Seeing Caitlin's expression darken in visible displeasure, Gary lifted a hand slightly in clarification.
"Miss Caitlin, you misunderstand," he said calmly. "I don't think you're old. I simply mean that there may be a significant generation gap between us. That alone makes certain assumptions unrealistic. And besides—I already have a girlfriend."
The shift in atmosphere was immediate.
Caitlin, who had been on the verge of irritation, froze mid-expression.
"What?" she said, blinking once. "You already have a girlfriend at such a young age?"
The annoyance vanished, replaced entirely by intrigue.
Even Cynthia's composure wavered slightly.
Although she hadn't known Gary long, he didn't seem like the type to start dating this early. His demeanor was mature, yes—but also focused, strategic, and goal-driven.
Romantic entanglements didn't seem like his priority.
Yet here he was—declaring it so matter-of-factly.
Then again…
He was Professor Oak's grandson.
He had already won multiple regional conferences.
He carried himself with the confidence of someone who stood far above his peers.
With that background, it wasn't difficult to imagine many girls taking interest in him.
In fact, in certain elite circles, it wouldn't be shocking if more than one did.
"That's my private matter," Gary replied evenly. "There's no need to elaborate, Miss Caitlin."
Caitlin leaned forward slightly, crimson eyes glinting with sharpened curiosity.
"Oh? Now I really want to know."
Her tone shifted from teasing to strategic.
"Tell me. If you do, I'll grant you one wish—as long as it doesn't violate my principles."
Gary paused.
He hadn't expected that escalation.
For the sake of gossip, she was willing to exchange favors?
The wealthy truly operated on a different logic.
"Any wish?" he asked calmly.
Caitlin hesitated for half a breath. She had assumed he would refuse out of pride or privacy.
Instead, he looked… interested.
So beauty doesn't work on him—but tangible benefits do, she thought with a faint internal huff.
"As long as it doesn't violate my principles," she clarified. "Tell me what you want first. If it's reasonable, I'll agree."
Gary didn't hesitate.
"I don't have excessive demands," he said. "Just give me a Larvesta."
Silence.
Caitlin: (QAQ)
Cynthia: (O_O)?
Darach: ∑(OvO")!
All three of them stared at him.
They truly had not expected that.
Larvesta.
The pre-evolution of Volcarona.
In the Unova region, Volcarona was known as the embodiment of the sun. Ancient murals depicted it as a radiant guardian. In some desert regions, it had once been worshipped as a divine being during harsh winters when it was said to bring warmth and light.
It wasn't classified as a Pseudo-Legendary.
But in terms of rarity?
It might as well have been.
"You really dare to ask," Caitlin said slowly.
"I'm not asking for a Pseudo-Legendary," Gary replied with a composed shrug. "Surely Miss Caitlin can manage a Larvesta?"
Caitlin felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to throw a teacup.
Volcarona wasn't technically a Pseudo-Legendary.
But that didn't make it common.
Wild Larvesta were extremely scarce.
Even within the Unova region—her home region—acquiring one required significant influence, negotiation, and patience.
And then there was Alder.
Unova's Champion.
His ace Pokémon was Volcarona.
That alone elevated its symbolic weight.
Seeing Caitlin hesitate, Gary said nothing.
He simply waited.
"Although it would be difficult, I could manage it," Caitlin admitted finally. "But just to know who your girlfriend is, you expect a Volcarona line Pokémon? Do you think I'm foolish?"
Her tone sharpened slightly.
Gossip was gossip.
If he had asked for a modest sum—one or two hundred thousand Poké Dollars—she would have agreed instantly.
But a Volcarona?
That was no small favor.
Caitlin was wealthy.
But she was not naive.
"Then please don't ask about my girlfriend, Miss Caitlin," Gary replied calmly. "If her identity is exposed, it could significantly impact her."
"I think you're exaggerating," Caitlin said skeptically. "You're thirteen. Who could your girlfriend possibly be?"
There was genuine disbelief in her voice.
At thirteen, most trainers were still figuring out type matchups—not dating high-profile individuals.
"If you don't believe me, forget it," Gary said lightly. "Since you don't want to know, I'll take my leave."
He turned without drama and began walking toward the garden path.
"Wait."
He had taken barely three steps before Caitlin's voice stopped him.
Gary turned back slowly.
"Miss Caitlin, is there something else?"
Caitlin narrowed her eyes.
She knew she was being baited.
And she hated that it was working.
"Fine. You win," she said with visible reluctance. "But Volcarona is impossible. Change your condition."
Cynthia stood to the side, utterly speechless.
Even if Gary had a girlfriend… what did that have to do with Caitlin's competitive pride?
Yet here they were.
Negotiating like diplomats over classified intelligence.
Gary considered for half a second.
"Alright," he said. "I'll compromise."
He clasped his hands lightly behind his back.
"I recall that in the Unova region, Bisharp can evolve further under special conditions."
Caitlin blinked.
"What? You want a Bisharp? Are you planning to become a Dark-type specialist?"
After watching Gary deploy Tyranitar, Snarl, Dark Pulse, and layered Dark-type strategies earlier, she had begun forming that suspicion.
"No," Gary shook his head. "I need you to help me find three Bisharp that carry a Leader's Crest."
This time, even Cynthia's brows lifted slightly.
Leader's Crest.
An item naturally associated with certain dominant Bisharp—those that commanded groups of Pawniard and lesser Bisharp.
To evolve into Kingambit, a Bisharp must defeat three other Bisharp holding a Leader's Crest.
Not just defeat.
Overpower.
Prove dominance.
However—
Bisharp that carried a Leader's Crest were rare.
They were territorial.
Aggressive.
And not easily found in clusters.
For Gary to locate three independently would require enormous time and travel.
Caitlin fell into thoughtful silence.
Compared to Volcarona—
This was significantly more feasible.
Still not simple.
But manageable.
"That… I can agree to," she said finally. "But your girlfriend's status must not be ordinary. If this turns out to be trivial gossip, I won't honor the deal."
"Fair," Gary replied.
He paused briefly.
"Then let me give you a hint first."
Caitlin leaned forward instinctively.
"My girlfriend is a celebrity," Gary continued evenly. "And she's from the Unova region."
"What?!"
Caitlin shot upright.
Cynthia's composure cracked for the second time that afternoon.
Unova's entertainment industry was massive.
Pokémon films.
Competitive showcases.
Battle exhibitions.
Regional ambassadors.
Its celebrities weren't minor figures—they were internationally recognized.
"Fine! I agree to your condition," Caitlin said immediately. "Now tell me quickly!"
Gary did not answer.
Instead, he glanced meaningfully at Cynthia and Darach.
Cynthia understood the implication at once.
"Don't worry," she said calmly. "I won't spread it."
Darach placed a hand over his chest slightly.
"Without Miss Caitlin's permission, I would never reveal such information."
It was clear.
They were invested now.
Originally, it had been idle curiosity.
Now—
It was classified gossip.
Gary looked at Caitlin.
She inhaled once and nodded firmly.
"I promise I won't tell anyone."
With all three having given their word, Gary took a slow breath and lowered his voice.
"My girlfriend is Sabrina."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the distant rustle of garden leaves seemed to pause.
Cynthia blinked once.
Darach's expression remained frozen in polite neutrality—though his pupils had subtly dilated.
Then—
"Hahahahaha!"
Caitlin burst into laughter.
Not a soft chuckle.
Not restrained amusement.
Full, unfiltered laughter.
Gary: →_→