Ange and the others watched Poliwag return to the arena. Just then, Jeremy's voice called out.
"Your Highness, the items you wanted have arrived!"
Ange looked toward the sound and saw Jeremy waving vigorously at him.
"The materials are finally here!" Orla said happily. She took the lead and ran toward Jeremy.
Ange and the rest followed closely behind.
Once they reached the aircraft, they saw Gengar using Psychic to move a crate down from the vehicle.
Orla stepped forward and opened the box. After a careful inspection, she said, "Everything is correct!"
"Your Highness, who are these people?" Jeremy asked curiously.
"These are members of the Rising Volt Tacklers," Ange introduced with a smile. "Their ship broke down on the plateau and they need these materials for repairs."
"I see. It is lucky they ran into you, Your Highness!" Jeremy realized.
"It truly is," Friede agreed.
Orla patted the crate of materials and said, "Well, Friede, you guys wait here. I'm going back to fix the ship first."
"Alright!" Friede replied.
Ange then turned to Gengar and said, "Gengar, could you help Orla carry the crate over to the ship?"
"Geng?"
Gengar grinned and nodded, easily lifting the box again with Psychic.
"Thank you for your hard work, Gengar," Orla said, looking up to thank it.
"Geng~"
Gengar's face turned red, and it hid behind the box, peeking out shyly at Orla.
"Alright, go on then. Come back soon," Ange said to Gengar with a laugh.
After watching Gengar and Orla leave, Ange checked the time and said, "It's getting late. I need to start cooking!"
He then looked at Jeremy and asked, "Jeremy, would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Heck yeah! I've been waiting for you to say that, Your Highness!" Jeremy jumped with joy.
Ange then smiled and asked Friede, "Friede, would you and your group like to eat here as well?"
"Eh?" Friede blinked, surprised. "Is that alright?"
"There's nothing wrong with it," Ange decided firmly. "Eat here. If you have any Pokémon, call them all over. It's fate that we met, so let's just share a meal."
Jeremy put his arm around Friede's shoulder like an old friend and said, "Eat with us! If you miss out on the Prince's cooking, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"
Friede was tempted by Jeremy's words and finally nodded in agreement, "Well, alright then."
"That's the spirit. No need to be so polite," Ange nodded.
He then told Jeremy, "Jeremy, you and Friede can chat. I'm going to go cook."
Jeremy flashed a bright smile, "Got it. Thank you for the hard work, Your Highness!"
At that moment, Murdock walked over and asked, "Oh? Are we having dinner at Ange's tonight?"
"I was just about to message everyone!" Friede nodded.
A happy smile appeared on Murdock's face. "That's great. I was actually hoping to exchange some culinary tips with Ange." He looked at Ange and added, "Could I help with dinner too?"
"I'd be delighted," Ange accepted readily.
"Great, let's go then." Murdock put his arm around Ange's shoulder, and they headed into the house.
As the two entered, Friede heard Ange calling out, "Munchlax, Drizzile, it's time to make dinner!"
Then, he heard the responses from Munchlax and Drizzile.
"Munch munch~"
"Driz driz~"
After Ange left, Friede started chatting with Jeremy. Eventually, their conversation turned to Ange.
When he learned that Ange was a person who had lived for five hundred years and was the older brother of the famous Queen Anna, Friede cried out in shock.
"So, Ange's sister is Queen Anna?"
"Yes. Didn't His Highness tell you?" Jeremy asked.
Friede shook his head. At the same time, he thought to himself: No wonder. No wonder Ange said Magearna started living with him after his sister passed away. Wasn't Queen Anna Magearna's original owner?
As the two talked, they saw Vivillon flying in one by one. They landed near a table not far away and sat in a circle.
Next came Altaria leading a group of Swablu.
Furthermore, Staraptor and Talonflame brought Fletchinder over to join the table with Altaria.
Friede looked confused. "What are they doing? Why are they all gathering here?"
"Waiting for dinner, just like us!" Jeremy said with a laugh.
Friede didn't quite catch Jeremy's meaning at first.
Then, Politoed arrived with Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath, Marill, and Azurill.
Next were Delphox and Greninja, accompanied by Litwick, Linoone, Swalot, Heliolisk, Scrafty, and others.
There were also Gogoat, Skiddo, and Chesnaught leading Victreebel, Weepinbell, Floette, and more.
Before long, the plaza in front of Ange's house was filled with all sorts of Pokémon. Friede watched, stunned.
"Are they... all here to eat?" Friede asked.
"Yes," Jeremy replied. "They are employees of His Highness, just like me. They eat here every day, and honestly, they get better benefits than I do."
The only difference was that Jeremy's salary was paid by the Azoth Royalty.
Jeremy pointed to a sign on Ange's door. "Look, isn't it written right there on the door?"
Friede looked where he was pointing. He saw the words "Diancie's Grand Cafeteria" written on the sign. He hadn't noticed it before.
Diancie's Grand Cafeteria...
The name truly suited its function. With so many Pokémon coming to eat every day, what else could it be but a cafeteria?
Staring blankly at the sign, Friede was shocked into silence for a long time.
At that moment, Volcanion returned with the others after playing soccer. They were laughing and talking, but when Volcanion saw Friede and Jeremy, the smile vanished from its face.
It gave a cold snort, walked to the door, found a spot to lie down, and rested.
Mollie walked in from the back of the group. She had already received Friede's message and knew they were eating at Ange's tonight.
She walked over to Friede and Jeremy. Watching the chatting Pokémon, she couldn't help but marvel, "This place is truly magical."
"It is!" Friede echoed the sentiment. "A truly magical place."
A prince who had lived for five hundred years, three legendary Pokémon, and a group of carefree, adorable creatures.
"Friede, Mollie!"
Grandpa Ludlow's voice rang out. He was carrying a large fish, likely one he had just caught. A group of Lapras followed behind him.
The Pokémon were delighted to see the Lapras return. They enthusiastically ran over, surrounding the Lapras and chattering away.
After a while, Orla arrived with the Pokémon from their ship.
"We're having dinner at Ange's today, right?" she shouted as soon as she entered the plaza.
"Yes! Everyone, come over!" Mollie waved to Orla.
Orla ran over quickly, her Pokémon following close behind.
Aside from Friede's Charizard, Orla's Metagross, Mollie's Chansey, and Murdock's Alcremie, the Rising Volt Tacklers' Pokémon included Nosepass, who helped with navigation; Carkol and Slugma, who provided energy for the ship; Noctowl, who served as a lookout; and Alolan Muk, who handled the ship's waste.
Once all the members of the Rising Volt Tacklers had arrived, Magearna stepped out.
"Du~ ki~ du~"
Under its guidance, everyone from the Rising Volt Tacklers sat around the tables, just like the Pokémon from the plateau.
"This feels so fresh," Mollie said.
"It does!" Friede agreed.
"Pika~ pika~"
"Paw paw~"
At that moment, Captain Pikachu and Pawmi jumped onto the table. The two Pokémon ran back and forth across the table until Captain Pikachu stopped beside Friede.
Pawmi couldn't stop in time and crashed into Pikachu. Friede caught both of them.
"Captain, where did you go? I didn't see you all afternoon," Friede asked.
"Paw paw~"
Pawmi puffed out its chest proudly and barked at Friede.
Friede understood. "Did Pawmi take the Captain out to play?"
"Paw~"
Pawmi nodded.
Then, Captain Pikachu took off his hat, and a bunch of snacks tumbled out.
"Are all of these gifts from Pawmi?" Friede asked.
"Pika~"
Captain Pikachu nodded while stuffing the snacks back into his hat.
"Thank you, Pawmi!" Friede thanked Pawmi with a smile.
"Paw~"
Hearing this, Pawmi put its arm around Pikachu's shoulder and gave it a firm pat.
"It seems you two have become good friends," Friede said with a laugh.
"Paw paw~"
Pawmi nodded solemnly.
As time passed and the sky grew dark, Diancie came out and turned on the outdoor lights. The area was instantly flooded with brightness.
"Everyone, it's time to eat!"
At Diancie's words, the Pokémon became excited. Even Friede and his group found themselves feeling expectant.
"I'm so looking forward to this!" Jeremy said, rubbing his hands together.
He was sitting at the same table as Friede's group.
Shortly after Diancie spoke, Gallade, Gardevoir, Meowstic, Espurr, and Robert 2 began bringing out the dishes one by one.
There was Braised Fish, Steamed Pork with Rice Flour, Sliced Pork in Hot Chili Oil, and Doudoumi Braised Chicken made by Munchlax. There was Sauteed Green Vegetables, Hot and Sour Potato Shreds, Braised Eggplant with Soy Bean Paste, and Tofu Fish Soup made by Drizzile. Finally, there was Mapo Tofu, Di San Xian, Braised Pork Ribs, and Dry-Pot Cabbage made by Ange.
Combined with large bowls of rice, the table was soon full.
Murdock sat down at Friede's table carrying a plate of Tomato and Scrambled Eggs he had just learned from Ange. He said excitedly, "I've learned so much! I didn't realize until today that cooking could have so many variations!"
Friede took a deep breath. "It smells amazing! Murdock, this food is completely different from what you usually make!"
Murdock nodded. "Completely different. It's a culinary system different from mine—one I've never seen before."
Mollie looked surprised. "Really?"
Murdock nodded. "Really. It seems I still have a long way to go in my culinary training!"
Jeremy said proudly, "Our Highness's cooking is the best I've ever seen. Even the royal chefs can't compare!"
At that moment, Ange came out with Munchlax, Drizzile, and Gengar. "Everyone, please eat."
The Pokémon cheered and immediately began to feast. Friede and the others also quickly started eating with spoons.
Because they weren't used to using chopsticks, Ange had specially provided spoons for them.
Grandpa Ludlow, like Munchlax, loved fish. He was the first to scoop up a piece of fish meat, mixing it with the sauce and rice before putting it in his mouth.
The tender fish, the savory sauce, and the plump grains of rice combined into a flavor that instantly conquered Grandpa Ludlow.
Ever since the bean paste was ready, every dish in Ange's house that required soy sauce was replaced by it. The special texture brought by the premium bean paste was loved by all the Pokémon.
Grandpa Ludlow was no exception.
"Exquisite!" Grandpa Ludlow couldn't help but give a thumbs up.
"Mhm~ mhm~"
The other members of the Rising Volt Tacklers, as well as the Pokémon, all nodded in agreement as they tasted the food.
However, Orla commented, "Murdock's Tomato and Scrambled Eggs are missing something."
Jeremy nodded. "Compared to His Highness, it does lack a bit of finesse."
Murdock scratched his head. "Heh~ it was my first time, after all!"
"Wu~~~ so delicious!" Mollie put a piece of Braised Pork Rib in her mouth. The rich sauce and tender texture made her whole body tremble with delight.
Friede said while eating, "I'm glad I agreed to stay for dinner. Otherwise, I really would have regretted it for the rest of my life."
Jeremy agreed with a nod. "Right?"
"Pika~ pika~"
Captain Pikachu's mouth was already bulging. It finished a bowl of rice in no time and held its bowl up to Friede, asking for more.
"Alright, alright. I'll get you some." Friede took the Captain's bowl and filled it up again.
Orla also ate without stopping. "Every single dish is delicious."
Murdock said, "I didn't expect that Ange's Munchlax, Drizzile, and Gengar were all his students. This, this, and this were all made by Munchlax and Drizzile."
Friede, Orla, Mollie, and Grandpa Ludlow looked on in astonishment.
"Are you serious?" Friede asked.
"Of course I am!" Murdock replied.
Recalling the skillful movements of Munchlax and Drizzile in the kitchen, Murdock felt a surge of respect.
Mollie asked, "Murdock, you stayed in the kitchen for so long. You didn't just make this one plate of Tomato and Scrambled Eggs, did you?"
Murdock countered, "Of course not!"
"What else did you make?" Orla asked.
"You'll find out after dinner," Murdock teased.
Mollie was speechless. "So mysterious."
After dinner, Friede and the others leaned back in their chairs, almost unable to move. They had simply eaten too much.
Jeremy rubbed his stomach while saying, "How blissful! I really want to live at His Highness's house!"
Because the Pokémon on the plateau were used to this life, they didn't eat quite as excessively as Friede's group.
Just as everyone was preparing to head back, Ange said loudly, "Wait, everyone. Mr. Murdock from the Rising Volt Tacklers has prepared dessert for everyone. Please have some before you leave."
Hearing this, everyone cheered. They had never had dessert before! After all, Ange wasn't good at it, and the system hadn't provided any special training in that area yet.
Mollie smiled at Murdock. "So you were making dessert!"
Murdock chuckled. "Well, that is my specialty!"
Soon, Diancie, Magearna, and Gengar distributed the desserts Murdock had made. There were donuts, Poké Puffs, and small cakes. However, because there were so many Pokémon, each one only got a small portion.
But for the Pokémon who had just finished a meal, the portion was perfect.
Murdock's skills were indeed excellent, and his desserts received unanimous praise from the Pokémon.
Friede and the others looked at the desserts placed in front of them, feeling a bit stunned. They were so full—what were they supposed to do if they couldn't eat another bite?