"Young man, there's no need to be nervous."
The elderly woman smiled warmly.
"My name is Shizuka Joy. I'm also one of the investors behind the Blissey-class cruise liner."
"You could say I'm Lia's elder."
Elder Joy gently released the attendants supporting her and glanced meaningfully at Silas and Lia.
A knowing smile rested on her face.
"So it's Senior Shizuka."
Silas placed a hand over his chest and gave a slight bow.
"What can I do for you?"
Of course, Silas had already noticed Lia subtly signaling to him from behind Elder Joy.
Because of that, his etiquette remained flawless.
Not even the slightest opening was left for others to notice anything unusual. Seeing his respectful attitude, Shizuka Joy's mood visibly improved.
She carefully looked Silas up and down, a trace of appreciation appearing in her eyes.
"Haha, it's nothing."
"I simply enjoy watching battles."
"Unfortunately, as everyone knows, members of the Joy family generally don't possess much talent as trainers But our family values talent greatly."
"When I saw how easily you defeated your opponent earlier, I originally intended to recruit you."
"Though I certainly didn't expect…You were already one of the Joy family's investment targets."
Her words carried deeper meaning. At the same time, she casually glanced toward Eric, who had been quietly trying to retreat into the crowd.
The warning was obvious.
This boy was under the Joy family's protection.
Eric immediately broke out in cold sweat, hurriedly bowing his head repeatedly.
Shizuka Joy merely looked at him with faint disdain.
A small second-rate family like his simply wasn't worth her personal attention.
With her status, all she needed to do was reveal even the slightest dissatisfaction And countless people would gladly destroy the Kane family for her sake.
"During my travels, I've received quite a bit of help from the Joy family."
Silas bowed once more.
"I'm very grateful."
The Joy family's help…Shizuka Joy shot Lia a mildly amused look. She had told her granddaughter to choose a suitable husband.
Who would've thought she had already hidden away such a young sweetheart?
Still…After reviewing Silas's information, even she had to admit:
A seventeen-year-old certified Pokémon Breeder with this level of battling ability Was undeniably outstanding But talent still required testing.
"Everyone here tonight is either a partner of the Joy family or a close friend."
"There are also many talented young trainers aboard this ship."
"So…I've decided to organize a battle competition during the voyage."
"In any case, we still have one day and one night before reaching Slateport City."
"It won't interfere with anyone's schedule And since it's a competition…There will naturally be rewards."
Shizuka Joy smiled faintly.
"The champion's prizes will be:
• TM26 – Earthquake
• TM76 – Stealth Rock
• TM71 – Stone Edge"
As she announced the rewards Her gaze casually drifted toward Sandile beside Silas.
Only for a brief moment But Silas noticed it immediately.
His eyes narrowed slightly ,Then returned to normal.
All three TMs Were moves Sandile could learn.
Coincidence? Or intentional?
"To make things more lively," Shizuka Joy continued,
"Everyone who participates will receive a consolation reward of 5,000 Pokédollars regardless of victory or defeat."
"In addition, participants will receive a commemorative badge for this voyage."
After saying that, she finally departed with her attendants.
Only after Shizuka Joy completely disappeared from sight Did the atmosphere finally relax.
Everyone quietly let out a breath of relief. Facing an elder who held true authority within a massive family like the Joys ,Whether noble trainers or ordinary civilians Everyone felt pressure.
As for Eric? The single glance Shizuka Joy gave him had nearly scared him to death.
Forget revenge Now all he could think about was how to repair his relationship with Silas. And more importantly ,How to erase the terrible impression he had left on Elder Joy.
After all, someone of her status didn't need to personally take action.
A single casual complaint during a social gathering Would be enough for others to move against the Kane family just to earn her favor.
Naturally, Eric wasn't the only one who noticed Shizuka Joy's attitude toward Silas. Many clever people present understood it as well.
Unfortunately for them ,By the time they reacted and tried searching for Silas ,He had already disappeared from the banquet hall.
....
Inside a luxurious private corridor.
Silas looked at the slightly flustered beauty before him and asked teasingly:
"So… Those three TMs your grandmother offered…"
"Is this considered a test?"
Anyone with eyes could tell.
Every single TM was perfectly suited for Sandile. Joy naturally understood that as well. Which only made her feel even more embarrassed.
"T-That's not what it is…"
"My grandmother just values talented people."
She nervously twirled a strand of hair around her finger while avoiding Silas's amused gaze But in the end, she still couldn't help adding softly:
"You'd better perform well in the competition later…"
The moment she finished speaking Her face turned completely red And she hurriedly ran away.
Silas watched her retreating figure disappear down the corridor.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
He chuckled softly,He could naturally see her feelings.
"Marrying into the Joy family…That really would be an interesting opportunity."
"If they don't try anything involving mental manipulation… I might actually consider it."
Silas admitted Part of him had indeed been influenced by emotion But deep down ,He was still an absolute pragmatist and A cold-blooded realist.
He never acted based purely on feelings.
Only profit and loss.
Even his current ambiguous relationship with Lia ,At its core Was still tied to benefits.
If one day she could no longer provide value,He would leave without hesitation.
Of course, realistically–That day would probably never come.
A direct descendant of the Joy family.
Granddaughter of an elder.
Talented Pokémon Breeder.
Who is Beautiful,Kind and Influential. Any one of those qualities alone made her worth investing in.
Even occasionally using his appearance and charm in exchange for benefits Wasn't unacceptable.
A true man knew when to bend And when to stand tall. That was one of the principles Silas carved deep into his heart.
To achieve success by any means necessary, To climb higher without caring about consequences and To abandon naïve kindness.
Just like the Dark-type handbook once given to him by Sidney of the Elite Four.
One sentence inside remained deeply engraved in his memory:
["Every trainer who loves Dark-types hides a rebel deep within their heart."
"They are fearless."
"Bold."
"And dangerously insane."]
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(End of chapter)