Since those who could board this cruise were either wealthy tycoons or people like Sieg who had internal tickets through connections with the Joy Family, basically everyone in the banquet hall was part of the elite class.
This naturally gave most people an opportunity to expand their network of connections, so no one would miss the banquet.
At the center of the banquet hall hung an enormous crystal chandelier. Below it, over a dozen round dining tables were arranged, with waiters already bringing out various dishes.
Sieg approached one table and placed some meat onto his plate. This specially prepared Tauros meat had significant health benefits when consumed regularly.
"Not bad at all!"
After chewing a piece, Sieg's eyes lit up. The chef's skills were clearly exceptional.
It was worth the hefty ticket price; you could taste the money. Just as Sieg was savoring the food, a shadow fell across his line of sight.
"Excuse me, are you Sieg?" A waiter in a service uniform asked politely.
Sieg was slightly taken aback; he hadn't called for service.
"It's like this: we'll be holding a battle event in the banquet hall shortly, providing a platform for young trainers to showcase their skills. Would you like to register?"
The waiter asked very politely, holding a small card, apparently recording names.
Sieg thought it was perfect timing to train his Pokémon. Sandile had been progressing rapidly lately and wasn't far from evolution.
"I'll register."
Just as Sieg was filling out his information, two Nurse Joys and a middle-aged man who was obviously the captain walked onto the hall's stage.
Everyone's attention in the banquet hall was immediately drawn to them. They set down their wine glasses and food, ceasing their conversations.
It clearly showed respect for those on the stage.
This wasn't surprising, though. This ship was the Joy Family's S.S. Chansey, and no one in this world wanted to offend the Joy Family.
The middle-aged captain took the microphone first. "Everyone, I'm the captain of the S.S. Chansey, Yamamoto. I'm in full charge of this voyage. Those familiar with me surely know of my extensive maritime experience, so everyone can relax and enjoy the cruise!"
The captain's speech wasn't long, mainly just showing his face to everyone present. He quickly handed the microphone to the two Nurse Joys behind him.
The two Nurse Joys looked identical, but one could clearly distinguish an older and a younger woman from their faces.
One clearly had crow's feet and various wrinkles, her age probably at least fifty or above.
But when Sieg looked at the younger-looking Nurse Joy, his pupils suddenly contracted, his face filled with shock.
"Chloé!"
That young Nurse Joy was none other than Chloé, whom Sieg had befriended back in Rustboro City. Given how intimately they'd discussed breeding knowledge back then, calling her a close confidante wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Though they'd promised to meet again when they parted, he never expected today would come so suddenly.
Chloé, on the stage, clearly hadn't noticed Sieg in the crowd. After all, the entire banquet hall held over a thousand people; you couldn't even see the end at a glance. Though Sieg's position wasn't at the very back, it was still difficult to spot him.
At this moment, the elderly Joy took the microphone. "Welcome everyone aboard the S.S. Chansey, and thank you all for honoring us by attending tonight's banquet..."
Though this elderly Joy still spoke in that gentle manner, the aura of authority radiating from her body and the weight in her words, combined with Joy Chloé's respectful expression beside her, all proved her status was undoubtedly extremely high within the Joy Family.
"Probably a Joy Family elder?" Sieg silently speculated.
"Hehe, what banquet? I'd say it's more like a matchmaking event, right?" A young man standing beside Sieg joked.
Sieg's heart sank, feeling an ominous premonition. He stepped forward and asked the young man, "Hello, I'm Sieg. What did you mean by 'matchmaking event' just now?"
The young man didn't seem to mind Sieg's question, speaking as if showing off.
"Hehe, what else could it be? It's all for that granddaughter beside her. Apparently, she's already 25 this year, considered an old maiden by Joy Family standards! So they're trying to find some outstanding young talent to marry into the family~"
The young man looked like he was watching a show, his tone full of teasing.
Now Sieg understood. No wonder this cruise had gathered so many people, and most were well-dressed young talents or trainers like himself.
"Chloé is looking for a live-in husband?"
Sieg felt a hint of discomfort. Though nothing had happened between them back then, just discussions about breeding knowledge.
But when they parted, her words, "I'll wait for you to come back," still remained in Sieg's heart even now.
Sieg looked at Joy Chloé standing on the stage, only to see she also appeared reluctant and uncomfortable, which made him feel slightly better.
Still, he continued watching that peerless beauty with complicated emotions.
Just then, Joy Chloé's gaze swept across the crowd below. When she spotted Sieg, she first froze, then her expression instantly became excited.
But considering she was currently on stage, she could only suppress this excitement, though her gleaming eyes kept glancing toward Sieg's location.
"Now I announce the banquet... officially begins!"
The elderly Joy's speech finally ended, and the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Just as the people on stage were leaving, Chloé's heart tightened. She quickly stepped past her grandmother, ignoring the surprised looks around her, gracefully lifting her pristine white dress hem and hurrying toward Sieg's direction.
"Sieg, long time no see!"
Chloé's face showed delighted surprise, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she stared intently at Sieg.
Looking at that exquisite, beautiful face, that familiar feeling surged through Sieg's heart again. He smiled freely. "Yeah, Chloé. I didn't expect to see you here."
Murmurs immediately arose around them. Seeing Chloé's excitement, Sieg suggested, "This isn't really the right place. How about we talk below deck?"
Chloé nodded vigorously. Her hand slowly reached out and gently grasped the corner of Sieg's clothing.
Following Sieg's footsteps, Chloé walked closely behind him.
Just like that, the two left the banquet hall together, leaving behind a group of heartbroken men.