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The Silver Conference had finally come to a complete close. Those who had participated or come to watch were gradually leaving, and many came to say goodbye to Liam before departing.
The first to bid him farewell was Axu and his three junior companions.
Axu was thrilled that Liam had become the Johto Champion. Laughing, he declared that one day he would challenge him and take the Champion title from his hands.
Liam simply smiled and replied that in four years, at the next Silver Conference, if Axu could win first place again, he would grant him a chance to challenge his Champion position.
Axu was overjoyed. Thumping his chest confidently, he set that as his new goal.
As for the three youngsters—Steven, Wallace, and Winona—Steven still looked unconvinced and unwilling to accept defeat, while Wallace and Winona seemed more admiring of Liam. They too set new goals for themselves, vowing to grow stronger and one day return to challenge him.
Liam gladly accepted.
After that, others who were close to him came to say their goodbyes as well. Anon, who had narrowly lost in the finals, as well as Yasha and Harribel—both of whom had battled Liam before—also stopped by to exchange farewells.
By the time most people in Silver Town had departed, Liam and Delia were preparing to return to Kanto.
They had been away for quite some time. The Silver Conference was over—it was time to go home.
The Ketchum couple had already left earlier, planning to travel around the Johto region. Professor Oak had also contacted them during this time, saying he had already returned to Kanto with Max and Lina.
With nothing more left to do in Johto, Liam and Delia packed their things with satisfied hearts and prepared to leave.
After saying goodbye to Lance—whose eyelid had been twitching nonstop—Liam and Delia boarded the Aerodactyl Flight bound for Kanto and quickly headed home.
After three days of stopovers and flights, they finally returned to Pallet Town on the afternoon of the third day.
Slightly excited, the two opened their front door and stepped inside. Seeing the house still neat and tidy, they exchanged smiles before starting what was essentially unnecessary cleaning.
It was obvious that someone had been coming by regularly to clean while they were away—the house was spotless. Their "cleaning" was simply a way to feel that comforting sense of home.
Since there was hardly anything to tidy up, it ended quickly. After unpacking their travel bags, they decided to visit Professor Oak's house to see how everyone was doing. Calculating the timing, Professor Oak should have returned about two days earlier than they had.
Knock knock knock—
"Coming!"
After Liam and Delia knocked, the door opened to reveal Max, whose face showed clear surprise upon seeing them.
"Y-you're here?"
He hadn't expected it to be them. His tone and expression were slightly awkward as he stepped aside to let them in.
"Why wouldn't I come? This is my home too, you know~"
Liam shamelessly pulled Delia inside with a completely natural expression.
"Hmph."
Max only snorted, choosing not to argue.
"Oh~ Little Liam! Delia! You're back! Hehe~ That's wonderful! Our whole family is finally reunited! Come, come, sit down! Auntie will make you something delicious~ Max! Contact your dad and tell him to come back early!"
Hearing Liam's voice, Aunt Fumiko hurried out of the kitchen. The moment she saw them, her entire face lit up with joy, her eyes brimming with happiness.
"Hehe~ I knew Auntie made something tasty~ That's why we came at this exact time~ I'm definitely eating a big meal tonight!"
Feeling warmth overflow in his heart, Liam quickly stepped forward and grabbed her arm playfully.
"Hmph. So cheesy."
Max couldn't stand watching Liam flatter Aunt Fumiko and turned away with a cold snort.
"What are you snorting for! Go call your father!"
Aunt Fumiko immediately shot him down with a single sentence.
Feeling emotionally wounded, Max flicked his head and went off to contact Professor Oak.
Liam: (￢￢)
Seeing Max's suppressed frustration, Liam wore a victorious expression.
Just then, the kitchen door opened again.
"Grandma? The vegetables are coated in egg batter—should we start frying them? Oh! Liam and Delia! Wow, it's been so long!"
Lina, visibly pregnant, stepped out with a bright smile.
Following behind her was little Pichu, who had been staying home to keep Aunt Fumiko company.
"Pi~ Pi~"
"Aaaah~ Pichu~ It's been so long~ I missed you so much!"
The moment Delia saw the round little Pichu waddle out, her eyes sparkled pink. She rushed over, scooped Pichu into her arms, and gave it a thorough cuddle.
"Oh my, that's enough~ Lina, you go rest! I told you I'd handle dinner! Your most important job now is to take care of yourself, understand? Go on, go on~ You young people sit and chat!"
Aunt Fumiko guided Lina gently to a chair, smiling so widely her eyes nearly disappeared as she gazed at her daughter-in-law's belly. She was clearly extremely satisfied with both her daughter-in-law and the future granddaughter.
(Don't ask how she knew it's a granddaughter. She just did.)
In the end, Lina couldn't argue and obediently stayed seated.
"Delia, keep Lina company. I'll help Aunt Fumiko cook."
Seeing Aunt Fumiko head back to the kitchen, Liam followed to assist.
As evening fell and the sky darkened, the familiar sound of brakes echoed outside. Professor Oak hurried in through the door.
"Haha~ Liam! Delia! Welcome home!"
The moment he stepped inside, he saw Delia chatting with Lina and Liam setting dishes on the table. His face lit up, unable to hide his smile.
Liam & Delia: "Yes. We're home."
It was a long-awaited, warm dinner. The entire house was filled with happiness. Even Max—normally cold-faced—was forced into an awkward smile under Lina's glare, looking completely henpecked.
Professor Oak and Liam secretly chuckled from the side, joking that Lina would need to keep Max in line in the future—both of them utterly lacking in self-awareness.
After dinner, everyone cleaned up together and sat chatting happily about recent events. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm.
Late into the night, Liam and Delia stood up to leave. Just as they stepped outside, Professor Oak suddenly remembered something. He rushed back inside—then hurried out again.
"Haha! I almost forgot! Liam, look—the matter you gave me money to handle has been taken care of. These are the keys. I'm handing them to you now."
Professor Oak grabbed Liam's hand and placed several keys into his palm.
Liam stared at them blankly. After a brief pause, he tightened his grip firmly around the keys. Then he bowed deeply to Professor Oak before turning and pulling the confused Delia along as they quickly headed toward their own house.