"Hey, okay!" Naoki responded and immediately sat down on the sofa.
But when he faced the man opposite him, he suddenly didn't know what to say.
After hesitating for a moment, he opened his mouth and said, "Um, Uncle, last time I didn't mean to, I didn't know it was you..."
Man: "..."
He was about to say something but in the corner of his eye, he noticed the woman in the kitchen giving him a warning glance.
"It's okay, Pokemon battles should be taken seriously." The man said, "That's the way of a Trainer!"
Naoki finally breathed a sigh of relief and placed the gift he brought on the table: "This is the gift I prepared for you."
At this moment, the woman had also finished preparing lunch and called Lono to help bring the dishes to the table.
Seeing the gift on the table, she smiled warmly: "This kid, coming over and still bringing a gift... Come eat! And bring this Pokemon over too, I cooked a special meal for you!"
Koraidon glanced over, immediately attracted by the aroma of the food: "Ah-gah-sis!"
Seeing Koraidon's reaction, Naoki wasn't as nervous as before, and after responding, he was invited to sit at the dining table.
The man on the sofa sighed helplessly, then got up and joined them.
Soon, the four of them and the Pokemon were all seated around the table.
Naoki was surprised to find the table was filled with all kinds of Chinese dishes!
The woman said gently, "I heard from Lono that you really like this kind of cooking, so I prepared these dishes. I'm not sure if you like them, please give them a try!"
Upon hearing this, Naoki suddenly felt touched, did she really prepare this big table just because he liked it?
He glanced at Lono, who grinned back at him.
Naoki picked up his chopsticks and tried a bite, immediately nodding, "Mm, delicious!"
"If it's delicious, eat more!" The woman saw Naoki's expression, and her heart ached even more for this child who managed the ranch all alone without parents.
What a good kid!
Not only kind-hearted, but also so capable, managing such a big ranch all by himself.
His life must have been lonely before, but no worries, now he has Lono and them!
"Is ranch work still busy?" The woman asked.
"Not busy, winter is coming soon, and the fields can rest for a while." Naoki answered honestly.
"That's good. If it gets overwhelming, remember to tell us, we can come and help too!" The woman said.
During the casual chats, the atmosphere gradually relaxed, and Naoki was no longer as nervous as he was at the beginning.
During the meal, they discussed many topics, about the ranch, about the online shop, about the ranch trials, and everyday life.
Naoki shared everything with them.
The man was a Trainer when he was young, his expression softened upon hearing about Naoki's trials helping passing Trainers.
"Not bad, it truly helps many Trainers improve their skills."
"Hehe, even the League chairperson thanked Naoki!" Lono said from the side.
The man was very surprised: "Chairperson?"
"Yes, Naoki is really impressive!" Lono nodded repeatedly, "Many Gym Leaders and Champions challenge the trials at his ranch to hone their skills. Even strangers are received earnestly by Naoki! So far, no one has been able to defeat him!"
The man's mouth dropped open, he didn't expect this young man to be so capable... Even Champion-level Trainers couldn't beat him!
No wonder he lost in a six-on-six battle... Losing to such prowess, he accepted it willingly!
"It's not as exaggerated as that!" Naoki said modestly.
Upon hearing this, the woman instantly understood how her daughter met Naoki.
She was indeed right about him!
The woman's gaze became increasingly satisfied, she asked smilingly, "So, when do you plan to get married? That's what you came over for, right? Do you have a plan?"
Lono looked at Naoki.
Naoki was stunned, not expecting the topic to be so direct.
And the woman seemed to understand his thoughts and explained:
"Actually, as long as two people mutually like each other, nothing is an issue. Wanting to live with one another, wanting to see each other anytime, anywhere, if you have that desire, you can get married!"
Upon hearing this, Naoki looked at Lono.
And just at that moment, the always silent man spoke.
"Next spring! March, when the flowers bloom, is a good omen."
He had secretly researched this before, and even consulted a Divination Master at the market.
The Divination Master said that spring of League calendar 202 is a great time to get married, it's said getting married in March when flowers bloom will lead to a couple growing old together and happiness forever.
March? Isn't that six months away, a long time...
Thinking about this, Naoki suddenly realized he was also looking forward to living with Lono.
Maybe this is the charm of the Pokemon World?
"Alright." He no longer hesitated and nodded, agreeing.
As he said this, Naoki looked at Lono only to find Lono was also looking at him.
The two exchanged smiles, filled with anticipation.
The woman beamed: "Since that's the case, then it's settled!"
The man's expression softened, after thinking for a moment he said: "You are alone, with no parents to assist, leave the wedding preparations to us!"
The woman also cast a seeking glance at Naoki: "What do you think?"
Naoki thought for a moment, then shook his head: "No need to trouble you, I've got a few elders in Porto Marinada Town, they will help me out."
"Alright, since that's the case, it's decided then!" The woman gently laughed.
*
In the evening, Naoki bid farewell to Lono and her parents and returned to Porto Marinada Town with Koraidon, asking Mayor Thomas for advice on what he should do about the wedding.
Hearing this, Mayor Thomas was taken aback.
Precisely because of this, the matter of Naoki's wedding quickly spread throughout Porto Marinada Town.
Keri, Allen, Mrs. Dante, and Mr. Elif all sent their congratulations, enthusiastically willing to help Naoki prepare the wedding for next spring.
Naoki was moved by everyone's enthusiasm, the people here... are truly wonderful!
The Pokemon at the ranch also learned of Naoki's upcoming wedding, and after Indeedee explained the specifics of what a wedding meant, the Pokemon seemed very happy too.
They genuinely felt happy for Naoki.
Late at night, Naoki was too excited to sleep.
Koraidon lay beside him, comfortably closing its eyes, it remembered everything correctly, everything was smooth.
With this, it could soon see its little master again!
Geeta learned about Naoki's wedding the next day.
Early in the morning, Naoki received a message from Geeta.
[Geeta: You're getting married? Congratulations! Can I apply to be your officiant? ^_^]