Chapter 238: "The Reimbursement King" Returns to Action!
Friday.
A gentle breeze drifted through the air as Johan lounged lazily on the couch, scrolling through his phone.
"Vulpix," he called softly.
The Alolan Vulpix, perched atop a nearby cat tower, perked up at his voice. It stretched luxuriously on the platform, then gracefully hopped down from tier to tier.
In no time, it was standing on the top of the couch behind him.
Johan smiled and patted the open space beside him.
Understanding immediately, the little fox leapt down from the couch's backrest and landed lightly beside him, curling up against his arm.
"Oowu~~" it purred softly.
Johan placed a hand on its soft, warm belly and gave it a gentle rub before pulling it into a deep embrace.
"Ahhh—!"
Vulpix squirmed with delight, its tail wagging in contentment.
Sometimes Johan thought it might be nice to live like this forever—simple, carefree days spent with his Pokémon.
Reading quietly with Gengar, cuddling with Vulpix, working out with Tinkaton, giving Dragonair a bath, and telling Kubfu stories before bed…
Recently, Kubfu had developed a fascination with Johan's stories—particularly The Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin.
But dreams were beautiful, and reality was harsh.
Johan might want peace, but his Pokémon didn't necessarily share that sentiment.
So, to keep things under control, he made sure they were busy enough during the day to sleep soundly at night.
Johan held up his phone for Vulpix to see.
"An ice sculpture competition. Interested?"
"Oowu?"
Vulpix blinked, suddenly alert. Its interest was immediately piqued as it stared at the intricate ice sculptures displayed on his screen.
Seeing its enthusiasm, Johan smiled.
He'd figured as much—this competition was right up Vulpix's alley.
Building snowmen was one of its favorite activities.
And to Vulpix, there wasn't much difference between sculpting and snowman-building.
"It's part of the winter festival in Snowbelle City, Kalos," Johan explained.
With winter approaching, all sorts of events were being held across the Pokémon world—skiing contests, ice sculpture competitions, figure skating championships, and more.
Each event offered attractive prizes, drawing trainers from around the globe.
This particular competition in Snowbelle City was no exception.
The grand prize was a high-quality Icy Rock sponsored by the Lysandre Lab, along with a generous supply of Figy Berries.
Even the runners-up and third-place winners would receive Figy Berries, an Ice Stone, and Never-Melt Ice—all rare and valuable items.
Johan already owned a piece of Never-Melt Ice, gifted by Lorelei.
But just like the Ice Stone he'd once obtained, that Never-Melt Ice had been mostly consumed by Vulpix.
According to Lorelei, the Never-Melt Ice in this competition was of much higher quality.
Besides, one piece wasn't nearly enough for Vulpix, who had a penchant for hoarding.
"An Ice Stone," Johan murmured thoughtfully.
He'd always wanted to give Vulpix an Ice Stone.
He didn't know the quality of the one being offered here, but even the worst Ice Stone would fetch a high price.
And even if they didn't win, participation alone came with a consolation prize of Figy Berries.
"Oowu!!"
Vulpix perked up, nodding enthusiastically.
It wanted to compete!
Johan chuckled softly, stroking its head.
He couldn't help but marvel at how far his little fox had come—from the shy and timid Pokémon he'd met to one ready to stand on a stage and showcase its talents.
"All right!"
If Vulpix wanted to join—and with such enticing prizes on the line—he had no reason to refuse.
Besides, he was planning a trip to Kalos anyway, at Professor Sycamore's invitation.
His only hesitation had been the competition's connection to Lysandre Labs.
But on second thought, it didn't matter.
If Lysandre had any interest in him, Diantha would've already mentioned it.
Since he'd heard nothing, it was safe to assume Lysandre wasn't concerned about a small-time Pokémon psychologist.
"Let's get ready," Johan said. "We're going to Kalos."
Perhaps Snowbelle City, with its perpetual snow and ice, would provide some insight into growing Ice Radishes.
That afternoon, however, he received a call from Professor Sycamore's lab—not from Alain this time, but the professor himself.
"I apologize for not being available last time," Sycamore said, his voice tinged with weariness and genuine regret.
"No problem, Professor. I was already planning to visit Kalos," Johan replied.
"Oh, perfect! When will you arrive? I'll send someone to meet you at the airport."
"No need for that, Professor. I'd like to take my time exploring Kalos."
Kalos was inspired by France, with Lumiose City modeled after Paris, the City of Light.
Johan wanted to soak in the romantic culture at his own pace.
Still, he wasn't in a rush.
As a teacher at Rustboro Pokémon Academy, he had administrative tasks to finish, even though classes were over.
And, more importantly, he needed to file his expense report.
Rustboro Pokémon Academy: Principal's Office
Martin stood awkwardly, holding Johan's reimbursement form, and passed it to the principal, whose bruises from the last incident still hadn't faded.
"This is Johan's expense report from his trip to Galar," Martin said hesitantly.
He didn't know how to explain the document.
The principal, cheerful as ever, waved off Martin's concern.
"A reimbursement form? Why so nervous?"
But as he scanned the document, his eyes widened.
"How much?!"
"Well… uh…" Martin cleared his throat. "Principal, maybe Johan made a mistake somewhere…"
Skipping over the smaller items, Martin read aloud:
"Eighteen Energy Roots. Twelve Full Restores. Twenty Max Potions…"
He coughed awkwardly. "I'll confirm the details with Johan later."
"No need."
The principal shook his head solemnly and placed the form on his desk.
Martin's heart sank. Oh no. Even the principal is mad this time.
BAM!
The principal slammed his desk, then waved his hand decisively.
"Approved!"
"Huh?" Martin was stunned.
The principal sighed wistfully.
"Johan beat Master Mustard."
"Wha—Master Mustard? That Master Mustard?"
Martin's jaw dropped.
"Yes," the principal nodded.
When he first heard the news from Master Mustard himself, he'd been just as shocked as Martin was now.
Mustard might be old, but he was an undefeated champion for 18 consecutive years!
"That level of victory requires unimaginable effort," the principal continued.
Johan's lengthy list of healing items only proved how much he'd endured.
Martin exhaled slowly. Something feels off about this… but if the principal says so, I'll let it go.
Still, one question lingered in his mind: What did Johan need 100 kilograms of coffee beans for?
On the plane
Johan sneezed unexpectedly.
He glanced at his phone, which displayed a notification for his approved reimbursement.
Smiling, he murmured, "The academy really does take care of its own."
Gengar, meanwhile, was cackling uncontrollably.
"Ka-kah~~"
It clutched its phone, tears streaming down its face, as it watched the latest episode of Meowth & Pichu.
Thanks to Matori and Team Rocket's efforts, the show had finally aired.
With the combined influence of Team Rocket and Devon Corporation, it premiered across all major networks and streaming platforms.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
The series boasted a 9.5 approval rating, rivaling the popularity of The Adventures of Popplio!
And that was after just three episodes.
Matori had also gained Johan's approval to shoot scenes on location across different regions, aiming to make the series even more spectacular.
Johan, however, was more concerned about his share of the profits.
Outside the plane window, the weather was clear.
The outline of the Kalos region loomed in the distance.
Kalos, shaped like a five-pointed star, was divided into several distinct areas.
The plane was set to land in the heart of it all: Lumiose City.
Known for the Prism Tower and Lumiose Museum, Lumiose City was the largest and most populous city in the Pokémon world.
Its economy thrived on tourism, supported by cafés, shops, and restaurants scattered throughout the city.
One of Johan's goals was to scout potential new hires for his café—whether human or Pokémon.
"Dear passengers, we are now approaching Lumiose City…"
"Ka-kah!" Gengar stowed its phone and fastened its seatbelt.
Johan glanced at the ghost-type, feeling an ominous premonition.
Is Gengar's Mega Evolution about to get out of hand?
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