Seeing Caitlin's visible displeasure, Gary quickly clarified, "You misunderstand, Miss Caitlin. I don't think you're old. I simply mean there might be a significant generation gap between us, and I already have a girlfriend."
Caitlin was a powerful Psychic-type specialist.
Although Gary wasn't sure who was stronger between her and Sabrina, considering Caitlin had been prone to psychic outbursts and wild rages during battles since childhood, she certainly wasn't weak.
In fact, Darach had originally been hired to take her place as a Frontier Brain specifically because her psychic power would run wild when she lost control.
"What?! You have a girlfriend at your age?"
Caitlin, who had been on the verge of throwing a temper, suddenly perked up with intense curiosity the moment she heard Gary mention a girlfriend.
Even Cynthia was intrigued. Although they hadn't interacted much, Cynthia didn't view Gary as the type of child to fall in love at a young age, so learning he actually had a girlfriend was a surprise.
Then again, considering Gary's background—he was Professor Oak's grandson.
Back in Pallet Town, he was practically the most eligible young bachelor, making him the top choice for any girl in town. Most wouldn't even mind if he had multiple girlfriends.
"That's a private matter. There's no need to elaborate, Miss Caitlin," Gary said evenly.
"Tell me! If you tell me, I'll grant you a wish—as long as it doesn't violate my principles," Caitlin bargained.
Gary was a little speechless. He hadn't expected someone like Caitlin to be such a gossip.
Willing to grant a wish just to satisfy her curiosity—it really showed how the wealthy operated on a completely different logic.
"Any wish?" Gary asked.
He paused for a second. He had expected Gary to refuse outright, but instead, he seemed to be taking the bait.
It seems charm is useless on him, but tangible benefits can actually move him, she thought. Hmph, what a greedy little brat.
"As long as it doesn't violate my principles, you can tell me what you want first, and I'll see if it's acceptable," Caitlin said.
Without hesitation, Gary replied, "I don't have any unreasonable demands. Just give me a Larvesta."
Caitlin: (QAQ)!
Cynthia: (O_O)??!
Darach: ∑(OvO")!
All three of them stood frozen in shock. They couldn't believe Gary actually dared to ask for that.
Larvesta evolved into Volcarona.
In the Unova region, Volcarona was revered as the avatar of the sun. In the eyes of ancient Unovans, its status was almost on par with a mythical totem.
"You really dare to ask," Caitlin said flatly.
"I'm not asking for a Pseudo-Legendary, just a Larvesta. Don't tell me Miss Caitlin can't manage even that?" Gary prodded.
Caitlin felt an urge to punch him.
Although Volcarona wasn't technically a Pseudo-Legendary, it was even rarer than most of them. Finding a wild Volcarona was exceedingly difficult. Even with the immense status and wealth of the House of Caitlin in Unova, acquiring one was no easy task.
After all, the strongest Pokémon held by Alder, the Champion of the Unova Alliance, was a Volcarona.
Seeing Gary act as though she lacked the capability, Caitlin's pride naturally wouldn't let it slide.
"Although it's difficult, I can certainly manage it. But giving you a Volcarona just to satisfy my curiosity about your girlfriend? Do you think I'm stupid?" Caitlin retorted.
Gossip was just gossip. Asking for a couple hundred thousand Poké Dollars would have been fine, but a Larvesta was pushing it way too far.
Caitlin was rich, but she wasn't an idiot.
Tsk... Gary thought. She didn't fall for it.
"In that case, Miss Caitlin, please refrain from asking about my girlfriend. If her identity gets exposed, it will cause quite a stir," Gary said smoothly.
"I think you're just bluffing. You're a thirteen-year-old kid—who could your girlfriend possibly be?" Caitlin scoffed in disbelief.
"If you don't believe me, forget it. Since you don't want to know, I'll take my leave," Gary said, turning to walk away.
"Wait a moment!"
Gary had taken only a few steps before Caitlin called out to stop him.
"Is there something else, Miss Caitlin?" Gary asked, turning back.
"Fine, you win. But a Volcarona is impossible—change your condition," Caitlin conceded, unable to fight off her overwhelming urge to know the gossip. She was willing to negotiate a lower price.
Cynthia, standing to the side, was completely speechless.
Even if Gary has a girlfriend, what does it have to do with you, Caitlin?
"Alright, then I'll compromise. If I remember correctly, the Unova region has the Bisharp line, right?" Gary said.
"What? You want to train a Bisharp? Don't tell me you're planning to become a Dark-type trainer?"
Given that Gary had just used a Tyranitar—which also possessed the Dark type—in his match against Darach, Caitlin assumed he specialized in Dark-type Pokémon.
"No," Gary shook his head. "I just need Miss Caitlin's help to find three Bisharp carrying a Leader's Crest."
If a Bisharp wanted to evolve into Kingambit, it needed to defeat three other Bisharp that carried a Leader's Crest.
The Leader's Crest was an item naturally possessed by certain dominant Bisharp when Pawniard evolved. Wearing it allowed Bisharp to command groups of Pawniard, effectively making it an exclusive held item for pack leaders.
However, Bisharp carrying a Leader's Crest were extremely rare. Tracking down three of them on his own would be a massive headache for Gary.
"That... I can agree to. But your girlfriend's status better not be ordinary, or else I'm calling off the deal," Caitlin stipulated.
"Then let me give you a preview: my girlfriend is a public figure, and she's prominent in the Unova region," Gary hinted.
"What?!"
"Fine! I accept your terms, now tell me quickly!"
Caitlin agreed instantly. Unova's Pokéstar Studios produced famous films, and those public figures were major celebrities.
Gary didn't spill the news right away. Instead, he looked over at Darach and Cynthia, his intent obvious.
"Don't worry, Gary, I won't spread it around," Cynthia assured him.
"Without my lady's permission, I certainly won't utter a word," Darach added.
It was clear that both of them were thoroughly invested in the gossip as well. They might not have cared much before, but hearing that the girlfriend was a prominent public figure connected to Unova's film industry ignited their inner curiosity.
Gary then looked back at Caitlin.
Understanding his gaze, Caitlin promised, "Don't worry, I won't leak a single word to the outside world."
With assurances from all three, Gary took a deep breath and lowered his voice.
"My girlfriend is Sabrina."
Silence fell over the entire courtyard.
The whole backyard went dead quiet.
"Pfft—Hahaha!"
Caitlin burst out laughing.
Gary: →_→