The Path Back to the Farm
Olivia's mind still reeled from the revelation.
She wasn't a battle Trainer. She didn't follow League circuits or memorize tournament brackets. But the blonde woman walking beside her President?
Cynthia.
At twenty years old, she'd conquered the Elite Four—the League's first female Champion. Three years later, she still held absolute dominance. Challenger after challenger fell before her, their dreams crushed by that elegant, unstoppable power.
And now this legend walked beside her, close enough to touch.
Olivia's heart hammered. Her palms grew damp.
Then she glanced at Wade.
He strolled alongside the Champion, chatting easily, laughing occasionally, as if this were perfectly normal. As if Sinnoh's most powerful Trainer were just another friend.
He really is something else.
Olivia swallowed, admiration warming her chest.
Cynthia, for her part, found the conversation genuinely pleasant. Their shared history with Professor Rowan provided endless common ground. Their mutual fascination with Sinnoh's legends sparked lively debate. Each exchange revealed new depths in this young farmer.
She found herself smiling more than expected. Brushing hair from her face. Leaning slightly closer as they walked.
What an interesting junior.
The Wooden Cabin
"Excuse me~"
Cynthia crossed the threshold and immediately appreciated her surroundings. The cabin lacked luxury or refinement—but it overflowed with warmth. Natural light streamed through windows. Comfortable furniture invited lingering. The very air felt lived in.
"Meowth~!"
Delcatty launched herself at Wade the moment he entered.
"No—I'll make you ice cream later."
He caught the eager Pokémon Girl mid-pounce, exasperation softening his features. Evolution had transformed Skitty's playful innocence into Delcatty's charming elegance, but her foodie heart remained unchanged. If he didn't provide treats soon, she'd find her own sources—likely the sweet milk he'd rather keep for other purposes.
If Cynthia sees that, my "respectable junior" image shatters instantly.
But Cynthia merely observed with quiet interest.
Sleek fur. Bright eyes. Excellent condition. This Delcatty was clearly cherished, meticulously cared for.
Beyond myths and legends... he's also an exceptional breeder.
Her estimation of him rose another notch.
The Kitchen
"We have vanilla beans and Oran Berries, Miss Cynthia." Olivia gestured at the ingredients spread across the counter. "Vanilla flavor, or orange?"
Cynthia surveyed the options.
Her lips pursed. Her brow furrowed. Her mind spun.
Vanilla? Orange? But there are also—mango? Chocolate? What about mixing—but if I mix, what ratios—and if I don't like the mix, I can't change it—and—
Olivia watched, initially optimistic.
Ten minutes later, she stood dumbfounded.
She's still... thinking?
"Perhaps..." Cynthia's voice emerged hesitantly. "Whatever you think is best?"
Don't answer a question with a question!
Olivia's scientific mind screamed. Her vision darkened. She'd been utterly, completely defeated—not by battle, but by indecision.
Cynthia fled the kitchen.
Literally. She swept in, snatched Wade from Delcatty's possessive paws, and dragged him back.
"Junior! I've encountered a terrible problem!"
Delcatty stared at the Champion's retreating back.
That woman.
Just a little longer and I'd have convinced Master to drink sweet milk!
Wade surveyed the kitchen. Cynthia's serious expression. The array of untouched ingredients.
Understanding dawned.
Choice paralysis. Again.
The solution was obvious.
"It's alright. I'll choose for you."
He selected Oran Berries and mango. She'd already eaten vanilla at the shop—orange-mango would be a perfect change.
"Alcremie. Your turn."
"Na~!"
Seconds later, the little Pokémon Girl's [Decorate] move transformed dollops of fresh cream into perfect portions. The enticing aroma of sweet cream and ripe fruit filled the kitchen.
Cynthia's tension melted.
Ah. Much better.
Next came the berries—chopped, mashed, transformed into fine puree. Then mixed with Miltank's raw milk and simmered together.
"Such a novel way to make ice cream!" Cynthia's eyes sparkled. "And your Psychic control is exceptional."
She'd watched Alcremie conjure fresh cream from nothing. Then Gardevoir, with nothing more than a soft hum, had reduced the berries to perfect paste in seconds—lightning speed, flawless precision.
"It's nothing special." Wade shrugged modestly. "Practice makes perfect."
Practice, indeed. The recent silver parties had pushed Gardevoir's equipped traits to red level. Her power had climbed another step entirely.
But his humble demeanor only made Cynthia study him closer.
Her battle intuition, honed through countless championship defenses, sensed something remarkable. Alcremie was young, still developing. But Gardevoir? Formidable.
She'd only witnessed Psychic power of this magnitude once before—in Lucian's Bronzong, the terror of Sinnoh's Elite Four. Comparing them now, she suspected Gardevoir's oppressive aura might actually exceed that legendary Bronzong.
And Psychic had a fundamental rule: greater power meant harder control.
Her dear friend Caitlin, the Unova Elite Four member, was living proof. Born with overwhelming Psychic gifts, she'd caused countless disasters through poor control. For Gardevoir to compress such immense power into such precise, delicate work?
Nearly impossible.
Cynthia's perception of her junior shifted. Not just a mythology researcher. Not just an excellent breeder.
A formidable Trainer in his own right.
"Hmm." Wade frowned at the prepared emulsion. "This needs hours in the refrigerator now."
According to procedure, freezing took time. If only he had an Ice-type move to accelerate—
"You need ice?"
Cynthia caught his hesitation immediately. She reached for a Poké Ball.
"Milotic! Use Psybeam."
"Na~"
Red light flashed. The most beautiful Pokémon materialized, and a beam of chilling energy shot from its mouth, enveloping the emulsion completely.
Seconds later: frozen solid.
"Perfect." Cynthia gathered her long golden hair, tying it into a spirited high ponytail. She gently took the stirring rod from Wade's hand. "Let me help with the rest. I can't just watch."
This woman.
Wade's composure wavered.
Aside from her ice cream indecisiveness, the Sinnoh Champion was every inch the noble, aloof older sister—elegant, capable, devastating. That casual ponytail, that confident smile, that presence.
Champion-level offense is too strong.
Meanwhile, in the Kitchen Corner
Olivia had circled the room twice.
Squeezing cream? Alcremie handled it.
Simmering milk and berries? Tinkaton took over.
Stirring frozen cream while holding hands with the beautiful Champion? Wade.
She raised her hand weakly.
"Farm owner... what about me?"
Wade, still dazed under Cynthia's assault, took a moment to register her voice.
"Oh—Olivia. Go change into your maid outfit and bring some water, please. I'm thirsty."
...Water.
I'm being sent for water .
"And bring two cups," he added absently.
Minutes later, Olivia returned in her Gothic maid outfit. Two cups of water in hand. Eyes filled with unshed tears.
Waaah—
This was supposed to be a three-person ice cream adventure. Instead, Secretary Miss had been reduced to water delivery.
Fine.
If that's how it is...
A slow smile spread across her features. Not a pleasant smile.
Tonight, I'll drain the farm owner dry.
Every drop.
Then even the mighty Sinnoh Champion won't be able to take my President away!
Her eyes gleamed with yandere determination.
He'll be mine .