Lucas: "Huh?"
Does the Pokémon world really hold such contests?
Then again, this world has all kinds of competitions: Pokémon battles, fishing, cooking, farming…
A dessert contest meant he'd have to compete with pastry chefs. Sighing inwardly, Lucas asked, "Which prize tier has the accessory?"
Arven thought for a moment. "I think it's for the top three… Not sure about the details."
Lucas nodded. Either way, he could check at the store. "I'll go now. Wait here and I'll teach you after I'm done."
Arven nodded obediently and squatted back on the steps, feeling much better.
Walking down the stone-paved road, Lucas soon spotted the busy "Patisserie Soapberry."
Next to the store stood a towering sugar maple, over twenty meters tall—majestic and elegant.
The sugar maple was the shop's signature plant, drawing many tourists.
Lucas scrolled his phone, finding many photos of people buying desserts and taking pictures under the maple, especially in autumn.
In autumn, the maple's leaves turned orange, gold, and red, creating a stunning display—posing with desserts under the tree was a local tradition.
Seeing the photos, Lucas was tempted to plant some sugar maples on his own farm.
A grove of maples in autumn would be a spectacular sight. Plus, the tree's sap could be made into maple syrup, only slightly less sweet than honey.
Lucas's eyes fell on a prominent sign beneath the maple, announcing the Paldea Dessert Association's contest, co-hosted by Patisserie Soapberry.
He saw that the evolution accessory for Milcery was the first prize.
Registration closed at 5pm that afternoon—less than three hours away!
Relieved he'd come today, Lucas avoided the crowd taking photos and headed into the shop.
Inside was a different world: cute decorations, spotless glass display cases filled with exquisite desserts—perfect for afternoon tea.
Most customers were girls with a passion for sweets. Lucas, as a guy, drew some attention, but he didn't mind.
Glancing around, Lucas spotted Katy introducing products to guests.
She wore her game-accurate pastry chef outfit, her gentle voice soothing customers. Even without baking, she seemed to glow.
As a Gym Leader, Katy used the same gentle tone to guide rookie trainers—perhaps that's why Geeta chose her as the first official Gym Leader.
Sensing Lucas's gaze, Katy looked over, and upon recognizing him, smiled in surprise. She called an apprentice to cover for her and hurried over.
"Miss Katy."
Lucas smiled and waved.
Katy's elegant features were still tinged with surprise, but she welcomed him warmly: "Welcome to Patisserie Soapberry, Lucas! It's been nearly a year since your last visit, hasn't it?"
Lucas nodded. His first journey had started in Cortondo, with only Luxio as a companion. His memories of the town were bittersweet.
"Milcery~~~"
Milcery on his shoulder yawned cutely, as if just waking up. Katy's gaze immediately shifted to it.
"Milcery!" Katy clasped her hands, delighted. "Is this your new partner?"
"Milcery~?"
Milcery, noticing the attention, showed its sociable side—floating over to nuzzle Katy's cheek.
Lucas watched their interaction. He could tell Katy liked Milcery, though as a bug-type specialist, she didn't raise Milcery or Alcremie.
After some affectionate bonding, Lucas introduced Milcery: "I bought it from Ellie Ranch in Mesagoza, planning to train it as a dessert-making assistant on the farm."
Katy was sharp—she quickly guessed his purpose.
"You're here for the first-prize accessory in the dessert contest, aren't you?"
Lucas nodded.
"Then let's get you signed up quickly! I'll register you now."
With Katy's help, Lucas registered for the contest, three days later. In the back, Katy asked, "The contest theme is Poffins, a dessert from Sinnoh. Do you know how to make them?"
Lucas was surprised—it wasn't a random draw or freestyle?
He shook his head. "I only know how to make standard desserts, not Poffins."
Katy frowned thoughtfully, then made up her mind: "If you don't know how to make Poffins, would you like me to teach you?"
"The Paldea Dessert Association is working with Sinnoh's association, and a mystery Sinnoh guest will judge the contest. The theme is strictly 'Poffins.' If you don't know how to make them, you'll be at a disadvantage."
Lucas hadn't met Katy many times, so he wasn't sure why she'd offer to teach him personally. But it was a great opportunity—he'd never make a qualifying Poffin in three days on his own.
Without hesitation, Lucas bowed with Milcery. "Thank you very much, Miss Katy!"