Early morning.
Baimu naturally awoke and turned to look at the Mawile cuddling a stuffed doll, peacefully sleeping.
"Sleeping so well..."
Last night, they chatted until after ten, during which they used the Pokémon Center's restaurant to have a midnight snack. Mawile got to enjoy watching a late-night TV show along with Xiaoyao.
This led to a peculiar friendship between the two.
As for Piplup's displayed affection, Mawile acted as Baimu secretly instructed, expressing clear resistance even when frequently receiving gestures of goodwill.
Things should have come to a complete close—
But according to undercover journalist Porygon II's hints, the pure-hearted little penguin hasn't given up, merely shifting from an "open crush" to a "secret crush."
It seems as if, unless an unexpected Mawile lover appears like in the animations, Piplup won't give up so easily.
However, at this point, Baimu doesn't intend to pay more attention to it.
After all, his interactions with Xiaoguang are quite limited, and after the Mikoli Club and the Hoenn Grand Festival, the chances of meeting again seem even lesser.
Piplup's love is destined to end without a sound, much like Buneary's love for Pikachu.
"Hmm—"
Baimu stretched his body, with intentions to borrow the kitchen after freshening up, only to find out that the old butler Sebastian had already arranged everything.
"Good morning, Mr. Baimu. The master has been waiting for you in the dining room for quite some time."
When he returned last night, it was this gentleman who opened the door for him, staying up late just to welcome him home, making him feel somewhat embarrassed.
The old butler, understanding the situation, explained that the Mikoli Club is considered a rare event in Glazed City, and for a young person like him, it's normal to come back a bit later.
Following the old butler's lead, he arrived at a long table filled with sumptuous food and fine cutlery, where Adam elegantly and calmly enjoyed his meal at the main seat.
"Good morning, Mr. Adam."
Baimu greeted first, as today he'd begin learning the methods to cultivate Milotic and the skills for Gorgeous Competition from Adam, hoping to leave a good impression to ensure he learns more valuable things.
"Good morning."
Adam nodded and gestured for him to sit to his right, "Please have a seat and feel free to enjoy, no need for formalities. The breakfast at the Gym is quite generous, I hope it suits your taste."
Baimu obediently sat down and said, "Then I won't hold back."
He certainly hadn't mastered the Western dining etiquette favored by middle-aged gentlemen, but the former clearly wouldn't insist on such matters, naturally smiling after noticing Baimu's satisfaction with breakfast.
Stern with oneself and lenient with others, considering others' feelings.
From these few points, Baimu knew his teacher selection was spot-on, and Adam truly deserved to be the master coordinator trainer who trained a genius like Mikoli.
"Did Liuqia come back last night?"
He suddenly asked the old butler standing beside him.
The latter slightly bowed and replied, "Miss Liuqia always wakes up at nine."
Nine o'clock...
Baimu glanced at the clock, it was just past six, barely dawn.
The children of the Pokémon World are truly blessed.
He remembered in his past life, at this age, he'd be awoken early to catch a bus to school, sometimes being so sleepy he'd miss his stop. Since transmigrating here, he's had few occasions to sleep in.
No choice.
Back in Pyrite Town, the environment greatly influenced him, making long sleep risky, and while traveling, as the number of Pokémon grew, feeding them regularly to keep them physically healthy made late risings impossible.
This was his own doing really; if he wanted a lie-in, he could prepare the night before.
If worse, leave it all to Blissey.
Though some in his team indeed lacked intellect, with self-managing abilities so low they'd probably need bread hung around their neck to nibble, there were many trustworthy ones too.
"Take your time, I'll wait for you at the grounds."
Adam soon stood up and left, his signature violet pants were quite eye-catching.
Baimu quickly diverted his impolite gaze, focusing on his meal.
Speaking of which.
Both Adam and Mikoli subtly exhibited certain androgynous traits, especially Mikoli's outfit in Gemstone Reproduction, exposing waists aside, and having slits up to the hips, it was truly hard to digest.
Of course, their sexual orientation was assuredly normal.
In the Pokémon Navigator, Adam's title is – [Charming Flower Boy], alongside his self-introduction – [Beauty praises from ladies empower me].
Mikoli was also paired with Hall Master Naqi of the Verdanturf Gym as a couple in the special.
No need to worry about any issues.
"Thank you very much."
After finishing the last piece of bread and wiping his mouth, Baimu went to fetch his Pokémon, who were in a room at the Glazed Gym designated for feeding Pokémon.
Without him around, Hydreigon and Brother Dragapult might struggle to eat quietly, but Blissey, Sister Dragapult, and the annoyed Mawile would surely step in and quell things.
Indeed.
Upon reaching the small room, his Hydreigon had two heads eating while one kept watch—mainly eyeing Mawile. Yet when Mawile passed its gaze, it pretended to be unbothered and moved away.
Brother Dragapult... the little guy was already lying belly-up in its food bowl, judging by its slightly bulged forehead, it likely suffered a [Sister's Love Strike].
"Rawr!"
Noticing the approaching trainer, Hydreigon immediately lifted its head, abandoning breakfast to rush over joyfully.