บท 76: Chapter 76: Shopping for New clothes

I stood outside the luxury shop, my fingers tracing the edge of the sleek, black sling bag slung across my shoulder. The Pokémon egg, pale and fragile-looking, rested safely in Erin's arms. She held it like someone who didn't understand what they were holding but knew they shouldn't drop it.

"Are we not going to the hotel?" Erin's voice was calm, like she was asking about the weather. No urgency, no confusion, just... Erin.

I glanced at her, barely stifling a sigh. Her oversized green hoodie swallowed her thin frame, sleeves rolled up in that lazy way that made it clear she didn't care about fashion. "First, you get some clothes," I said, voice relaxed but firm. "Then we'll go."

She nodded, accepting my decision without question, like she always did.

We entered the shop, the air-conditioned coolness hitting us like a wall. The scent of expensive leather and fine fabric assaulted my senses as I scanned the place. Rows of clothes hung in meticulous order, everything perfectly tailored for trainers. Attendants hovered, eyes gleaming at the sight of potential customers.

I stepped forward, glancing at the closest attendant. "Help this lady get something that matches her," I said casually, ignoring the egg's weight in her arms as I transferred it back to myself. "Price isn't an issue."

The attendant practically sparkled with eagerness, nodding so fast I thought her head might roll off. Erin hesitated, her gaze flicking between me and the attendant, but eventually, she nodded. Calm, as always. Then, she followed the attendant like she was walking into a fog—unconcerned, unaware.

I dropped onto one of the plush chairs in the corner, the egg resting on my lap. "I think you're a Dragonite," I muttered, brushing my hand over the shell. It was warm. "But you won't be any ordinary Dragonite."

My fingers moved swiftly over my holographic display, the shimmering blue light only visible to me. The egg's stats blinked to life. 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦. I smirked. "Soon," I whispered, more to myself than the egg. "I'll find the right place to evolve you."

Minutes dragged into what felt like hours. The shop was too quiet, too pristine. I wasn't one for this kind of luxury, but I knew Erin needed it. She'd stand out less this way, blend in with the trainers who dressed like they had something to prove. I was about to lose myself in thoughts of battle strategies when Erin emerged from the back.

She looked... different.

Her usual uncoordinated appearance was gone, replaced with a deep emerald silk shirt that shimmered slightly under the shop's soft lighting. Loose, flowing, with high collar and subtle Pokémon patterns woven into the fabric. Her navy trousers fit perfectly, tailored to a slim silhouette that accentuated her slim but toned figure. And those boots—a forest green suede with a slight heel. She carried a satchel, a touch of class with polished brass buckles and the Oak family crest engraved on it.

I stood, not bothering to hide my surprise. Erin approached with her usual calmness, her expression unchanged. "How do I look?" Her voice was the same—calm, blending awkward honesty with complete indifference.

"You don't even need me to tell you," I replied, my voice matching her relaxed tone. "You know."

A small smile broke through her calm exterior. The first real emotion I'd seen from her in hours. We walked out of the shop, and I paid with a quick swipe of my Pokégear, not bothering to look at the price.

The hotel wasn't far, and as we walked, the egg in my arms seemed to grow heavier with each step. Erin followed behind, silent as always, her new outfit giving her a different air, more composed, but still... Erin.

Inside the five-star hotel, luxury dripped from every corner—the chandeliers, the marble floors, the polished wood furniture. It was designed to impress, but I had no time to care about that. I strode to the reception desk and spoke, not bothering to glance at the receptionist's name tag. "Two rooms for tonight."

"One," Erin interrupted, her voice still calm, still completely unfazed.

I blinked, looked at her. "One?"

She nodded.

Fine. I wasn't in the mood to argue. "One," I repeated to the receptionist, pulling out my Pokégear to pay.

We took the elevator up, Erin pressing the button like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her quiet calmness never wavered, while I clutched the Pokémon egg in my arms, feeling the anticipation bubbling underneath my cool exterior.

The room was massive, luxurious beyond what I cared for, but I was too tired to notice every detail. I handed Erin the egg, the weight of it leaving my arms feeling like a relief. I stepped inside, immediately tossing my bag and jacket onto the table.

"I'm sleeping," I said, not even looking at her as I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion sinking into my bones. "Wake me up in three hours."

Erin nodded, her face still calm, still unreadable. She headed for the bathroom without a word, and I closed my eyes, letting the cool sheets pull me into the depths of sleep.

For now, at least.