"I really didn't know," Ash said with a helpless sigh. "I only found out just now, after dinner, when I was walking Clarissa back to the Pokémon Center."
"From the very first time I met her, I could tell her identity wasn't simple. But considering I had just rejected a marriage proposal from the Joy family, getting too close to another Joy girl right after would definitely invite gossip."
"So during this past month at the Pokémon Center, I never tried to investigate her background—and I even deliberately kept some distance."
He rubbed his forehead, still feeling a bit dazed.
"Who would've thought… she's actually the daughter of the Joy family head—and the very same girl I rejected back then."
"When she told me just now, I was completely shocked. And the craziest part? She only said she was the girl I rejected—she didn't even mention she's the Joy family heiress."
Ash let out a long breath, his expression filled with disbelief.
At that moment, Delia Ketchum finished locking the shop shutter, slipped the keys into her pocket, and walked over.
"So, son," she asked casually, "what's going on between you and that girl?"
"I… don't even know," Ash admitted, shaking his head.
"Tonight, when I told Clarissa about the marriage proposal, I was planning to put an end to everything. But who knew she was that girl…"
He hesitated, then added with a troubled look:
"Even if she doesn't blame me, her family elders probably still care about what happened before. I don't think they'd agree to us being together."
"This whole situation is getting more and more complicated."
Delia reached out and gently pinched his cheek, smiling.
"Then tell me—how do you feel about her? Do you like her or not?"
Ash didn't hesitate this time. In fact, he almost seemed relieved to finally say it out loud.
"I do."
"Even though all Joys look the same, once you spend time with them, you realize how different they actually are."
"Most Joy girls are gentle and sweet—honestly, I don't think any guy could resist having one as a girlfriend."
He paused, his expression softening.
"But Clarissa… she's different. She's intelligent, perceptive—she looks gentle, but inside she's incredibly strong. She's decisive, efficient… honestly, she's the kind of girl it's impossible not to like."
Then he sighed again.
"But…"
Before he could finish, both Mihoko and Delia burst into laughter.
"Ash," Mihoko said, still chuckling, "ever since you became a Trainer after the summer camp, you've been so calm and clever—always acting like you've got everything under control."
"It's been a long time since I've seen you look this troubled."
"Alright, alright, don't tease me," Ash said helplessly. "Aunt Mihoko, just help me figure this out."
Mihoko waved her hand dismissively, still smiling.
"There's nothing to figure out. If you approached this the same way you approach training Pokémon—with proper understanding—you wouldn't be this confused."
Ash leaned forward slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Well," Mihoko said, folding her arms, "you know the Joy family and the Officer Jenny family are neutral forces, right?"
"I know they don't get involved in power struggles between major families," Ash replied. "But I've never really looked into the details."
Mihoko nodded and explained:
"One of the key principles of those neutral families is this—they do not form political marriages with other major families."
"Joy girls choose their future partners from ordinary civilian Trainers they meet through their work at Pokémon Centers."
Ash blinked.
"And that includes Clarissa," Mihoko continued. "Even as the daughter of the Joy family head—possibly the future successor—she's no exception."
She gave him a meaningful look.
"And you? Your talent, your business sense, your personality—even your looks—you're outstanding even among elite family heirs. Not to mention you're from a clean civilian background, which families like the Joys actually prefer."
"Even if your healing ability can't be inherited, you're still one of their best possible choices for a son-in-law."
Ash's eyes widened slightly.
Mihoko wasn't done yet.
"Otherwise, why do you think they arranged for Clarissa to train at the Viridian City Pokémon Center with you?"
"Why do you think they never said a word when rumors about you two started spreading?"
"They didn't care about her reputation being tied to you—they allowed it. That alone shows their attitude."
She smiled knowingly.
"So tell me, what exactly are you still worried about?"
Ash turned instinctively toward Delia.
"Mom… is that really true?"
Delia nodded gently.
"Your aunt is right. The Joy family has already shown their approval."
She added with a soft smile:
"And recently, they've even been reaching out to me."
"Our flower shop's business has been booming—not just because of your popularity, but also because several high-end private hospitals under the Joy family have signed long-term flower contracts with us."
Ash froze.
"…I see."
At that moment, everything clicked.
All the doubts, the hesitation, the invisible pressure that had been weighing on him—vanished.
In their place, something warm and bright surged up.
Joy.
Relief.
Excitement.
Not only had he gained someone he genuinely liked… he had also unknowingly secured a strong relationship with the Joy family.
His clinic would run more smoothly.
His path as a Trainer would become more stable.
Everything—both emotionally and practically—was falling into place.
And on the Joy family's side?
They were just as thrilled.
After all—how often did you find a "civilian" Trainer like Ash?
A six-year-old with a fortune worth millions, built entirely by his own hands.
A prodigy with "100% Champion potential."
A future powerhouse.
For a medical family like the Joys—who lacked strong battle Trainers—gaining someone like him as a son-in-law was like striking gold.
No… more than that.
It was like finding treasure.
And so—
With mutual affection between Ash and Clarissa…
And full approval from both sides…
This wasn't a complication anymore.
It was a perfect match.
A beautiful beginning.
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T/N:
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