"Then I look forward to your visit," Lucas cheerfully agreed.
To get his farm's products to the world, both reputation and visibility were necessary.
Just as he'd previously thought—through influencer Iono or via Siebold's menu, it all spreads the farm's name.
Having the farm's produce purchased by Siebold's restaurant would also create a high-quality niche reputation.
It was a win-win for both parties—why not agree?
Maybe it was the chance to finally let his pent-up frustrations out, but Siebold was suddenly talkative, chatting with Lucas for quite a while.
During their conversation, the original question came up again.
Siebold asked curiously, "You're at the airport to pick up someone? Surely not me, right?" His last sentence was in a teasing tone.
He was aware his visit was a spur-of-the-moment decision—of course, Lucas couldn't have known or come to meet him specially.
Most likely Lucas was here for someone else, and they just ran into one another.
Since Siebold brought it up, and it wasn't any big secret, Lucas replied, "Funny coincidence, my guests are also from Kalos. You might even know them."
"Oh?" Siebold perked up.
"It's Clemont, the Lumiose Gym Leader, and his little sister," Lucas said.
After a moment's thought, Siebold hit his palm with his fist, enlightenment in his eyes. "Ah, him!"
Even though Siebold rarely visited the League and focused on cooking, he'd heard of Clemont—the young prodigy Gym Leader of Lumiose, Kalos's premier city, heralded as a genius inventor.
Actually, at his battle-banquet, the masked man in strange attire—who brought an invitation for the Lumiose Gym—came from Clemont.
Lucas knowing that young prodigy was hardly surprising.
Siebold shared a few tidbits well known in Kalos:
For example, the Prism Tower lighting system was designed by Clemont alone.
And they even named a tower after one of his inventions.
The two chatted happily, and Siebold mentioned several times that even the mysterious Mr. Lysandre had discreetly tried to gather information about Lucas.
This left Lucas speechless.
Time passed quickly, and the airport began broadcasting the imminent arrival of Kalos Diamond Airways D0719.
Siebold's attention shifted to Luxray beside Lucas.
He had already noticed Luxray, but until now, hadn't brought it up.
Siebold turned and asked, "This Luxray is...?"
Mentioned, Luxray raised its eyes to regard Siebold; Lucas stroked its thick, soft fur and replied, "He's my starter Pokémon."
Just those simple words told Siebold how important Luxray was to Lucas—and its strength would not disappoint.
Siebold became excited: "Shall we have a battle later? Since last time, my Blastoise and I have increased our strength quite a bit."
Lucas looked confused. "You sure?"
Mega Blastoise couldn't even beat my Ceruledge before—now you want to fight my Luxray?
But Siebold, emboldened, nodded vigorously, "I'm sure!"
A thorough Pokémon battle would help him release his pent-up pressure!
Last time, he hadn't been able to face Lucas's true main force—this time, he had to settle that score!
With Siebold so eager, and Luxray also quietly eager to test its progress, Lucas could only agree, "Then after I pick up the guests, let's battle."
Siebold asked, "Where?"
"I'll arrange it, don't worry."
There was a private battle arena inside Levincia Gym—Iono usually used it for training or for League assessments.
It would do.
Seeing the timing, Lucas stood up, looking toward the terminal; through the spotless glass windows, a white jet had just docked.
Time to meet his guests.
He called Luxray and strode toward the arrivals gate. Siebold hefted his precious toolkit and followed.
…
"This is Paldea, huh? The air really does feel fresher than Kalos," Clemont said, hauling his suitcase and tightly holding his little sister Bonnie's hand.
Bonnie, wise beyond her years, pouted. "That's just your imagination, big brother."
Clemont gave her an awkward smile, unable to find a convincing response.
Suddenly, spotting something, he released his suitcase, adjusted his glasses, and focused his gaze, "Is that... Mr. Lucas!"
"Honestly, big brother's so clueless. Dad already said Big Brother Lucas would be picking us up!" Bonnie let go of Clemont's hand, made a face, and skipped toward the waving Lucas.
She ran up, hugging Lucas's leg. But before she could say hi, her eyes sparkled at the sight of Luxray. "Wow, a Luxray!"
Lucas was well aware of Bonnie's lively personality and thought it suited her age perfectly.
He grinned and patted her head. "Bonnie, do you know Luxray?"
"Yep! Big brother said, after Luxio evolves, it becomes Luxray!" Bonnie replied.
She then boldly asked, "Big brother Lucas, can I pet Luxray?"
"If he's willing, I don't mind."
"Yay!"
Bonnie cheered, stepping in front of Luxray with stars in her eyes.
"Big kitty, can I pet you?"
Luxray gazed at her, then nodded.
After all, it had accompanied Lucas in watching over countless "kids" and was used to such requests.
Bonnie's eyes lit up as she threw herself onto Luxray, burying her face in the thick mane.
Seeing this, Lucas felt jealous.
Not of Luxray, but of Bonnie.
After all, even he couldn't shamelessly bury his face in Luxray's fur in public.
For now, only at home...
"Haah... Hah—"
"Bonnie, that's very rude!" Clemont gasped as he caught up, admonishing his little sister.
"It's you who are too uptight, big brother!"
Bonnie stuck out her tongue and remained buried in Luxray's fur.
Helpless, Clemont bowed stiffly to Lucas. "Sorry for all this trouble, Mr. Lucas..."
He was interrupted instantly.
"No need for formalities. I'm friends with your father—just call me what your sister does. Relax."
Lucas patted Clemont's shoulder, and the boy's nerves eased considerably.
Clemont nodded faintly.
Having watched the scene, Siebold now appeared from behind Lucas, greeting Clemont with a wave. "Hey, Clemont!"
Clemont froze, then his expression changed as he cried, "Mr. Siebold!"
Bonnie, pulling her face from Luxray's fur trap, gazed at Siebold wide-eyed. "It's the chef whose food is soooo delicious, so good I even considered marrying my big brother off to you!"
Lucas & Luxray: "..."
Clemont, meanwhile, turned bright red.
But Siebold handled it with a graceful chuckle. He crouched down and kissed Bonnie's hand elegantly.
"Thank you for your kind words, lovely young lady."
"However—"
"It seems your brother needs a beautiful bride more than I do."
"Behave yourself."
Bonnie blushed, mumbling quietly.
With Clemont and Bonnie greeted, Lucas led them smoothly out of Levincia Airport.
Also with them was Siebold, Kalos's Water-type Elite Four and famed chef.
Their next stop: Levincia Gym.
When Clemont heard Lucas and Siebold planned a battle, he was absolutely thrilled and immediately agreed to postpone sightseeing.
A battle between an Elite Four and a Paldea Champion-level trainer—it was worth the whole trip!
Bonnie rode on Luxray's back, experiencing what it was like to ride something different from Luxio, her interest in Levincia City only growing. She fired off endless questions at every sight.
On the way, Clemont curiously asked Siebold why he was here, but Siebold gave only a vague reply to brush him off.
Though not great at socializing, Clemont had a certain sensitivity—he didn't probe further.
Like why Siebold would leave Kalos during his restaurant's popularity peak.
After all, Siebold's restaurant had only recently opened, and he'd invited Clemont's family for a meal.
After not walking long through the city, the silhouette of Levincia Gym appeared ahead.
Having just finished a livestream and still feeling angry, Iono was waiting at the Gym gates.
She was in a bad mood, but still greeted them warmly.
Actually, Iono hadn't wanted to host Lucas—she still held a grudge.
She still remembered losing in front of everyone, with temporary partner Kilowattrel at the Gym, thanks to Lucas. She practically wanted to put up a "Lucas and His Doggos Not Welcome Here!" sign at the Gym.
And as for Chansey? Iono wouldn't dare offend Nurse Joy!
Annoyingly, Lucas invoked Chairwoman Geeta to guilt her—saying that neglecting such honored Kalos visitors would upset the Chairwoman.
Iono forced a stiff smile, flashing shark-like teeth, but it didn't reach her eyes. "The battle arena is ready. Come with me."
Lucas didn't mind, but Clemont shuddered a little, obviously intimidated by Iono.
Bonnie, meanwhile, stared after Iono's retreating form, thinking about Siebold's earlier words.
Following Iono into the Gym, they soon reached the battlefield.
Siebold looked around and praised, "Excellent battlefield, you can really see the care put into it!"
A round of praise left Iono beaming—she happily ran off to serve as referee.
Siebold winked slyly at Lucas.
Teamwork, huh?
Lucas nodded in appreciation and walked to his side of the field.
Clemont and Bonnie sat on the viewing benches.
Clemont, eyes full of passion, stared at Lucas's Luxray and pulled out three Poké Balls, clicking the buttons.
Red light flashed—three Pokémon appeared:
Luxio, Helioptile, and Rotom. All Electric-types, fitting Clemont's status as Electric-type Gym Leader.
He looked excited, addressing them, "Watch closely, everyone! Don't miss a single detail!"
As a Champion-level Electric-type trainer, Lucas was Clemont's idol—he was determined to study Lucas's battle style closely.
Thankfully, he brought his camera to record the match!
All three Pokémon responded excitedly.
Especially Luxio—never mind the experience it would get from watching an evolved form like Luxray.
Just knowing it was thanks to Lucas and Oranguru helping Clemont that they reconnected made him even more attentive.
Iono glanced over, mumbling, "That boy's an Electric-type trainer too?"
At that moment, Lucas and Siebold were ready.
"I'll use Luxray," Lucas smiled.
Luxray strode swiftly to center stage, crackling with electricity.
Siebold took a deep breath, holding his Poké Ball tight.
"Even if it's not all sweet, the aftertaste will benefit you greatly—
Taste this battle well, Blastoise!"
Bang!
With a great thud and swirling dust, the heavily armored Blastoise stood firm on the battlefield.
…
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