บท 111: I’m Really Not in This for the Money
"Are you sure this is okay?"
Johan looked at the Energy Cube Recipe Book in his hands, hesitating.
The book was a clear gift from Wallace.
In the Pokémon world, breeders and coordinators alike are often experts at making high-quality Pokéblocks. Of course, it's not just Pokéblocks they're skilled in.
For breeders, their craft goes beyond making Pokéblocks to include breeding and raising Pokémon, massage therapy, postnatal care, and more.
As for coordinators, they specialize in raising Pokémon for contests, with an emphasis not only on moves but also on a Pokémon's physical beauty and poise, enhancing every aspect of its appeal.
So, making Pokéblocks is just one skill both coordinators and breeders hone as part of their work.
Under the guidance of Adam, the esteemed coordinator, Wallace had honed his craft to the highest level. Even Steven often sourced his Pokéblocks from Wallace.
This recipe book, incorporating Adam's and Wallace's combined techniques for Pokéblock-making, was immensely valuable.
Wallace smiled warmly.
"I heard from Steven that you also make Pokéblocks for your Pokémon. These might be useful."
Useful? That was an understatement…
Before Johan could respond, Wallace continued.
"My mentor always said that we shouldn't hoard our knowledge selfishly. When someone truly needs your help, don't withhold what you know. Besides…"
"Johan, you went out of your way to help me without hesitation."
Hearing this, Johan glanced back down at the recipe book.
To be honest, this book was more valuable than many TMs or high-tier items.
"Well, if you're sure… then thank you. It really will help a lot."
The better the Pokéblocks, the better for him and his Pokémon.
"Some recipes focus on enhancing appearance rather than stats," Wallace noted. "I've modified some, but others I haven't. You might want to experiment a bit."
The Youth Exhibition Match was still ongoing, with notable battles drawing the crowd's attention. But for Johan's group, their focus had shifted.
A notification flashed on Johan's phone, and he frowned slightly.
[Dragon Envoy]: I've got something to take care of, so I'm heading out first.
Was Lance… dodging Lorelei?
Few people could intimidate him, but Lorelei was evidently one of them.
Meanwhile, Cynthia mentioned that Diantha had to leave right after her battle, urged on by her manager's packed schedule.
Just then, Johan received another message.
[Forever 18]: Are you still in Hoenn? [Grain in the Field]: Yes, I'm in Sootopolis City.
[Forever 18]: I'm at Sootopolis too, on 3rd Street, next to the Wailord Plush Shop at the Sealeo Ice Cream Parlor…
Johan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Why did he feel like he might know this person?
"What's up?"
Cynthia asked, noticing his expression as she shaped Vulpix's fruit plate to resemble a Milotic.
"You're pretty good at this," Johan remarked.
"An online 'client' of mine also happens to be in Sootopolis and wants to meet up."
Cynthia tilted her head, intrigued.
"Want me to come along?"
Thinking of Smoochum's situation, perhaps a Milotic sighting could be the boost it needed, so Johan nodded.
"Actually, that might be good."
Sootopolis, built like a giant volcanic crater, had high outer walls sloping down to its center. Seawater streamed through the city's canals, adding to its charm and easy travel options.
Together, Johan and Cynthia took one of these iconic boat rides, heading to "Forever 18's" location on 3rd Street.
The Wailord Plush Shop was well-known, its towering Wailord sign visible from a distance.
At the Sealeo Ice Cream Parlor, Cynthia, Haunter, and the Pokémon were immediately captivated by the vibrant display of treats in the window.
"This looks delicious…"
Cynthia's eyes sparkled as she looked at Johan.
Johan, busy sending an "I'm here" message, responded automatically.
"Then get some."
Then he noticed everyone's expectant looks fixed squarely on him.
All right.
The Pokémon didn't have money, and Cynthia… well, Cynthia might take hours to decide.
Johan stepped forward, scanning the menu.
"Two Walrein Jumbo Sundaes, five Sealeo Scoops…"
Bzzt—
A Pokéball at Cynthia's waist popped open, and her Eevee bounced out.
"Eevee!"
"...Let's make that six Sealeo Scoops."
Just then…
"Professor Johan and… Cynthia?"
A slightly surprised voice sounded from the side.
There stood Lorelei, casually holding an ice cream while awkwardly hiding a Wailord plush behind her back, eyes darting between the two of them.
"Lorelei?"
"Lorelei?"
Johan and Cynthia exchanged looks, each equally surprised.
Then Johan's face shifted, realizing something.
Lance, Lorelei, Steven, Wallace, Cynthia, Diantha… so this Youth Exhibition Match had become a Patient Showcase?
They practically made up half the participant list.
Under a patio umbrella outside the Sealeo Ice Cream Parlor, Johan, Cynthia, and Lorelei sat around a table.
Haunter was thoroughly enjoying his two Walrein Jumbos, grinning mischievously as he licked each in turn.
Meanwhile, Tinkatink, Eevee, and Vulpix sat on the table with their Sealeo Scoops.
"So cute…"
Lorelei murmured, admiring the Pokémon. She quickly collected herself, clearing her throat as she summoned her Smoochum.
"Smooch?"
Smoochum looked around, momentarily lost, before her eyes landed on Vulpix.
"Smooch!"
With a squeal of delight, Smoochum hopped onto the table, wrapping her tiny arms around Vulpix and pressing her face to Vulpix's fur, nuzzling contentedly.
"Smooch~~ Smooch~~"
Vulpix—hee hee, it's Vulpix!
Seeing Smoochum's plump lips puckering up for a kiss, Vulpix's eyes went wide in horror.
"O-owoo! Σ(дlll)"
She kicked her legs frantically, trying to shake Smoochum off, but Smoochum was undeterred, determined to give her idol a smooch.
Haunter's eyes widened in shock.
This one's bolder than me…
Lorelei covered her face.
Johan could barely watch.
He'd thought Smoochum would see Vulpix as a rival—but here she was, starstruck.
Meeting her online client really was a good idea; some things just didn't translate well online.
Cynthia, however, found the scene delightful.
"Looks like Smoochum really admires Vulpix."
Seeing that Vulpix was getting "overwhelmed," Tinkatink discreetly reached for her hammer, her gaze narrowing on Smoochum.
"Chu?"
Head or rump… probably head, right?
Noticing this, Johan felt a sudden chill.
One hit to Smoochum's head, and it'd be game over…
Fortunately, Lorelei reacted quickly, recalling her overly affectionate Smoochum with a sheepish apology.
But she felt that letting Smoochum meet her "idol" might inspire her to train even harder.
They chatted for a while, with Johan offering Lorelei some final suggestions for Smoochum's progress.
When Cynthia casually mentioned that Lance had already left Sootopolis, Lorelei's demeanor instantly shifted to a more serious tone.
After hurriedly excusing herself, she handed Johan a small box as a thank-you gift and then dashed off.
"Hm?"
Watching Lorelei hurry away, Cynthia tilted her head.
"Are Lorelei and Lance… not on the best terms?"
Wait, now you're noticing?
"Not exactly. There's a saying, 'Teasing shows affection; true love kicks harder.' Lance and Lorelei are a special case," Johan said, laughing as he opened the box.
Inside was a Never-Melt Ice crystal!
[Never-Melt Ice: Boosts the power of Ice-type moves when held by a Pokémon.]
This was an expensive item.
And the quality of Lorelei's crystal was top-notch, likely worth over a million.
Johan took a deep breath.
Lorelei came from Island Four of the Sevii Islands, where the famed Icefall Cave produced Never-Melt Ice. That alone was probably worth more than several of Steven's mines.
These people were all loaded.
All Johan wanted was to offer some free guidance online for Trainers and Pokémon—yet he kept getting showered with unexpected "gifts."
It's just…
I'm really not in this for the money.
He pocketed the Never-Melt Ice and the box.
"What about Clair?"
Cynthia asked, genuinely curious and maybe… just a little intrigued.
Ah, so even Cynthia has a bit of a gossipy side, Johan mused.
"Don't worry. Lance is a high-flyer and can handle it," he said, grinning.
If Lance was tough, wait till Red got here—he'd break hearts but leave no trace.
"Oh?"
Cynthia blinked, sensing a deeper meaning behind Johan's words.
Suddenly, Cynthia smiled slyly and, with a hint of playfulness, asked,
"And what about you?"
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Powerstones?
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