin in a few steps.
"But Miss, which villa should I deliver these to?"
"Whichever is closest."
Caitlin waved her hand impatiently; such trivial matters could be decided by him alone.
Though villas in Kitakami were somewhat expensive, for someone who spent money like water, it was merely a string of numbers.
If not for fear that Darach would object, she might have considered buying the entire resort outright.
"I understand."
After Darach hurried away, Caitlin finally let out a sigh of relief.
"They still haven't arrived yet?"
She had originally thought she'd arrive just in time for an "accidental" encounter, but it seemed she had come a bit too early.
But it didn't matter. She could use this time to learn more about Kitakami's unique features and later explain its local culture to Cynthia.
Her gaze swept across nearby shops, and after finishing another round of browsing, Caitlin suddenly realized—
Kitakami was great in every way, except that its local cuisine seemed to consist only of mochi and various berries.
Mochi was fine as a snack, but as a main course, it felt overly sweet and heavy…
Thus, after wandering around for a while, Caitlin eventually chose to enter a restaurant she had seen before in Paldea.
The last time she had eaten there with Cynthia and some annoying person, the food had been quite good.
Moreover, all the waitresses were cute female Indeedees, which were exactly her type, making it her top choice.
After ordering every dish on the menu, Caitlin suddenly felt a gaze from behind during the wait, so she instinctively turned her head.
Through the glass, she immediately spotted Cynthia's figure.
And sure enough, standing beside her was a young man whose expression looked just as complicated as hers.
Caitlin, who had been enjoying her vacation, instantly slumped into a sulky expression and glared at Aiden in dissatisfaction.
…
This Kitakami… why does it feel like everyone here is familiar?
After entering the largest private room in the restaurant, Aiden glanced at the petite blonde loli sitting next to Cynthia, his expression somewhat complex.
He hadn't expected Caitlin to show up as well.
There's going to be a party here, but guess who didn't get an invitation?
Aiden's subtle gaze quickly caught Caitlin's attention, prompting her to furrow her brows and glare back at him fiercely.
"I didn't expect to run into you in Kitakami, what a coincidence, Caitlin."
Cynthia smiled, looking at Caitlin, who seemed to be engaged in a silent staring contest with Aiden over her shoulder.
"With so many people here this time, you're treating us again."
"It's no problem. For me, inviting one person or a hundred makes no difference."
Caitlin's casual statement successfully made Aiden raise an eyebrow.
As expected of someone who owns a castle—she's swimming in wealth. The annual dividends from the Battle Frontier are probably just pocket change to her…
Capitalism wins!
"So Miss Caitlin is actually the Frontier Head of the Battle Frontier?"
Nemona quickly flashed an excited smile.
Though she didn't fully understand what those terms meant, she recognized the word "battle"!
This must be a highly skilled trainer, right!
She wanted to challenge Caitlin right then and there, but since she was going to battle Aiden later, she had to hold back until next time.
If she ever got the chance to challenge her multiple times in the future, that would be great!
"Mm-hmm, but starting next year, I'll officially pass the role of Frontier Head to Darach."
After Caitlin casually mentioned this, her gaze shifted to Cynthia, and sure enough, she detected a hint of surprise on her face.
"Are you planning to take a break?"
Lacey asked at the opportune moment.
Caitlin shook her head and quickly replied:
"No, I'm planning to go to Unova and formally challenge the Elite Four."
Though it was a decision she had made long ago, it seemed this was the first time she had mentioned it in front of Cynthia and Aiden.
"Unova?"
Cynthia tilted her head.
Though Unova was a region with high international recognition, traveling overseas to challenge the Elite Four…
It must be tough, right?
"Actually, Grandma Bertha will retire soon, so there might be an opening in Sinnoh's Elite Four in a couple of years."
The original plan for Sinnoh's Elite Four was to retire collectively.
If it weren't for Grandma Bertha worrying that the league would lack experienced trainers, Caitlin might have been able to challenge the Elite Four test right after finishing her training.
And this position, Cynthia had always thought Caitlin would be a good fit for.
But Caitlin shook her head.
"No, I've already decided to try my luck in Unova. Staying in Sinnoh isn't helping my growth anymore."
Although she hadn't become part of Sinnoh's Elite Four, Caitlin didn't regret her decision after coming to terms with it.
After all, Sinnoh already had an Elite Four member proficient in Psychic-type Pokémon who was also quite strong.
Even if she did become an Elite Four member in Sinnoh, the chances to formally challenge Cynthia would be limited to the annual guidance battles…
But if she broadened her horizons and went to other regions, not only could she encounter more Pokémon to deepen her team's versatility, but she would also have more opportunities to meet Cynthia in international competitions.
She hadn't forgotten that her goal since becoming a trainer had always been to defeat Cynthia in a fair match!
"Your goal is the Elite Four? That's amazing!"
Lacey, being from Unova, expressed genuine admiration.
Even her father, Gym Leader Clay, hadn't succeeded in passing the Elite Four test.
No wonder Teacher Azure has such impressive connections—besides Champion Cynthia of Sinnoh, there's also Caitlin challenging the Elite Four…
From her observations earlier, their relationship seemed to be pretty good, right?
"Then I wish you success."
Seeing Caitlin's unprecedented serious expression, Cynthia quickly regained her composure and smiled.
It seemed that Caitlin had begun to find her own path.
"Good luck, don't embarrass our Sinnoh region."
Aiden sighed but still encouraged Caitlin with a remark.
Though it sounded a bit tsundere, he had no doubt that she would eventually become an Elite Four member.
After all, that's how the script was written!
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