Roy had a truly comfortable sleep.
This sleep completely washed away all of his previous fatigue.
After washing up and changing his clothes, Roy clipped Venusaur's Poké Ball back onto his waist, pushed open the door, and walked out.
In the lobby of the Pokémon Center, Delia and Misty were already waiting.
Nurse Joy stood behind the counter, examining a Trainer's Raticate.
Seeing Roy come out, Delia smiled and waved.
"Roy, over here!"
Roy walked over and glanced at Misty.
Misty was holding Togepi in her arms, playing with it.
Togepi giggled, its small hands patting Misty's cheek.
"Are you all packed up?"
Roy asked.
"Yeah, we've been packed for ages!" Misty looked up. "We were just waiting for you, you big lazybones!"
Roy smiled and didn't argue.
He walked to the counter and handed his three Poké Balls to Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy, could you please check them for me again?"
Nurse Joy took the Poké Balls and placed them on the machine.
Three lights lit up, all a healthy green.
"They are all in great condition, especially Venusaur, which is exceptionally full of energy."
Nurse Joy smiled as she returned the Poké Balls to Roy.
"Thank you."
Roy took back the Poké Balls and thanked her.
"By the way, are you leaving today?"
Nurse Joy asked.
"Yes, we're planning to continue our journey to Cinnabar Island." Roy nodded.
"Then I wish you a smooth Tailwind on your journey."
Nurse Joy bowed slightly.
The three of them bid farewell to Nurse Joy and walked out of the Pokémon Center.
The scenery of the Wonder Garden area during the day was completely different from at night.
The sunlight shone on the flowers, their various colors interweaving beautifully.
But Misty had no interest in appreciating it at all.
She held Togepi tightly, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily.
"Let's hurry up and leave!"
Misty urged.
Seeing her so nervous, Roy couldn't help but laugh.
"What are you afraid of? Last night is over, and the mysterious gathering has ended."
Misty glanced at him and shook her head.
"Who knows if there are other strange Pokémon here!"
"I'm not afraid, I just want to protect Togepi!"
Saying so, she hugged Togepi even tighter.
Togepi, squeezed a bit too tightly, let out a couple of uncomfortable cries.
Delia watched from the side, giggling behind her hand.
The three of them walked back along the path they came, heading toward the outskirts of the Wonder Garden.
On the way, Delia asked.
"Roy, is Venusaur really alright now?"
She had wanted to ask last night, but seeing how tired Roy was, she didn't press further.
"No problem, it's doing great!"
A smile appeared on Roy's face the moment he mentioned it.
"Not only are all its injuries healed, but it also gained quite a lot of benefits."
...
Chatting along the way, the three of them walked out of the Wonder Garden's boundaries.
The giant flowers and bizarre plants were gradually left behind.
In their place were ordinary woods and grasslands.
Only then did Misty breathe a sigh of relief, loosening her grip on Togepi.
"We're finally out!"
She looked back at the forest behind them.
"That place is just too bizarre. I never want to go there again!"
Roy smiled and didn't reply.
He actually thought that place was quite nice.
If he had the chance, he would want to go there again.
Maybe he could reap some more benefits.
But he didn't say this out loud.
Knowing Misty, if he said it out loud, she would definitely blow her top.
After leaving the Wonder Garden, the three of them continued their journey.
Today's itinerary was very clear.
Cross this area and reach the harbor.
Then take a ferry to Cinnabar Island.
This journey wasn't short.
It would take about half a day.
At first, Misty was quite energetic.
Walking ahead while holding Togepi, she would occasionally point at the Pokémon by the roadside to introduce them to Togepi.
"Look, Togepi, that's an Oddish!"
"That's a Paras!"
"That's..."
It was unclear whether Togepi understood, but it just kept giggling.
After walking for about two or three hours.
Misty's energy was clearly flagging.
Her pace slowed down, and she spoke less.
Dropping from the very front to the very back.
She looked completely wilted, like a flower withered under the sun.
"I'm so tired..."
Misty complained, drawing out her words.
"How much further is it?"
Roy checked the map.
"It's still early. At this rate, we'll have to walk for at least another three or four hours."
"Huh?" Misty cried out miserably, "That long?"
Delia smiled and comforted her, "Hang in there, we'll be there soon."
Misty drooped her head, and just when she was about to give up.
At the end of the road ahead, a blue sea appeared.
Misty's eyes lit up instantly.
Her body felt as if it had been injected with a stimulant.
She suddenly stood up straight.
Then, holding Togepi, she rushed straight toward the sea.
She was so fast that even Roy was stunned for a moment.
Just a moment ago, she looked half-dead.
The moment she saw water, she was fully revived.
He even wondered if Misty had some hidden Ability.
Like "Water Absorb" or something.
Delia watched Misty run off into the distance and couldn't help but laugh heartily.
"Misty really loves water."
"After all, she's from Cerulean City."
Roy shrugged.
The two of them quickened their pace and walked toward the harbor.
Before long, the harbor came fully into view.
This was a medium-sized harbor.
Various kinds of boats were docked here.
There were fishing boats, yachts, and large passenger ferries.
Next to the harbor was a row of shops selling local specialties, snacks, and Pokémon supplies.
The foot traffic was heavy.
It was bustling with activity.
Trainers and ordinary tourists were everywhere.
Misty was already standing at the edge of the harbor, spreading her arms toward the ocean.
"Sunlight! Sandy beaches! Cruise ships! Awesome!"
She shouted loudly.
Togepi in her arms also raised its hands along with her.
The person and the Pokémon had surprisingly synchronized movements.
Roy walked over and patted her on the shoulder.
"Alright, stop shouting. Let's buy the tickets first."
Next to the ticket booth was an electronic display screen.
It displayed today's ferry schedule.
Roy glanced at it.
This was already the last ferry scheduled to depart today.
There was a long queue in front of the ticket window.
It stretched all the way to the plaza.
Judging by the length of the line, it would take at least half an hour.
"So many people..."
Misty frowned as she looked at the long queue.
"How long is this going to take?"
Roy looked around.
He spotted a dedicated VIP ticket window.
There were only a few scattered people in front of that window.
Roy walked straight over.
Misty quickly followed, "Roy, that's the VIP window..."
"Yeah, we're buying VIP tickets," Roy said straightforwardly.
Roy was now worth a few million, and after Misty's sisters found out about her relationship with Roy, they had increased her allowance.
Their financial situation on this journey was excellent.
They didn't have to pinch pennies like when they first set out.
The queue at the VIP window was very short.
It was their turn in just a few minutes.
"Three VIP cabins for Cinnabar Island."
Roy handed over his card.
"Certainly, please wait a moment."
The ticket lady took the card and quickly processed the request.
Soon, three golden tickets were handed out.
"Here are your VIP cabin tickets. Please keep them safe, and have a pleasant journey."
Roy took the tickets and distributed them to Delia and Misty.
Misty got excited again holding her VIP ticket.
"Wow! VIP cabins! I've never traveled VIP on a ship before!"
She spun around holding Togepi.
Delia also smiled and put away her ticket.
The three of them passed through the ticket gate and boarded the ferry.
This ferry was massive.
It had three deck levels alone.
The standard cabins were at the very bottom, packed with people.
Some who couldn't get a seat just sat directly on the floor.
Others squeezed into the corridors.
It was as noisy as a wet market.
The VIP level was completely different.
A private elevator took them straight up.
As soon as they stepped out, they were in a spacious and bright corridor.
The floor was carpeted.
Art pieces hung on the walls.
It was practically a different world compared to the standard cabins below.
"Wow!"
Misty's eyes went wide.
"This is way too luxurious!"
Roy found his room number and swiped his card.
The door opened to reveal a spacious single room.
It had a large bed.
A private bathroom.
And a large floor-to-ceiling window that offered a direct view of the sea.
Misty's room was right next door.
As soon as she entered, she rushed to the window holding Togepi.
"Look, Togepi! It's the ocean!"
Togepi pressed against the glass, its eyes wide as it chirped happily.
Delia's room was on the other side.
After putting her things down in her room, she came over to find Roy.
The three of them stood by the window together, looking out at the sea.
The sunlight hit the sea, making it shimmer.
The sea breeze blew in through the open window, carrying a faint salty scent, which felt incredibly comfortable.
"We've started our ship journey, let's have a good rest today."
Roy stretched.
"No need to train Pokémon, and no need to travel. It's a rare moment of leisure."
Hearing this, Misty became even happier.
"I'm going to take Togepi to the VIP dining hall!"
She had already heard that the seafood in the VIP dining hall was an all-you-can-eat buffet!
"Go ahead, go ahead."
Roy waved his hand.
Misty ran out excitedly with Togepi in her arms.
Only Roy and Delia were left in the room.
Roy turned to look at Delia.
Delia happened to look over at the same time.
Their eyes met.
Delia's face blushed instantly.
Roy walked over to Delia and naturally placed his hand on her waist.
Delia's body stiffened slightly, but she didn't pull away.
"Misty went to eat. It'll be a long time before she comes back."
Roy leaned in close to Delia's ear and whispered.
Delia's ears instantly turned bright red.
She naturally understood what Roy meant.
"Mm."
Delia lowered her head and gave a soft reply.
Her voice was so quiet it was barely audible.
Seeing Delia's shy demeanor, Roy's heart grew even more restless.
He reached out and pulled Delia closer into his embrace.
Delia obediently leaned against Roy.
The two of them held each other like this, standing by the window and watching the sea for a while.
The sun was already beginning to set.
The golden afterglow spilled across the sea.
Dyeing the entire surface of the water in warm hues.
The sky gradually darkened.
Delia looked up from Roy's chest.
"I'll go check on Misty."
"To see if she's back yet."
Roy released his grip.
"Alright."
Delia walked out of the room and headed toward the VIP dining hall.
In the dining hall, Misty was sitting at a table.
A variety of seafood was laid out in front of her.
Crabs, prawns, scallops, and oysters.
They were piled high across the table.
Togepi sat on the chair next to her, with a small plate of its own in front of it.
Misty ate while putting food onto Togepi's plate.
The person and the Pokémon were eating very happily.
Delia walked over.
"Misty."
Misty looked up and saw Delia, a shrimp still dangling from her mouth.
"Sister Delia! Come eat too! This shrimp is super delicious!"
Delia smiled and sat down opposite her.
"I'll eat in a bit, I just came to check on you first."
Misty didn't think much of it and continued to dig into her food.
After a while, Delia stood up.
"Misty, take your time eating, I'm going back to rest."
"Oh, okay!"
Misty waved her hand, her mouth stuffed full.
Delia walked out of the dining hall. After confirming that Misty would still be eating for quite a while, she returned to her own room first, then quietly made her way outside of Roy's room, looking left and right to see that the corridor was completely empty.
Delia took a deep breath, raised her hand, and gently knocked on the door.
Roy tossed the magazine in his hand aside and went to open the door. Before Delia could even speak...
Roy reached out directly and wrapped his arm around Delia's waist.
Pulling her into the room in one swift motion.
Delia let out a soft gasp, tumbling right into Roy's arms.
Roy shut the door with his foot and looked down at Delia in his arms.
"Is Misty still eating?"
"Mm... she's still eating..."
Delia's voice trembled slightly.
Roy sized up Delia's outfit today.
It looked very conservative.
A pink jacket, a yellow inner shirt, and casual pants—all very casual, ordinary everyday wear.
"Didn't you say you were going to dress up nicely and have a good release with me?"
Roy leaned in close to Delia's ear and whispered with a low chuckle.
Delia raised her hand and gently tapped Roy's chest.
"Don't be in such a rush..."
She spoke, gently pulling aside her skirt hem.
Beneath the hem, a section of her calf was revealed.
On it, she was wearing an exquisite pair of patterned black stockings.
They weren't ordinary plain black stockings.
But rather the kind with subtle, woven patterns.
Under the illumination of the lights, those patterns seemed to appear and disappear.
Exuding an indescribable mature charm.
Roy's eyes lit up instantly.
"Oh~"
"Stockings under pants, huh."
"And it's a style I've never seen you wear before."
Roy looked up, staring at Delia.
Delia's face grew even redder under his gaze. She pursed her lips, "I knew you, you big pervert... would like this kind of thing..."
Her voice grew softer and softer, and her head drooped lower and lower.
Roy burst into laughter.
He scooped Delia up in his arms.
Delia let out a startled cry, her hands instinctively wrapping around Roy's neck.
"Then I must appreciate and savor this properly."
Holding Delia, Roy turned toward the bed and laid her down on it.
The lights were dimmed.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became intimate.
Outside the window, the sound of the ocean waves surged wave after wave.
The night was still very long.
...
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the floor-to-ceiling window.
Roy opened his eyes and saw that Delia was already up. With her back to him, she was mopping the floor with very gentle, careful movements.
"Delia."
He called out.
Delia turned her head and glanced at him.
Then she turned back and continued mopping.
"You're awake?"
"Mm."
Roy said with a chuckle.
"You really are so virtuous."
"Waking up so early to tidy up the room."
He looked at Delia's back and continued.
"But we're in a VIP cabin."
"There will be staff coming to clean it up in a bit."
"You were so tired last night, why didn't you sleep a bit longer?"
Delia didn't turn around.
But Roy could see that her ears were red.
"No way! How could I have the nerve to let someone else clean this up..."
Her voice carried a hint of bashfulness as she kept moving the mop.
"Besides..."
Delia's voice grew even softer.
"What if the cleaning staff comes late..."
"Misty will definitely come looking for you once she wakes up."
"If she sees this..."
"I'd be too embarrassed..."
Lying on the bed, Roy's smile deepened as he listened to Delia's words.
Even though they had already "cooperated" once before.
Delia was still so shy. It seemed he would have to find more opportunities in the future to let Delia and Misty get more familiar and accustomed to each other.
Looking at Delia's charming back, Roy began to plan some future recreational activities in his mind...