As the champions finished their comedic performances, the opening ceremony came to an end.
Edward rested his chin on his hand, seated at the main podium. Today's opening ceremony had a lighthearted and playful tone from the champions. After all, it was just the opening act—bringing some laughs and joy to the audience wasn't a bad idea. The real contest, and the true display of each champion's strength, would begin tomorrow.
To train Pokémon to the level of regional champions, none of these individuals were simple characters.
Although the "Tom Tree" performance held no real combat value—it was purely recreational—the champions still put on solid performances.
"Thinking about it now, I'm actually starting to look forward to tomorrow's showcase…" Edward rubbed the head of the little Q in his arms.
"Director Edward." A familiar voice spoke—it was Diantha.
"Miss Diantha." Edward greeted her politely. She exchanged a few words with Steven, then sat beside Edward. Steven, meanwhile, was engaged in an animated conversation with Alder, who seemed very passionate about whatever topic they were discussing.
As for why Diantha came to him, Edward had a pretty good guess. Being a director himself, any conversation with Diantha would likely revolve around their shared field—film and television.
"Director Edward, in your production Sherlock Holmes, I was wondering if there might be a role for a female actress?" Diantha asked with a smile. While the Tom Tree contest had taken over the entire Pokémon League's spotlight and trending searches, within certain niche circles, Sherlock Holmes had become a major point of interest.
Sherlock Holmes was Edward's debut television series, and its popularity was nothing to scoff at. On top of that, the "Three God Problem" breakdown by the logic professor had brought in another wave of attention, attracting even more eyes.
From the trailer, people had already begun piecing together the show's genre.
A mystery detective drama.
However, hardcore mystery and detective fiction fans remained skeptical of its "purity." After all, Edward had pulled a bait-and-switch before: the film One Missed Call tricked mystery lovers into theaters only to hit them with a horror story, making countless fans cry in frustration.
What they had wanted was to explore human nature and malice—not ghosts.
But as soon as this new series became searchable, and with the description his staff wrote online—"Sherlock Holmes is a mystery detective drama that reveals the legendary story of a great detective living in Motostoke City"—discussion surged once again.
"There is a role," Edward nodded. Naturally, Sherlock Holmes would need female characters—whether as victims or villains.
Looking at Diantha, Edward thought of one particularly special story from the Holmes canon:
"A Scandal in Bohemia", featuring That Lady.
Irene Adler. A woman who, in the Holmes stories, occupied an entire case on her own.
Unlike the British show Sherlock, which altered her background and tied her to Moriarty, the original narrative portrayed Irene as an adventurer who once had a relationship with a crown prince. Though they couldn't be together due to social status differences, she kept a photo as a memento. When the prince was about to marry, he tried to retrieve the photo.
After several failed attempts, he hired Holmes for the task.
But Holmes failed. Irene Adler saw through his scheme, and before Holmes could return the next day, she had already eloped with her fiancé, leaving behind a letter. Holmes was defeated, and deeply impressed.
From then on, Holmes referred to her only as "that lady," showing rare respect.
The British series Sherlock adapted this story and linked Irene to Moriarty, but if Edward wanted to adapt it, he would have to tweak things too—and find an exceptional actress for Irene's role.
Edward believed Diantha was a great choice.
"So... do I have a chance to audition?" Diantha asked with anticipation in her eyes, her sparkling gaze making Edward instinctively lean back a little.
There was no denying it: Diantha had become a globally renowned star not just because of her Champion status, but also due to her beauty and acting talent.
In real life, she bore a striking resemblance to Audrey Hepburn.
"Of course," Edward nodded. "There's a segment in the story that needs an outstanding actress."
In fact, even if Diantha hadn't brought it up, Edward had already planned to invite her to play Irene.
After all, Irene's role in the Sherlock Holmes universe was unique. Unless you completely gender-swapped Watson, she was practically the only character through whom you could explore any hint of romantic subplot.
Of course, out of respect for the original, Irene could never end up with Sherlock Holmes.
The British show Sherlock handled this very well—although Holmes had unusual feelings toward Irene, the story ended with her going into hiding, not becoming his wife.
"That's wonderful! Honestly, the moment I saw the trailer for your series, I had a strong feeling it would become a milestone in Pokémon League detective television!" Diantha said excitedly. What she valued most was a quality script.
And judging from the trailer and the "Three God Problem," it was already clear that Edward's series would be an outstanding mystery drama.
"Edward, I have a question," said Lance, who had been listening silently. He leaned in.
Edward looked at him without speaking, but adopted a listening posture.
"In that Three God Problem segment… the university professor… he looked really familiar. He's from Kanto, right? Gym Leader Giovanni?" Lance asked, voicing his suspicion.
Edward was caught off guard. He hadn't expected Giovanni's identity to be exposed so quickly.
He had never officially revealed who was playing Moriarty. Giovanni had been disguised, and even if you held a photo up to compare, it wouldn't be obvious at first glance.
"That's right. How did you figure it out, Champion Lance?" Edward asked curiously.
"Because… Giovanni has a very distinctive... aura," Lance replied, his gaze hard to read.
(End of Chapter)