"Sis, Carl and I really aren't suitable for each other." Lusamine was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Why not suitable?"
"The age gap!"
"That's why I suggested you be the younger one," Lusamife said matter-of-factly.
Lusamine shook her head helplessly. "You really are my sister."
"Of course," Lusamife laughed, pinching her sister's cheek. "Because we're sisters, I genuinely care about you. I understood everything you said earlier. Carl is indeed excellent. He treats Lillie well and helped her awaken her aura."
"Carl saved our lives."
"And he can even command legendary creatures."
"So I've made up my mind." Lusamine took a deep breath.
"What have you decided?" Lusamife's eyebrows twitched.
They were clearly hinting that she and Carl weren't suitable. Why would such an excellent man choose someone older?
Being the second wife wasn't appealing to her; she wanted a committed relationship.
"I get it, you want to be Carl's younger wife," Lusamife said seriously. "My sister is so outstanding, yet hesitating because of age. That's unnecessary."
"Being the younger wife is just right, and I fully support it!"
Lusamine and Lillie exchanged a glance, full of helplessness. They should have been straightforward from the start. Now things were misunderstood.
"I must clarify this!" Lusamine resolved.
Fortunately, Cynthia and Caitlin weren't around; it was a good opportunity.
But Carl spoke first, "Don't worry, sis, I'll treat Lusamine well. 'Younger wife' is just a term; I'm committed to everyone equally."
"Really?" Lusamife patted him with a smile. "I knew you were trustworthy."
"Of course," Carl replied with a slight smile.
"Sister, don't hesitate. I'll help you," Lusamife urged.
"I..."
"I'll always support you."
"But..."
"Carl agreed, so what's there to be stubborn about?"
"But..."
"Being stubborn won't end well. Seize the opportunity," Lusamife advised sincerely. "Seeing you find happiness, I'm content."
"Next is Lillie."
Lillie: "Please, stop."
Just as her aunt said, her mother's thinking was a bit off. Could Carl's words be trusted?
Seeing the atmosphere grow more awkward, Lillie quickly changed the topic, "Let's discuss the trip first. Feelings can develop slowly."
She knew her mother too well. If this continued, Lusamife might start pushing for marriage, even saying something like, "Have kids, I'll take care of them."
Lillie couldn't help but hold her forehead, realizing just how well her mother had understood her aunt's ways in such a short time.
Carl, listening, was stunned, thinking, "This aunt is really straightforward, isn't she?" As his gaze unintentionally glanced at a certain part, he suddenly realized, "So that's why..."
"Mom, let's talk about the trip," Lillie whispered, nudging Lusamine to interrupt. The "little mom" title was a compromise agreed upon by the elders, as it was too difficult for Lillie to suddenly change her address.
Lusamine wanted to explain, but Lillie quickly said, "Carl isn't on our side right now, no matter how much you say."
Lusamine paused, then glared angrily at Carl. This traitor was infuriating!
"Call people? Call them now!" Carl seemed oblivious to her displeasure, still smiling as he called Monkey and Chicken to gather people. Soon, everyone gathered in the pavilion.
Carl had already selected several travel destinations. The first was chosen by Lillie's family: Blue Pearl Beach, a famous resort with beautiful sands and warm sunshine. The second was Azure City, known for its Ampharos Lighthouse and unique sea sounds.
The third option was Stillwater City, suggested by Kyogre, though its intentions were unclear. The fourth was Seaside City, with its unique elevated walkways and bustling seaside market, near a navigation lighthouse. Carl included it as Caitlin had a villa there.
The fifth was Ripple Town, famous for its beaches. Caitlin also had property there. The Carlos and Alola regions were excluded because Serena didn't want to return to Carlos, and Lillie and her family didn't want to go to Alola.
"I don't want to go to Sinnoh," Caitlin vetoed an option, adding, "If we need a place, I have villas and private beaches in all those places," speaking quite grandly.
Cynthia also said, "We go to Ripple Town every year. Let's try somewhere new." Carl quietly marveled at her close relationship with Caitlin.
Serena excitedly said, "I support Azure City! I heard Miss Elesa is hosting a fashion show there, perfect for a visit."
"A model show?" Carl was intrigued, clearing his throat, "That's a good suggestion."
The others looked puzzled.
"I don't want to go to Azure City. What's so interesting about lighthouses?" Originally supporting Serena, Cynthia changed her mind. "I prefer Blue Pearl Beach."
"I also choose Blue Pearl Beach," Caitlin echoed.
"Great!" Lillie and her parents high-fived joyfully.
With five votes, there was no need for further debate.
Serena, slightly disgruntled, glanced at Carl, reluctantly agreeing, "Blue Pearl Beach it is."
Carl was confused. Did he say something wrong?
Kyogre was silently speechless. Despite being such a legendary creature, why wasn't its suggestion chosen?
"Alright, we'll set off tomorrow morning. In the afternoon, you all can go to town to buy necessities."
Carl couldn't be bothered to argue; Blue Pearl Beach it was. Besides, he could explore the nearby Maiden's Gorge. Maybe he'd encounter some interesting ghost-type creatures.
"Why wait till tomorrow?" the girls wondered.
With Hoopa around, they could teleport anytime. They could enjoy the sunshine and the beach in the afternoon.
As for necessities, they could buy them upon arrival; money wasn't an issue.
"Just tomorrow, no need to rush!"
Carl didn't want to make another trip in the morning, as he had somewhere special to go tonight.
As night fell, in an apartment in Golden City.
Nessa was meditating in her room, skipping dinner. Firstly, the food at home couldn't compare to Serena's cooking. Secondly, her parents were so lovey-dovey since reuniting, it made her nauseous.
She struggled not to turn her parents into dolls, hiding in her room.
"Maybe I should go back tomorrow?" Nessa opened her eyes, pondering. But remembering Carl's frustrated look last night, she reconsidered. Going back would definitely lead to revenge.
Better to hide a few more days until he calms down, Nessa whispered to herself.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind, "Trying to hide?"