September 26th, Saturday.
Early morning, the sun had just risen.
Haunter was holding a hose, watering the flower beds.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe leaped over the water stream, darting around the yard.
"Haunter!" Haunter shook the hose, laughing heartily.
Squirtle stood on the balcony, putting on sunglasses and starting its warm-up exercises with a cheerful "Heave-ho!"
Natsume, holding Sylveon, knocked on Cynthia's door, muttering, "She's probably still asleep..."
They had stayed up until almost 3 a.m. last night.
Natsume was a bit worried Cynthia wouldn't wake up in time.
"...Just a moment," a drowsy yawn came from inside the room.
After setting the steaming coffee and bacon toast on the dining table, Natsume glanced around, satisfied.
Cynthia pushed the door open, scratching her hair, and let out another yawn as she sat down.
"There's still time, but breakfast is a must," Natsume said seriously.
Cynthia nodded, took a sip of coffee, and her eyes lit up.
"Let's eat," Cynthia said, clasping her hands together.
The conference was set to begin at 7 a.m.
The Research Conference, gathering numerous scholars and experts from various fields, officially commenced at Canalave City's Library.
Cynthia wore a white coat over her outfit, her golden hair cascading down her slender waist. With her hands in her pockets and her high heels clicking softly, she exuded an aura that drew everyone's attention.
"Is she here as a mythology scholar?"
"And the one behind her?"
"He looks unfamiliar... but yesterday, Cynthia and Professor Rowan personally welcomed him."
At that, the crowd's eyes filled with respect.
Natsume followed behind Cynthia, feeling slightly nervous.
"Whatever..." Natsume nodded to himself. "As long as I don't speak, no one will think I'm mute!"
Canalave City's Library wasn't far.
The towering white stone building had a long staircase, where many scholars were already deep in discussion.
At the library's entrance.
Professor Rowan was conversing with a dignified-looking woman leaning on a cane.
"Ah, you're here," Professor Rowan said, holding a briefcase and nodding to the two. "This is Professor Magnolia, an expert on Dynamax from the Galar Region."
Professor Magnolia, leaning on her cane, smiled with a hint of a laugh line. "You must be Cynthia. I've heard so much about you..."
"You're too kind," Cynthia replied with a gentle smile.
"And this is..." Professor Magnolia turned to Natsume.
"This is my assistant," Professor Rowan said, stroking his beard. "He's also a Trainer, and his strategic skills are nothing to scoff at."
"I see," Professor Magnolia nodded, smiling. "Such a talented young man..."
Natsume nodded politely, thinking to himself: Even people from the Galar Region are here...
This conference really is a big deal.
"My granddaughter, Sonia, is also very interested in Sinnoh's legendaries," Professor Magnolia said, clearing her throat. "But she's wandered off somewhere... If she bothers you later, please tell her to come find me."
Professor Rowan nodded and turned around. "The opening ceremony is about to start. Let's go!"
The opening ceremony was held in the library's auditorium.
As the industry leader, Professor Samuel Oak took the stage to deliver his speech, met with thunderous applause.
Afterward, academic exchanges began in various sub-arenas.
Both Professor Rowan and Cynthia had presentations to give.
Natsume, wearing a staff badge, wandered aimlessly through the exhibition hall, looking somewhat out of place.
Eventually, he found himself at the buffet, indulging with his little ones.
The buffet was undeniably lavish.
Especially the desserts—macarons, soufflés, chocolate cakes...
Haunter dove headfirst into a cake, then lifted its head, its claws smeared with frosting, and grinned mischievously as it lunged at Natsume.
Natsume's expression changed, and he sidestepped just in time.
At that moment, Haunter suddenly froze.
A woman with large glasses, orange curled hair tied in a ponytail, and impeccable makeup walked over.
The orange-haired woman, while tasting a cake with a fork, asked, "Are you researchers here to present as well?"
Natsume was slightly taken aback, giving the woman a once-over.
Manicured nails, trendy accessories, and a limited-edition handbag...
She didn't look like a researcher at all.
But this youthful and stylish woman was none other than Professor Magnolia's granddaughter...
"Sonia!" Natsume exclaimed in surprise.
Sonia pointed at herself, blinking her emerald-green eyes. "You know me?"
"Professor Magnolia showed us your photo at the entrance earlier," Natsume said casually. "She asked you to find her after the conference."
"I'll go see her later," Sonia said, putting down her cake and licking her lips, looking somewhat exasperated.
"Finally getting out, and she's still so strict..."
"By the way, you haven't answered my question," Sonia said, eyeing him curiously. "Are you a researcher too?"
Such a handsome researcher... I'm sure I'd remember him if I'd seen him before, Sonia thought.
Natsume coughed awkwardly. "Currently, I'm Professor Rowan's assistant."
Sonia's eyes sparkled. "May I ask... what's your field of research?"
"Ancient Texts," Natsume-sensei replied without batting an eye, thinking to himself.
It's not exactly research, but with [Ancient Texts Lv3], I can bluff my way through...
Sonia was slightly stunned.
The field of Ancient Texts was notoriously obscure. She herself still only had a basic understanding of Unown.
It was said that those who mastered Unown could even control legendary Pokémon like Entei.
Thus, in historical research, Ancient Texts studies were always considered of utmost importance.
No wonder someone so young could become Professor Rowan's assistant...
Sonia pondered for a moment, then smiled brightly and extended her hand. "My research focuses on Galar's legendaries. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"If you're willing to collaborate, that would be fantastic!"
Natsume shook the girl's slender hand, slightly puzzled. "What kind of collaboration?"
"Wait, let me explain!"
Sonia, now excited, pulled Natsume to a milk tea lounge and ordered an ice cream parfait.
Natsume ordered one for Haunter as well.
"Haunter... (??????`??)" Haunter carefully stirred the spoon, grinning goofily.
"Galar's Research Institute has been recruiting talent from outside in recent years..." Sonia began.
"I'm not interested."
Before she could finish, Natsume firmly declined.
No way, if I were to become a researcher, I'd rather stay in Sinnoh with Cynthia!
"No, no, we're not poaching," Sonia quickly clarified. "We're offering Dynamax Bands as rewards for providing and analyzing data..."
"As a scholar of Ancient Texts, you're also included in this talent program. Would you... consider it?" Sonia blinked.
Natsume was taken aback, his expression complicated.
So, they're offering me a free Dynamax Band?
But I'm neither a researcher nor a Trainer...
And what if Dynamax requires in-game purchases? That would be a disaster!
"Ahem... I don't have any plans to visit Galar for now," Natsume said, coughing awkwardly. "As for the Dynamax Band... let's leave it for someone else!"
Sonia rested her chin on her hands, speaking earnestly. "Talent in Ancient Texts is always in short supply in the Galar Region. Offering a Dynamax Band as a reward is quite reasonable..."
Sonia cleared her throat, slapped the table, leaned forward, and stared intently at Natsume.
"Whenever you decide to come to Galar, just let me know. The Dynamax Band will be ready for you anytime!"
Sonia's enthusiasm was overwhelming, and she seemed a bit embarrassed, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Looking into her sincere eyes, Natsume felt a mix of emotions and sighed. "Please thank your grandmother for me!"
"No need to be so formal!" Sonia said with a bright smile. "Thank me instead!"
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