Chapter 54: So, Cynthia — Would You Wear a Swimsuit?
Hau'oli City. A café near the waterfront.
Cynthia sat by the window, idly stirring her coffee with a small spoon, her gaze drifting to the street outside.
Warm afternoon sunlight poured in, bathing everything in a golden glow. Passersby laughed and chattered, some playing, some strolling — a lovely, peaceful scene.
Cynthia sighed inwardly. None of it had anything to do with her.
A week had passed since the confrontation at Ten Carat Hill. Because this was Alola — not her jurisdiction — Cynthia couldn't simply insert herself into local affairs.
So she'd had to leave things in the hands of Kukui and Hala, asking them to locate Caitlin as quickly as possible.
The last meeting hadn't gone well, but Cynthia still desperately wanted to sit down and talk with Caitlin properly.
She couldn't bear to watch her closest friend walk further and further into the dark without trying to pull her back.
She was afraid Caitlin would reach a point of no return — never able to step back into the light or live a normal life again.
And then there was the boy called Mammon…
"Hm?"
Just then, Cynthia's eyes sharpened.
On the street below, a young man in white was strolling along with one hand in his pocket, the picture of casual ease.
Black hair, handsome face, and that irreverent, languid air about him.
That was unmistakably Mammon.
Cynthia did a double take. Seriously — criminal organizations are THIS brazen nowadays?
Just sauntering through the middle of a busy city street without a care in the world? Was he not even slightly worried?
She even caught him whistling at a woman in a bikini as she passed by.
??!
Cynthia was stunned. He's catcalling people on a public street?
But she quickly snapped out of it and hurried toward the café exit. This man definitely knew where Caitlin was.
And as a League Champion, she could hardly just stand by when a dangerous, Champion-tier criminal was walking around in broad daylight.
Cynthia fell in behind Mammon, keeping her distance. She was thinking carefully.
This was a crowded commercial district. She wasn't afraid of Mammon, but if a fight broke out here, innocent bystanders could be caught in the crossfire.
Worse — he was a criminal organization member with a low moral floor. If she pushed him into a corner, what if he used civilians as hostages? Or attacked them directly?
So Cynthia held back, shadowing him in silence, waiting for the right moment.
But what is he actually doing?
Cynthia watched the white-clad figure ahead. He seemed to have a clear destination in mind.
She kept her eyes locked on him — until he walked into a convenience store. A convenience store?
Cynthia was confused, but she maintained her composure and didn't follow him in.
A few minutes later, Mammon emerged carrying a small bag of snacks. Then he walked into a nearby beach area.
Under Cynthia's incredulous gaze, Mammon first released Tapu Fini from her Poké Ball, and then — yes — he lay down on a beach chair.
This man had come to the beach. To relax. To enjoy the ocean breeze.
Cynthia watched the scene from a distance: a boy lounging on a beach chair, sipping juice, nibbling a slice of cake, and appreciating the scenery — specifically the women in swimsuits.
Cynthia found herself questioning reality. Is this right?
But then she froze — because the boy was looking directly at her. He even waved.
This guy…
Cynthia's brow creased. He'd spotted a League Champion tailing him, and instead of running, he waved hello?
After a moment's deliberation, Cynthia walked over.
"What a coincidence, running into you here, Champion Cynthia." The boy's smiling voice greeted her the moment she was close enough. "Come, sit! I bought way too many snacks — help yourself."
Are we friends?
Looking at Mammon acting like they were old buddies, even Cynthia was struggling to keep a straight face.
"Want some of this? The watermelon juice from this shop is really refreshing — they put ice in it."
Mammon gestured to the cup of watermelon juice on the side table.
"Qi! QI!"
Before Cynthia could respond, Tapu Fini clutched her own cup and let out an indignant protest.
Half of that juice was hers! If they gave some to this woman, her portion would shrink!
Cynthia: "..."
She couldn't understand Tapu Fini's words, but the territorial body language and food-guarding expressions were universal.
"Don't be stingy, Fini. The convenience store is right there — if you run out, just go buy more."
Mammon soothed Shell Lady. When it came to food, she was fiercely protective.
At home, Tapu Fini and the snack-thieving Gengar clashed constantly. Most encounters ended with Gengar going invisible and playing dead while Shell Lady raged impotently, then floated over to Mammon to pout and complain.
Tapu Fini pursed her mouth but continued to eye Cynthia with suspicion.
She had a negative impression of this woman. She remembered her from Ten Carat Hill.
"Thank you, but I'm fine — I'm not thirsty at the moment."
Cynthia politely declined. She wasn't here for a social visit.
"Mr. Mammon, what are you doing here?"
Cynthia studied the thoroughly relaxed young man, her left hand never leaving the Poké Ball containing Garchomp.
"Exactly what it looks like, Champion Cynthia. Getting some sun, listening to the waves, enjoying the view." Mammon tilted his head.
"None of that's illegal, is it?"
"..."
Cynthia had no response. Of course it wasn't illegal. But the issue was his identity, wasn't it?
"Please don't be so rigid about this, Ms. Cynthia. Yes, I'm in Team Rocket, but I do have a personal life. This is a hobby of mine."
Mammon spoke lazily, gesturing for Cynthia to relax.
"And you can rest easy — as long as you don't start anything, I won't do anything dangerous today."
The subtext: Don't attack me, and I won't attack you.
Cynthia was sharp enough to read between the lines.
What an odd person.
After a moment's thought, Cynthia chose to take him at his word — and this environment really was ill-suited for a battle.
In that case, her only option was a verbal approach.
"Mr. Mammon — your father is Giovanni, the Viridian City Gym Leader. Correct?"
Cynthia didn't bother asking about Caitlin's whereabouts. She knew Mammon would never tell her.
"I'm sure you've already confirmed that."
Mammon took a sip of juice and reached toward Tapu Fini.
Fini, mid-bite into a piece of pineapple, wordlessly grabbed a strawberry shortcake from the table and handed it to Mammon. Flawless teamwork.
"Why did you join Team Rocket?" Cynthia couldn't understand it.
Caitlin, Mammon — both of them were such exceptional people.
"Tch~ This question again." Mammon clicked his tongue.
"Actually, I wouldn't mind telling you, Champion Cynthia — if you'd grant me one small wish."
"Name it."
Cynthia considered. If it was something unreasonable, she could simply refuse.
"Here's the thing — I'm personally a great admirer of yours, Ms. Cynthia. You're beautiful, poised, and you've been one of my idols for a long time. Honestly, I've been following your career for years."
Mammon sat up straight, his expression utterly serious.
"..." Cynthia said nothing.
She didn't believe a single word of that.
"So — Ms. Cynthia, would you wear a swimsuit? I'd really love to see it."
"???"
Cynthia stared at the dead-serious expression on Mammon's face, completely lost for words.