Though called a guesthouse, it bore no resemblance to a villa. Instead, it was more like a training ground for Erika—a dojo for practicing kyudo, a quiet room for flower arrangement and tea ceremony—these were all that comprised the place.
"Is this also a form of training, Erika…?"
Ryuuske wore a dojo uniform as he stood at the edge of the archery range, bow drawn with an arrow knocked. Erika stood beside him, correcting his posture. She was very close to him, and the scent of the young girl was something one could never tire of. It seemed she wore a different perfume every day, yet no matter the fragrance, it blended perfectly with her natural aroma, effortlessly carrying a fresh and clean aura—just like her understated elegance.
She wore a red-and-white dojo uniform that looked more like Miko's attire. Erika's petite frame stood on tiptoe, her bare feet lightly touching the wooden floor as her fair, jade-like hands adjusted Ryuuske's wrist. Her voice was soft as she spoke, "…Occasionally practicing archery not only calms the mind but also serves as a relaxing pastime."
The gentle touch of her fingertips on his skin left Ryuuske feeling a soft, cool sensation.
"Lower your wrist a little more… just a bit more… There, that's the posture. Please remember it, Ryuu-kun."
With Erika's guidance, Ryuuske quickly adjusted his stance. He took a deep breath, narrowed his eyes, and focused on the target ahead. This time, he didn't rely on any supernatural abilities—just the tactile feedback of his body as he released the bowstring, watching the arrow strike the target.
He wasn't some prodigious archer; managing to hit the target at all was already an accomplishment for him.
"Whew… It's true that occasionally doing this can help relax the mind."
Ryuuske exhaled softly. Before his transmigration, he had occasionally been dragged to archery ranges by friends, though it had always been just for fun.
Ryuuske often found himself unconsciously keeping a slight distance from Erika. It wasn't that he disliked her—on the contrary, her refined demeanor and the intoxicating floral scent that clung to her always drew attention, especially that innate, extraordinary fragrance that made it seem as though she was perpetually surrounded by a garden of blossoms.
In the past, Ryuuske would have clumsily tried to get closer to her, considering even a single extra word exchanged with such a beautiful woman a blessing. But in this precarious life where each day was uncertain, his pursuit of romance had dulled somewhat.
It was like if one were transmigrated into a world with magic—the first thought would be to learn spells and become a mage. In this world, Ryuuske wasn't a native who had grown up alongside Pokémon. He had been here for less than a year, and upon discovering such miraculous creatures as Pokémon, with new ones to interact with every day… why bother chasing after women?
For Ryuuske now, Pokémon ranked above women. What he truly desired was the power to control his own destiny. Only after securing that strength would he consider other matters. But it seemed Erika had misinterpreted this as him being inexperienced with girls.
Sabrina would be so embarrassed for me, Ryuuske mused internally.
Seated at a wooden tea table, he watched as Erika knelt before him, her head slightly bowed as she prepared tea with practiced grace. The array of tea ceremony utensils lay neatly arranged before her. Ryuuske held Eevee in his arms, stroking its fur absentmindedly before speaking after a moment of contemplation, "…Are you nervous, Erika?"
The girl's body stiffened slightly, and even the fragrant aroma in the air seemed to freeze. She set down the teapot, handed him a cup of tea, and replied with a faint bitterness, "…This one's cultivation is insufficient. You saw through me after all."
"…I had thought that daily meditation and self-cultivation would allow me to face everything with calm. But I've realized it's truly difficult. No matter how much I try to steady my heart, certain matters inevitably surface in my mind, bringing unease."
The weight of the entire Kanto region's safety rested on her shoulders. Ryuuske knew that Erika was just a girl of seventeen or eighteen—so young, yet bearing such an immense burden. The pressure alone was terrifying even to him.
"The people in the League are truly useless."
Ryuuske scoffed. Those high-ranking League officials were all elderly individuals who lacked capability, yet they had pushed this responsibility onto Erika.
"It's not entirely Chairman's fault…"
Erika shook her head gently. "…The Chairman has already done his best. You simply haven't met him, Ryuu-kun. He's actually a very gentle person, never losing his temper with anyone. And because of that…"
"Because of that, he's too soft, and the entire League has become ineffective?"
Hearing Ryuuske's words, Erika smiled wryly and nodded.
This world was truly strange. The higher-ups were, in fact, a group of rather kind-hearted individuals—a stark contrast to the dark, scheming elites often depicted in novels. Perhaps the main reason lay in this world's unique power structure: true authority rested in the hands of powerful Trainers who possessed real strength. Thus, the only ones capable of stirring trouble were those very Trainers.
As for the League, it was more like a mascot born from compromise—bound by moral constraints but lacking legal enforcement.
"Whether it's Misty from Cerulean City or Brock from Pewter City, they're all relying on me now. If I were to collapse under the pressure first, the entire Kanto region would be in danger… I don't know what Team Rocket's true goal is, but judging by their actions, if they were to seize control of Kanto, it would spell disaster for its people."
Erika tugged lightly at her sleeve, her slender fingers tapping gently against the teacup. Though her tone was calm, an undercurrent of suppressed frustration ran through it.
Stepping forward when needed—this was what it meant to be a "hero." Bearing pressures far beyond what an ordinary person could endure, yet possibly gaining nothing in return—even risking one's life. Regardless of other aspects, Erika's sense of duty as a Gym Leader was beyond reproach.
In truth, Erika could have easily walked away. So could Misty of Cerulean City or Brock of Pewter City. Yet they had all chosen to resist out of a sense of responsibility.
"If Team Rocket is allowed to continue like this, the current peace will shatter entirely. All sorts of monsters will crawl out of the woodwork, and human civilization might even regress—perhaps descending into autocracy."
If I were part of the ruling class, I'd wholeheartedly support autocracy. But since I'm among the ruled, I suppose I'll root for democracy and freedom instead!
Erika blinked her bright, beautiful eyes. Suddenly, she reached out and grasped Ryuuske's hand. Her palm was cool yet warm, the delicate touch of her skin sending ripples through his heart. The girl leaned slightly forward, her voice carrying an inexplicable, heart-fluttering allure as she whispered,
"…So, Ryuu-kun, will you help this one?"
To be continued…
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