"Oh? Right, I get it. Don't worry, I won't let them have their way. I'd only feel safe giving you that jar in person anyway. Yeah, rest easy—only you can take it. Right, see you soon."
Ash hung up the phone feeling refreshed. Why? Because Elesa was on her way. Since they were already an engaged couple, a reunion was naturally something to look forward to. However, seeing Ash's radiant smile, Lorelei's face twisted into a deathly sweet grin.
"My, my... you look so happy. Something good must have happened, right? Why don't you share it with me?"
Caught under Lorelei's menacingly kind gaze, Ash instinctively leaned closer to the Chansey standing next to him. "It's nothing... just that Elesa is coming over."
"Oh? I see. So that's how it is~" Lorelei's eyes became even more sweet. Ash immediately hoisted Ralts up like a shield. "Ralts, protect me!"
"Ralts!"
The little Pokémon was surprisingly reliable, stretching out its tiny arms to block Lorelei. Lorelei couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "Alright, I'm done teasing you. If your fiancée is coming, you better get ready."
"Fiancée?!" Misty and Brock shouted in unison.
Giselle looked at the stunned pair and patted Ash on the shoulder. "Don't let this guy's face fool you. He has a lot of fiancées. He's even got reserved status with some Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys."
"NO WAY!"
Giselle turned to Ash. "Can I tell them?"
"Whatever, I don't mind."
"Fine! Then let me tell you exactly who this guy traveling with you really is! Standing before you is the founder and majority shareholder of the Continental Hotel, as well as the creator of the Starlight Series Potions! Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town!"
"What?! The creator of the Starlight Potions?!" Brock lunged forward and grabbed Ash's hand, his eyes shining. "Ash! You're a legend!"
Misty looked confused. "The Starlight Series? Is that the one divided into Regular, Mid, and High-grade?"
"Exactly! Misty, you're not a Breeder, so you don't know," Brock explained frantically. "To any Breeder, the Starlight Series is mandatory knowledge! The potions can heal Pokémon injuries perfectly. For an average person, even a bottle of Regular is enough to last a long time!"
"What about the Mid and High grades?"
"I'll handle this," Ash cut in. "Mid-grade is specialized for treating old, deep-seated internal injuries in Pokémon or humans, so it's much more expensive. High-grade is for near-death stabilization. Honestly, I use rare ingredients from certain regions as raw materials. To keep the supply steady, the Joy family actually has people specially cultivating the herbs for me. Most people save the High-grade stuff for absolute emergencies—even though the Revival and 'Panacea' effects are guaranteed, the price is... not cheap."
"Hmph," Giselle scoffed. "Let me tell you, this guy is a total money-grubber. He makes these world-changing discoveries and his first thought is how to monetize them!"
Ash patted Giselle on the head. "A little pampered princess like you wouldn't understand. Without money, you can't do anything! Besides, I have a massive family to support..."
Misty, Brock, and Giselle stared at him in silence.
"Anyway, I'm going to meet the Principal and then I'm out. I still have a badge to win in Vermilion City."
"Ugh, fine. I'll lead the way for this greedy miser," Giselle grumbled, though she volunteered quite readily. Lorelei, meanwhile, prepared to depart.
"I have to head out too. As much as I'd love to travel with you, Ash, the work of an Elite Four member is never-ending."
"Wait a second, Lorelei. Come with me for a moment."
"What is it?" Curious, Lorelei followed Ash as he led her away. Giselle puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
"Miser! Playboy!"
Misty looked at Giselle and asked tentatively, "Giselle... do you... like Ash?"
"What?! Me? Like that money-grubbing jerk?! Don't make me laugh! Why would I ever like a guy who already has a dozen fiancées?!"
Watching her reaction, Brock fell into a pit of despair.
"Damn you, Ash! You lucky bastard! You are an absolute winner in life! Why doesn't any girl look at me like that?!"
On the other side of the building, in a secluded corner, Lorelei looked at Ash curiously. "What's with the mystery? What do you want?"
Ash took off his backpack, rummaged through it for a moment, and pulled out a large, heavy jar filled to the brim with Rare Candies. He thrust it into Lorelei's hands.
"Take it. Since you're officially my fiancée now, consider this Standard Issue equipment."
Lorelei stared at the jar. The sheer value of what she was holding was astronomical. She realized that any words she could say right now would be hollow. "...You... just make sure you don't get cheated by a woman in the future..."
"Eh, I think I have a decent eye for people. You guys are worth it."
With that, Ash waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, I'm off. Pidgeotto, use Gust to blow away those peeping toms!"
"Pidgeot!"
With a violent flap of its wings, a massive whirlwind erupted, instantly blowing Team Rocket out of their hiding spot in the nearby bushes.
Jessie: "WE WERE JUST WATCHING A CANDY EXCHANGE! WAS THAT REALLY NECESSARY?!"
Meowth: "I TOLD YOU NOT TO PEEP!"
James: (Clutching a rose) "But it was such a beautiful display of love... a token of affection made of candy... it's so sweet I'm getting a toothache..."
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN—!"