"Some time ago, I met a girl who was traveling."

"Oh?"

"The girl was also a child of about twelve or thirteen years old. We've only been chatting for a while, but she's been around for less than a year and you've earned six badges. “

"Less than a year? That's amazing. “

It's a big difference compared to the four years in Kem.

"That kid looks like there's a chance to be in the next Pokémon League."

"There's been so much talent from young people lately. Indeed, the current champion of the Serquiai plateau is also around that age, right? “

"It's Dr. Oaked's kid. It's amazing to be able to defeat Vachu of Huadaro. “

"Indeed. I heard that there is also a strong guy in the Horn area, do you know who it is? “

"It's Dagu."

If it's news from the current Horn regional champion Dagu, the credibility is high. Although as the same champion, she also has something to do with Dagu, but from Sirona's point of view, she feels that Dagu will not say something unreliable casually.

"It's amazing, and the young people are getting stronger with an unstoppable attitude. It really feels like a golden generation, right? “

"Maybe. But in this regard, Shirona you haven't changed much. “

"Really?"

"When did you become a champion? The current champion of the Sequiai Plateau is about your age. And then you keep the status of champion. It's really amazing. “

"You complimented me so directly."

"I can't even beat a serious gym owner now, and Sirona has always maintained the status of champion, which is really amazing. Just think so. “

Kem thought to himself as he stir-fryed.

Moreover, Sirona is not only a champion, but also a distinguished archaeologist. As both an archaeologist's assistant and a gym trainer, Kem knows how remarkable it is to juggle both of these identities.

"Kem, you're pretty much the same."

"It's not the same scale. All I've done is a secondary version of yours. I never felt like there was anything wrong with that, though. “

"Really?"

"Although the goal is to become a champion, I know that I am not expected to be at the top of the Pokémon League. So I'm going to do something worthwhile on my own terms. That's it. Because you told me that even a mortal with no talent can reach a certain level if he works hard. “

Kem said as he sprinkled salt and pepper to taste.

When Sirona heard this, there was a hint of surprise on her face, but she quickly smiled with satisfaction again.

"And I'm not satisfied with the status quo. I will continue to work hard. I want to win at least once in front of a serious gym owner. “

It will take a long time to reach the strength to be able to win constantly. But as long as you can get to the level of winning, you can always find a way.

"Your words should do it."

"I'll work hard. Well, it's done. “

Turn off the stove and serve the food on a plate.

Reheat the pre-prepared soup and pour into a deep-bottomed bowl.

"Rice is the foundation of the body. Don't forget that everything needs to be based on health. “

"I'll keep it in mind."

Sirona smiled as she brought the soup over, thanking Kem for taking care of her as always.

Although he speaks bluntly, such a human touch cannot be concealed. Sirona liked Kem's clumsy attitude.

Release the Pokémon from the Poké Ball and pour the special Pokémon food from Kem onto the plate.

"It's a little late, sorry."

"It doesn't matter. This delay is negligible. “

"I'm glad I was back before Sirona went back to the kitchen."

"Do you want to train seriously tomorrow?"

"Please, let me go."

Even if it's an inconsequential communication, you can feel the atmosphere of everyday life.

It's not extraordinary, it's this ordinary routine, and Sirona feels happy.

"Let's start eating."

"Okay."

Sitting on the wooden terrace of the courtyard, Shirona poured the liquid into a glass.

The characteristic bitter taste of alcohol and a rich aroma fill the mouth. After swallowing, the throat heats up slightly.

Looking up at the sky, you can see the stars twinkling slightly. Obscured by the light inside the house, you can't see much of the number of stars.

"It's so rare, you're drinking."

Kem, who had finished his shower, said. He wore a thin long-sleeved shirt and sweatshirt and sat casually next to Sirona.

The face was flushed from the shower, but the hair was already well dried. This is typical of Kem's meticulous actions.

"After all, I just finished my thesis. Let's be a little extravagant. “

"Really? Has the paper been submitted? “

"Now we are waiting for the review of the society. It's time to relax a little. “

Shirona picked up the bottle that had been placed on a nearby table and showed it to Kem. There was a golden liquid in the bottle that sparkled in the light of the room.

"Would you like a bite?"

"Give me a small amount. I can't drink very much. “

"You're really bad with wine."

"It's a physical problem. Exercise doesn't change either. “

Keim took the glass handed by Sirona, put in ice cubes, and poured in the whiskey. The sound of the ice crackling due to the temperature difference is pleasant. Keim then poured in the soda and stirred the ice cubes in the cup with his fingers.

"Good work."

"Thank you."

The two clinked glasses lightly and clinked glasses to each other in celebration.

"It's really a good wine, and it tastes very good."

"Right? This is the brand that Dr. Nanakado taught me some time ago. “

"That's good. I'll tell you about good sake next time. “

"Although you can't drink much?"

"I still like the taste of good wine. Even if it's just a little bit. “

Keim tilted his glass again and drank.

It was a very easy to drink and tasted great, but due to the high alcohol content, he decided to slow down the drink.

A voice came from behind. Looking back, I noticed that the Night Elf had come out of the ball and was approaching. The Night Elf sat next to Kem, looking up at the crescent moon in the sky.

Time passes quietly.

Only the sound of trees blown by the wind and the slight chirping of nocturnal Pokémon can be heard.

"It was a great night."

“。“

The Night Elf pressed his face against Kem's lap and lay down against Cam's leg as a pillow.

"Hehe, the Night Elves really like Kem."

Shirona stroked the Night Elf, who was snuggled next to Cam, and the Night Elf twisted in comfort, making a slight cry as if to take it for granted.

"It's really popular."

"I can't say."

"Don't be shy. Is this talent? “

Sirona thinks that being liked by Pokémon is a talent in itself. For Pokémon, it is a proof of trust that can be conveyed without words and actions.

"Maybe."

Watching Kaim caress the Night Elf's head with an itchy look, Sirona has the idea of playing a prank.

"Hey"

“⁈“

Suddenly, Sirona approached Kem and rested her head on Kem's shoulder.

"What are you going to do?"

"It's not just Night Elves who trick or treat, right?"

““

"My heart is beating hard."

"Leave me alone."

Although the complexion did not change, the ears turned red.

Because the face was turned away to see clearly, but he must have a bitter gourd face.

Seeing that Kem's complexion, which usually did not change much, was changed, Sirona felt a sense of joy and smiled like a child who had succeeded in a prank.

Of course, about the rapid beating of the heart, Sirona can't say that it's because of Kem.

"Drunk?"

"Sort of."

"Then here it is. Tomorrow will affect your status. “

"Okay, so be it."

Sirona put down her glass and moved closer to Kem.

Kem sighed, looking a little irritated, but didn't refuse.

"Hey,"

"What's wrong?"

"It's been two years, how does it feel?"

"What does it feel?"

"Are you happy?"

Kem looked up at the sky.

He was invited by Shirona to become an assistant and receive combat instruction while studying archaeology. Shirona then introduced him to the gym, where she continued to train and is now the second place in the gym.

The two years of college admission were unimaginable.

In retrospect, there were many difficulties. But more importantly, now Kem has such an idea.

"Ah, I'm really happy."

When I met Sirona, my life changed. If I hadn't met her, I wouldn't have been able to live such a fulfilling life.

Keim said this, expressing his gratitude.

"That's good."

"What about Sirona? Is life happy now? “

"Yes."

Sirona closed her eyes and thought back to her experiences over the years.

While being the champion of the Patron Saint Austrian region, she was also an archaeologist, conducting research. It's not easy. Challengers are sure to develop a strategy against Sirona, and as a scholar, she is young and has limited accomplishments, making her easy to be looked down upon. To overcome all this, ordinary efforts are not enough.

However, Sirona has her important Pokémon companions. Because of them, she can go all out and persevere.

However, as her grades accumulated, she felt somewhat alienated from the people around her. Although it is not known if they have such intentions, she often feels a certain distance.

"Worthy of a genius"

"Amazing talent"

"What a genius can do"

It's not unpleasant to be judged like that. Because knowing that it is a word of praise, she will accept it sincerely. However, it doesn't make her feel comfortable to sum up her own efforts in terms of "talent".

Of course, there are people who understand her efforts and acknowledge her. Those close to her knew about Sirona's efforts. Because of this, they have respect and praise for the results she has accumulated.

Although she understands this, these people are not always there for her. Therefore, people who identify with her in the true sense of the word are not around her.

To be honest, at first I thought that Kem was the same as everyone else in the past.

The reason why I asked him if he wanted to be my assistant was because I could see at a glance that his mind and love for Pokémon was real. I understand that it is very difficult to conduct in-depth investigation and research alone.

So when I was asked to give a lecture at Jade Worm University, I was a little anxious to find potential students.

The students who attended the lecture were excellent. But even so, none of the students were up to the task of what I was asking for as an assistant.

Finally, when I was about to visit and say hello to a professor I knew well, I met Kem.

Through his report, I can see that he has a very good perspective of thinking, but he doesn't make full use of it. And his words about caring about Pokémon.

Seeing this, I wanted to make Kem my assistant. I think it's a shame to let such a good mind go to waste, but more importantly, I want to be the strength of this young man to live for Pokémon.

I immediately invited him, and Kem accepted.

After that we fought and researched for a while, but I noticed that Kem seemed to have no interest in people, but unexpectedly became attentive and organized.

He began to mention the tidying up of the room and the eating, and even the honorifics that we had been using between us were no longer used.

I'm glad to see Sirona see me as an independent person, and that she's genuinely worried about me.

I began to wish I could be with her.

So we managed to sort out the extra room and gave that room to Kem.

Kem had a confused look on her face, but after Sirona was willing to put in order to make a room for me, I was impressed by her enthusiasm and decided to move into her home.

Since then, every day has been enjoyable.

Someone is around.

Someone to eat with me.

Someone was waiting for me to come home.

I can also wait for that person to come back.

For Sirona, such daily life becomes warm and precious.

"Yes, it's very pleasant, and it's something that can't be replaced."

"yes, that's great."

"Thanks to the Pokémon and these kids, and for your help."

Keim didn't answer.

I looked away a little and looked at Cam's face and noticed that his ears were redder than they had been before.

"You're blushing, huh?"

"It's just too much to drink."

Kem said as he tilted his glass.

"And Shirona, you're blushing too?"

"It's just that the wine is coming up."

I leaned my somewhat hot face lightly against Cam's shoulder and lowered my head slightly.

It's true that the face is a little hot, but that's just because of the effects of alcohol.

Even though I said this to myself, I didn't change the position of my head.

"Hey"

“？“

"Can you do this a little longer?"

““

Kem's words made me feel happy, and the corners of my mouth involuntarily relaxed.

The night breeze brushed his hot cheeks.

It's a little cold, but it's just the right cool for a hot-hot Sirona.

It would be nice if Cam could be happy with the wind, I thought to myself, but I didn't say it.

The light in the room reflected the shadows of the two of us and the Night Elves on the wall.