Simon had long since grown disgusted with Sebastian.
On the surface, Sebastian always wore an easy smile, polite and agreeable. But beneath that façade, he was arrogant—and deeply greedy.
The moment negotiations began, he didn't hesitate to demand a Held Item.
Held Items were exceedingly rare, capable of significantly boosting a Pokémon's strength.
At present, the only way to obtain one was through High-Risk Zones. Deep within those dangerous Zones, inside Ancient Ruins, Rare Relics could sometimes be discovered.
Even modern technology couldn't replicate them.
Because of that, Held Items were considered treasures worldwide. Even with enough money, securing one wasn't guaranteed.
The Wright family did possess one.
It had originally been meant for Simon's future use.
And now Sebastian had brazenly demanded it for himself.
How could Simon possibly feel good about that?
Yet his father had already agreed.
There was nothing he could do.
The moment Simon saw Aaron arrive, he hurried over.
"Aaron… you're here!!"
"Let me introduce you—this is my father, Richard Wright!"
"Dad… this is the Aaron I told you about. His strength isn't inferior to those on the Hidden Dragon List—he may even surpass them!"
Simon spoke with a bright smile as he made the introductions.
"Hello, Mr. Wright."
As the younger guest, Aaron took the initiative to greet Richard with a slight nod.
But before Richard could respond—
A burst of laughter came from the side.
"Heh… hahaha…"
Sebastian was the one laughing.
"Sorry. I just heard what Wright's son said and couldn't help myself."
"My apologies—"
He broke into laughter again before he could finish.
Simon's expression darkened instantly as he shot Sebastian a glare.
Richard's face shifted slightly as well, but he quickly forced a chuckle.
"Haha… my son may have exaggerated a little."
"Kids say foolish things sometimes."
He gave Simon a sharp look, silently warning him not to speak out of turn.
Then he turned his attention back to Aaron.
For a moment, Richard felt the boy looked vaguely familiar—but he couldn't place where he had seen him before.
"Hello, Aaron."
"I'll be counting on you in this challenge tournament as well."
Aaron shifted his gaze away from Sebastian and met Richard's eyes with a faint smile.
"Mr. Wright, you can rest assured."
"Leave it to me."
His tone was calm and steady, as if it were no more difficult than taking a sip of water.
A soft laugh sounded from the side.
"Heh… seriously?"
Sebastian gave Aaron a mocking look, barely able to hide his amusement.
"That's quite the bold claim."
"Careful you don't end up embarrassing yourself."
"Do you even know what the Hidden Dragon List is?"
"Not inferior to those ranked on it?"
"Even surpass them?"
He let out a short laugh.
"That's the funniest thing I've heard all year."
To Sebastian, the world seemed full of people who overestimated themselves.
It was ridiculous.
"Who the hell are you calling a joke!?"
Victor's temper flared instantly. His face flushed red as he pointed at Sebastian and shouted.
"Victor—watch your mouth!"
Richard's expression darkened as he snapped the order.
"Uncle!"
"Didn't you hear what he—"
Victor's eyes burned with anger, but he was cut off again.
"I said enough. Are you deaf?"
The atmosphere around Richard shifted in an instant. The easygoing demeanor vanished, replaced by the imposing presence of a man accustomed to authority. His gaze hardened as he fixed Victor with a cold stare.
He might compromise on many things—
but the position of head of the Wright family was not one of them.
Power had become second nature to him. Anyone who threatened his authority crossed a line he would not tolerate.
A faint chill flickered in Richard's eyes.
...